The Humble Petition of John Hacket

Sheweth.

That your Petr on the promotion of Benjamin Davis Steward of the Arm'd Boat Dickenson, was, at the request of Capt John Rice of said Boat employed to do the duty of a Steward on board Said Boat untill a more Suita[ble] person may be found.

That on account of a Trivial difference with Lieutent [John] Christie of the Ranger your Petr was tryed by a Court martial, Sentenced to be Broke, forfeit half amonths pay and turn'd over as private to another Boat.

That your Petr has done the duty of a Steward on board the Dickenson for near four Months with Care and fidelity: for the truth of which he appeals to his Captain, who on that account, and of the aforesd difference, thought proper to give him his discharge.

That your Petr apprehended the Sentence rather Severe for the Nature of the offence, particularly in that part of it; of compelling him to Serve as private on board an other Boat, having been only employed to do the duty of another man and having Sign'd no articles whatsoever. Especially as his appointment as a private wou'd by no means be Sufficient to Support his Wife and Family and therefore did Refuse to take up Arms as a private in consequence of which he was made a prisoner in the Guard house, which as soon as some of his Creditors Understood he was Taken and Confined in Goal where he now remains.

That his fault (if any) was owing to Inadvertence, and not to a Contempt of Authority, and therefore looks up to you Gentlemen; as the Guardians of Safety, and Liberty, and Humbly prays you will be pleased to examin into the merits of the Case afford Such relief to your Petr as to your Goodness & Wisdom Shall Seem meet by either discharging him from the Fleet or Suffering to act in his former Capacity as his Capt is willing he Shou'd do. And yr Petr will pray ー

Phillada Goal Jany 31st 1776