1To James Madison from Perrin Willis, 11 September 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 September 1813, Orange Court House. “As I am now about to leave for ever my native Country (of which you are the head) I can see no crime in submiting to you a few of my thoughts in the way of my profession. “It is generally acknowledged War is the most necessary and useful of all the sciences. The various kinds of knowledge which ought to furnish the soldiers mind, are not without great...
2To James Madison from Perrin Willis, 4 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
As circumstances rendered it necessary for you to appoint Mr Hagner Accountant of the War Department, I hope and trust some other vacancy will occur which you may deem proper to confer on me. My devotion to the interest of my Country during the many years I was in her service very much strengthens my claim to her patronage. I do not choose to follow the example set by most applicants, of...
3To James Madison from Perrin Willis, 30 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
It is with the utmost diffidence that I again appeal to your generosity for an office under the government and could only be urged to the act by the most pressing necessity. I have discovered by experience, the unpleasant fact that my present avocation is not to be conducted but with an adequate capital. And not possessing that requisite I shall very soon be compel’d to discontinue it; When I...
4To James Madison from Perrin Willis, 12 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have been informed that the Government intend building an observatory in this place. Though the commission on the Sum to erect such a building would be nec[e]ssarily Small, I am desirous to be appointed agent to purchase the ground and erect the building. The performance of the duty with that fidelity which I purpose will develop to the Government my talent for business and thereby render me...
5To James Madison from Perrin Willis, 13 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
Having heard that Mr Lee has declined accepting the appointment of accountant to the War Department; I beg leave to renew my application for that situation. And to assure you, Sir, that my zeal for the publick good will in case of your pleasure to appoint me, prompt me to discharge with punctuality and fidelity the duties of the station. I have recently discovered that the vacancy supposed to...