Ebenezer Crosby to John Adams, April 14, 1785

New-York 14 th. April 1785—

Sir

From a grateful & lively recollection of your former favours & friendly disposition towards me, I am induced to trouble you with a request, which, tho’ sensible it will be readily granted, I do with great reluctance, well knowing your time is too important to the public, to be intruded upon by your private Friends— 1

I have lately been honoured with the appointment of Obstetrick Professor in the University in this City—to discharge the duties of which, I am obliged to provide myself with a Female-Apparatus from London—the price of which I cannot learn— 2 Having no other Friend or Acquaintance in London, I beg leave to take the liberty of enclosing five Guineas to you, & requesting you will do me the favour of advancing enough to make up the deficiency, if there should be any, which shall be remitted to you as soon as known—

A M r: Wright-Post, a Student in Medicine now in London from this City, is recommended to me, as a Gentleman who will readily and faithfully procure me the Machine—him I shall direct to wait upon your Excellency for the money 3

I hope M rs: & Miss Adams arrived safe & in health—also that you all continue to enjoy this great blessing—

M rs: Crosby joins in most respectful regards to you & them, with your most Obedient & / most Huml e: Servant

Eben r: Crosby