Inquiry to Captain Joshua Barney regarding relative rank with Captain Talbot and whether he will accept appointment as Captain

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[Captains Barry - Nicholson - Talbot - Dale - S Truxton -] Sir War department, June 5. 1794 The President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate has appointed you to be a Captain of one of the Ships to be provided in pursuance of the act to provide a naval armament, herein inclosed. It is to be understood that the relative rank of the Captains are to be in the following order: John Barry Samuel Nicholson Silas Talbot Joshua Barney Richard Dale - Thomas Truxton - You will please inform me as soon as convenient whether you accept or decline the appointment. I am Sir, &c. [Capt. Josh. Barney] Sir War department June 5. 1794 The President of the United States by and with the advice and consent of the Senate has appointed you to be Captain of one of the Ships to be provided in pursuance of the act to provide a naval armament herein enclosed. - It is to be understood that the relative rank of the Captains are to be in the following order - John Barry Samuel Nicholson Silas Talbot Joshua Barney Richard Dale Thomas Truxton - Since the nominations to the Senate were made known, been said that you would not accept the appointment on the ground that Captain Talbot was junior in rank to

Type

Letterbook

Description

Barney has been appointed as Captain of one of frigates being constructed as a result of Naval Act 1794. Barney has made it known that he will not accept the appointment. There is an issue of standing in rank; evidently Barney thinks Captain Talbot is junior to him. Knox explains that Talbot was appointed a Navy Captain from Colonel in 1779, whereas it appears Barney continued as a Lieutenant through the end of the war. Knox asks that Barney inform as to whether he will accept or reject his appointment, as soon as it is convenient.

Date

06/05/1794

Document number

1794060500655

Page start

Notable persons

Joshua Barney

Henry Knox

Captain Silas Talbot

Secretary of War

Colonel

Captain

Lieutenant

Notable items

Naval Act 1794

appointment

rank