[General Henry Knox Secretary at War New York] [Marginalia, lower right, rotated: 6 [undecipherable] / [undecipherable] refer to committee / Bost. Sep 13 / [undecipherable signature]] Boston Sep. 13. 1789 my dear Harry [undecipherable] As there is every reason to conclude that Rhode Island will find it expedient to embrace the Federal Government, and in that case, Officers will be appointed to collect the Revenue arising in that State — I have therefore to request of you to mention M^r M. Hays to the President as Collector for the Port of Newport, State of Rhode Island and make use of your influence in his behalf — M^r Hays previous to the War lived for many years in that Town, and continued there until the British Army took Possession of the Island in 1776, as his principles and conduct were highly repugnant to the British Government, he removed from the City to the [undecipherable], and continued in [this] State until near the close of the of the War — as he was a man of business, and [undecipherable] he removed to this Town, in order to give maintenance to his numerous [&] [undecipherable] family, where he has resided [for many] years, and by his industry [supported] a large family with the highest reputation, and established his character as a Man of the first Honour & Integrity — M^r [H.] is an avowed [friend], firmly attached to the Federal Government — If his views could be effected, it would be exceedingly gratifying to a number of sincere Federalists in this quarter — from your Obedient [undecipherable signature] Gen^l Knox —