[Philadelphia 22 April for a [undecipherable] recommending Cap^t all ——] Dear Sir. I think I may presume upon our early Friendship to introduce a worthy Man to your acquaintance. I have known Cap^t All the Bearer of this during about 14 Years, & I have known him to be a very capable Man of abilities sufficient to entitle him to the Confidence of his country. I take it for granted that under our new & as I think pure Government every office should be filled by men of merit; personal Influence, but upon the ground of Worth & ability in each department, would be despicable & I hope to be the last man in America who would violate these principles; but I think I am safe in asking for Cap^t All such Aid as you may think due to real worth & undeserved misfortune. — I beg you to make my best respects acceptable to M^rs Knox & to believe that I shall never forget the honour of being a Bostonian & your Sincere respectful Friend. Jon Williams Philadelphia 22 April 1789.