Private General Benjamin Lincoln Boston Private Treasury Department 7th June 1798 Sir I have received the directions of the President to ascertain your opinion upon a subject which though is be of a nature peculiarly delicate and one with which men not officially responsible, reluctantly interfere, will I am persuaded be given with candor and impartiality and after a due estimate of every circumstance which ought to be considered.

The question is whether Captain Samuel Nicholson possesses the prudence, bravery, diligence and talents for command which his station is the navy requires, or generally whether the good of the service renders a new appointment proper. It is also requested that your opinion in respect to the qualifications of Captain John Foster Williams for the command of a Cruizer of Fourteen Guns may in like manner be communicated. The age and services of both these characters will I am certain plead strongly in their favor, you will however naturally consider the present critical state of our Country, the magnitude of the Interest at stake and the obligation imposed on all good men to afford aid to the President in the discharge of this arduous duties. I am with great respect Sir Your obedt. Serv[an]t Oliver Wolcott

Benjamin Lincoln