I have Written to Majr. Thomas M Randolph & the Secretary of State to use their Interest With You, the Secretarys of the Navy or War department; to Endeavour to procure for my Son Either a Birth in the Navy or a Commission in the Army; he Exprsed a desire of Joining the Navy Some time ago & beleive he was Recommended by Majr. T. M. Randolph. not Receving an appointment Immidiately, he fell in with a Recruiting officer & Joined the Army in the Capacity of a Serjt. Thinking at that time there would be a Necessity for men to Fight the Spaniards; I should be Verry Unwilling for him to go in the Army in his present Standing as the Company he would be obliged to Keep so far from being any advantage would probably be a great Disadvantage to him as among the Soldiery at this day no Improvement of the mind Could be Expected and there would be a great chance to get his morralls Entirely Corrupted. I have Taken Considerable Pains to make him Acquainted with Military Tactics and beleive my self he would make an Excellent officer if you think Proper to Prefer him or cause him to be prefered Either in the Army or Navy you will Verry much Oblige me I am in hopes if he Receives an appointment he will not disgrace it I have Written to Majr Randolph & the Secretary of State in his behalf probably you will Receve applications on his behalf from one or Both of them I am with Sentements of Respect &c yours