Gentlemen:

The Day before this Honorable board Fill'd up the small Vacancies then in the Armed Boats; I delivered to one of your members, a request in writing, the prayer of which was to be removed from the Sloop Aetna, on board one of the then Vacant Armed boats, which request was only meant by me, to the End, that I might be in a more Active part of the service; This Honourable board not Granting the above request, Induces me to think it was Disrespected. Gentlemen, Inclosed is the Commission I had the Honor of Bearing, and Beg this Board to accept this My Resignation. I should have resigned at the time above mentioned, But apprehending the enemy might make a diversion in our river, determined to remaine in the service untill the season of the year would Prevent them, which season I hope is Come; this Honourable Board will please to Believe, I Am, with Due Respect [&c.]

[Philadelphia] October 19th, 1776.