To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Brown, 13 May 1795
From Charles Brown1
Georgetown South Carolina 13th. May 1795
Sir
Having heard of the death of poor Colo. Motte,2 by whose departure an office of emolument is left open, and my situation in life from the ravages of War and the depreciation of Money making it necessary for me to be watchful for every opportunity which may offer to support a large family induces me to request your friendly assistance to become the naval Officer of Charleston.3
The business of the Naval Officer I am perfectly acquainted with, having been obliged to perform that duty as well as Collector of the port of Georgetown for three Years and a half.4
I am Sir With the greatest respect Yr. Most Obed ser
C Brown
Alexander Hamilton Esqr.
ALS, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1. Brown, who had served as a lieutenant in the Continental Army, was collector and inspector of the port of Georgetown, South Carolina (, 89, 90, 105, 111).
2. Isaac Motte, who served in the American Revolution in the Second South Carolina Regiment, was appointed colonel on September 16, 1776. He was appointed naval officer of Charlestown, South Carolina, on August 4, 1789 (, 15). He died on May 8, 1795.
3. Brown did not receive the appointment. On June 13, 1795, the Senate agreed to the appointment of James Simons as naval officer for the port of Charleston (, 179, 181).
4. Brown wrote an almost identical letter to George Washington on this date (ALS, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress). On May 23, 1795, Elias Boudinot wrote to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., in support of Brown’s application (ALS, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress).