George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Jeremiah Banning, 20 January 1795

From Jeremiah Banning

District of Oxford State Maryland Jany 20th 1795

Sir,

It will ever be with the greatest diffidence that I intrude on those high in Office, and more especially with matters relative to my self, and if in this address I am guilty of any indecorum I hope you will pardon me.

I am now become far advanc’d in years and having a son (Robert) whom I could wish to succeed me in the Office of Collector &c. for this Port, either immediately or hereafter as most agreeable to you.1

As to his capability, can only say, that he hath done all the business of the Custom-house at this place for many years both under the Laws of this State, and those of the United States. as the returns to the Treasury of the latter may appear, and Messrs Murray & Hindman in Congress can avouch on any further enquiery.2 I am Sir, with the greatest respect Your most Obedt servt

Jeremiah Banning Collectr

ALS, DLC:GW.

1On 2 Feb. GW nominated Robert Banning (c.1776–1845) to succeed his father, and the Senate confirmed his appointment the following day (Senate Executive Journal description begins Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America: From the commencement of the First, to the termination of the Nineteenth Congress. Vol. 1. Washington, D.C., 1828. description ends , 171). He served as collector at Oxford until 1804 and represented Talbot County in the Maryland legislature, 1812–1813, 1816, and 1825–1827.

2William Hindman (1743–1822), a Talbot County, Md., attorney, was a member of state general assembly, 1777–85, 1791–93, and 1798–1800; a delegate to the Continental Congress, 1784–86; a representative in the U.S. Congress, 1793–99; and a U.S. senator, 1800–1801.

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