To Alexander Hamilton from Josiah Parker, 11 May 1792
From Josiah Parker1
Philadelphia May 11th. 1792
Sir
The Surveyors place of the customs at Smithfield will be vacated by the present officer being elected a Member of the Assembly.2
I take the liberty to recommend Copland Parker3 of Smithfield for that office, he served as a deputy in my office at Norfolk, and is well acquainted with the duties, his youth perhaps prevented his obtaining an appointment at the first establishment of the Customs. He is now 23 years of age & will be glad of the appointment; with respect.
Your Mo. Ob servt.
J: Parker
ALS, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Parker, a member of the House of Representatives from Virginia, had been a colonel during the American Revolution and later was naval officer and collector for the District of Elizabeth River from December 20, 1783, until his election to Congress in February, 1789.
2. James Wells.
3. Commissions as inspector and surveyor of Smithfield were issued to Copland Parker, Josiah Parker’s brother, on June 30, 1792.