To George Washington from John Francis Mercer, 25 April 1792
From John Francis Mercer
Philadelphia Apl 25. 1792.
Sir
I take the liberty of presenting to your notice for an appointment which I understand is not yet filled—Treasurer of the Mint—Mr Andrew Skinner Ennals,1 Merchant of Baltimore Town—a long course of years passed in the active scenes of mercantile life have established this Gentlemans reputation for exactitude & punctuality in a very uncommon degree—his respectability in business is equalled by the extent of personal friendships which his merits have secur’d him & a very numerous family connexion which woud give weight to most appointments that coud be confered on him, Mr Henry particularly—Mr Carrol & all the Maryland Delegation & Mr Basset from Delaware will all I am persuaded feel pleasure in coroborating the representation I have made of this Gentlemans merit. with every Sentiment of respect & attachment I am Sir Yr mo: Obt hble
John F. Mercer
ALS, DLC:GW. This letter is mistakenly docketed “28th April 1792.”
For the background to the establishment of the U.S. Mint and the position of treasurer, see William McCrea to GW, 27 Mar., n.1, and John Hall to GW, 19 April 1792, n.1. GW nominated Tristram Dalton treasurer of the U.S. Mint in May 1792, not Ennalls (see GW to the U.S. Senate, 3 May [second letter]).
1. On 18 Feb. 1791 Andrew Skinner Ennalls had applied to GW for a position in the excise service, but he did not receive an appointment.