Account of a Conversation with David Bailie Warden, [26 January] 1811
Account of a Conversation with David Bailie Warden
Washington [26 January 1811]
Conversation with the President observed respecting My appointement that he would be as open to my [sic] as I had been to him that the place was given to my [sic] by general A[r]mstrong—that it was only ⟨precarious?⟩ that he had appointed another—that by reappointing Me he might offend G. as a friend—Besides the place was destined for Mr. Russel who May wish to occupy it when appointed by a Minister—that he could not decide for the moment1—that he would wait for further information that he had personal feelings toward me that he was pleased with the discharge of my official duties.
Letterbook copy (MdHi: Warden Papers). Dated “26 1811 Janvier.”
1. In reporting this conversation to Jefferson, Warden wrote that JM “informed me today that he cannot nominate me at present. I propose to remain here a few weeks in hopes that he will decide in my favor, tho’ he does not give me much encouragement. He mentioned that Mr Russel had been destined as Consul for Paris, and that perhaps he will wish to occupy that place when supplanted by a Minister.” Warden added that his friends in New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore had written to many senators and representatives on his behalf and he believed that Congress would support his nomination. “The mass of Republican Irishmen, established in this Country,” he continued, “are interested in my success, and have declared that they will feel obligations to the President if he nominates me as Consul to Paris” (Warden to Jefferson, 26 Jan. 1811 [DLC: Jefferson Papers]).