To George Washington from Samuel Hanson, 3 April 1789
From Samuel Hanson
Alexa. 3d April 1789
Sir
I do myself the honour to forward to you a Package, enclosing some Cloth & Buttons, which was put under my care by Genl Knox.1
When I left N. York (which was this day week) there were wanting, to make a House, two Senators & four Delegates. Mr Ellmer & Mr Gale left Brunswick the same day I came from N. York. On Monday I was informed at Wilmington that Mr Read had set out that day, to go to Philadelphia by water. Three of the Jersey Delegates were expected in on Monday, and 3 of those from Pennsylvania were to leave Phila. on that day: So that there is little doubt that a House is made by this time.2
Should The Package have received any slight injury, I must beg you will not impute it to any want of care or attention in me, but to the constant rains & a very crouded Stage (to the number of Eleven Passengers). With the utmost respect & esteem I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient & most humble Sert
S. Hanson of Sam⟨l⟩
P.S. Mr R. Henry Lee crossed the Susquehannah on Monday last.
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. See Knox to GW, 27 Mar. 1789.
2. For Congress’s delay in convening, see Knox to GW, 5 Mar. 1789, n.1. Hanson, who had written GW in January concerning a position under the new government and received a noncommittal reply, went to New York in mid-March to pursue his quest in person, carrying with him supporting letters for his application. See Hanson to GW, 7 Jan., and GW to Hanson, 10 Jan. 1789; and Tench Coxe to James Madison, 16 and 18 Mar. 1789, in 12:17–18, 20–22.