Your favour of the 21st I laid before the Marine Committee last

   Evening and in answer thereto I have now to inform you, that when Congress appointed the Captains for the Frigates (1) it was agreed that the Rank should be setled hereafter, and that the Captains should only at present be Certified of their appointment. Captain. Nicholson has been strongly recommended, and Congress has a high opinion of his abilities and merit and I have no doubt of his standing pretty high in rank. The Marine Committee will pay great attention to the recommendations of Capt. Nicholson and your board of Commissioners for building the Frigate, but when you recommend two Gentn. for Sea Lieutenants it would be well to get such of your delegates as may be in your province to Join in such recommendation. I believe it will be agreeable to the Committee that Captain Nicholson should recommend all the Warrant Officers, in this however you can also Join, and the Committee will immediately transmitt the Warrants filled up agreeable to such recommendation. The Marine Officers for your Ship will be appointed to day, their names you have below, the sooner Capt. Nicholson engages all the Warrant & petty officers the more agreeable it will be to the Committee who wish to have the Ships ready soon as possible.(2) I fear many of them will wait for Guns & Anchors.

   I am in haste, Sir, Your mo. Obed huml Serv,

   Joseph Hewes

   John Stewart, Captain}

   Tho. Pownal, first Lieut.}Marines

   Richd. Harrison, Second Lieutn}.

   N.B. These Gentlemen were strongly recommended by the delegates of your Province & I hope they will be agreeable to all.

   RC (MdHi).