To George Washington from William Vans Murray, 8 February 1797
From William Vans Murray
3d St. [Philadelphia] 8. Feb. 1797.
Sir,
It is said that a vacancy has occurred in the collectorship of the port of Wilmington, in Delaware1—In bringing to view the name of Mr Vining, who has since the adoption of the government had the honour of being personally known to you, Sir, I need only add that I believe Mr Vining would be gratify’d by being appointed collector.2 I am with most respectful attachment Sir yr mo. ob. svt
W. V. Murray.
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. George Bush, the collector of customs at Wilmington, Del., had died on 2 February.
2. John Vining, a U.S. senator from Delaware, had dined on several occasions with GW and other members of Congress early in GW’s presidency (see , 6:45, 71, 89). Vining was not appointed to the customs collectorship; GW instead selected Allen McLane for the post (see Jacob Broom to GW, 4 Feb., and n.2). Vining continued to serve in the Senate until his resignation in January 1798.