Papers of John Adams, volume 5
1777-09-10
I ask pardon for giveing you this Trouble, Amidst your More Important Concerns, but being requested to forward the Inclosed,1 I beg Leave to Recomend the Person from whoom it Comes as Suitable, for a 1t. or 2d. Leiut. on Board one of the Continental Frigates, and Should you procure Such an appointment for him I doubt, Not, he will do Honour to himself, and his Country. I Presume you have a Personal Knowledge of Mr. Cunningham, and therefore Need Say Nothing of his good Sense Spirit and Attachment, to the Cause of Amirica, and as a Seaman I belive him Inferiour to Very few on the Continent. Had thare bin any Vacansies, in the Little Navy of this State, Better than that of a Master,2 Mr. Cunningham Doubtless would have had it. But Rather than, be Idle he hes Accepted that Berth for a Short Cruize, which I think Much Below his Merit. I have the Honour to be with the gratest Respect your Honours Most Obedt. Humbl. Servant
A letter from Peter Cunningham, son of Elizabeth Cunningham, sister of JA's mother. He sought JA's influence in getting him a position. His letter is in
Adams Family Correspondence
, 2:341–342.
A ship's officer next in rank below a lieutenant who was responsible for navigation (
OED
).
One of Boston's representatives to the General Court (Mass., Province Laws
, 20:4).