1To James Madison from James Fenner, 16 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
A Gentleman of my acquaintance has lately returned to this Country from China. During a long residence there, by unwearied application, under the instruction of some learned Mandarins and Catholick Missionaries, he acquired a knowledge of the Chinese language, and might be induced to serve our Country as an Interpreter between the two Nations. He is the only American who has studied the...
2To James Madison from James Fenner, 13 June 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 June 1810, Providence. Reports that Justice William Cushing will resign from the Supreme Court and suggests Barnabas Bidwell be nominated as his replacement. Bidwell’s appointment would “gratify our friends in New England, and afford no cause for censure to our Enemies.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Bidwell”). 1 p. Fenner was the Republican governor of Rhode Island, 1807–11.
3To James Madison from James Fenner, 3 December 1810 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of addressing your Excellency on a subject of some importance to the Citizens of this State, as well as to others, and on which some diversity of opinion seems to exist. A few, very few, of the Republicans here, have recommended Mr. Robbins, of Newport, in this State, as Successor to the late Judge Cushing of the Supreme Court of the United States. I am told that he is...
4To James Madison from James Fenner, 3 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am informed that Judge Barnes of this District, in consequence of a severe malady under which he is now suffering without hope of recovery, has sent forward his resignation as District Judge. Presuming the report to be true, I take the liberty of nominating the Hon David Howell, at present our District Attorney, as the Successor of Judge Barnes. Your knowledge of Mr Howell renders it...
5To James Madison from James Fenner, 30 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
It is supposed that the Consul of the United States at Gibraltar will be removed. In such an event I take the liberty to recommend as his Successor Mr. Samuel Larned of this Town. He is a young Gentleman with whom I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance; but whose qualifications for the appointment, and whose claims to the notice of the Government, are supported by such authorities,...