I have a Son who is Just arived to a State of Manhood and Some time ago Expressed a desire of Entering on board of one of our Vessells & pr[o]cured a Letter of Recommendation as I have been Informed from Majr. Thomas M. Randolph to the Secretary of the Navy to pr[o]cure him a birth. Some short time since when there was an Expectation of having a Brush with the Spaniards he fell in company with a Recruiting officer & Joined the army. I am Verry unwilling for him to go in the Army in his present Standing if you will be so obliging to use your Interest with the President the Secretary of the Navy or War department to Get my Son as High a Birth in one of our Vessells or in the Army as you Can you will Confer an Obligation both On him & me I am in hopes he will not disgrace the Recommendation I am with Sentiments of Respect Yours &c