To George Washington from William Deakins, Jr., 13 August 1791
From William Deakins, Jr.
Geo. Town [Md.] Augt 13: 1791
Sir
At the Earnest solicitation of Captain Benja. Ellingwood, I am Induced to take the Liberty to Address you in his favor, he came from Beverley & settled here about two years ago in the Merchantile Line, but finding it Very unprofitable, he wishes to get the Command of one of the Armed Cutters.1 I beleive him to be a Man of true Honor & great Integrity & well Qualified for such a trust, he served on board the Dean Frigate Capt. Saml Nicholson as Masters Mate, as Early in the War as 1777, after which he took the Command of an Armed Ship belonging to Messrs John & Andrew Cabot in whose employ he Continued untill the End of the Warn2 Mr George Cabot, who is well acquainted with Capt. Ellingwood, will give you his Charactor & Qualifications—I hope you Sir, will excuse the Liberty I have taken as it is Meant to serve a good Man. I am with the greatest respect Sir Your Obt Hble Servt
Will. Deakins Junr
ALS, DLC:GW. The cover indicates this letter was sent “By Mr Cabot.”
1. Benjamin Ellinwood served under Samuel Nicholson on the Continental frigate Deane in 1777 before being commissioned to command the ship Sebastian in September 1779 and the brigantine Active in May 1780.
2. Capt. Samuel Nicholson (1743–1811) distinguished himself in the Continental navy during the Revolutionary War and was recommissioned in 1794. In 1798 he was given command of the frigate Constitution.