To George Washington from Nathaniel F. Fosdick, 19 May 1789
From Nathaniel F. Fosdick
Portland Casco Bay [District of Maine] 19th May 1789
Sir
Having been Naval Officer for this Port (being the Port of Falmouth) for this some time past, I take the Liberty to address your Excellency, requesting a continuation in the office under the New Government, & beg leave to refer your Excellency to the Honble Genl Knox & the Honble George Thatcher Esqrs. for proof of Character. I am Sir with the greatest respect your Excellency most Obedient & most hble sert
Nathl F. Fosdick
ALS, DLC:GW.
Nathaniel F. Fosdick (1760–1819) was a native of Marblehead, Mass., and a Harvard graduate of 1779. He had been collector at Portland under the state government since 1787. A certificate, 19 May 1789, from a group of Portland citizens attesting that he was “a person of probity & Honor and well qualified for the Office” is in DLC:GW. Fosdick was appointed collector at Portland and Falmouth by GW in August 1789 and served until 1801 (
1:10, 13).