Sir

By Sergeant White’s Report of this day made to me in writing. I find the following marines under my command guilty of neglect and absolutely refusing to do duty as centinals on board your Ship. In so refusing they have both forfeited wages and prize money, according to Resolve of Congress, made for the Regulation of the American Navy, & I do not think it for the peace & safety of this Ship, to keep them on board, you being Sensible the French in General here, are not disposed to serve us. If the American marines was to act as centinalls only & be exempted from other of the ships duty, we should be in peace, they consist of 1 Serj^t– 2 Corp^ls: 1 Drum: 12 Privates. their duty at present having 6 centerys will be two hours on and two off—² I am ready at the risque of my life to render you every thing for your peace and comfort, your commands are always a pleasure for me to obey and your orders how to proceed will oblige Your most Hum^ble Serv^t

Sam^l Tucker Esq
P.S. The marines refusing duty are Bremond, Perrin, La Combe, Degout, Batteau, Bryestre, Brunett, & Esquiril