It has been contended ⟨i⟩n this Consulate by Several Masters of Vessels, that Seamen left onshore in consequence of wounds or ⟨s⟩ickness ought of right to be maintain’d at the ⟨co⟩st of the United States and that consequently ⟨t⟩hey have no right to pay three months wages ⟨i⟩n advance to Seamen So discharged, & State as a ⟨re⟩ason that those Seamen pay Hospital money ⟨to⟩ the United States As I would wish to conform ⟨to⟩ the letter of the Act of Congress on that Subject ⟨as⟩ near as possible and at the Same time do justice ⟨to⟩ the parties concern’d I request to receive your ⟨i⟩nstructions on the Subject as Soon as affairs of ⟨m⟩ore importance gives you leisure. I have the honour to ⟨co⟩ntinue with respectful esteem Sir Your Obedt: Servt: