Early Governors' Papers

Middletown Conc^t 10^th Aug^t 1821

Sir

your letter of the 26^th April I rec'd some time since and I have delay'd answering it in consequence of the sickness of our of my man who does a very important part of the work & is undoubtedly the best workman in his branch in this country. the swords wou'd have been completed by the 4^th July had not this accident happened. he has now recover'd and the work is progressing as rapidly as possible. but as you observe I must! take time sufficient to execute the work in the most distinguis'd and workmanlike manner! be assur'd Sir that it shall be done in a style suited to the occasion. although I fear I shall loose [sic] money in making the swords -

I have had the satisfaction of seeing the sword made in London and presented by the crew of the Guerier Frigate to Com Macdonough said to have cost $1800. and I can with confidence say that mine will be superior to that of the Commodores in every respect

The moment I can ascertain when they will be finish'd I will inform you

I am with great respect your Ob^t S^t N. Starr

His Excellency Joseph M^cMinn