To the Honorable Gen^l. Court of the state of the Massachusetts Bay
May it please your Honours

I return you thanks for the Honour done me in Appointing me to the command of the state Arm^d. Brig^t. Tyrannicide & Massachusitts for this eighteen months past but am sorry to inform your Honours that the Brig^t. Massachusetts which I command is so verry uncomfortable to live on board in the winter now comming on that I can not think of going to sea in her at this season of the year. must therefore beg your Honours leave to resinge my command of s^d. Brig^t. not that I am against going in the service but only on Account of the uncomfortableness of s^d. Brig^t. in the winter sea­son. I think my self honour^d. by the command the Gen^l. Court has seen fit to bestow on me & if at some future time my Country shall call for my poor service I shall again think my self Honour^d. by Any command your Honours may think me Capable of Executing: And am [&c.]

Boston Octo^r. 24, 1777

In Council Oct^r. 24^t. 1777

Read & sent down

Jn^o. Avery D^y Sec^y

In the House of Representatives Oct^r. 24. 1777

Read & Accepted & Resolved that the Hon^ble Council be and they are hereby desired to appoint another commander for the Brig^t Massachusetts in the Room of Capt Fisk resigned—paying due observance to the Rank—& Standing of those already in the service of this State. And Capt Fisk has the thanks of this Court for his fidelity and app[r]oved conduct in his late command

Sent up for Concurrence

J Warren Spkr

In Council Octr. 24t. 1777

Read &  Concurred

Jn^o. Avery D^y Sec^y

 Consented to—

Jer: Powell¹