Lebanon 3^d May 1800 Sir I beg leave to mention to you the Name of a Gentleman M^r W^m Roberts, who wishes to be introduced into the Navy of the United States — He is a young Gentleman born in this State — [interlined: now living in this Town] — of between 25 & 30 Years old — He has had a good School Education added to a natural good Understanding — He has studied the higher Branches of Learning, particularly Surveying & Navigation, tho he has never practised the latter — He is a Man of Gentlemanly, Genteel Appearance — [tho] I am not particularly acquainted with him, he discovers himself to be a Man of Spirit & Determination — I am well informed he is of good Republican [undecipherable: Ground?] in his political Sentiments — The young Gentleman presents himself as a Candidate for the Naval Service, not looking to any particular Appointment, but will be satisfied to be introduced with a Birth from 1^st of Marines down to a Midshipman — [and] that tho he not be gratified in the first Instance, he would soon be able by his [undecipherable] to merit something more [undecipherable] — From the Information I have received, I have reason to believe him qualified for the Service — [strikethrough: undecipherable] on Board either of the Ships now fitting in [undecipherable] — [undecipherable] — He will obey you Call at any Moment you please — and directed under Cover to me will find him without Delay — Hon. Secy of Navy — I am &c JJ [address panel: Secy of the Navy] [My [undecipherable] [undecipherable: Brandully?]] [Lebanon]