[Extract]
Gentlemenー

Enclosed is a letter from the Lieutenant of your schooner Gen. Putnam, who informs you that the captain went away without letting him know of his going, and of course it must be a neglect of his duty. You also have a petition from the ship's company, which complaint I fear is too true; you will be pleased to take such steps as you think fit; for my part I think it would be best to appoint a new commander for her; the lieut. I believe would be more industrious in the service. I also think it would not be amiss to order the people to be paid about one half of their wages, to supply them with clothes and stores...