Honored Sir

I should be ungrateful did I not return you my warmest thanks, for your kind and Generous intentions in my favor.— My greatest ambition would be to merit your future approbation; by my Services against the common Enemy of France and America.— Had your first Plan taken place¹—the most pleasing prospect of Success would have been before me: but that seems now a distant Object.

I have no doubt but that many projects, that would promise Success might be formed from the Hints which I had the Honor of sending lately for your Inspection:²— Had I been entrusted with the Chief Command, I would have held myself Responsible for Consequences.

I am bound in Honor to communicate faithfully to Congress the generous Offer which the King now makes; of Lending the Epervier,³ in the meantime to be employed under my Command and under the Flag of America.— I would thankfully have accepted this offer the moment that it was communicated to me; had not difficulties Occurred on account of the Situation of the American Funds in Europe.

I have now under my Command a Ship bound to America⁴—On my arrival there; from the confidence of Congress I have reason to expect an Immediate Removal into one of their best Ships. I have reason Also to expect the chief Command of the first Squadron destined for an Expedition, having in my possession several similar appointments. And when Congress see fit to appoint Admirals, I have assurances that my Name will not be forgot.

These are flattering prospects to a Man who has Drawn his Sword only upon principles of Philanthropy; and in Support of the Dignity of Human Nature.— But as I prefer a solid to a Shining Reputation—An useful to a Splendid Command—I hold myself Ready, with the approbation of the Commissioners⁵ to be Governed by you in any measures that may tend to distress and humble the Common Enemy. I have the Honor [&c.]