Gentlemenー

Captain [Patrick] Dennis was speaking to me concerning raising a company of marines to enter on board the ship Montgomery, for her safety this winter. I make no doubt but he has acquainted the Convention of the same. I had some encouragement that I should have the birth, as our regiment will soon be disbanded, and our men will be idle. But what small encouragement I have had from Captain Dennis, I have engaged a company of very fine young men, a great part of them sailors and artillery men, who will go through all hardships with me. If you see cause to appoint me in that station, and send me the rate that they must engage under, I shall engage them instantly, as they wait for nothing else. Gentlemen, your compliance to this petition will very much oblige  Your humble servant,

To Capt. Platt, or either member of Congress at Fishkill.