1

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