To Thomas Jefferson from William Bache, 1 September 1803
From William Bache
New Orleans Sepr. 1st. 1803.
Dear Sir.
You will find William G, Garland, a native of Richmond,1 Northumberland county in virginia recommended to the attentions of Government for an appointment under the approaching regulations of Louisiana. What his expectations are I know not, but his integrity and industry are unquestionable; and if in the management of accounts, or in any labour of that kind a vacancy may happen he will fill it to the entire satisfaction of his Country. This I say in his behalf from a conviction that, if he is favourably received, he will make a faithful officer. With wishes for your health and a full enjoyment of the gratitude & affection of your Countrymen for your many services I remain your friend
William Bache
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); endorsed by TJ as received 3 Nov. and “Garland Wm. G. to be Collector N.O.” and so recorded in SJL. Probably enclosed in John Thomas Ricketts to James Madison, 31 Oct. 1803; see Madison, Papers, Sec. of State Ser., 5:597.
william g. garland was a highly respected merchant fluent in English, Spanish, and French, who had resided in New Orleans for almost 15 years by November 1803, when Pierre Clément Laussat named him provisional director and general administrator for Louisiana. Laussat also appointed him interim collector at New Orleans, for which Garland expected to be paid five percent of the net customs duties received for the remainder of the French administration (Madison, Papers, Sec. of State Ser., 5:597-8, 6:244; Jon Kukla, ed., A Guide to the Papers of Pierre Clément Laussat [New Orleans, 1993], 94-5; Garland to Daniel Delozier, 1 Sep. 1803, in DNA: RG 59, LAR, endorsed by TJ: “Garland Wm. G to be collector of N.O.”; John Thomas Ricketts to Madison, 28 Dec. 1803, in same, endorsed by TJ: “Garland to be Collectr. N. Orleans”). For Garland’s appointment as surveyor and inspector of the revenue at New Orleans, see Gallatin’s list of nominations, printed at 24 Feb. 1804.
1. Word written in margin keyed for insertion at this point.