[Page 1: Illegible Text — Some or all of the pages of this file are wholly or in part illegible. We have not been able either to locate a better copy of the document, or to enhance its legibility electronically.] [Docket panel: Dedham Nov 11 1795 / [undecipherable] C[apt.] / [undecipherable] Roberts] [Address:] The Hon^ble Timothy Pickering Esq^r Sec^y of War Philadelphia [Left margin notation:] Introdn N^o [undecipherable] True — [undecipherable] Dedham Nov 11 1795 The friends of Capt Joseph Roberts, have requested me to make known to you, for the consideration of the President, and [undecipherable]tion, a very [undecipherable] favor, his appointment [strikethrough: to the command] to one of the U.S. Ships of war. My knowledge of his character, with I think authorises me to recommend him, with some [undecipherable] to your attention, although I am very sensible more information than I possess will be required, and is [undecipherable] previously to his appointment. Three or four years ago some merchants in Boston employed him on a voyage to the South Sea and it was even contemplated to visit Japan. The nature of the project attracted my curiosity and induced me, among other topics, to be inquisitive concerning Capt Roberts. I was then inform'd that he was a man of uncommon fidelity, spirit and capacity — equally undaunted in danger, cool and persevering, an excellent experienced seaman, and in a word, a man fit for the enterprise. This character [undecipherable] by those who gave it, for they were warmly his friends, is, I believe just. I know very well Sir, that a man ought to have [undecipherable] good qualities to fill the office that is solicited for him. I desire therefore for you [undecipherable] and also for my own [undecipherable]tion, to give you the grounds of my recommendation, and also to inclose to you, as I do, the letters from [undecipherable] Otis and [undecipherable] of Boston, both men of [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] this, with sentiments of great respect, I am your most obed^t Servant [Signature: undecipherable] [The Hon^ble the Sec^y of War] [several lines of undecipherable administrative notations]