[James Whitton 20 No. Dec. 2 1797] I James Whitton do acknowledge that I have voluntarily inlisted myself to serve One Years in the Marine Service —— of the United States, unless sooner discharged; upon the terms mentioned in the Act passed the first day of July 1797. entitled, An Act providing a naval Armament — [strikethrough: and at the monthly pay of] [undecipherable] dollars per month. and that I have had read to me the rules and articles of [strikethrough: war] the Navy against mutiny and desertion, [strikethrough: and relative to the administration of justice] WITNESS MY HAND, this 20^th day of December 1797 his James + Whitton mark In the presence of Geo. [Huston?] [undecipherable] as mentioned [undecipherable] Instructions to the [Marine?] Officer of the Navy I James Whitton do solemnly Swear to bear true allegiance to the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, and to serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whomsoever; and to observe and obey the orders of the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA; and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the rules and articles of [strikethrough: war] the Navy —— SWORN before me, this 30^th day of December 1797 A. Hillegas James his + Whitton mark