George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Michael Morgan O’Brien, 4 May 1789

From Michael Morgan O’Brien

New York 4th May 1789.

Sir!

By the advice of my Friends, I am induced to apply to your Exellency for an Appointment in the Customs at the Port of Philadelphia.

I am informed in that Arrangement, there will be a Surveyor, and a Searcher, in either of which Capacities I shoud be happy to serve, if I am thought worthy of the Appointment.

I flatter myself it woud not be unacceptable to my fellow Citizens, and that I shoud be found to execute the Office with honour and fidelity.

I beg leave to refer your Excellency to the Honble Robert Morris, George Clymer, and Thomas FitzSimons for my character.1 I have the honour to be with respect, Sir! Your Excellency’s very hum: & most Obt Servant

Michael Morgan O’Brien

ALS, DLC:GW.

Michael Morgan O’Brien (d. 1804), a native of Ireland, was a Philadelphia merchant in the West India trade. He was a member of the Hibernian Society, of the First City Troop of Horse, and the Hibernia Fire Company, and his name frequently appears in accounts of celebrations by Irish organizations in Philadelphia.

1On 8 July 1793 Victor Collot, the governor of Guadeloupe, recommended that O’Brien be appointed consul on the island, and on 6 Dec. 1793 Thomas FitzSimons seconded the recommendation in a letter to Jefferson. Both recommendations are in DLC:GW. O’Brien did not receive the appointment.

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