[Illegible Text — Some or all of the pages of this file are wholly or in part illegible. We have not been able either to locate a better copy of the document, or to enhance its legibility electronically] [Providence Feb 15^th 1790] [Colonel W^m Peck] [Relates to an appointment as Naval Officer for the Port of Providence] The Hon.^ble Henry Knox Esquire, Secretary for the Department of War [seal] New York Providence Feb.^y 15 1790 Sir, The Acquaintance with which you honor me during the late War has induced me to take the liberty of writing to you at this time; and I hope subject of the Letter will plead my apology— When the Legislature of Rhode Island order'd a convention of the State to meet the first of March next, our Federal Friends were happy in the (almost) certainty of soon becoming a part of the Union: Nor had they any cause to change their opinion, untill they found the [underline: Antis], by their unremitted exertions, had elected a Majority of their own people to decide upon the Constitution.— What the decision will be is yet uncertain.— We however hope for the best.— Our Federal Delegates are many of them men of abilities, and good Speakers, this circumstance justifies us in the hope that ignorance & obstinacy will give way to fair reasoning— but should we fail in this, we expect that [underline: Solid Arguments], a formula by which a many many of them have been frequently sway'd will upon have its desired effect.— The consequence of the adoption of the Constitution by this State will probably induce the appointment of Revenue Officers for the Port of Providence.— I have already addressed the President of the United States upon the Subject; and have requested the honor of being appointed Naval Officer of this Port.— I now take the liberty of asking such assistance from you, Sir, in obtaining the appointment, as your knowledge of or friendship for me may support; at the same time assuring you that I believe there is no gentleman in the United States, to whose recommendation the President will pay more attention than to yours.— I do not make this application without [undecipherable] of support from almost every gentleman of this place who are presumed upon having any influence with the President. I am happy to find the Gentlemen of this Town are generally in [undecipherable] of the Appointments in the Revenue, being given to the Officers of the late Army— be pleased to excuse my troubling you interrupting your momentous concerns at this time— and indulge me with the honor of subscribing my self with the greatest Respect & Esteem— your Most Ob^t & very Humble Servant— William Peck Hon.^ble General Knox —