Rev. Samuel Haven to George Washington (note that he spells honor without a "u" the first time, then spells it with the "u") - recommending Tobias Lear, who became Washington's personal secretary.
Hon'd. Sir
Portsmo. May 6, 1786
Your well known candour will permit a stranger to address a line to your Excellency in favour of a young gentleman already recommended to your kind notice by gentlemen who have had the honor of your Excellcy knowledge for more than I can pretend to boast - Mr. Lear is a child of my parish -- and I am happy to say, has conducted, from his childhood to this manly period of his life with marks marks of genius, modesty & virtue -- His character thro an academical education & ever since has been irreproachable.
I doubt not your Excellency will find him a young gentleman possessed of principles of the Strictest honour, & integrity of heart -- as we esteem him much, we are very happy that the Great Disposer of all human events has opened before him the Door of Your Patronage --
Permit me Hon'd Sir to be numbered among the many thousands who hail you as the honoured Instrument of their Country's salvation -
Deign to accept a cordiallity (sic) of duty, an Affection to your Excellency's person and lady -- in the fervent and daily prayers offered to Allmighty God for the rich abundance of divine blessings, both temporal and spiritual on your Excellency and lady and all who under your Excellencys Guidance & command have assisted in the present happy revolution -- by one who wishes to be so happy as to promote virtue, and a servant to that divine Lord whose ?Wisdom is not of this world -- and who is with the highest duty and esteem your Excell'cy --
His Excellency Genl. Washington /most obedient Servant -- Saml. Haven
March 1787.
Washington's Reply
The Revd. Samuel Haven.
Revd. Sir,
Although I give the greatest credence to your account of the talents and good behaviour of Mr. Lear, yet before I subscribed to them I was willing to take a little time to form my own judgment of both. To this and this only, you will be pleased to attribute my not acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 6th of May, at an earlier date. It is with pleasure I now inform you that the deportment of this young gentleman since he has been in my family has been so perfectly proper, and pleasing in every point of view, as to render himself highly esteemed -- sensible, that is to say this, to gentlemen who has discovered an interest in his welfare, could not be unpleasing, is the cause of my giving you the trouble of this letter at the same time thanking you for your polite and affect'n wishes with which your letter is repleate (sic)-- and that it affords me an opportunity of assuring you of the respect with which
I am Revd. Sir
Yr Most Obed. Ser.
Mount Vernon
March 10, 1787
G. Washington