George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Michael Jenifer Stone, 9 June 1790

From Michael Jenifer Stone

June 9th 1790

Sir

I have taken the Liberty to enclose a Letter from Major Swan recommending Colonel Barton1—I had not the pleasure of being known to that Gentleman untill the present. But I am intimately acquainted with Major Swan and have the fullest confidence in his recommendation of Col. Barton. I have the Honor to be sir your most respectfull and obedient

M. J. Stone

ALS, DLC:GW.

1The enclosed letter was written by John Swan of Baltimore, who served as an officer of dragoons from 1777 until the close of the Revolution, rising to the rank of major. In it Swan introduced William Barton who hoped “to fill One of the Offices under Congress—This Gentmns active Conduct during the revolution Speaks forcibly in his favor” (John Swan to Michael Jenifer Stone, 8 June 1790, DLC:GW). Barton had initially applied for a customs position at Providence in September 1789 (see Barton to GW, 3 Sept. 1789). New York businessman Royal Flint described Barton to Alexander Hamilton as “popular among the lower class of people” (Flint to Hamilton, 14 June 1790, Hamilton Papers, DLC). GW appointed Barton surveyor at Providence on 14 June 1790 (see GW to the U.S. Senate, 14 June 1790).

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