Immediately on receiving your letter with which you was pleased to honor me, I ordered the Surgeon to examine into the Situation of the man refered to.

I did it with the more readiness, because you was pleased to request it—and because I never wished to press on religious scruples. On the report of the Surgeon, I found him to be disqualified for any severe service, and was happy I had it in my power to discharge him. But to prevent similar applications from a number of persons, who prosibly from other motives than that of religion, might be indued to make them, I have taken the liberty, to detain him on board, untill Just before sailing; at the same time assuring both him and his connections that then he should be discharged.

Your wishes for my succ[ess] is extremely gratifying to me, an[d be] assured Sir, that to maintain [. . .] good wishes, and the aprobation of my Country, shall ever be my Study.

I have the honor to be / Sir / with the greatest / respect, your most / obedient humble / Servant