Stoddert Accepts the Office of Secretary of the Navy
Item
Type
Autograph Letter Signed
Title
Stoddert Accepts the Office of Secretary of the Navy
Description
Letter, discusses his acceptance of office of Secretary of the Navy.
short description
Ltr, accepts position as Sec of Navy
year created
1798
month created
05
day created
28
author
sent from location
Georgetown
recipient
sent to location
War Office
in collection
in image
notable person/group
James McHenry
Benjamin Stoddert
notable location
War Office
Georgetown
Philadelphia
notable item/thing
unqualified
crisis
appointment
American
Country
claim
friendship
assistance
family
acceptance
refusal.
notable phrase
flatter me into a belief that I may be able to avoid meritted reproach.
document number
1798052840109
page start
1
number of pages
3
transcription
Geo Town 28 May 1798
D Sir
Unqualified as I really think myself, i have after a thousand struggles, accepted my honorable & at this crisis, important appointment. Who that has the feelings of an American, could refuse to try at least, to serve his Country at such a time? I put this early, my claim on your Friendship for all the assistance I shall need - & it will be a great deal.
I mean to set out for Phila as early as possible. I hope a weeks delay will not be though long - & I hope I shall not find it necessary to bestow more than a week on my private affairs. I go at first
without my Family - who are to follow - or to wait til the fall as I shall determine after [seating?] at Phila. You did not write me a word about your wishes as to my acceptance - or refusal - make up for the deficiency by writing me on the rect of this - if possible, flatter me into a belief that may be able to avoid meritted reproach - One letter, may reach me, before I learn this.
I am D Sir with great esteem, Yr [servant]
Ben Stoddert
D Sir
Unqualified as I really think myself, i have after a thousand struggles, accepted my honorable & at this crisis, important appointment. Who that has the feelings of an American, could refuse to try at least, to serve his Country at such a time? I put this early, my claim on your Friendship for all the assistance I shall need - & it will be a great deal.
I mean to set out for Phila as early as possible. I hope a weeks delay will not be though long - & I hope I shall not find it necessary to bestow more than a week on my private affairs. I go at first
without my Family - who are to follow - or to wait til the fall as I shall determine after [seating?] at Phila. You did not write me a word about your wishes as to my acceptance - or refusal - make up for the deficiency by writing me on the rect of this - if possible, flatter me into a belief that may be able to avoid meritted reproach - One letter, may reach me, before I learn this.
I am D Sir with great esteem, Yr [servant]
Ben Stoddert
Item sets
Document instances
| In image | In source | Location in source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [view document] (3 pages) | ADH08 (3 pages) | Collection: U.S. Navy Collection | Box1766-1870F1776-1800 |
Document names
| Type | Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Benjamin Stoddert | Georgetown | [n/a] |
| Recipient | James McHenry | War Office | [n/a] |