Honored Sir

As I was lately entrusted with a very Unexpected Command of great Importance which in the common course of things hath drawn Upon me the Envy of certain Individuals being Unconscious of any misconduct in the line of my duty I have determined to bear no Insinuations that May reflect upon me as a Gentleman or an Officer ー therefore I earnestly desire an Opportunity of meeting the bearer or bearers, Author or Authors of certain Aspersions from Commodore Hopkins Face to Face in Your presence, or in presense of the Marine Board.

I mean to make no difficulty or demur about my present Appointment but will leave You to Judge how much room those who lately Envied me the Command of a Fleet will have to Exult when they See me return to the Eastward to command. a Single Sloop of War.²

I have put the plan ³ which I shewed you on the Regulation and Equipment of the Navy ー with some Small Additions into the hands of the President, who Says he will Meet You at the Marine Board sooner than Usual this Evening in Order to have some Conversation on the Subject. ー I am with perfect Esteem and Grateful remembrance of past favors Honored Sir [&c.]