Sir

We have the pleasure to acknowledge your favour of this day¹ & think ourselves honoured in being called upon to give our sentiments relative to the transactions of the 27^h– The fallacy of appearances on the water is so frequent that you have nothing to Reflect upon that account, and the position of the ship Nancy,² rendering it impossible to ascertain her strength and largeness, we think the whole of your conduct to have been the result of Prudence & Spirit, not willing to haszard the lives of brave men to no purpose and throw away the Ship against seemingly great odds—the calm resolution with which you determined to attack upon her not being so large as was before judged, must justly silence every ungenerous imputation and forever remove every malignant report. Not doubting but some favourable Opportunity will present where your wishes with ours may be equally gratified, in convincing the world that the American Navy is Respectable we at present with the greatest freedom justify your Conduct in every particular, and happy in attending the Commands of an Officer equally prudent & Spirited we beg leave with Sentiments of the greatest Respect to subscribe sir Your most Obd^t Hbble Serv^ts