The Petition of Josiah Godfrey Chief Pilot of the Sloop of War Republick Commanded by Capt Williams fitted out by this State.
Humbly Sheweth

That your petitioner engaged in the Service of this State expecting as much Wages as is given to Pilots in the Continental Service, but thinking himself in danger of being deprived of that reward for his Service that he can obtain from others, and which others in his Capacity enjoy, begs leave to State facts to your Honors, not doubting but he shall have all that Justice done him, that the justness of his Cause deserves. Your petitioner engaged with Capt Williams upon his Encouragement to give him as much as those of his Station in the Continental Service, this was Strengthned by Colo [Jerathmeel] Bowers engaging to lay a petition before your Honors, in behalf of your petitioner that Capt Williams engagement might be fulfilled to him, but this by accident was not done; And your petitioner having had Several offers more Advantageous has kept this upon the above encouragement, Now your petitioner is left to the said Alternative either to go much under what others freely offer him, or quit the Service of this State dishonourably and the worthy Officers with whom he is now happily Connected. Your humble petitioner makes choice of the former, and leaves the Event to your Honors, praying your Honors to make good his Encouragements from Capt Williams which induced him to Engage in the Service, and to allow him as much as those in the Continental Service which is Six pounds P Month.

And as in duty bound shall ever pray