Pickman, William (1747 or 8-1815) to John Langdon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06529 Author/Creator: Pickman, William (1747 or 8-1815) Place Written: Salem, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 June 1778 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 30.5 x 17.7 cm. Order a Copy
Pickman, a Salem shipping merchant, states "A most mortifying accident has occurred which will be extremely Injurious to me unless removed Immediately- the Ship Black Prince is now fit for a cruise with every Article Compleat but by some unaccountable delay of Our Court no Commission can now be obtained." Requests that Langdon, a Continental navy agent, furnish him with the necessary commission. States "should Our Ship be detained we may lose every Man." Relates that Captains Smith and Orne (possibly referring to Captain Josiah Orne) "will wait on you with this any Obligation they enter into with you I will be bound to Perform."
Langdon served as a Continental Congressman 1775-1776 and as a United States Senator from New Hampshire 1789-1801.
Salem June 21st. 1778
Dear Sir
A most mortyfying Accident has occurdd which will be extremely Injurious to me unless removed Immediately, -the ship Black Prince is now fit for a cruise with every article compleat but by some Unaccountable delay of our court no commission can now be obtaind. I have been Inform,d it is in your Power to supply one & though this application may be putting your Friendship to the Test yet I doubt not it in your Power you will furnish me with one-should
you have a Commission in reserve for any Vessel of your own - not fit for the sea - I will engage to obtain one in return, though it should cost a Journey to Congress. You can judge of our situation & consequent feelings, if you reflect we have many Vessels now fitting with old commissions & should our ship be detaind we may lose every man - I therefore beg you would grant this further proof of your friendship & when an opportunity shall offer of returning it you need not command in vain - I am with sincere esteem
Wm Pickman
Capt Smith & Capt Ame
will wait on you with this
any Obligation they enter into with you
I will be bound to Perform-
WP-
Colol Langdon
[docket]
William Pickmans
Letter June 1778
Answ.
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