Sir

We received your Letter of the fifth Instant by the Post, directed to the Governor. We feel no Inclination to impose Terms of Concession inconsistent with the Honor of a Gentleman or Officer. Your Letter of the 25th of April conveyed an Affront to the Governor and Council; Your explicit Disapprobation of your Conduct in Writing that .letter, is but a necessary Attonement and will, as to us, be satisfactory, the Terms are left to yourself. The more Attention the Affair of impressing Men without the previous Allowance of the Legislature of this State, is viewed with, the stronger will it be seen to be our Duty to prevent it, and if any on Board the Frigate have, through Force or Fear, been induced to sign the Articles or receive the Bounty, we insist such be discharged, for Freedom of Will is essential to the Validity of every Inlistment. The Apprehension that the other Officers would decline the Service, if you should not go in the Ship, has no Influence on us. We should be sorry to see such a Spirit take Place in any Body of Officers, and should assuredly rather meet than give Way to such a Humour.

We are Sir &ca