Marine office, March 8, 1777.
Gentlemen,
As the sloop Independence is now ready to sail and we find it impossible to get a Surgeon for her, I must request the Favour that the Bearer hereof Mr. Wm. Russell may have a discharge from your service to act in that capacity on board her. If this can be done with propriety it will serve the public and oblige, Gentlemen,
Your most Obedt Servt.
Robt. Morris.
MS not found; reprinted from Pa. Archives, 1st ser. 5:255.