[Endorsement on cover: Chs. Smarthan / 31^st March 1798 / [undecipherable] / P.S.C.] I Charles Smarthan [strikethrough: Thomas Atwood] 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 [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and [a?] [the?] Monthly pay of Six dollars [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] and that I have had read to me the rules and articles of [war] against mutiny and desertion, [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] WITNESS MY HAND, this 3^d day of [April?] 179[8] [his Mark] In the presence of C[h]s. Smarthan I Charles Smarthan 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 [Phila.^a County [?]] SWORN before me, this [3^d?] day of May 179[8] Ch^s. Smarthan John Groover