James Madison Papers

Benjamin King to James Madison, 22 May 1836

Philada. June 22nd., 1836

Sir,

I hope you will not deem my addressing you an intrusion; but I am compelled by my necessities to do so. I am at present receiving but one dollar per day—in the Navy Yard at this place, which is not sufficient to supply myself and family with the necessaries of life. I am now eighty & odd years of age, and having filled the station which I did for thirty & odd years, I think it a great hardship that the pay allowed me by government, should be reduced to so small a sum as to be merely enough to keep me from absolute want.

What I would request is—that you will give me a letter stating my services at Bladensburg, viz; having brought a gun, which had broke down in the evening, into action by sunrise the next morning. I forward you Copies of letters of Commodore Barron and Colonel Miller, with other documents. You will please forward to my address, (viz; Benjn. King Navy Yard Philada. Pa.) the letter which I have to beg the favor of your giving me. Very Respectfully I am Sir Yr. Obt. Servt.

Benjn. King

RC and enclosures re pension claim (DLC).

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