[Address leaf: To James McHenry Secy of War] [Docket: T. Evans [undecipherable] / James McHenry [undecipherable] / [undecipherable] Nomination of [undecipherable] / Thomas [undecipherable] Brig[?] / [undecipherable] recommendation is from / Navy — [undecipherable] / Abijah Tufts — Surgeon / Thomas Reynolds — Surg[eon] / Franklin Wharton — [undecipherable] / Marines — [undecipherable] / N.^o 310, 320 & 327 / Rec'd June 3.^d 1798] [NN — Tufts &c] Dear Sir, I take the liberty of enclosing to you two letters, the one from Col. James Baytop & the other from M^r. Mordecai Booker in favour of a D^r. Abijah Tufts who is desirous of an appointment as Surgeon to one of the armed Ships about to be fitted out by Gov.^t — I am wholly ignorant of the character of D^r. Tufts further than what is contained in those Letters: the Gentlemen from whom they come, I have had the honor of serving with several times as Representatives of the County of Gloucester in the Assembly of Virginia, & have confidence that they would not make such a recommendation without a conviction of the propriety thereof. — I had also two letters, the one from M^r. W^m. Reynolds & the other from M^r. T. Griffin of York Town in Virginia in favour of a D^r. Tho. Reynolds for a like appointment — with D^r. Reynolds I am also unacquainted personally: he is a son of M^r. W. Reynolds, who is collector of the Customs at York & is a worthy man: M^r. Griffin is a Gentleman worthy of the highest confidence as you will perceive by his letter above: these letters however I put into the hands of the Attorney Gen.^l who wished possession of M^r. G.'s or another acct & who promised to deliver them both to you. — I was requested to mention to you the desire of M^r. Franklin Wharton of this City, to be appointed to the command of the Marines on board the U.S. Frigate in case Cap^t. McBray should be removed to another station & such some expectation was entertained. I have not the pleasure of an intimate acquaintance with M^r. Wharton, but as he is a [undecipherable] of his place it is presumed the fullest information may readily be had of his [undecipherable]: his port is that of a Gentleman & a Soldier: his principles most decided in support of our Gov.^t & his connection with some of the best friends of our country: in particular he is the brother of Rob.^t Wharton Esq.^r one of the Aldermen of this City, whose worth cannot be unknown to you. M^r. F.W. is also a Gentleman of fortune, without a family — unencumbered & prompted only by patriotism to offer his services to his country. With perfect esteem, I am, Dear Sir, your friend & [undecipherable], T. Evans. The Hon.^ble James Mc.Henry Sec.^y of War. June 4. 1798.