Gentlemen,

Yesterday I received a few lines from Mr [Richard] Ridgely by your orders Requesting my presence at Annapolis to take charge of a ten Gun Schooner —he also says he wrote me a few days before which I never have recd if I had should have answered it. I am much obliged to you Gentlemen for your good opinion of me in Giveing me a preference, and I wish my health would have permitted me to except of it. at present I am under the care of Doctor Wesenthall [Charles F. Wiesenthal], and he will not permitt me to be out at night or get wet. Such a person I am sure is not fit to Serve the publick in the Capacity you propose for Me —

Within this week I think I am something better (and he gives me hope), if I get able by the Spring be assured I will not draw back my service from the Publick. I expect my brother here every day, on his arrivall I shall write you about him. I know he has offered his service to the Publick, and believe he does not intend to draw back, I wish he would suit you for this Vessell as I make no doubt of his Excepting of it. he is now at Colon! Trevers on Hooper's Island, was sick when he went there, but Expect him every day. I am Gentlemen [&c.]

1. Correspondence of Council of Safety, Md. Arch.