To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 27 August 1793
From Alexander Spotswood
August 27. 1793
Dear Sir
Pardon me for troubling you once more in behalf of my Son John. (he writes me, that he has received much civility from Mr Morris—but has had, as yet, no offer of a Birth in his Indiaman whose arriveal, I am Told, is daily expected.[)] Hitherto he has been constantly employed; and will return to Philadelphia, in October from his Second Voyage. I could wish him to be on Some certainty with Mr Morris; by which he can determine, whether to remain in, or quit, his present employment. his views are altogather in the India line; & I wish him in that service as soon as possible, That he may be pushing himself forward towards promotion; (& be makeing himself acquainted with the trade.[)]1 Therefore will thank you to Speak to Mr Morris once more on the Subject.2 as to the Birth which Mr Morris may give him as a mate, will I presume depend on his Abilities, which can be only Known by inquiery of those he has Served under from the port of Philadelphia; & a personal Examination. yr freindship Towards my son, will lay under obligations, one, who is with the most profound Attachment to yr person; & with sentiments of highest Esteem & affection yr most Ot st
A. Spotswood
This will be deliverd you by Mr Bathard Dangerfeild the Second Son, of my former frd Mr Wm Dangerfeild of Belvideira—who haveing served his time to the sea is now in philadelphia—for the purpose of takeing the command of a Mr Maurys ship—he is a most worthy respectable character—and the smallest notice from you will be of Service to him.3
ALS, DLC:GW. The address on the cover sheet reads: “To The President of the United States in [care of] Mr B. Dangerfield Philadelphia.” The docket reads: “23d Augt 1793.”
1. Alexander Spotswood’s previous letters to GW regarding his son’s desire for maritime employment were written on 4 Dec. 1791, and 14 Mar. and 10 July 1792. GW wrote a letter of recommendation for John Augustine Spotswood to Robert Morris on 23 July 1792. On John’s current employment, see his letter to GW of 28 Aug. 1792, and note 1.
2. GW enclosed Alexander Spotswood’s letter in one he wrote Robert Morris on 5 Sept. 1793, and he informed Spotswood of this fact in a letter to him of 3 Oct. 1793.
3. Bathurst Daingerfield (1767–1827) was a son of William Daingerfield (d. 1783) and Sarah Taliaferro Daingerfield, whose estate Belvidera was just south of Fredericksburg, Virginia. He later settled in Alexandria, Va., where he served as that port’s surveyor and inspector of customs from 1817 until his death (Senate Executive Journal, 3:70–72, 238, 419, 427). Daingerfield may have been employed by either Fontaine or James Maury, both merchants from Fredericksburg, Virginia.