To the Honourable the Councill of Safety of Maryland

I do hereby certify that I am and have been for a Number of Years acquainted with Captn Bennett Mathews that during a great Part of that Time he followed the Sea and commanded a Ship of which he was as I understood half Owner, that I have always heard that he had served a regular Apprentiship to the Sea and followed it 'till a few Years ago when he retired to a paternal Estate, he has always bore the Character of an expert and able Seaman and on Shore of an honest Man and if the Councill of Safety will give him the Command of a Galley I am convinced he will acquit himself with such Spirit Skill and Honour as not to discredit or bring Disgrace on those who appointed him and that he will do his Country all the Service in his Power

29th Decr 1776
Joppa