The subject of this will be at least new to you and perhaps surprise you. You know I have a Boy now in his 6th Year, and I am proud to say he is as fine a Fellow as any in the Kingdom. I mean him for the sea for two Reasons, first because the American rising Navy will in time perhaps furnish him with an honourable Birth, and second because in failure of this, I as a Merchant can give him a Command if he deserves it. Nicholson when he went away entered him on the Deanes Books as a Midshipman, this I took as meer Compliment and have thought nothing of it since. But I have heard that many Gentlemen in America have provided the Rotation of rising in the Navy to their sons, by getting them Warrants at early Ages. My Boy shall not positively accept a Lieutenancy in the Navy till he is seaman enough to know his Duty, but I should be sorry to see some years since, that Upstarts may put him back by the dates of their Commissions, without knowing perhaps a Ropeyarn of their Business. I therefore request you to ask the Doctor to favour me with a Blank Warrant and permit me to fill up my Lad’s name (from this date if you Please) in the American Navy. He was baptised Josiah Williams in memory of my poor blind Brother.

I do not like to ask the Doctor myself because I know he does not like to refuse me, and if there is any impropriety in the Request it will be better to come from you—a neglect of this Letter will be refusal enough, and that saves disagreable Feelings all round. I am my dear Billy with the most perfect affection ever yours