[undecipherable] D^r Sir Philadelphia June 22, 1797 I have this moment received a letter from our thousand informing me that the court of admirality, having determined against it's own jurisdiction in the case of the ship William, he applies to the President to detain her, as having been taken within the limits of our protection, as this detention can only be by the Military, I take the liberty of submitting to you whether the gunner should not be desired to take possession of the vessel — if she be liberated by the Admirality — t. This being within your department, I was made free to write to you directly, without propping that the President, as he is much engaged, if it is a plain case, and may require immediate interpretation. I have the honor to be with great respect & esteem, D^r Sir your most obt & most humb^t serv^t [signature] The Secretary at War.