Sir,
        I would respectfully report the following circumstance.--
       On the 5th July, John Cain, a private in the Marine Guard on board of this ship was punished with twelve lashes with the Cats for carrying  a concealed bayonet about his person during the day, and keeping it in his hammock during the night for the avowed purpose of using it to kill George Young, Ordinary Seaman upon the slightest provocation.--
        After receiving the twelve lashes at the Gang-way, and upon being released by the Quarter Masters said Cain, turning to the ship's company, said audibly, "Any one is a damned fool who comes into the Service."--
        Cain is a bad fellow and an Irishman, and one of the most turbulent of his race. I would most respectfully recommend that he receive another dozen in the presence of the whole Marine Guard of the Squadron and then that he be Dishonorably Discharged from the service of the United States.
 
                                                                                I am, Sir, very respectfully
                                                                                Your Obedient Servant
                                                                                V. M. Randolph
                                                                                Commander