Mason, David (1726-1794) to Henry Knox
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03215 Author/Creator: Mason, David (1726-1794) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 November 1785 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 30.3 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to Knox in distress. Thanks him for the recommendation to Governor Bowdoin, but informs him that a Major [likely William] Perkins was appointed to a position instead of him. Declares he is now left destitute, especially since his leg was injured over the summer and he was unable to move around or work. Hopes Knox will continue in his kindness and help him find a position. Asks if Mr. Haggard might hire him to work with Mr. Hastings at the post office; declares he only has his wife and one daughter left at home to support, so any little bit helps. In a separate note at the bottom, discusses his attempts to obtain a certificate of service. See GLC02437.03217 for a letter on the same topic.
May be referring to Major William Perkins, who, in November 1785, was appointed to Lieutenant Colonel with command of the Castle in Boston Harbor. Information from www.newenglandancestors.org.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.