George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Jacob Dūrang, 9 November 1793

From Jacob Dūrang

Philadelphia Novr 9th 1793

sir

Being informed that your Excellency was desirous to employ a Person, who could Shave, dress Hair, and otherwise wait upon you, in your Chamber, I have Presumed, to Address you upon that Subject; I Concieve myself, Sir, Competant to Such duty, and I trust, that I should be happy, in giving full Satisfaction was I to be favored with the Station, I therefore Present myself with hope for that Purpose.

With respect to my Moral Character, I have Nothing to fear, And if it shall appear to you, that I am a Man who may Answer the Purpose; I have it in my Power, to produce recommendations from Gentlemen of the first respectability in the City of Philadelphia.

I am a Married Man, by birth a German, Can speak English & French, so as to Understood, I would wish to be, sir, at your Command

Jacob Dūrang

LS, DLC:GW. Jacob Dūrang, father of the actor and dancer John Dūrang, was born near Strasbourg in the Alsace and served for a time as a surgeon in the French army. He came to Pennsylvania in 1767 and lived at Lancaster and York before moving to Philadelphia around 1781. He was a barber and surgeon, residing in 1793 on Fifth Street.

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