Honored Sir

I have before me yours of the 14th Current. As you must remember that no Officer in the Service hath taken more pleasure in the discharge of his duty than myself so you may now rely on my sh[o]wing a religious obedience to your Orders. The general Orders which I unexpectedly received from the Marine Board were unsolicited; and there hath been a mistake somewhere since I find myself superseded by Capt Hinman's Commission as No 1 — I am not however uneasy but shall rest satisfied until the matter is coolly explained — Colo Tillinghast writes me that an action is entered against me for £10,000 — on account of the concerned in the Eagle Privateer — It hath been insinuated to me though not in plain terms that you have disavowed the express orders which you gave me repeatedly at Newport respecting my conduct in that matter — but as this seems highly improbable I will not believe it without the strongest proof — However if you are not fully determined to justify my Conduct I must request you to signify it to me as soon as possible — that I may not be unprepared for my defence as I understand that the cause comes on in Providence the first Monday in next Month — When there is any enterpI'ise intended wherein I can render acceptable service to America, no man will step forth with more alacrity than myself — in the mean time it is proper that I inform you of my desire to go on a Visit to New Hampshire with Capt Bradford and a party after my Accounts are settled here.

I have the honor to be, Sir [&c.]

N.B. As Mr Southouse waits on you himself he w[ill no] doubt give the account of the returned to him which you require — W[hat]ever they are they were not delivered by my Order or with my knowled[ge] as I had previously taken leave of the Ship to proceed to Dartmout[h]