Elie Vallette to John Adams, January 21, 1794

Revenue Office Philadelphia Janu y 21. 1794.

Sir

For my Situation in this Office at 300 Dollars per Annum, M r. Coxe has informed me I am indebted to you. My Respect and Veneration for you Sir needed not this Claim upon my Gratitude to be riveted. 1 To Express Simply my thanks for the Honor you have done me, in representing me as you have, and as I will endeavour to deserve, goes not half so far towards an acknowledgment as I would; But I am Bankrupt in all save Gratitude, with which I beg you to be content being all the Poor reward I can make. There is another , but like the Benifit it must spring from yourself Sir, one I flatter myself you will enjoy, ’tis that which will arise from the reflection of having done a Generous Action—of having eased the Breast of a fond Mother, Comforted a no less tender Wife, and opened pleasing Prospects to the View of a Husband
& father.

I have the Honor to be / Sir / With the Greatest Respect / Your most ob Serv t.

Elie Vallette