To Alexander Hamilton from Andrew Dunscomb, 6 January 1795
From Andrew Dunscomb1
Richmond, January 6, 1795. “An event I am informed is about to take place, which excites my sorry for the cause, but still, the motives I doubt not, are most completely justifyable….2 But before you relinquish your Office, permit me to solicite your Official opinion upon my claim against the United States3 and your acceptance of my wish for your health peace and happiness.”
ALS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Dunscomb was an indefatigable office seeker. For example, see Dunscomb to H, January 26, 1794. On October 9, 1794, Edmund Randolph wrote to George Washington: “I have this morning opened a letter from Andr. Dunscomb of Richmond, addressed to you for the purpose of obtaining an office” (LC, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress).
2. This is a reference to H’s decision to resign his position as Secretary of the Treasury at the end of January. See H to Frederick A. C. Muhlenberg, December 1, 1794; H to Washington, December 1, 1794.
3. For information on Dunscomb’s petition, see Dunscomb to H, January 26, 1794, note 1, and July 16, 1794, note 2.