Gentn The Bearer hereof Mr James Campbell (who acted as a Capt of our militia) had the Honour, on application of being appointed a lieut of the light infantry company at our last convention. I am to beg Leave to introduce this Gentleman to you, as particularly worthy your notice.

I think upon conversation with him he may afford some very useful hints in those branches that we, at this time stand so much in need of, I mean gunnery & Fortification,

Have known him for several years in character of a Capt of a ship the seafaring life having been his calling from his infancy, and think, to do his [him] justice in that scene or any other that he engages in, he will merit esteem. I believe he brings with him a plan of floating battery, his own invention, which may very probably afford matter for improvement, should the original fail. ² If you attempt fortification and are not already supplied with an abler hand, believe you'll find him very cleaver in drawing & taking charts of yr harbours & Bay and pointing out the fittest place to erect Fortifications on. with due regard I remain [&c.]

Cambridge [Maryland]
20th Janry 1776.