Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 18 November 1807

Boston 18th Novemr. 1807

Sir

I am aware that I am guilty of an impropriety in giving you the Trouble of this letter. Since the death of my friend Doctor Jarvis there have been many applications to me for letters on this score; my answer has been uniform, that I had no authority to trouble the President of the United States on this subject; but I cannot deny my name to Doctor Waterhouse on the Occasion. I know him to be competent as a candidate. I know him to be a friend to your administration. I know him to have been, in the midst of public usefulness, a man persecuted by the Junto who are the real enemies of our Country. What can I say more but that I am with unalterable attachment your

very humble Servt

James Sullivan

DNA: RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.

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