George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Ferdinando Fairfax, 6 April 1790

From Ferdinando Fairfax

Fairfax County [Va.] April 6. 1790.

Sir

Being informed that William Vans Esq. of Salem (a friend of mine) has received an appointmt from the General Court of Massachusetts, as Collector of the Excise for the South District of the County of Essex in that State, and that it is expected that Congress will take that branch of Revenue into their own hands; I take the Liberty of mentioning this appointmt to you, and (as it is probable his modesty will prevent his making a direct application) to request, that, if upon enquiry, you shou’d think him, as well qualified for that office under Congress, as any other person who may apply, you wou’d confirm his appointment.1 Or that, if he shou’d not succeed in this, you would confer upon him such other office at your disposal as you may think best suited to his abilities & Situation in Life.

Sensible that nothing which may be said in his favour, will have so much weight with you, as the general Character for Probity & Integrity, which he bears in the place of his Residence, on this I rest his probability of Success; and am, with every Sentiment of unfeigned Esteem & Regard Sir your obedt servt

Ferdinando Fairfax

ALS, DLC:GW.

Ferdinando Fairfax (1769–1820) was the third son of Bryan Fairfax and the nephew of George William Fairfax, from whom he inherited the Belvoir estate in Fairfax County.

1William Vans (c.1730–1820), a Salem merchant, represented that town in the Massachusetts General Court and was appointed collector of excise for the South District of Essex County by the General Court in March 1790. On 24 Dec. 1790 he wrote to GW asking to be considered for excise collector “should there be an Excise established by the Union.” He reminded GW that he “had the honour through my late freind Genl Reed of Supplying your Excellency as a Merchant with family nescessaries on your first arrival at Cambridge” (DLC:GW). He did not receive an appointment as an excise collector.

Index Entries