At the time my Name was given into the Secretarys Office by Harrison G. Otis Esqr. for the purpose of obtaining a Commission, I conceived it unessary to come forward with any futher recomendation, And by a Letter which I recd. soon after from Mr. Otis, induced me to beleive that my Name would rest a long time upon the Secretarys Books before I should receive a Commission, inconsequence of which, tho’t nothing more of the business; And engaged as SCargo of a large Ship to go to Leghorn, On my Arrival in Boston, I found I was Appointed 2d. Leut. of the 14 Regt. of Infantry in the Compy Commanded by Cap Thwing, by the Advice of my friends, I was induced to Accept of the Appointment altho the rank was not agreeable to my expectations; the Knowledge, which I have Obtained in Military Tactics, And my early age in entering into Military Life, And my holding Commissions before & the full recomendation, which I could have come forward with—Such as Genl Lincoln, Genl Knox, Genl. Jackson & many other Military Characters, certainly gives me a superiority of Rank. And many quite young placed over me, since my Appointment gives me a feeling rather disagreeable to a man of any feelings—

I have a Young Family, & from Misfortunes in business have lost my all—And my being pleased with a Military life, and feeling a happiness in the welfare of my Country induced me to accept of my Appointment, hoping on writing you a few lines I should receive your Aid towards futher promotion; If promotion could be rank’d according to Ancêtres—mine would be great, but as merit alone purchases I shall endevour to Obtain it by that alone; If its Necessary at this time to obtain the first Characters to recomend me I can do it, As every Assistance of that Kind has been Offerd me, And they are sorry I did not let them No. I had an inclination for the Army, as they would have come forward And endevour’d to have Obtained me a more deserving Commission; but as I now wear the bage of an Offecer it shall never be disgraced, but by Exertions shall endevour to gain your Assistance; the Liberty I have taken in Addressing these Lines to You, I flatter myself You’l excuse—

Excepting my Warmest Wishes for Your health, I remain with Esteem Your Mo Obd. Servt