Gentlemen

My Last was of the 4th instant in which I acquainted you of the misfortune of the Hamden's Springing a Leak ー She is now at Swansey heaving down in Order to find out the Leak ー Inclosed you have a Copy of my Orders to Captn [John Paul] Jones, Similar Ones I have given Captn Hacker you also have a Copy of my Letter to Mr Bradford which was in Consequence of your Orders in Respect to Satisfying the Men, also a Copy of several Complaints which I have from time to time Received against Captn Jones, and I have had a great number from the common people for his Refusing to pay their Wages without they would make him their Agent ー and leaving Lieut [Robert] Sanders in an Engagement with a Strange Ship without knowing what Strength she was, or going down to assist him ² ー and indeed I have had so many Complaints against Captn Jones that I should be glad of your directions whether it will be best to call a Court Martial upon him or not, as I see no other way of Satisfying the Officers and People, and I am loth to take such a Step without your Orders for it —

If you will permit me to give my Opinion, I think it would be for the publick Service that you would appoint, or get appointed a Naval Board under you in Boston, or some place in New England with full power to order me or any other Officer in the Navy on Such Duty as they may think best and indeed with full power to direct in all Navy affairs, and Report to you as often as you direct ー that or some other way which you may think best may prevent many Inconveniences which now arise frequently by the Alteration & disposition of the Enemy, or our own Navy from the time you give the Orders before they come to hand ー I am with great Respect Gentlemen [&c.]