To James Madison from Daniel D. Tompkins, 7 February 1815
From Daniel D. Tompkins
Albany Feby 7. 1815
Sir,
The selection of Mr. Sanford as Senator in Congress, will create a vacancy in the office of the United States Attorney for this district. Mr. Robert Tillotson is a candidate for that office. He is a young gentleman of respectable character and standing and of much promise in his profession. His connexions are also of the first grade and influence in this state. He acquitted himself as army judge Advocate with high reputation and has discharged the duties of private Secretary with ability and to my entire satisfaction.
Permit to add, that I deem Mr. Tillotson well qualified for and worthy of the office of Attorney for the New York district; and that his appointment will be gratifying to me and at the same time satisfactory to the public.1 With the most perfect regard, I have the honor to be, Sir, your Obt. Srt.
Daniel D. Tompkins
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Tillotson”).
1. Nathan Sanford resigned the office of New York district attorney on 1 Mar. 1815 (DNA: RG 59, LRD). The district was thereupon split in two, with Roger Skinner and Jonathan Fisk receiving recess appointments to the northern and southern portions, respectively. On 8 Jan. 1816 JM submitted the appointments to the Senate, where they were confirmed the following day. In a message dated December 1819, James Monroe nominated Tillotson to succeed Fisk, who had resigned; the Senate confirmed the appointment on 5 Jan. 1820 ( 3:19, 21, 185–88).