Gentlemen I was first shipt as masters mate of the ship Defence at her first setting out in the proventional service. at the time Lieut Boucher left the ship I was advanced to Master by the Councel of Safty.I hope your honours will Continue to Advance me in rotation or as Comd Nechoalson may think Right as Imagin him to be the best Judge what I may DeServe Leeut Nechoalson [John Nicholson] I here is going to Leave the Ship Likewise Leeut [Aquila] Johns if so I think should be first Leut as I was mas[ter] of the ship before Leut Auchenleck had his Commission, from gentlemen [&c.]