Barney has been appointed as Captain of one of frigates being constructed as a result of Naval Act 1794. Barney has made it known that he will not accept the appointment. There is an issue of standing in rank; evidently Barney thinks Captain Talbot is junior to him. Knox explains that Talbot was appointed a Navy Captain from Colonel in 1779, whereas it appears Barney continued as a Lieutenant through the end of the war. Knox asks that Barney inform as to whether he will accept or reject his appointment, as soon as it is convenient.