Marine office, March 8, 1777
Gentlemen,
As the sloop Independence is now ready to sail and we find it impossible to get a Surgeon for her, I must request the Favour that the Bearer hereof Mr. Wm. Russell may have a discharge from your service to act in that capacity on board her. If this can be done with propriety it will serve the public and oblige Gentlemen Your [&c.] 2
Robt Morris
The Hon'ble the Council of Safety
1. Pennsylvania Archives, 1st series, V, 255.
2. Ibid., 2nd series, I, 91, request was approved.
