The following lines contain the reasons why we Signed the petition against Commodore Hopkins. we consider him, on the account of his real Character, quite unfit for the important publick Station where in he now pretends to act. We know him to be, from his conversation and conduct to be a man destitute of the principles, both of religion arid Morality; We likewise know that he Sets the most impious example both to his officers and Men by frequently profaning the name of almighty God, and by ridiculing virtue. We know him to be one principle obstacle, or reason why this Ship is not maned; & people are afraid to engage in the fleet through fear of their being turned over to this Ship. We have considered it as an indispensable duty we owe our country Sincerely to petition the Hon[orable] Marine Committee that his conduct and character may be enquired into, for as things are now circumstanced we greatly fear these frigates will not be in a Situation capabl of doing [illegible] America any Service

Commodore hopkins is very much blaimed by people here for not destroying a british frigate when on ground a few days ago in this River, and we Suppose very Justly

Ja^s Sellers
Richard Marven