To George Washington from James Manning, 11 October 1786
From James Manning
New York 11th Octr 1786
Sir
I beg leave to introduce to your notice the Bearer, Mr Joseph Jenckes of Providence in the State of Rhode Island. He is son of Mr John Jenckes of that Town, of a good family. He was educated under me, and I have ever considered him as a young Gentleman of real worth, as a man of principle. With mercantile views he has removed to the State of Virginia. As a stranger it may be of advantage to him to have his character known to your Excellency, whose known goodness prompts you to serve & encourage real merit.1 I beg pardon for intruding upon your Excellency, and have the honour to be Sir Your very Humble Servt
James Manning
ALS, DLC:GW.
James Manning (1738–1791), president of Rhode Island College (Brown University) since its founding in 1765, was at this time representing Rhode Island in Congress.
1. Joseph, John, and Crawford Jenckes by April 1787 were partners in a firm called Jenckes, Winsor & Co., with a store on King Street in Alexandria. See also John Brown to GW, 1 November.