Joshua Merryman to Tobias Lear, 15 August 1793
Joshua Merryman to Tobias Lear
Baltimore 15 August 1793
Dear Sir
As I trust you will gladly embrace an opportunity to oblige me, so there is no Man to whom I had rather lay myself under an Obligation. I apply to you, therefore, preferably to any body else, for a favor which I am extremely desireous to obtain. To wit, for you to name me to His Excelency the President of the United States as a candidate for the surveyers Office in this Town, which is Vacant by the Death of Mr Ballard, and favor me with your interest.1
I have deemed a long list of recommendations Unnessisary, as you must have known me in Alexandria long enough to form some opinion of my Private Character. Should I be so fortunate as to succeed in my application, I shall be ready and Willing to give such security as may be required, for the faithful discharge of the Office.2 I remain with sentiments of respect, Your Most Obt Hble Servt
Joshua Merryman.
ALS, DLC:GW. The postal stamps on the cover read “BALT AUG 15” and “PAID,” above which is written “12½.” This Joshua Merryman may be the same as “Joshua Mareman” of St. Mary’s County, who appears in the 1790 federal census for Maryland (Heads of Families [Maryland], 105).
1. For the other applicants for the vacant surveyor’s position at Baltimore, see David Plunket to GW, 7 Aug. 1793, and note 1.
2. For GW’s decision to appoint Daniel Delozier to the vacant position, see GW to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 25 Aug. 1793.