1To John Adams from John Punderson Austin, 4 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
My Father, who now holds the Office of Collector of the Customs, for the District of New Haven, being apparently very near the close of life, I take the liberty to make known to you the desire I have to succeed him in that Office. I have been his Deputy and Assistant in the Office ever since I finished my collegiate course of studies, which is now five years past; during this period he has...