Gentlemen:ー

I am really sorry I lye under the disagreeable necessity of Resigning, thro' the means of my taking a reasonable part (as becoming an officer) w'th Commodore [Samuel] Davison. I am sertain, was I to Continue in the fleet (w'ch I make, no doubt, your Hon'ble board w'd appoint me to some Command,) it w'd be disagreeable to some of the Gentlemen, and for the sake of any more disturbance, I beg leave of your Hon'ble body to request of my Resignation.² I am not, upon no acco't whatever, going to Sea in any Private property, but in the service of the Continent, w'ch I think is respectfuller for a man that follow'd the sea, and more service to my Country, than to Continue in River Service. I remain, Gentlemen, wishing the service all the success Providence can bless 'em w'th, Your Hon'rs Most [&c.]