George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Joseph Donaldson, 1 October 1792

From Joseph Donaldson

Baltimore 1st Octobr 1792

Sir

After a labour of thirty years in this Country I am reduced to distress—My first place of residence was Fredericksburg—I removed from thence to York in Pennsylvania and acquired by industry a fortune—I came to Baltimore and by giving too extensive credit I lost my all, during the War my services in York County were not unprofitable to the cause of Liberty, I exerted myself in sending out men and my House and Purse were ever open to the friends of America.

I am now poor—a Wife and six children look to me for support—I am unable to give it My request to you Sir is to mention my name for any place which is or may become vacant in this Town the profits of which may maintain my family1 and gratitude will ever exist in the breast of

Joseph Donaldson

ALS, DLC:GW; copy, DLC:GW.

1Donaldson, a Baltimore merchant, wrote GW on 8 Aug. 1793 to apply, again unsuccessfully, for a federal appointment, this time for the position of surveyor of the port of Baltimore (DLC:GW).

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