Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Gabriel Christie, 11 October 1806

Baltimore 11th. October 1806,

Sir

In my letter of yesterday which I hope you have recieved, I made application for the appointment of Collector of the Customs of this Port, since which I am informed that there will be a great many applications for that Office, and some are very industrious to procure recommendations for the purpose.—I beliave Sir I can say with truth that I have it in my power to obtain as many respectable names in the City, by way of recommendation for that Office as any one who makes the application; But relying on your Knowledge of my Charectir, added to a wish not to make my Application Public, has prevented me from resorting to that mode; in addition to the reasons given in my letter of Yesterday, for wishing the appointment, I have to observe that it wd. be peculiarly usefull to me just now, my health being on the decline for some time past, I retir’d from business in Havre-de-Grace, clear of the world, but with a property which I now find not sufficent for the support of a large Family. therefore without the aid of some thing of this Kind, I shall be forced again to resume a Business which my health will not permitt me, properly to attend too.—I can truly assure you Sir that I am in all respects competent to discharge the duties of this Office, and will attend to it with fidelity, and have no doubt but my appointment will meet the approbation generaly of the respectable part of this community, this Sir being the first time that I have intruded myself upon your notice, and beliaving that I have some pretentions to executive favor, I cherish a well grounded hope that I shall not be disappointed; but Sir as I said in my first letter, I shall rest satisfy’d with whatever may be your determination, and shall submitt to it without a murmer well Knowing the motives that goven you on such occasions—

I am Sir Your Obt. Servt.

G. Christie

DNA: RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.

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