
          July 17
Sir. For near a week I have been very much  indisposed
[crossed out: for the most part confined to the [house?]] and for several
days [crossed out: unable to leave my bed] confined to my chamber
and to my bed. I am rather better but still unable
to go out or to sit up long. My physicians advise
me to lose no time in taking a trip to the
northwest, as best calculated to restore my health.
But such is my present embarrassed situation
that I [crossed out: have neither the knowlege how] know not
how to act. I have not the funds to carry
me to the northward, nor do I know to whom
I ought to apply for permission to go, whether
I am in the [crossed out: navy] [added: service] or out of the [crossed out: navy] [added: service], on full
pay, or half pay, or no pay at all, as I
have received no furlough[added: I/ am though more taken [?] in I ought be informed of it] furlough. [added: illegible]. Besides the benefit
of my health, another great object of my 
going to the northward (in case of my really
being on furlough and not ordered anywhere 
into the service) would be to procure a quantity
of medicines and open a dry
goods store in Savannah. [crossed out: It is really [?]]
and [crossed out: and may]. In a letter I received a few days,
ago from Mr. Sinclair, he informed me [crossed out: I had no
money] he had no money, [crossed out: and that he did not
[?] of course] nor does he know any more than 
I do to what money I am entitled. I really 
feel in a very unpleasant state of suspense,
and [crossed out: may I] [added: therefore] take the liberty to beg that you
will give me the necessary information, how 
I am to proceed, whether write to, or visit 
the secretary of the navy when I go on, 
whether by coming to Charleston before I
set out, I could obtain prize money
or any other money to enable me to 
go on.
        