Gentlemen ー  I find it absolutely necessary that a person well acquainted with River & Tides in the Harbour be appointed to take the charge of the Ships & Fire-Rafts; also that a surgeon be appointed constantly to reside and take care of the Troops on Seavey's Island, in case of accidents, which we are constantly exposed to, independent of what might happen from the attacks of an Enemy. To the first Department I have appointed Capt. Robert Parker of Portsmouth, and to the latter Doctor Samuel Wiggelsworth of Durham, in which I beg the acquiescence of the Honble Congress, and that they would be pleased to ratify the same.