Ship Montgomery, July 23, 1777.
Gentn
Your letter of 16th inst. I duly received with blank warrants for only boatswain and cook, which I take the liberty of returning unfilled.
Captn. Grennell2 and myself took for granted, when we accepted the command of the ships, we had an undoubted right to nominate and appoint all our officers. A letter from Francis Lewis, Esqr. (one of the honourable marine committee) dated 21st August last, empowered us to do it; on the strength of which I appointed my sea and marine officers, the latter have acted as such on board, for these two months past, and have had a number of men drafted from different regiments, as marines under their command; and it surprised me much, to find that those gentlemen's commissions have not been forwarded, or even taken notice of, by the honourable marine committee. I find you, gentlemen, doubt the propriety of taking the captains of the Camden privateer and Washington galley, for my lieutenants; it has always been a rule and custom for lieutenants of a frigate to take the com mand of armed vessels not exceeding ten guns; and if I mistake not, 'tis agreeable to the resolves of Congress.
I shall use my utmost endeavours to look out for persons qualified for master, surgeon, gunner, &c. and advise you when any offers that I can freely nominate and appoint. I am gentn. [&c.]
