Philadelphia 16th Septr. 1776
Dear Sir,
Since your brother left this City, Mr. Nicholson has been confirmed first Lieutenant of the Washington, and his worthy brother may be assured that in settling the rank of the Captains his merit will not be forgotten.1 It is not probable that the Frigates will sail in fleets for some time; and therefore tis likely that no higher appointment than that of Captain will soon take place. It will be highly proper for Captain Nicholson to hasten on the Virginia (for that is most certainly the name of the Baltimore Frigate) as quick as possible. Her great obstruction, I fear, will be Anchors. However, we hope that will be removed eer long, as measures have been taken to procure them.
You will shortly see published the conference of our Members with Lord Howe on Staten Island, in which you will find that his Lordships much talked of powers, are no more than to confer & converse with Gentlemen of influence, and to prosecute the war! We anxiously expect here, the issue of a long Cannonade at York, and another lately on Lake Champlain.
I am Sir Your most humble Servant,
Richard Henry Lee
Receiver’s copy, Maryland Historical Society.
Printed also in James Curtis Ballagh, The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, Volume 1, 1762 - 1778, pp. 217. Addressed "Samuel Purviance junr. Esqr Merchant in Baltimore Maryland."
1 John Nicholson had been appointed 2nd lieutenant of the frigate Washington on August 22. When the Marine Committee’s report was approved on October 10, Capt. James Nicholson was ranked first among captains of the Continental Navy. JCC, 5:697, 6:861. See also William J. Fowler, "James Nicholson and the Continental Frigate Virginia," American Neptune 34 (April 1974): 135 - 41.