1. Commissioner of the Revenue Tench Coxe wrote Wolcott on 8 July that the lighthouse being constructed at Seguin, Maine, required inspection and that Boston collector Benjamin Lincoln had recommended Daniel Coney (DNA: RG 26, Lighthouse Letters). For authorization to build a lighthouse near the mouth of the Kennebunk River, see 1 Stat. description begins Richard Peters, ed. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America, from the Organization of the Government in 1789, to March 3, 1845 . . .. 8 vols. Boston, 1845-67. description ends 368–69.

Writing to Wolcott on 11 July, Coxe reported the death of Tristram Coffin, who had kept the lighthouse at Nantucket, Mass., and listed recommendations in favor of Coffin’s son Jonathan, the acting keeper. Coxe also noted that Samuel Coffin, a former keeper, had applied for the vacancy (DNA: RG 26, Lighthouse Letters).

2. GW replied to Wolcott from Mount Vernon on 20 July: “From your Letter & the evidence exhibited in those which it enclosed, it would seem that Daniel Coney is a fit character to entrust the inspection of the Lighthouse at Seguin to; & Jonan Coffin a proper person for Keeper of the Lighthouse at Nantucket. Let them be appointed accordingly” (LB, DLC:GW). Coxe announced the appointments of Daniel Cony and Jonathan Coffin in separate letters to Lincoln dated 23 July (both DNA: RG 26, Lighthouse Letters).

Trained as a doctor, Daniel Cony (Coney; 1752–1842), of Hallowell, Maine, served as a militia lieutenant during the Revolutionary War and subsequently spent many years as a state legislator and judge.

Jonathan Coffin (1757–1831) was appointed lighthouse keeper at Nantucket and served until at least 1816.