To the right honourable Samuel Tucker Esqr. Commander of The Congress Ship of War the Boston
Worthy Sir
After seeing the many worthy Actions which you have daily granted to your Ships Company I hope you’ll pardon my Boldness in requesting you’ll be so good as to Sett me out of Irons, especially as you gave me Liberty to go ashore at Bordeaux after I was concern’d in that foolish Affair.1 You may be assur’d worthy Sir that it is my firm Intention to Remain in your Vessel as I have a wife in Boston.2 I have no more to say worthy Sir, but if you grant me this request it shall be always esteem’d as the greatest favr. that could be conferr’d on your very affectionate & devoted humble Serv’t
Richard Smith
On board the Boston frigate [Port Louis, France] July 4th. 1778
D, MH-H, Samuel Tucker Papers (MS Am 812). Addressed: “To/the right honourable Samuel/Tucker Esqr./Comander of the/Boston frigate.” Docketed: “Richd. Smith/Pertition to be reliesd/out of Irons July 4th..”
1. Presumably, the “foolish Affair” was the planned mutiny that Tucker discussed in his letter to John Adams of 27 May, in NDAR 12: 764–65.
2. On 7 July, Smith was punished for having tried to desert for the third time. Journal of the Continental Navy Ship Boston, 7 July, below.
