To George Washington from Moses Brown, 7 October 1793
From Moses Brown
Providence 7th 10th Mo. 1793
Esteemed Friend
As the Office of Attorney to the United States is Vacant in this state by the Death of Wm Chaning Esquire I take the freedom to Recommend David Howell Esquire to the President, as a Person Quallified and Suitable for that Office. His Attention & Faithfulness in his Business I have never heard Called in Question and his superior Abilities are Generaly Acknoledged,1 and as there are Three of Our Attorneys Members of Congress I know of none who will be Likely to give So General Sattisfaction. With Desires for thy Prosperity & Hapiness I conclude thy friend
Moses Brown
ALS, DLC:GW; ADf, RHi. Moses Brown (1738–1836) was a textile manufacturer and abolitionist who had served in the Rhode Island legislature before the Revolution.
1. From this point on, the draft reads: “and I beleive the Appointment of him Will give More general Satisfaction than Any Other Attorney in the state who is not a Member of Congress, Bradford, Bourn & Foster being all Low Characters.” Attornies Theodore Foster and William Bradford were Rhode Island’s senators, and Benjamin Bourne was a representative in Congress.