Research

Scope and Content Note

This series contains nominations for the position of Harbor Master of the Port of New York. Being a residency appointment, many of these letters include the length of time the nominee had lived in New York City and his past experience in the maritime profession. The letters are either written by the individual seeking the appointment or by those who wish to see a certain individual fill the position. They are signed by those who are petitioning for the specified individual to receive the nomination. The nominees include Isaac Sheffield, Jr., Peter Davey, and Reuben Folger. Reuben Folger's letter states that he served in the American Revolution and was captured five times by the British Army. All letters are addressed to the Governor and the Council of Appointment of the State of New York.