George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Thomas Freeman, 13 April 1796

From Thomas Freeman

Surveyor’s Office City of Washington apl 13th 1796

Sir

The active and interesting operations in my department in this City, being now verging to a close, & the salary annexed thereto being but a bare support, I feel it a duty incumbent on me to seek the most early opportunity of judiciously changing my present situation—to this end, my first object would be that business wherein my services would be most useful & best rewarded.

The ascertaining & adjusting the Western limits, and bounds of the United States as contemplated in the late Treaties, will require, industry, perseverence, & much Mathematical knowledge—my services in that department would, I flatter myself be acceptable—Permit me therefore to offer my self to your consideration in the arrangement of that business, and should I be so fortunate as to succeed to an appointment therein I shall gratefully endeavour to deserve your confidence1—By the inclosed letters you will perceive that I make this application under the sanction of the Commissioners of the City of Washington.2 I have the Honor to be, with great respect Sir, your most obedient humble Servant

Thos Freeman

ALS, DLC:GW.

1Articles IV and V of the 1794 treaty with Great Britain called for boundary surveys of the northern Mississippi River and the St. Croix River. Article III of the 1795 treaty with Spain called for a survey of the southern boundary between the United States and the Spanish colonies (see Miller, Treaties, description begins Hunter Miller, ed. Treaties and Other International Acts of the United States of America. Vol. 2, 1776-1818. Washington, D.C., 1931. description ends 248–49, 320–21). For Freeman’s nomination under the latter treaty, see GW to the U.S. Senate, 21 May, and to the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, 30 May.

2Freeman enclosed the commissioners’ letter to GW written on this date and former commissioner Thomas Johnson’s letter to GW dated 12 February. Johnson reported that Freeman “came strongly recommended to the Commissioners and whilst I acted supported the Character he brought with him which, I have no Doubt, he still maintains. I have had occasional Conversations with him on the surveying Business in the City and think him uncommonly well informed and ready—his platting too does him very great Credit—I believe sir he may be depended on” (ALS, DLC:GW).

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