To George Washington from Stephen Moylan, 21 October 1793
From Stephen Moylan
West Chester [Pa.] Octobr 21st 1793
Sir
the communication between the City and country is So much interupted that I am uncertain whether my Letter to the Secretary of State has ever reached him, I take the Liberty of inclosing a copy therof, that you Sir may Know the reason of my nonacceptance of the Office of Marshal which you was pleased to Offer to me1—an Office is now vacant by the death of Fredrick Phyle naval Officer if you will please to confer it on me I will exert myself in fullfilling the duties of it Whether you think me worthy of this favor or not you may be assured Sir; it will make no alteration in the Sentiments of esteem and respect, which a long acquaintance with your virtues has indelibly impressed on the mind of Sir your obedient and much obliged humb. Servt
Stephen Moylan
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. In the enclosed copy of his letter to Thomas Jefferson of 19 Sept., Moylan wrote “that nothing but the narrowness of my circumstances makes me decline accepting this honorable office, I had but little time to gain information respecting its income if I thought the emoluments of it were at present Such, that with a Rigid Oeconomy I coud mentain my familly I most certainly woud accept of it, but from the little information I can procure, the income does not exceed 400 dollrs ⅌ annum—I hold an office under the State which brings me about that Sum, which with the product of a Small farm enables me to rub thoro Life in this country with decency it woud not do in the City.” Moylan also asked that Jefferson “Lay this before the President” (DLC:GW). Jefferson’s docket on the original letter indicates that it was received by him on 4 Nov. (, 27:137–38).