My Dear Sir

I have a thousand reasons to know that you take great pleasure in being useful to your friends whenever you have an opportunity. It will probably be in your power in a little time to Gratify me exceedingly, & I need not I think do more than point out the manner to you.

When our friend Nixon declined his appointment as one of the Navy board he was succeeded in the appointment by M^r. Smith of Baltimore who I am told by a member of Congress it is probable will not Act;¹ if so as I know myself better calculated to be useful to my Country in that line than in any other & know also my being appointed woud be pleasing to the other two Gentlemen, I coud wish to be thought off, & no doubt if you woud do me the kindness to put a hand to it the thing woud take place.

An appointment at that board has long been my wish & as I have made Ships of War a kind of Study for a long time & take great delight in them I think myself not the less qualified.

I was applyd to on this very matter by a Member of Congress who at same time told me that it was very probable if M^r. Smith did accept the appointment, that in a little time there woud be a vacancy as Congress had it in contemplation to remove M^r. Hopkinson to a place he would like better.²

I will trouble you no more about it but only say that if you see no impropriety in the appointment when a Vacancy happens I shoud be much obligd by your atten- tion to it & woud gladly owe it to your Friendship.³ I am very truly [&c.]