To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 15 August 1816
From Thomas Jefferson
Monticello Aug. 15. 16.
Dear Sir
I do not know whether you were acquainted with the late Major Duncanson of Washington, uncle of the writer of the inclosed letter.1 He was one of the earliest adventurers to the city of Washington. He had made a princely fortune in the E. Indies, the whole of which he employed in the establishments of that city and finally sunk. His political merits were a most persevering republicanism in the worst of times, having been one of the four only republicans in Washington & George town in the time of mr. Adams. When I first went there, a stranger, I found him often useful for information as to characters, and I always believed him an honest & honorable man, altho’ the warmth of his temper made him many enemies. These are the merits of the uncle. Of the nephew I know nothing, and have therefore informed him I could render him no other service than that of stating to you that I knew of his uncle, considering it as a duty to bear testimony to truth. I salute you with affectionate attachment and respect
Th: Jefferson
RC and enclosure (DLC); FC (DLC: Jefferson Papers). RC docketed by JM. For enclosure, filed at 5 Aug. 1816, see n. 1.
1. Jefferson enclosed a 5 Aug. 1816 letter he had received from William Duncanson describing the financial woes of his uncle William Mayne Duncanson. He requested Jefferson to intercede with JM to “procure me a Lecrutive Situation, eather In the Navy or War department Coustom house’s or any other Situation by which I Could Support my heavy Charge and maintain the Respectability of our Ancient and very honourable Name.” Duncanson assured Jefferson that he would have no cause to regret “your Recommendation of me to Mr Madison and from him to the future President of the United States, according as my Merets may be Seen” (2 pp.; docketed by Jefferson; printed in Looney et al., Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series, 10:297–98).