To Thomas Jefferson from James J. Wilson, 16 May 1804
From James J. Wilson
Trenton, May 16th, 1804.
Sir,
Understanding that Benjamin Parke, Esqr. is an applicant for the appointment of Receiver of the Land-office about to be opened at Vincennes, I take the liberty to trouble you with a few lines in his behalf. This would be unnecessary were he as well known at Washington as he is here, and were it not that every Candidate for office is at this time particularly liable to have his character discolored and principles misrepresented.—Mr Parke was born and educated in the neighborhood of this place, where he is much esteemed for his genius, industry, and rectitude. His political principles are perfectly consistent with those measures which have encircled with everlasting glory the head of the present Administration, and so greatly contributed to the respectability of the Country and the happiness of its Citizens. In a word, as far as I am capable of judging, Mr Parke is every way worthy of the appointment alluded to, and qualified to discharge its duties with honor to the Government, credit to himself, and usefulness to the public.
Most respectfully, Sir, Yours,
James J. Wilson
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); at foot of text: “His Excellency The President U.S.”; endorsed by TJ as received 26 May and “Parke Benjamin to be Reciever or Register” and so recorded in SJL. Probably enclosed in Benjamin Parke to TJ, 23 May.
James Jefferson Wilson (1775-1824) trained as a printer in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and worked for a time for the Wilmington Mirror of the Times, & General Advertiser, a Republican semi-weekly sheet. In 1801, he was hired as printer of a new Republican weekly in Trenton, the True American. Soon elevated to publisher and editor, Wilson became a key figure in the organization of the Republican party in Hunterdon County and statewide. In addition to his editorial tasks, Wilson held a number of offices, often simultaneously: county surrogate, clerk of the state assembly, member of the assembly, and adjutant general of the state militia. From 1815 to 1821, he represented New Jersey in the U.S. Senate, a term marred by his apparent alcoholism. During the last years of his life, he served as postmaster at Trenton (Carl E. Prince, “James J. Wilson: Party Leader, 1801-1824,” Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society, 83 [1965], 24-39; ; Vol. 32:597; Vol. 40:324n).