Hond Sir,

Yesterday Genl Whipple shewed me a letter which he had Just receiv'd from you by return of Express wherein you mentioned my having Orders for France, I apprehend you allude to my former Orders from the Secret Committee, as I have receiv'd none lately to that Effect, as the Raleigh and Alfred have proceeded for France, should any Enterprize be adopted there I dread the thoughts of being set under that Mans command, who tho' he may be a good Carpenter, is by no means conversant in an Enterprize, or in the Art of War; and indeed I cannot consider any Man as my Senior Officer who durst not step forth at the beginning in such Ships as the Alfred then was, nor will I ever draw my Sword under the Command of any Man who was not in the Service as early as myself unless he hath merited a Preference by his superiour Services or Abilities. If the principle with Whom I was connected behaved out of Character and was incapable as was certainly the Case, I am ready to prove before you and the World, that I have not merited the heavy Stigma of being Superseded by thirteen Persons whose superiour Pretentions either as to Services or Abilities are at best Presumptive, for Heavens sake dear Sir, guard me against such Connections, which would be far worse than death. I know I can prove by my Conduct that I have not merited to be superseded, give me but an Opportunity of proving it, I ask no more.