1Joshua Merryman to Tobias Lear, 15 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
As I trust you will gladly embrace an opportunity to oblige me, so there is no Man to whom I had rather lay myself under an Obligation. I apply to you, therefore, preferably to any body else, for a favor which I am extremely desireous to obtain. To wit, for you to name me to His Excelency the President of the United States as a candidate for the surveyers Office in this Town, which is Vacant...