Sir

As you have been pleased to honor me with the Office of Judge of the Admiralty for this port ー An intricate affair appearing before me now, in consequence of a Prise libelled in said Court, and my not being acquainted with the Resolves of the Continental Congress, of the mode of proceeding in the Court of Admiralty for the United States, ー It will oblige me, if your Excell'y, would order the mode & rules of trial to be forwarded me by the first opportunity ー For want of the above I was obliged to adjourn said Court until further orders ー I am informed that 12 jurors are to sit on the issue of the trial, ー this with other circumstances, from my being unacquainted, induced me to make the above adjournment until I have your Excellency's answer. I have the honor to be [&c.]