To the Honourable the Delegates of the thirteen united Colonies in Congress assembled ー
The Petition of William Adams Surgeon in the Continental Naval Service
Humbly Sheweth

That Your Petitioner had the Honour to be appointed Surgeon in the Sevice of this Continent on Board the Armed Sloop the Hornet...That he Conceives he could afford more Considerable Services to his Country in a fighting Capacity  That anxious to Contribute his Assistance, towards Repelling the hostile Invasions of the Enemies af America, he was an Early Associator in the third Battalion of this City; in one Company of which Battalion he acted as an Officer ー That he hath a very large and extensive Acquaintance in this Province and notwithstanding the present Scarcity of Men is firmly persuaded that he Could in a very Short Time raise a Company ー That your Petitioner understands that some Companies of Marines are now to be raised for the Frigates building for the Defence of this Continent and as he begs Leave to resign his Commission of Surgeon Requests that your Honours would be pleased to appoint him to the Command of One of said Companies And he begs Leave to assure your Honours that if in Case of any Engagement his Assistance should be wanted or required by the Surgeon he will ever be ready to afford it and hopes his Conduct in either Capacity will be serviceable to his Country and merit the Approbation of your Honours ー

Philada May. 28. 1776 ー