[the honourable. Henry Knox Secretary at War New York] Boston 9^th July 1790 Sir M^r. Alexander Thomas now at New York has written me requesting that I would inform you of his character as he is applying for some Office in your department or under your direction — To give a character for such a purpose I consider as a delicate task and as involving in some degree not only the subject of the recommendation but him also who recommends — With this sentiment full before me I can, notwithstanding, most fully comply with M^r. Thomas's request. I have known him many years, and I never knew any thing even apparently to his discredit unless it be the circumstance of his having been committed to the Prison Limits (not close Jail) for not settling a Town Tax he had to collect. But as far as well as I can remember there was no dishonesty in that business but in [undecipherable: ill-timed] levity and a forbearance to collect the monies which the Town ought to had a right to extend to the [undecipherable]. I well remember that while he was in the jail limits I intrusted him with a Trunk of important papers that related to the agency of Sam^l [undecipherable] for the State of Connecticut and M^r. Thomas did the business faithfully. I remember that M^r. Holker sent him some years ago to Spain on business of consequence and I ever understood that he transacted it honestly & with ability. I may be prejudiced in his favour: but so far as my opinion goes he has it most fully in favour of his honesty, diligence, and ability — I am Sir with the highest respectful esteem your obed^t Serv^t Tho: Dawes Jun^r. [the honourable Henry Knox] [Bos. 9 July 1790. Tho: Dawes Jun: recommends Alex: Thomas]