Sir
When I mentioned to you my Intentions of Leaving the Ship Defence You Was Desirous to Know my Reasons for so doing I have here Sent you them in writing. In the first place I need Expect no further Preferement in the Servise As I find the officers of the Soldiers are pref ered before the Sea officers An Other Objecktion is I doe not think the Ship will be mand for Sea this winter And I Look on it to be Losing time to Continue by hir when I may have an opportunity of expending the Time to more Advantage. Not but I have the Greatest Esteem for the Servise and would doe all that in my powr Lyes for the Benifite of the Same. With respeckt to you Capt Cook I Must Allways in Point of Honour, & gratitude A'knoledge you the Officer Seaman & My friend therefore Must request you to Continue the Harmony that has Subsided betwixt us & Am Yours to Command.
H. Auchenleck 2
Ship Defence 16 Jany 1777
1. Red Book, XVII, Md. Arch.
2. First lieutenant of the Maryland ship Defence.
