Thomas Jefferson Papers

Thomas Lehré to Thomas Jefferson, 21 July 1813

From Thomas Lehré

Charleston July 21st 1813

Dear Sir

Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance, Mr Joseph Bellinger of Barnwell District in this State.—He is a Gentleman of great respectability—he has been a member of the House of Representatives in our State Legislature, for many Years, and is now one of our State Senators, for the above District.

In 1808, he had the honor of being one of our Republican Electors of President & Vice President, of the United States. He is well known throughout this State, to be a firm and undeviating Republican, and one of the Warmest friends, that you, Mr Madison, and the Present Administration ever had. It has been greatly owing to his firmness, and exertions in, and out of our State, Legislature, that the Republican party here, has been enabled to triumph over their political opponents in the manner they have done. Any civilities shewn him, will be duly appreciated by him. when you can find time to write, I shall be glad to hear from you

I remain with the highest Consideration Dear Sir Your Obedt Humble Servt

Thomas Lehré

RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson late President of the United States Monticello Virginia”; endorsed by TJ as received 16 Sept. 1813 and so recorded in SJL.

Joseph Bellinger (ca. 1773–1830), planter and public official, represented Saint Luke Parish in the South Carolina House of Representatives, 1802–05. After moving to his Aeolian Lawn plantation, he represented the Barnwell District in the House, 1806–09, and in the state senate, 1810–13. Bellinger served one term as a Republican in the United States House of Representatives, 1817–19. In 1824 he owned more than 8,500 acres of land and 122 slaves. From 1826–30 Bellinger was a director of the Bank of the State of South Carolina (BDSCHR description begins Walter B. Edgar and others, eds., Biographical Directory of the South Carolina House of Representatives, 1974– , 5 vols. description ends , 4:53–4; Charleston Observer, 23 Jan. 1830).

Index Entries

  • Bellinger, Joseph; identified search
  • Bellinger, Joseph; introduced to TJ search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Correspondence; letters of introduction to search
  • Lehré, Thomas; and S.C. politics search
  • Lehré, Thomas; introduces J. Bellinger to TJ search
  • Lehré, Thomas; letters from search
  • Madison, James; mentioned search
  • Republican party; in S.C. search
  • South Carolina; Republicans in search