Gentlemen

The Length that the Troubles between Great Britain & the Colonies have run to & the Impossibility of this Province being an idle Spectator make me think that every Inhabitant of this Province should render what Service his Abilities are capable of Induced by these Motives & these only, I now offer my Services to the Public, as Captn of one of the Gondolas.

I would not desire to be first on the List, if any Man more capable than myself offers at the same Time I think that few will offer, who have had much more Experience than myself. As I have a Wife and Family, and am confident that my pay in the Service will not support them (If you should think proper to give me the Command of one of these Vessels.) I must endeavour to have my Business carried on by some careful Hand. Therefore would wish when I am not in actual Service, that my Station might be in the River patapsco that I might have it in my Power to inspect my Affairs as often as my Duty to the Public will permit. On these Terms you may depend on the Public receiving all the Services in my Power. And if acceptable to you Please write to me on this Subject soon, as I think any Man who commands one of these Vessels should go to Philadelphia to make himself acquainted with the working them. I would therefore on a Certainty of being appointed go to Philadelph[ia] for that purpose. I would also wish to know my Rank (if appointed), and who they are if any are before me in Rank. I am Gentlemen [&c.]