John Deshon Esqr
Sir.

We have lately added to our Navy the Brigantine Resistance purchased by Nathaniel Shaw jr Esquire our Agent at New London and have appointed Captain Samuel Chew to command her. We now inclose you some Blank Commissions which we must trouble you to fill up with the Names of such persons as you think proper for Lieutenants and other officers on board this Brigantine in doing this we wish the preference to be given to the officers that are in our Service at Rhode Island who may be unemployed or are deserving of promotion, this we leave to your discernment and requesting that you will transmit a List of the names of those you appoint. We remain Sir

Your very hble servants

P:S:  We give you this trouble in consequence of your being Appointed A Member of the Navy Board of the Eastern Department.