Boston June 28. 1778
[Extract] My Dear Sir
The Navy was the principal Subject of A long. & perhaps tedious Letter two days ago which I suppose will go with this.1 if it requires an Apology I will tell you it was wrote in perfect Composure. & good Humour & in Justification of the familiarity I used that it was wrote to you as a friend not as one of my Masters. . . .
Adieu says your Friend
[no signature]
Capt. Burke2 hesitated about Accepting Command of the Brigt.3 but has done it at last. the prejudices of the Officers here against him are great.4 as you have patronized him I hope he will turn out an honest Man. he has desired a Court of Enquiry into his Conduct dureing his Captivity
L, NN, Samuel Adams Papers, vol. 11. Addressed: "Honbl: Samuel Adams Esqr/Member of Congress/York Town/Pensilvania." Docketed: “JW June 28 — 78/Exd. No. 61/Copied & Exd.."
1. See Warren to Samuel Adams, 26 June, above.
2. Capt. William Burke, Continental Navy.
3. Continental Navy brigantine Resistance.
4. By “prejudice” Warren probably means jealousy of Burke's quick appointment on 1 May as a captain in the Continental Navy soon after his release from captivity. On 19 June "a petition from sundry navy officers and declarations respecting Captain Burke” was read in the Continental Congress and referred to the Continental Marine Committee. JCC 11: 621. This petition has not been found.
