To Alexander Hamilton from Josiah Parker, 5 March 1790
From Josiah Parker1
New York, March 5, 1790. Suggests changes in the customs service in the Norfolk, Virginia, district. Believes that Norfolk is too exposed to a possible enemy assault and recommends removal of the collector’s office to Portsmouth, Virginia. Advocates increasing the number of customs officials and placing them at strategic points in order to tighten customs enforcement. Discusses complaints of some officials about inadequate compensation.
ALS, Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford.
1. Parker, who had served as a colonel during the Revolution, had been a member of the Virginia House of Delegates in 1780 and 1781, and was elected to the House of Representatives from Virginia on March 4, 1789.