United States naval officer (1756-1826) who fought in the Continental Navy during the Revolutionary War. Captured by the enemy in 1777, while serving on the Brig Lexington, he was imprisoned in Mill Prison, England, but escaped to France to join John Paul Jones. Manuscript DS, signed “R'd Dale,” one page, 8 x 10, September 2, 1818. Petition headed: "The undersigned beg leave respectfully to recommend to the Honourable Benj'n W. Crowninshield, Mr. Japes L. Lardner to be appointed a midshipman in the Navy." Signed below by several Philadelphia notables, including Commodore Richard Dale, Commodore Alexander Murray, Bishop William White, merchant and politician Robert Waln, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives George Latimer, philanthropist Paul Beck, Jr., statesman Charles Biddle, and others. In fine condition, with a rusty circular paperclip impression to the top.
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