George Washington Papers

To George Washington from William Buchanan, 15 February 1791

From William Buchanan

Baltimore 15th Feby 1791

Sir

There having been created by the Excise Law lately passed by Congress, Officers for ascertaining the quantity & quality of American distilled Spirits. & as I doubt not but one will soon be appointed by your Excellency for this place, I take the liberty of offering my services & of becoming a Candidate for the same. As I have not the honor of being known to your Excellency, Mr Smith of this State has given me permission to refer you to him for any information you may wish respecting me. Should your Excellency think proper to appoint me, I must beg leave to assure you, that every exertion shall be made to give Satisfaction⟨.⟩ I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obedt Sert

W. Buchanan of ⟨Wm⟩

ALS, DLC:GW.

William Buchanan (1762-1815), a nephew of the Baltimore merchant John Smith, served as U.S. consul at Île de France from 1802 to 1815 (Biographical Dictionary of the Maryland Legislature, description begins Edward C. Papenfuse et al., eds. A Biographical Dictionary of the Maryland Legislature, 1635–1789. 2 vols. Baltimore, 1979–85. description ends 1:180–81). He received no appointment from GW.

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    Washington Papers
    Title
    To George Washington from William Buchanan, 15 February 1791
    Author
    Buchanan, William
    Recipient
    Washington, George
    Date
    15 February 1791

    Reference

    Cite as
    “To George Washington from William Buchanan, 15 February 1791,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-07-02-0206. [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Presidential Series, vol. 7, 1 December 1790 – 21 March 1791, ed. Jack D. Warren, Jr. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1998, p. 348.]

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