[Sam^l [undecipherable] Jun^r] [Portland 30^th June 1789—] [answered thro^t [undecipherable] July [undecipherable] no Copys.—] [undecipherable] Portland June 30^th 1789— My dear Sir The last [underline: Letter] I had the honor of addres- sing You, was through Necessity a hurried performance; I pray You to excuse all the Errors it contains.— My Determination to lose no advantage that might possibly be obtained to put my application upon the best Footing, induced me to forego the unpleasant Sensations attendant upon the Solicitation kindly pointed out by You. Accordingly I introduced the Subject to M^r The^o Robion, the most respectable Character in this Place, with whom I have been upon very friendly Terms.— he earnestly wish'd to serve me, but had prior to my Application, united in a Wish with some other Merch^ts to continue M^r Lunt Collector in the Import Office.— who still holds the State Excise Office.— I am well informed, that he has not in person Solici[ted] the Collectorship of the United States, his [Mer]cantile Friends of their own Accord proposed him to M^r Thacher. I am upon the best Terms with all the [undecipherable] respectable [P]eople of this Town Two of them are now absent, M^r Kent & M^r Fox, whose Cer- tificates I think I might obtain.— There is a most friendly understanding between M^r Fosdick & me, and he has declared to me that he would prefer me to cooperate with him in the Busi- =ness of the Revenue, to any Friend he has in the Place, should he be so fortunate as to be reappointed; I am glad There is so great a probability of it, as I conceive him capable & deserving.— It yet continues a Matter of Uncertainty whether there will be a Comptroller at, or near this Station.— Therefore my main point will be the Collector's Birth; While I speak of Compt- =roller, I am unacquainted with his particular Duty, or Power, it is as yet not fully describ'd, I would not be conceived to presume too far, or to aim at any thing very extensive, if the birth should be limited to a District of a small compass, or to this Port it would comprehend my Views.— I am this Day informed that I have a Competitor as a Candidate for Collector, in Deacon Rich^d [undecipherable: probable reading Codman] and of this Town, an inform'd [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] He has a handsome Property, and I am much surpris'd at his soliciting for an Office at his time of Life; he has good Friends, but I console myself with the Idea that one in his Situation, would not be likely to obtain.— My Friend M^r Davis will write M^r Thatcher in my behalf by this Post, who will probably confer with You; M^r Thatcher is an old Classmate of mine, and knowing me would be likely to befriend me.— Should I obtain a Certificate I will forward it the first Opport^y— but if I fail it will be entirely owing to a Fear of displeasing the Person, not for the want of the best Disposition in Society towards me.— Your Friendship for me affords most happy Assurance, that every requisite, consistent Step will be pursued to secure to me a desireable Situation. Please to present my Affectionate Regards to M^rs Knox I am most gratefully & Respectfully Your obed^t & affectionate [undecipherable] Lindsley Gen^l Knox