George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Frederick Weissenfels, 2 May 1789

From Frederick Weissenfels

May 2th 1789

The Memorial of Frederick Weissenfels Most Respectfully Sheweth.

That he being far advanced in Years, And having no Mechanical Occupation nor any other employ, whereby he might Enjoy among his fellow Citizens a Comfortable subsistance he finds himself in Consequence thereof under Considerable Embarresments—his Character and Conduct in the Service of the United States during the late War he flatters himself is well known to your Excellency.

Therefore in full reliance, Your Memorialist presumes Most Respectfully to Intreat Your Excellency would be pleased to grant him the Office of a Land and tide Waiter, or any other employ in the revenue department, as in your Wisdom it should be Judged best; And he hopes to Discharge the Trust reposed in him with precision and Exactness.1

Fredk Weissenfels

LS, DLC:GW.

Frederick Weissenfels (d. 1806) was a captain in the 1st New York Regiment in 1775, lieutenant colonel of the 3d New York in 1776, and from 1779 to January 1781 commanded the 4th New York. He subsequently was lieutenant colonel in the New York Levies. He served prominently in the evacuation of New York City and the ceremonial parade honoring GW in November 1783. Weissenfels wrote other importuning letters to GW in 1788. For GW’s brusque dismissal of his appeals, see his letter to Weissenfels, 10 Jan. 1788.

1Weissenfels renewed his application on 10 July 1789 (DLC:GW).

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