To George Washington from Benjamin Contee, 3 March 1791
From Benjamin Contee
3⟨r⟩d March 1791
Sr
Major Benjamin Brookes has ⟨bound⟩ me to make application in his behalf for an Appointment under the “Act” for repealing the duties “on spiritieous liquors, & laying others in their stead &c.” commonly called the Excise Law.1 This Gent. resides in upper Marlbro’ in Prince Georges County, Mary land, I believe he has merited well of his country heretofore, & I doubt not but that he will be attentive to the duty which may be required by the above acts if to you he may appear to be a fit person & you shall be pleased to confer an Appointment on him. But of this Sir you are the proper Arbiter to determine. I am Sr with highes⟨t⟩ consideration and respect yr Hble & Obt Servt
Ben. Contee
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Benjamin Brookes, Jr. (1752–1800), was a member of a prominent Prince Georges County, Md., family ( 648). He served as an officer of Maryland troops in the Continental army from 1776 to 1783, rising to the rank of major. He received no appointment from GW. In May 1798 he was appointed a major in the corps of artillerists and engineers 277).