[150 [undecipherable] 175] Boston Feb^y 21. 1790. dear Harry Jackson There is almost a certainty that the State of Rhode Island will adopt the Federal Government, the moment their convention come together, on that case Officers will be appointed to execute the Laws of the Federal Government — Sometime since I mentioned to you the wishes of our mutual friend M. M. Hays, as desirous of having the appointment of Collector for the Port of Newport — but his not being a resident [of that?] State were objections to his being considered as a candidate for that Office — however the principle may be a good one not appointing a man from one State to an Office in another, yet in the case of M^r Hays it is very different — he at the commencement of the War, was a Merchant in Newport and well established as a Man of business, of honor and integrity — at the [time?] that the British took possession of that [Office?] he removed to the [underline: Main] with his Wife & numerous family of children, leaving behind him most of his property, which was lost or destroy'd or the general [undecipherable] [undecipherable] while the Island was in the hands of the British Troops — M^r Hays enter'd this State — [undecipherable] the property he brought with him from the [Island?] [undecipherable], and [then?] necessity [undecipherable] [undecipherable] induced him to remove to this Town [to?] [find?] bread for his large [and?] numerous family — and altho' he has been active and industrious [undecipherable] in his business, he has but lately [effected?] the object of removing from — & it has been his intention for some time past [to return?] to his old habitation, but the [formation?] of that government was so contrary to his principles, that he had rather continue here under many disadvantages They live in affluence with a people he [undecipherable] hoping their [undecipherable] — If the Collectorship could not be obtain'd for him, and there is any other appointment in [that?] government that will give him bread, I beg your influence in his behalf — he is a firm Federalist, a man of real merit & abilities, and of the first integrity on whom the greatest confidence may be plac'd — as you know the Man it is unnecessary for me to say any further on the Subject — I am your Affectionate [signature — undecipherable] [docket notation, rotated — undecipherable] General [undecipherable] —