George Washington Papers

To George Washington from William Peachey, March 1789

From William Peachey

Richmond County [Va.] March 1789

Gentlemen

I have served the Publeck in some or other Capacity ever since I was twenty years old, now forty years, without any Emolument except a Bounty of Land, as a field-Officer, under the Proclamation of the King of Great Britain in the Year 1763; during the late Revolution I never quitted an active part as far as my Health and Abilities did admit, nor untill after the new Constitution of America was ratified by the State of Virginia; through all which time I never held a post of Profitt or did I sollicit one. But having now two Sons whom I wou’d wish, by giving them liberal Education, to make usefull Citizens of the united States, and the Expences thereof exceeding my Finances, I am induced to sollicit your Honorable Body for the Appointment of Collector of Import duties on Rappahanock River. Altho advanced in Years, I may venture to say that my Powers are still equal to the Business. Shoud I be indulged with the Appointment, it may answer the good purpose afore mentioned and will oblige a faithful Citizen. I am, Gentlemen, with the most profound Respect your most obedt Servt

Willm Peachey
Virginia, Richmond Co.
Rappahanock River

ALS, DLC:GW. This letter was addressed “To the Honorable the President, The Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled.”

William Peachey (Peachy; 1729–1802) served under GW as a captain in the Virginia Regiment from September 1755 to July 1757 when he lost his commission during the reduction of the regiment. In March 1758 he became a major in the 2d Virginia Regiment and served as paymaster during the Forbes expedition. After the French and Indian War Peachey served as adjutant of Virginia’s Middle District, as colonel of the 5th Virginia Regiment in 1776, represented Richmond County in the Virginia assembly in 1778, 1779, and 1780–81, and attended the Virginia Ratifying Convention in 1788. Peachey enclosed this letter in one addressed to “The Senators and Representatives from the State of Virginia in Congress” (DLC:GW).

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