Recommendation of Captain William Morris
Document 1787Captain Wiliam Morris has been appointed by the State of Virginia to command the force destined for the western frontier. Sullivan attests to Morris's fidelity, courage, good conduct and knowledge of artillery gaained by serving on board American ships
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Now I have all the pages needed. The document set is: one "Enhanced Text" notice (page 1, skip), two cover/address sheets (pages 2 and 4, duplicates), and the letter itself in enhanced and original versions (pages 3 and 5, duplicates). I'll transcribe from the clearest copies.
[Addressed: His Excellency / General Knox / Secretary of War / New York — favor of / Capt Morris]
[Endorsed: Jno Sullivan / may 10 1787]
(Portsmouth May 10th 1787
[3253]
(Dear Sir
The Bearer Capt William Morris who will have the honor of delivering this to Your Excellency was appointed a Capt by this State to command the forces destin[ed] for the Northern frontiers — The disappointment in this Case in not only mortifying to a Gentleman of his Spirit, but of no small Injury in his private concerns as a project, if that Command draw off his attention from Domestic affairs which would have been of great advantage — Should any thing offer which may be some Compensation to him, I will hazard my own Reputation, upon his fidelity Courage and good Conduct; as he has gained some knowledge of Artillery by serving on board American Ships of war Perhaps something in that way may Lay in Your Power; Every Mark of Notice & Respect Shown him by you will be considered as an obligation, confered on, for your very humble Servt
his Excy General Knox — Jno Sullivan,
Type
Autograph Letter Signed
Description
Captain Wiliam Morris has been appointed by the State of Virginia to command the force destined for the western frontier. Sullivan attests to Morris's fidelity, courage, good conduct and knowledge of artillery gaained by serving on board American ships
Date
05/10/1787
Author
Recipient
Sent from
Portsmouth
Repository
Collection
Document number
1787051040001
Page start
1
Note
Partially illegible.
Notable persons
Henry Knox
John Sullivan

