To George Washington from William Jackson, 14 April 1792
From William Jackson
Philadelphia, April 14th 1792.
Sir,
As some appearances in the conduct of Mr Otis make an explanation of his application to you, as that application regards me personally, necessary—I pray permission to wait upon you for that purpose.1
A most earnest desire that whatever related to myself should be justly understood by you, Sir, is the influencing cause of this request—and I am confident that the conversation with which you may be pleased to honor me, will result in removing from your mind every idea unfavorable to the honor and delicacy of him who is with the most respectful and sincere attachment, Sir, your grateful obedient Servant
W. Jackson
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. For the application of Samuel Allyne Otis for the office of treasurer of the U.S. Mint, see Otis to GW, 10 April. Jackson, who had been an unsuccessful candidate for Otis’s position as secretary to the Senate in 1789, wrote GW during the summer of 1790 that Otis wished to “receive an appointment in Massachusetts”; that few senators would regret his departure; and that in the event of Otis’s resignation, he would probably succeed him (Jackson to GW, 31 July 1790). As Otis did not resign, Jackson continued to serve as GW’s secretary until early 1792.