George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-07-02-0140

To George Washington from Robert Ballard, 20 January 1791

From Robert Ballard

Baltimore [Md.] Jany 20th 1791

Sir

Information being received here that an Health Officer for this Port would be shortly appointed, and that the appointment came from your Excellency, I humbly beg leave to recommend Mr Benjamin Dashiell to your Excellency’s Notice as a Worthy and deserving Man to fill that office.1 An Appointment of the sort has been expected from our State Legislature—the inclosed list of Subscribers being a true Copy will shew your Excellency the good Opinion the Citizens of Baltimore ente[r]tain for Mr Dashiell.2 I am with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys Most Obdt, Humble Servt

Robert Ballard

ALS, DLC:GW.

1On legislative efforts to establish the office of health officer for the port of Baltimore, see John Coulter to GW, 23 Dec. 1790, n.1. Ballard had previously recommended John Coulter for the post (see Coulter to GW, 23 Dec. 1790). Benjamin Dashiell (1736–1799), a Baltimore ship captain, was commissioned to command the brig Fox in August 1779. Dashiell received no appointment from GW.

2The enclosed memorial recommending Dashiell for “his long Services as Master of Vessels in this State and his Strong attachment to our Glorious Revolution,” was signed by 136 men, mostly residents of Baltimore with some from nearby counties (DLC:GW).

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