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To George Washington from Nathaniel Ramsey, 16 August 1789

From Nathaniel Ramsey

Charles Town (Maryland) 16th of August 1789

Sir,

I have been informed that it is your wish that every person who is disposed to serve in any of the departments of the new Government, should signify their inclination by a particular application. I have promised this as an appology for my offering my service in the Judiciary department of the district where I reside.

Several years regular study of the law, together with a few years practice at the Bar, antecedent to the revolution, has given me, at least, an oppertunity of acquiring a moderate acquaintance with the laws of my Country.

And not having resumed the practice since the disolution of the Army, and being ingaged in no other pursuit then paying some small attention to a farm, I have it in my power to devote a considerable part of my time to the duties of the Office, provided you should think proper to honor me with an appointment. I am with great respect your Excellence’s Most obedient humble servant

Nat: Ramsey

ALS, DLC:GW.

Nathaniel Ramsay (1741–1817), a native of Lancaster, Pa., and a graduate of the College of New Jersey, moved to Cecil County, Md., before the Revolution, served in the Maryland Convention, was a delegate from Maryland to the Continental Congress, and served with distinction during the Revolution. After the war he returned to Congress. In September 1789 GW appointed him federal marshal for the district of Maryland (DHFC, description begins Linda Grant De Pauw et al., eds. Documentary History of the First Federal Congress of the United States of America, March 4, 1789-March 3, 1791. 20 vols. to date. Baltimore, 1972–. description ends 2:44, 47). After the death of Otho H. Williams in July 1794, Ramsay applied, unsuccessfully, for the post of the collector of customs at Baltimore (undated letter to GW, DLC:GW).

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    Washington Papers
    Title
    To George Washington from Nathaniel Ramsey, 16 August 1789
    Author
    Ramsey, Nathaniel
    Recipient
    Washington, George
    Date
    16 August 1789

    Reference

    Cite as
    “To George Washington from Nathaniel Ramsey, 16 August 1789,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-03-02-0273. [Original source: The Papers of George Washington, Presidential Series, vol. 3, 15 June 1789–5 September 1789, ed. Dorothy Twohig. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1989, p. 478.]