Sir,

The present inactive State of the Navy of the United Colonies, the many Complaints exhibited to the marine Board ag[ain]st some of the Officers of the Ships, and the daily Applications of both Officers & Men who have left the fleet in Consequence of very severe Usage, have constrained the Marine Board to make a Representation of our Naval Concerns, to the Congress, which require a speedy Reform. And in order that the true & just Reasons of this very great Uneasiness & Inactivity may be fully investigated, it is necessary that the Officers agt whom Complaints have been lodged should be fully heard.

I have it in Command therefore from Congress to direct you immediately upon receipt of this, to repair to the City of Philada by Land, and on your arrival here to give Notice to me as President of the Marine Board. The command of the Ship will naturally devolve upon the next Officer. And you are to bring with you an exact State of the Ship under your Command, the List of the Men remaining, what Numbers of effective and non-effective, the State of the Stores of every Kind belonging to the Ship, and every Thing relative to your Ship.

As you will be called upon in general to answer for your conduct since you left this City, I give you this Notice that you may come prepared for that Purpose. I am to repeat to you that Congress expect your immediate Compliance with this order, & am Sir [&c.]

To Captain Dudley Saltonstall of the Ship Alfred
To Cap. Abraham Whipple of the ship Columbus