[York, Pa.] April 7th 1778
Sir
It would give us much pleasure could we at this time comply with your wishes by giving you a command in the Continental Navy, but it is entirely out of our power, without neglecting several good Commanders who are already in Commission but unemployed, and whose merit and former services we cannot overlook. We are Sir respectfully [&c.]1
LB, DNA, PCC, Marine Committee Letter Book, fol. 138 (M332, roll 6). Addressed at top: "Captain Pierre Landais.”
1. Despite what the committee wrote here, Landais did get a command. On 19 June, Congress appointed him captain of Continental Navy frigate Alliance, which was still under construction.
