Gentlemen

I take the liberty of addressing you at this time in commendation of Cap^t: Seth Harding of this State, not of myself only, but at the desire of my Council of Safety. 

This Gentleman has, from the commencement of the War, been employed in the Service of this state, as Commander of an Armed Vessel, in which character he has distinguished himself on several occassions—particularly in the Spring of 1776 in Boston—This Action was particularly gallant, and has seldom been equalled¹—nor perhaps has any one man, during the War, with so small a Command as a Brig of 16 Guns, taken such a number of Prisoners as he did on that day only—Want of health has prevented him, during the winter past, from active life, by which means the Command of two Ships owned by this State has devolved to his former Lieutenants—

He is now recovered and I would propose him to your Hon^ble: Board to be appointed to the command of the Frigate now building at Norwich,² which is so forward as to require the speedy appointment of a Captain—As much merit and service may be pleaded in favor of Cap^t. Harding, as of any Gentleman, and there is no one who can man the ship more expeditiously than him, from the opinion which the Seamen in general entertain of him—

I would likewise mention, that of the many appointments in the Navy hitherto, this State has never nominated one—I am &c &c