To George Washington from Samuel Griffin, 14 May 1794
From Samuel Griffin
Wednesday 14th May 1794
Mr Griffin presents his most respectfull Compliments to the President of the United States. he sincerely hopes that the President does not suppose, that Mr G. recommended Mr Brown, in preference to Capt. Dale, Mr G. can assure the President that far from his entertaining an Idea of that kind, that had he the power of making the appointments, Capt. Dale would be one of the very first Men in the United States that he would fix on for a Command in the Navy.1
ALS, DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters.
1. On 3 June, GW nominated Richard Dale (1756-1826), who had served in the Continental navy during the Revolutionary War, to become one of the captains of the naval frigates under construction. The Senate confirmed the nomination on 4 June. Dale commanded a Mediterranean squadron in 1801 and resigned in December 1802. Griffin’s recommendation of Mr. Brown has not been found.