Baltimore July 17th 1778
Dear Sir
I am now to acknowledge receipt of the papers, you were kind enough to inclose, of the 9th Instant. for which I thank you.— This Acknowledgment should have been made sooner, but as I had nothing to communicate in return did not choose to interrupt you at this important period. —
My reason Sir, for troubling you at this time, is to thank the Honble Congress, for my appointment to a seat at the Navy Board for this department.— I am highly sensible of the honor done me but my own private business, puts it out of my power to give any further attendance at that Board. now removed to Philadelphia.— I must therefore beg Congress will Accept my resignation of that office and appoint some other person to fill my place. —
Your favoring me with a line intimating my discharge from any further Attendance as a Commissioner of the Navy will greatly oblige.- As I have taken the Oath of office, I cant think myself at liberty to retire, without permission so to do.— I therefore flatter my self, this will be transmited as soon as convenient.1— At the same time I shall gladly embrace every opportunity of rendering Congress, and the public any services in my power at this place. I am with the greatest respect [&c.]
W: Smith
L, DNA, PCC, item 78, vol. 20, pp. 225–27 (M247, roll 102). Addressed below close: “The Honble Henry Laurens Esqr/President of Congress—."
1. Congress accepted Smith's resignation on 22 July; Laurens notified Smith of Congress's action in a letter of 24 July. JCC 11: 710; DNA, PCC, item 13, vol. 2, p. 34 (M247, roll 23).
