James Madison Papers

To James Madison from William Pinkney, 4 May 1809

From William Pinkney

London, May. 4h. 1809.

Dear Sir.

Will you permit me to make known to you a young Gentleman (Mr. Robert Walsh Junr. of Baltimore)1 for whom I have a particular Regard and whose extraordinary Merit will I am sure recommend him to your Notice & Esteem? I can truly say of him that he has the best Heart in the World—that he possesses a superiour Mind cultivated with Care, and informed by the most extensive Knowledge, and enriched with every Variety of elegant & useful Literature. He returns to America, after having seen the best Society here & in France, with a just opinion of your Virtues & Talents, and well disposed towards your administration. Young as he is he will have great Weight where he is known—but I ask your friendly Notice of him on the Score of his Merit. I beg you to pardon the Liberty, which Friendship to this able and excellent young Man has induced me to take with you. I have the Honour to be with sincere Respect and Attachment Dear Sir Your faithful Humble Servt.

Wm Pinkney

RC (DLC). Docketed by JM: “recommending Mr. Walsh.”

1Walsh had served as Pinkney’s secretary in London. He distinguished himself as a man of letters and became U.S. consul general in Paris, 1844–51.

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