It having pleased Divine Providence to add Doctor Phile, the naval officer of this port, to the number of those to whom the present prevailing disorder hath proved fatal, I am induced to solicit the appointment as his successor.1

Confiding in that protection which hath hitherto preserved me, whilsts upwards of three thousand of my fellow citizens have been removed into eternity, I shall think myself happy in receiving from you Sir the means of a comfortable support and the opportunity of being further serviceable to my country. I am with the most perfect esteem Sir Your most obed. humb. servt