[XXIV-36 1147a] My Dear Sir Charlestown July 9. 1799 I have Seen the Bill last reported by the Com^te for the revenue collection — The Collector Office will probably be considered the first in rank — But I view the Naval Office as the most eligible it is certainly much less troublesome — and the ¾ or ⅞ p^r Cent commision does not appear to me equal to the charge of keeping other Peoples money and the accounts consequent on it — I should have Set off for New York tomorrow morning — but some engagements for public Securities and other business are unavoidably prevent it untile Monday morning, so that I shall not be at New york untile Thursday the 16^th — Now my Friend I have one request to make you, which is to wait on the President & to explain to him what you know of my views & wishes — on this subject and if you please to state to him my Standing and character among the People of this State — I am told the President intends pretty generally to nominate the State Officers where no objections has been made to their conduct — this may partly me [or] pretty nearly obtused at the Boston — for I presume M^r. Melcié considering his rank & pretentions could not feel himself hurt at being appointed Surveyor — neither would the public view it as any degradation and I should presume he would feel himself very happy to be sure of obtaining it — I submit every thing to your Friendship & better judgment, & remain Sir yours. most Humble Ser^t Nath^l Gorham If the Bill gets forward & the nominations approach before my arrival do see the President.