To George Washington from Andrew Dunscomb, 17 November 1789
From Andrew Dunscomb
Beekman Street No. 8 New York Novr 17th 1789
Sir,
As an Old and faithfull servant of the United States I presume to address you, and to solicit your attention and favor.
The services I have been engaged in, as particularized in the accompanying Paper No. 1 commenced with the Revolution, nor did they cease when Peace was established1—thus employed, I have been prevented from obtaining more than a mere living—Attentive to the Duties and fettered by the Scruples of Office, I suffered the certainty of making an Independant living, or at least, of placing my self in easy circumstances to pass by unimproved, by which means I am now left with little other comfort than that peace of mind the result of a well directed conduct in the service of my Country. For all my labours during the War I have received a Certificate from the Registers Office—the value of which is well known.
I beg to refer you Sir, to the Certificates and Letters accompanying, as more proper testimonials of my Conduct than any thing I could say on the subject on these and on your goodness I rest my hopes of an Appointment to an Office suited to my Abilities and adequate to the support of a Family.
I entreat a pardon Sir for the liberty I have taken to make my wish known to you. I have the Honor to be With respect—Esteem and Regard Sir Your most Obt servt
Aw Dunscomb
ALS, DLC:GW.
Andrew Dunscomb (c.1758–1802) of New York served as auditor of army accounts in 1778 and later in the quartermaster department. In 1782 he became Virginia’s agent for settling accounts with the Confederation government and from 1784 to 1787 served as assistant commissioner for army accounts in Virginia.
1. Dunscomb’s supporting letters and documents are with this letter in his file in DLC:GW. On 8 Jan. 1791 and on 23 April 1794, Dunscomb again wrote GW letters applying, unsuccessfully, for federal appointments (DLC:GW).