To George Washington from John Daves, 29 December 1789
From John Daves
New Bern [N.C.] 29th December 1789.
Sir:
North Carolina having adopted the new Constitution I presume that Officers are soon to be appointed in the several Ports of this State; In the Year 1784 I was favored by the General Assembly with the appointment of Collector for Port Beaufort to which New Bern belongs—the inclosed Certificates will shew in what manner I have acquitted myself in the discharge of that Office, and if Sir you will have the Goodness to appoint me to the same Office under the new Government, I hope that my future Conduct will not give you any reason to complain.
Having a Wife and some small children, neither the Remains of the pay that I was able to save when the Army was disbanded, nor the profits of the Office I now hold, make it convenient for me to give personal attendance at New York, this circumstance, however, I am persuaded, will have no effect on your deliberations. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most obedient and respectful Servant
John Daves
ALS, DLC:GW.
John Daves (1748–1804), a native of Mecklenburg County, Va., moved to North Carolina before the Revolution and served as an ensign, lieutenant, and captain with North Carolina forces during the war, receiving nearly forty thousand acres of land in Tennessee for his services. He was reappointed collector at New Bern in 1790 (, 2:57, 60, 527).