To James Madison from Seth Chapman and Others, [ca. 26 September 1816]
From Seth Chapman and Others
[ca. 26 September 1816]
Sir,
Michael Ross Esqr. Collector of the Revenue for the 21st. District of the State of Pennsylvania, having transmitted his resignation in consequence of indisposition, We take the liberty of recommending Dr. Joseph Wood of the Borough of Williamsport, Lycoming county as his Successor.1
Dr. Wood, in our opinion certainly possesses the requisite qualifications to discharge the duties of Collector with justice and fidelity to all, with satisfaction to the people and honor to himself.
Dr. Wood’s political sentiments & conduct are those of a sincere and active Democratic republican. Sir, We are with great respect your Excellency’s Obt. Servts.
RC (DNA: RG 59, Acceptances, 1813–20). Undated; date assigned on the basis of n. 1.
1. On 27 Sept. 1816 Samuel Harrison Smith recommended Joseph Wood to Alexander J. Dallas as Ross’s replacement. Dallas referred the letter to JM, who noted: “Let a commission issue to Jos. Wood. J.M.” (DNA: RG 59, Acceptances, 1813–20).
2. Among the signatories, Seth Chapman (1779–1835) served as presiding judge in the eighth judicial district in Pennsylvania; William Wilson represented the Williamsport district of Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1815 and 1819; Isaac Smith served in the Thirteenth Congress, and in the Pennsylvania house of representatives between 1806 and 1808; and Samuel McKean was a member of the Pennsylvania house of representatives between 1815 and 1819. Joseph Jacob Wallis and Michael Ross were both prominent landowners in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania (John F. Meginness, ed., History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania [Chicago, 1892], 66–78, 279).