You Called me by your Order from the Commend of the American Frigate Alliance which The Honorable Congress had Confided the Commend off, to me; upon Some Accusations that none but a Court Martial Can judge, and you have given the Said Commend to my accuser, You have kept me here these four months past I d’ont know what for as it Could be Said in America, t’is my fault if I had not the Same Commend A’gain by not having not ask’d it Should be given me back, may be that it was offered to me; I therefore Beg as a Right Your Excellency Give me the Commend of the Alliance again, or give me your refusal of doing of it in writing from your hand, that I may have it to Show to Congress. I know the Officers and crew of the Alliance wishes for me and hate their present unlawfull Commander.3

I Beg as a favour you’ll be So good to Send me a positive and Clear answer upon the Subject.

I am with Recpect Your Excellency Most Obedient & most humble Servt