Sir
I read your letter with some anxiety till I came to the last line of it, which told me that the young man you wish to introduce into the Marines was 19 years of age: had he been under 15 or more than 21, I could not have gratified my inclination to oblige you; but as he is of the proper age you may be assured that I shall have particular pleasure in recommending him to his Majesty for a commission, which I shall do without delay I am [&c.]
Sandwich
Admiralty Dec: 21. 1776
1. William Knox Papers, CL.