Note 158 — Chapter IV · THE WORK OF THE NAVY BOARDS AND THE MARINE COMMITTEE

Nicholson, while at times displaying conspicuous bravery, was less fortunate in his naval service than Hopkins. Two frigates under his command were at different times captured by the enemy. On May 1, 1777, Congress suspended him from his command, “until he shall have made such satisfaction as shall be accepted by the executive powers of the state of Maryland, for the disrespectful and contemptuous letter written by him to the governor of that state.”—Journals of Continental Congress, May 1, 1777.