To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Chase, 4 August 1775
From Samuel Chase8
ALS: Yale University Library
Annapolis. Augt. 4th. 1775
Dear Sir:
Colo. Harrison yesterday having informed Me that a Constitutional Post Office is now established, and that You are appointed the Head of that Department,9 the present Deputies I doubt not will be removed, particularly in this City and Baltimore Town.
Give Me Leave to recommend Mr. York as a Rider from Philadelphia. I never heard an Imputation on his Character and We have experienced his Diligence Sobriety, Punctuality and obliging Behavior. Our Letters have been frequently trusted to his Care and always delivered, I cannot therefore but wish he may be employed. I am Sir with Respect Your Most obedient Servant
Saml. Chase
Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Philadelphia
Endorsed: Mr. Chace is one of the Delegates from Maryland.
8. Chase (1741–1811) was a Maryland lawyer and politician, who since the days of the Stamp Act had been prominent in opposition to royal authority. He was a member of the colony’s committee of correspondence and one of its delegates to the first and second Congress. DAB. BF’s endorsement suggests that the two men were unacquainted at this time; seven months later they were thrown together as commissioners to Canada. We have found no trace of the man who was the subject of this letter.
9. For Benjamin Harrison (1726?-91), the father of the ninth President and a member with BF of the committee of secret correspondence, see ibid. BF’s appointment as postmaster general is discussed in our editorial note above, July 26.