Dear Sir

The intention of this is to introduce to you my very worthy freind Captn James Nicholson, who agreeable to what I lately wrote you goes up to wait on your Board² receive their Instructions &c about the Outfit of the Frigate.³ Captn Nicholsons Merit both in private Life & as an Officer is very great, & Justly deserving the Esteem of all who know him. ー I hope a proper Regard will be paid to his Deserts by your Board'in settling the Rank of the Officers, that his Usefulness may be rendered the more extensive. He possesses in my Opinion the best Talents for Command, of any Man I know; And the good Order & Discipline of the Ships Company which he now commands⁴ is a striking Proof [of] it, It being difficult to determine whither he is most loved or feared by them. His Judgemt in Marine Affairs will I am perswaded be of Service to your Board. His Prudence & Discretion are deserving of the greatest Confidence. My Bro[the]r will either accompany or go next day after Captn Nicholson, & will render every Assist[an]ce he can in collecting & forwarding such Stores &c as are wanted from Philada I am Sir [&c.]