To the Honorable the Council of the State of Massachusetts Bay

May it please your Honors —

It having been suggested that Capt Fisk of the State armed Brig Massachusetts, has failed in point of Duty on a Cruise in Company with the Continental Brig Cabot & the State Brig Tyrannicide, and as Capt Fisk is anxious for some Means of clearing his Character from all Aspersions, we pray your Honors to order either a Court Martial or Court of Inquiry that Justice may be done if Capt Fisk is censurable, or if he has behaved like a Man of Honor & a Gentleman those unjust & injurious Reflections (which to an Officer of his distinguished Merit & nice Feelings are intolerable) may be obviated — And we represent to your Honors that we are the more solicitous for a Decision of this Matter as the Brig Massachusetts is now ready for the Sea, & perhaps will be detained unless this Business so essential to the Honor of Capt Fisk & the Interest of this State be soon determined—

By order of the Board of War