Sir 

I would have wrote You Long ago had an enquire been made into my Conduct during a late Cruise, but as nothing of that kind took place I knew not any thing except Complaints for Ill usuage. which I had no right to take the freedom to trouble You with—I am now under Trial for misconduct how it will end I know not but this I know if it ends Quikly I shall be Honourably accquited. when the Trial is over I shall stand much in need of your Friendly advice, as you are considered my sponsor in Congress. this is only prepairty to the Conclusion of the Trial. at which time when sentence is Pronouncd I shall write you very particular as also m^r. Langdon.² the Letter from the Marine Committee, was to enquire into my Conduct.³ if nothing appeard against me to restore me to my Command; Imeadiatly on the Rect of ther Letter comes a resolve of Congress to superceаd me in my Command appointing Capt. Barry in my stead.⁴ this suden Resolution before my Trial makes me think I am unfairly dealt with I will submit it to you to Judge even supposing I am guilty of an Error in Judgement which is the worst thing that can ever be laid to my Charge—the officers of the ship are all superceaded. by the navy board here.⁵ in short every irregular step is here making to render the service disagreeable. non of the officers would have left The ship without your Consent, nor shall I take the least step after my Trial without first hearing from you, as the Command I have lately held who by Your Recomendation. altho I should be acquited I Cannot think The service will be an Object worth my persuing after what has pass'd. this is as it now appears to me. but shall beg Your advice I am Sir [&c.]