Sir

I am sorry to give your Excellency farther trouble to explain what I thought had been clearly expressed in My last letter with respect to the Symmetry.

Mr Dickenson Complained that for want of proper Authority he could not perform the Service expected from that Armed Vessel, And your Excellency in your letter Augt 1. by that officer Mentions that you are under the Necessity of ordering her away ー In that Case I proposed the Scorpion should take her birth, And that until the Scorpion Could Come up, I would send a Lieutenant to Command the Symmetry, if it was agreeable to your Excellency ー I intended Nothing More than to Make the Symmetry useful apprehending Authority alone in the officer wanting for that purpose; And Your Excellency I hope will believe that the good of the Service alone dictated that proposal and No desire or wish of mine to interfere in your Excellency's department.

I beg leave however to offer my opinion that the Symmetry Might remain as she is Commanded by the Agent, and Supported by the Scorpion, until I have it in My power to put a twenty Gun Ship there as I have already promised. I have the honor to be with great respect and regard Sir [&c.]