From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Johnson, 27 March 1789
To William S. Johnson1
[New York] March 27. 89
Dr Sir
The bearer of this is a Mr. Claxton,2 who is desirous of being a messenger or something equivalent. I feel an interest in his success, as he is a man of qualifications superior to his present aims. His memorial,3 which he will deliver you, is of his own drafting, by which you will perceive that he has some literary pretension. He has followed the Printing business; but from the ill effect of it on his health is obliged to seek other employment. He is fœderalist & has suffered as such. He is of good reputation for integrity & has a wife and Children to support.
Yrs. sincerely
A Hamilton
ALS, RG 46, First Congress, 1789–91, Applications for jobs, National Archives.
1. Johnson represented Connecticut in the first Senate.
2. On April 4, 1789, the House voted for an assistant doorkeeper, “and upon examining the ballots, a majority of the votes of the whole House was found in favor of Thomas Claxton.” , 7).
3. Claxton’s memorial dated March 25, 1789, is in the National Archives.