[Endorsement panel, image 1, rotated — largely illegible; partial reading:] [Alexandria 14 May 1798] [undecipherable] [undecipherable: probable reading "Col. Fitzgerald"] [Recom[mending undecipherable] M^cRea] [undecipherable] [undecipherable notation at bottom] [NN] [30] Alexandria. May 14^th 1798 Sir M^r John M^cRea who will forward this to you has a strong desire to enter into the Naval Service in defence of his Country, on board one of the Ships to be fitted out as convey to our trade, I knowing that I have the pleasure of an acquaintance with you has asked me for an introductory line on the Subject In justice to him I must say that he is a young Gentleman of an exceeding good education talents & Character & that he is pos[sessed] of too much laudable pride & zeal for the honor & Dignity of his Country to swerve from his duty in the most hazardous events He knows Navigation in Theory & has practised it in some Voyages to Europe & the W Indies & I have no doubt would in a Short time, be an useful correct Navigator his wish is to obtain the Commission of second Lieutenant, to which you may assist [undecipherable] I would not recommend him, was not persuaded that he will Support the Character with honor to himself [undecipherable] to his Country I have the honor to be with great Esteem & respect Sir Your most Obed^t Serv^t John Fitzgerald [M^r M^cRea is Nephew to your friend the Rev. M^r Alleson of Ball[imore] which [undecipherable] could have no due weight]