To George Washington from James Abercrombie, 20 October 1793
From James Abercrombie
Philada Octr 20th 1793.
Sir,
The death of Dr Frederick Phile the late Naval Officer of this State, occasioning a vacancy in that department, I beg leave to offer myself a Candidate for the appointment.
I forbear to trouble your Excellency with testimonials in my favor, as I flatter myself those recommendations which upon my application for the Treasuryship of the Mint, I presented to Coll Hamilton, will operate with equal force on the present occasion.1 I shall therefore only assure your Excellency, that If I am so happy as to obtain your approbation and patronage, my best abilities shall unremittingly be exerted, to discharge the duties of the office with fidelity and accuracy.2 I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s, Most obedt hble Servt
Jas Abercrombie
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Alexander Hamilton had enclosed the recommendations, which have not been identified, in his letter to GW of 11 April 1792.
2. Abercrombie did not receive this appointment.