Wanted: An Appointment with the Western Army
Document 1791Since his zeal in attempting to invent a steam boat has reduced him to a state of penury, Fitch petitions Knox for a position with the Western Army. An appointment as Surveyor of the Army would suit him well.
The honourable the Secretary at War The Petition of John Fitch humbly Begs leave to Represent that from an over anxious Zeal to render service to his Country he has reduced himself from a State of Easy living to a State of penury and finding his schemes of the Steam Boat will probably be suspended for a few months he therefore prays your honor to give him an appointment in the Western Army as a Superintendent of the Artificers or as a Surveyor of the Army he flatters himself from the knoledge he acquired in carrying out the Gunsmiths business in a Pretty extensive manner in the year 1776 and the Various branches of business he has persued will plead powerfully on his behalf for such an appointment [undecipherable] Or if that office should be supplied and the office of a Surveyor be Vacant He trusts that the inclosed coppy of a Certificate Taken from the Secretary of State’s files would justify you in giving one him an appointment Should the Secretary at War take this same into his Consideration and grant the prayer of his petitioner he as in duty Bound shall Ever Pray John Fitch Philad 9th March 1791
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