George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Le Grand, 10 April 1783

Portsmouth New-Hampshire’s State April the 10th 1783.

May it please your Excellency

That I take the liberty of tendering to you herein an Homage which my heart owns to your private qualities as well as to your public character, and is agreeably compelled to express to your Excellency the high Sense of Joy and pleasure afforded by an happy Peace to the United States of America, through the means of your eminent talents, during the time of your Generalship, and particularly felt by your addresser.

The Honor which you have been pleased to confer upon me, when I was in Morristown, a few years ago, and your innate propensity to do good offices, induce me to take the liberty of asking a favor to Your Excellency.

I am now making an application to Monsieur Le Cher de La Luzerne for an Employment in one of the Consulships that, by the event of Peace are to be established in New-York and Charlestown, for the obtaining of which Permit me, Sir, to intreat your Recommendation to that Minister. Some time ago I had possessed a like office in the Consulship General of france in Boston, But I was obliged to leave it, in order to go and Settle Some Interrests in france, and the Same has been occupied during my absence. Although I have the honor to be known to the french Minister, yet I am Confident that Your Excellency’s Recommendation will certainly engage him to prefer me to my Competitors.

By Such a favor I shall be led to acknowledge with great a Sensibility the important Service—bestowed upon me by your Excellency, for which my Gratitude shall never cease. I have the honor to be with the most distinguished Sentiments, of your Excellency, The most humble and most obd. Servant

Le Grand

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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