1From George Washington to Robert Morris, 14 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant —In reply to the object of its enclosure, I can only observe that Mr Hamilton is a Gentleman of whom I am inclined to think well, and to believe qualified for the office he solicits: But the rule, which I have prescribed to myself, being intended to preserve a freedom of choice in all nominations, forbids any engagement...