[undecipherable] [(Coppy)] [rec'd Nov. [undecipherable]] Boston 15 Nov.^r 179[undecipherable] Sir. I have this day received a letter from the [undecipherable] of war, dated the 12^th Ap[undecipherable] last, acquainting me that the [undecipherable] President of the United States has appointed me a[undecipherable] first Lieu^t in the Navy, to serve on board the [undecipherable] Frigate Constitution. I now take the first opportunity after an abs[undecipherable: probable reading "absence"] of more than eight months from this Continent [undecipherable] to forward you my answer to his letter. I feel myself highly honored by the appoint[undecipherable: probable reading "appointment"] -ment, and accept it with pleasure, but at [undecipherable] same time decently request that [I] be allowed [undecipherable] the ship six weeks after the date of this letter, [undecipherable] being absolutely necessary for me to arrange [undecipherable] [A]ffairs in such a manner as to enable me to leave the United States for any length of time without making very important sacrifices. I am obliged in justice to myself and them with whom I have been concerned in commercial business to request this indulgence in consequence of having been captured by a french [undecipherable: probable reading "pirate"] on my last voyage, plundered of a considerable property and detained abroad five months longer than I had any reason to expect when I left home. I have already put myself under the orders of Cap.^t Nicholls and have obtained leave of absence until I can hear from the Navy Office. I hope the President of the United States will do me the honor to grant me the indulgence I ask for as M^r [undecipherable] who is now on board the Constitution acting as 1^st Lieu^t is an able officer. I am sorry that the situation of my private affairs makes it necessary for me to require leave of absence for a moment as I am particularly fond of Naval service. I hold my existence in the service of my country and am ready at any moment to yield it in her defence. I have the honor to be with respect His honor'd &c [undecipherable] Stoddert &c Sec[reta]ry the Dep[artmen]t of the B. [undecipherable] N.S. — [rec'd 15 Nov.] [(Coppy)]