To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 31 August 1812
From Tench Coxe
Augt. 31. 1812
Sir
I am astonished to learn that Mr. B. Mifflin deputy Commy died yesterday suddenly.1 I entreat your consideration of my name for the office, or for that of Mr. Duncan, under all the circumstances of my family. I say with Sincerity that the times require my appointment to the D. Commys. office. Mr. Irvine is a mere lawyer, unacquainted with the walks of trade. I write at the dawn of day, having been called up by an anxious friend who learned, of a neighbour at a late hour this death so dreadful to the deceased’s family. Excuse the imperfections of this letter.
I remain, with every consideration, for your situation and abiding without alteration of heart or conduct, every issue faithfully
T. Coxe
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.
1. Benjamin Mifflin, formerly chief clerk under Coxe in the purveyor’s office, had been appointed as a deputy commissary on 27 May 1812 to oversee the transfer of public property from Coxe’s office to the new office of the commissary general (Risch, Quartermaster Support, 139–40; Eustis to Mifflin, 27 May 1812 [DNA: RG 107, LSMA]).