To George Washington from Stephen Moylan, 7 January 1796
From Stephen Moylan
Philadelphia January 7th 1796
Sir
I was last evening in company with Genl Stewart who told me that in a few weeks he woud resign the office of Surveyor of this port[.]1 I take the liberty of placeing in your view John Moylan who directed the cloathing department in the war, and with whose abilities and integrity you are not unacquainted[.]2 I assure you Sir if a doubt of his defficiency in either remained on my mind, his name shoud not be mention’d by me to you, with great respect, I have the honor to be Sir Your obedient servant
Stephen Moylan
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Walter Stewart wrote GW on 12 Jan.: “Accept my Sincere thanks for the Confidance you plac’d in me, by your Nomination to the Offices of Surveyor & Inspector for the District of Pennsylvania.
“Having Continued in those Stations for two years, I find it Incompatible with the Interest of my Family to hold them longer, must therefore request you to Accept my Resignation” (ALS, DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters).
2. John Moylan (d. 1798) was Stephen Moylan’s brother.
Additional applicants for this position included James Montgomery, who wrote GW on 10 Jan., and David Lenox, who asked Oliver Wolcott, Jr., to “mention me to the President” (Lenox to Wolcott, 6 Jan., DLC:GW).