To George Washington from William Powell, 23 February 1793
From William Powell
Philadelphia Febry 23rd 1793
Sir
I beg leave to apologize for thus Introducing myself to your Notice.
Having solicited the appointment to the Surveyors Office in the District, of New Haven, in the State of Connecticut, lately vacated by the resignation of Hezek. Rogers Esqr. and having faithfully performed the Duties of it for upwards of two Years, I have to lament the production of those further honorable testimonials, I had obtained in my favor from New Haven, too late for their use, I now beg leave to present them to you, to evince, my application for that Office had a respectable support, from men of the first abilities & of bussiness in that City1—and as my duty leads me shall endeavour to deserve that confidence. I am with the highest esteem and Respect Sir Your most humble and obedient Servant
Wm Powell
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. By the time GW received this letter, he had already appointed William Munson to replace Hezekiah Rogers as the surveyor at New Haven, Conn. (Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 18 Feb., and note 1, and GW to U.S. Senate, 18 Feb. 1793). In September 1793 Powell again solicited GW, this time for the office of collector at that same port. However, GW had also named Munson collector at the same time he had appointed him surveyor (Powell to GW, 25, 27 September). Although Powell had been an office seeker since 1789, GW never appointed him to any position (Powell to GW, 6 May 1789). The enclosed recommendations have not been found.