1To George Washington from B. N. M., 13 June 1797 (Washington Papers)
Having always had the strongest conviction of the many noble Virtues with which Heaven has endowed you, and particularly the Generosity of your Disposition I am induced to communicate to you, a short history of myself as a necessary Introduction to a request I shall presume to make. Born of Reputable parents who tho’ in moderate Circumstances, have exerted themselves to procure me an...