To George Washington from Daniel Brodhead, 4 April 1789
From Daniel Brodhead
Philadelphia April 4th 1789.
Dear General
I most sincerely congratulate you upon your election to the most dignified station in the nation, and I pray God to continue your services to your Country for many years.
As you will soon be involved in a multiplicity of Business, I take the liberty to beg the favor of such Testimonial of my Services in the late army, as you may think me entitled to.1 I have with reluctance made this application, but as circumstance may render it necessary, trust I shall be excused.2 With most respectfull Compliments to your Lady I have the Honor to be with the most perfect attachment & respect Dear General your most Obedt Servt
Daniel Brodhead
ALS, DNA:PCC, item 78.
Following the war Daniel Brodhead (1736–1809), Revolutionary officer and Indian fighter, retired to his home in Pike County, Pennsylvania. For more than a decade after 1789, he served as surveyor-general of Pennsylvania.
2. Writing three days later, Brodhead reported that he had learned “that sundry offices of Profit particularly the Naval office, & that of Commissioner of Impost revenue” were at GW’s disposal. He explained that his “circumstances, by a variety of unforeseen accidents, being much injured,” he stood in need of one of these offices. “I am not anxious for wealth,” he continued, “but, for what time it may please God to continue me in this life, I wish to live in a decent stile & with reputation” (DLC:GW).