From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 3 September 1802
To James Monroe
Monticello
Sep. 3. 1802.
Reynolds, collector of York, is dead, and Wm. Carey of that place is recommended very strongly by mr Shields. tho’ I have great confidence in mr Shields’s recommendation, yet as the best men some times see characters thro’ the false medium of friendship I pray you to make what enquiry you can in Richmond & communicate it to me. Accept assurances of my constant & affectionate esteem & respect.
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC); at foot of text: “Governor Monroe.”
William REYNOLDS had served as collector and inspector of the revenue at Yorktown, Virginia, since 1794 (, 1:165). On 2 Sep., TJ received a letter from Samuel Sheild, dated 25 Aug., recommending William Carey to succeed Reynolds (recorded in SJL as received from York County and “Wm Carey to be Collector York” but not found). On the same date, TJ received a 26 Aug. letter from Carey applying for the position (recorded in SJL but not found; see Appendix iii).