The Hon. William B. Preston
Secretary U.S. Navy

Sir,
 
    I ask respectfully to be informed whether the Department of which you are the head, contemplate proposing any change in the present Law governing the U.S. Navy, particularly in the withholding of the liquor portion of the ration and the abolition or restriction of the present system of enforcing discipline by flogging.
   An answer at your earliest convience will much oblige
                                                                                    Your obedient humble servant

                                                                                    Watson G. Haynes