Talbot, Silas (1751-1813) to John Adams
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.07279 Author/Creator: Talbot, Silas (1751-1813) Place Written: On board the Frigate Constitution Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 July 1799 Pagination: 2 p. ; 30.4 x 18.3 cm. Order a Copy
Talbot thanks President Adams for receiving the commission of Captain of the Navy and "also another to Cotton Thayer as Second Lt. of Marines." Talbot has difficulty accepting this commission because he fears he will be a junior officer to someone who does not deserve to be ranked ahead of him, citing [John] Barry, [Samuel] Nicolson, and [Thomas] Truxton. "I consider a commission only as a certificate or evidence of an appointment, why then have I not untill this day been furnished with the Evidence of my first appointment under the present Government as well, or instead of the Letter." Talbot does not have "confidence" in the Navy Department. Talbot respectfully declines the commission and wishes to retire from the service. Noted at the top as a "copy," though written in Talbot's hand and signed by him. Originally eclosed with GLC02437.07282.
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