1. Armstrong also wrote Secretary of the Treasury Oliver Wolcott, Jr., from Trenton on this date: “The continuance of the rainy weather almost the whole of the time I was in Philadelphia so increased the force of my rheumatick indisposition that I was under the necessity of leaving the city without having an opportunity of speaking with you as I wished—I hope therefore you will excuse the liberty I take of making you acquainted with my business by letter—During more than a twelve month past I have laboured under a rheumatick complaint which has not yeilded to any medical prescription—thro the winter I have been confined mostly to my house, & for some months past my Breasts & lungs have been so much affected by the disorder that I have been obliged to decline preaching altogether—Necessity therefore compels me to apply to some person near the President to advocate my cause with him to procure me some small office which may help to support my family most of them yet small & helpless—deprived as I am in the course of providence of supporting them as I have hitherto done with comfort & reputation and in a way which I still sincerely wish to finish my course in life … My choice of a friend in this case has fallen upon you—the trouble attending it will be all your own—I can promise nothing else—I have also enclosed a note to the President, which you will please to deliver if you think it not improper after sealing it. … Please to keep this a secret until I see you” (CtHi: Oliver Wolcott, Jr., Papers).