Dr. Amasa Dingley Asks Governor John Jay To Be Appointed The Health Officer Of New York City In 1798

Book Description

AMASA DINGLEY ( ). Dingley, a New York City based physician, graduated from Harvard in 1785. He went to London and returned to America in 1798, where he fought the yellow fever epidemic that JOHN JAY (1745-1829). Jay, along with John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, negotiated the treaty of peace with England at the end of the Revolutionary War. He served as President of Continental Congress and was appointed the first Chief Justice, a position he held from 1790 to 1795. He negotiated the Jay Treaty, signed in 1794, whereby the British withdrew their troops from the western frontier of America in exchange for the United States agreeing not to discriminate against British commerce. ALS. 2pg. 7 ‰ˆ" x 9" . February 15, 1796. 3 Cedar Street. An autograph letter signed " Amasa Dingley" addressed " To his Excellency, John Jay, Esq. Governor and the Council of Appointments of the State of New York" : " Gentlemen, As a vacancy in the Committee of Health now exists, in consequence of the Death of the late Health Officer, I have been induced, by the Advice of Several persons, to present myself as a Candidate to fill that vacancy. Not having the Honour of being personally known to the Governor, and the Council, I cannot but be sensible of the objections that may operate against this application. But, no measures have been taken to influence your decision, by reporting to the aid of persons who might be troublesome to you, by their solicitations in my favor. It would be superfluous to urge my sincere intentions to discharge the Duties of Health Officer, with Care as reflects the public, or fidelity as regards myself. Of these considerations, as well as of all others, which may have a respect to personal Character, Ability for Business, Age, Integrity & Condition in Society, you will be the Judges. Give me liberty to add, that, if you should find another candidate better qualified to discharge the Duties of Health Officer than myself, to him may it be given "Äi and, my more private Labours shall Cooperate with his for the preservation of the public health "Äi And I beg you to be assured that my constant Study & labour for the preparation of the public of the public health, will not be remitted, either in the Discharge of the Duties of this Office, or in the more confined walks of Private Practice."

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