I am honored with your letter of the 24h. Inst—In consequence of which I now enclose a letter I recd. from Capt Talbot on the subject of his Officers—

Not deeming it proper to send on a second Captain to Act on board the Constitution—and not having the power of sending on to Act as first Lt., a fit person older in comn. than Lt. Beale. I saw no way of getting things right in that Ship, but to remove Lt. Beale into another; & to propose the appointment of two other Lts. who have been repeatedly recommended by Mr Higginson, as the best Men, willing to enter the Service as Lts—to rank after Lts Hale & Hamilton.

Tullman lost his arm on board of the Trumbull, in an Action, in which it is said he distinguished himself—Doble I saw—He appeared to be a fit man to be a Lt.—and he also has had experience on board of armed Ships.

I have the honor to be with the highest respect & esteem / sir yr. most Obed Servt.