Yours of 30 ult. came safe to hand with the enclosures. I have Spoken to Genl. Gates to interest himself in your favour. I am to wait on him at his Lodgings tomorrow morning at 9 O' Clock to concert measures for your benefit.(1) He is your friend and if any thing farther can be done for you my endeavours shall not be wanting; but Genl. Cornell thinks the papers you have sent will not authorize the Auditor to recede from his former determination.
I shall neglect no opportunity to apply for a command for you in the navy.(2) You may expect to hear from me as soon as your business shall have been determined.
Yours &c, D. Howell.
RC (CtMyMHi: Talbot Papers).
1 See Howell to Talbot, July 17, 1782, note.
2 Ezekiel Cornell also wrote Talbot the following letter the next day explaining his recent efforts to secure Talbot a naval command.
"I have received your letter of the 29th Ulto. I immedeately applied to Mr. Morris who as agent of Marine has the direction of all Continental Ships and Vessels, he informed me that he had sent blank instructions to Mr. Russell of Boston with orders to him that in case circumstances would not permit Capt. Nicolson to proceed as commander of the Dean Frigate on her intended cruise to fill up those instructions to the oldest Capt. in that quarter and that notwithstanding his opinion of you was favourable yet he could not revoke the orders he had given." Talbot Papers, CtMyMHi.