Adams Family Correspondence, volume 13
th.1798
If, Madam, I still retain a Place in your esteem, (and I am not
conscious that I have ever forfeited it) let me Solicit your kind interposition in
behalf of an Application made by Mr Hurd in a letter to
the President for the loan Office now Vacant by the decease of Mr Appleton. Shoud Mr H be thought properly
qualified, by the President, for this Office, he wou’d endeavor to merit it by a
faithfull discharge of the duties of it—
In a letter, Madam, I had the honor to receive from you in July 1790, you was kind enough to Say it wou’d give you pleasure to contribute towards my happiness if it was in your power, I having at that time made a Similar application to this;
That you have the Same disposition to Communicate happiness now,
will not admit of a doubt: I will therefore presume, being well acquainted with the
benevolence of your mind, that you will mention Mr Hurd in
favorable terms to the President; and Shou’d the request meet his approbation, it
wou’d confer an Essential Service on Us, and enable Us to Support with decency a
promising family of Children, who are Just coming into life, and for whose welfare we
are anxiously concern’d.—1
It is the oppinion of many Gentlemen in Town, that Mr Hurd is perfectly well qualified for Such an Office; and
shou’d he be So happy as to obtain it, it wou’d meet their intire approbation; but if
any more fortunate person Shou’d be prefer’d, a mindfullness of Mr Hurd, Shou’d there be any other Vacancy, wou’d be
acknowledged with gratitude by one who has the honor to / Subscribe herself / with
great respect & esteem / your humble Sert.
my kind love to Miss Louisa Smith
RC (Adams Papers); addressed: “Mrs / Abigail Adams /
Philadelphia”; internal address: “Mrs Adams”; endorsed:
“Mrs Hurd 26 June / 1798.”
Hurd’s husband, John Hurd, also wrote to JA on this date requesting the same appointment. He referenced a previous request, making the point that while JA may not have been able to assist during his vice presidency, as president he now had the power to act. Hurd also justified his request by arguing that he had been waiting longer and more patiently than any other applicant for the position (Adams Papers). For the Hurds’ previous requests for JA’s patronage, see vol. 9:33–34.
AA’s reply to Rebecca has not been found; however, Rebecca wrote again on 13 Aug. thanking AA despite JA’s inability to provide the requested assistance. She also sent her regards to Louisa Catharine Smith and enclosed letters from Smith’s brother William (Adams Papers).