To George Washington from Samuel Johnston, 1 May 1790
From Samuel Johnston
1st May 1790
Sir
The following is an Extract from Genl Gregory Collector of the District of Camden’s Letter to me.
“Respecting a Surveyor for Currituck Inlet there is no person that lives on Crow Island but Herbert. I am told the people dont like him, Mr Samuel Jasper is the only man that I think will answer, who lives on Knot’s Island, within six or seven miles of the Inlet, I have sent Mr Thomas Williams, who is Surveyor for Port Indian Town, down to the Inlet, he informs me that he can do all the Business for both Ports himself by attending at Mr Younghers lands one day in a Week there are very seldom any other than coasting Vessells which come in at that Inlet.”1
I believe the above state of facts may be relied on. I have the Honor to be sir Your most Obedient Servant
Sam. Johnston
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. In his letter to the U.S. Senate of 9 Feb. 1790, presenting nominees for the customs service for North Carolina, GW made no nomination for surveyor at Currituck Inlet. The office eventually went to Johnston’s candidate Samuel Jasper (d. 1801) of Knots Island, a merchant and justice of the peace for Currituck County, N.C., who was appointed by GW on 25 May 1790. The appointment was confirmed by the Senate the next day ( 2:69). General Gregory was Isaac Gregory, collector at Plankbridge in Camden District.