To George Washington from Samuel Fraunces, 18 August 1783

It is with the profoundest respect I presume to approach your Excellency on this most happy occasion the return of Peace to my bleeding Country: This Event so grateful in itself is still heighten’d in the preservation through so many toils and dangers of a life so valuable so dear to every individual.

May I beg your Excellency to believe I shall ever esteem this the happiest moment of my life that affords me the opportunity of presenting and craving your Excellencys acceptance of my most grateful acknowledgements for the many favors you have so generously conferred upon me; and if (as I presume to hope) your Excellency views with a favorable Eye my small endeavours to aid the general Cause, allow me to say my peculiar situation would not permitt the greater exertions my inclinations prompted—Wherein my good Fortune may have made me in the least servicable I think my Services greatly overpaid [] your Excellency’s condescendly approving smile which gives a Sanction to the pleasing Sensation that ever accompany good intentions.

Yet Sir while I confess my utmost Ambitions already overpaid I cannot help applying to your unbounded goodness for some small token of your good opinion that may serve to close the mouth calumny and detraction and introduce me to that public whom rests my dependency for a livelihood as one deserving there future favor.

I hope your Excellency will not think my request unreasonable when you advert to my past situation that exposes me to the insidious representations of Rivals which my base professions can never obviate and through which however undeservedly must be involved the Fate of a Wife and numerous offspring to whom I owe the tenderest Care—Influenced by the warmest Gratitude I beg leave to subscribe myself Your Excellencys Most Obedient and very Humble Servant