David Austin, Jr., to George Washington, 24 September 1793
From David Austin, Jr.
Eliza[beth] Town [N.J.]
Sepr 24th 1793
May it please yr Excellency
Having this day receivd the enclosed from my Hond father at New Haven, to forward1—beg leave to say, so far as may be decent for a son to say of a father; that the application made, in the issue, will be found to be founded on reason, equity & Justice; & if granted will give universal satisfaction, unless it be to individuals who might have interest in wishing to be remembered themselves. Praying an excuse for this imperfect Scrawl, the Mail just closing, have the honor to subscribe yr Excellency’s Most Obedt & Humble servt
David Austin
ALS, DLC:GW. GW’s endorsement with this letter indicates that it was “Recommending his father—to be Collector—New havn.”
David Austin (1759–1831), son of David Austin (1732–1801), graduated from Yale College in 1779 and was licensed to preach by the New Haven Association of Ministers in May 1780. He was pastor of the Presbyterian church at Elizabethtown, N.J., from 1788 to 1797. GW appointed David Austin, Sr., who was also endorsed by Samuel Huntington in a letter to GW of 14 Oct., to be collector at New Haven in November 1793, and the appointment was confirmed by the Senate in December (, 251; , 143–44).
1. The enclosure has not been identified.