Richard Cranch to John Adams

As it is a part of the high Office you sustain as Commander in chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, to nominate proper Persons to fill the various Offices of in both, I take the liberty hereby to let you know that the Honble: Fisher Ames Esqr:, my Self and a number of others are desirous that the Revd. Mr William Montague (who is not unknown to you, and whose amiable Temper and universal good Character I am well acquainted with.) might be appointed Chaplain to the Frigate now building at Boston. I think his Ability and Disposition are such as will render him acceptable to the People on board as a Minister. And, as he is well versed in the Mathematicks and has been a Teacher of Navigation, I think he may be very usefull to them in that Branch of Instruction. I have also been informed that his Appointment would be peculiarly agreeable to the Wish of Capt. Nicholson the Commander.

My Intention in writing this, is meerly to bring the Subject into your View, well knowing that nothing will recommend any one to publick Employment, under your Administration, but Ability and Fidelity.

I am, with Sentiments of the highest Esteem, your obliged Brother.