Monroe acknowledges the receipt of and extends thanks for the letter and back copies of the "Freeman's Journal" sent by Murphy. He had expected this letter because he has received letters from Father James Roosevelt Bayley Bailey as well as one from the Archbishop John Hughes through Bayley. He comments on Murphy's letter. He sympathizes with Murphy over the loss of the latter's father but is glad he repented before he died. Monroe states that they are expecting but as yet have received no news from Japan. By the last mail he attempted to write Murphy some of the particulars of their Squadron's visit. It is said that the French are organizing an Expedition to the same people from which even more interesting results may be anticipated. He does not expect answers from Murphy. He is able to write now because the restriction in force when they were in Cape of Good Hope and Sydney has been virtually removed. He believes the squadrons performance has been a failure because there is no head. R? has his own way in everything but he limits his attention to the nearest trifles. After eight months of hardship at sea, he arrived in Hong Kong, and for approximately seven months he suffered acutely from rheumatism. He states that he did not attend the performances which the Commander of the Vincennes had on Sunday forenoons by his secretary. He lent assistance to "rigging church" and permitted others to oblige the men to attend. On Easter Sunday Monroe had just come off from their church where a most beautiful service had been conducted by one of the Bishops banished from the interior of China and he had scarcely assumed charge of the deck when he was directed to send the men below to church. McCollum brought the order from Commander Ringgold. Monroe refused to obey the order because he did not wish to force the men to act against their consciences and was subsequently suspended from duty. Ringgold put William H. Schermerborn in irons. Ringgold, very angry, still insisted that the men go to worship. After several days suspension he was ordered to the Porpoise, the worst vessel in the Squadron. Monroe believes that this act of Ringgold releases him from serving out the cruise and he will leave at the earliest opportunity. Monroe received a letter from Ringgold removing him from suspension. Monroe wrote a letter to the Honorable Secretary of the Navy, commenting on Ringgold's actions. Monroe does not believe that he can be accused of infidelity because their consciences would not permit and because he, Monroe, had just returned from a church where several hundred British soldiers had been marched from their barracks. Manuscript incomplete. :: I-1-m A.L. 4pp. 8vo.