Honored Sr,

Permit me to acquaint you of the transactions of Yesterday in the fleet. Captn [John] Hamilton, on his coming down in the forenoon, Imedately hoisd his Broad Pendant as Second in Command. Captn Dougherty Repared on Board the province Ship & Demanded the Broad Pendant to be hauled down. Mr Yourk [Edward Yorke], the commanding officer, told Dougherty his pendant Should not come down By his orders unless he produced his authority from the Committee Saftey, in consequence of which Dougherty hoisd his Broad Pendant as Commr in Chief, By order of thepublick, as he said to Mr York. Permit me Sr, to Beg your Interest to Command the Lexington, when Captn Barrey Resigns, as I imagine it will be Impossible for me to Command the present Commanders of our Armament, unless there is such Imedate Steps taken as will Make them Comply with their duty. Sr, I remain [&c.]