To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Fenner, 24 December 1803
From Arthur Fenner
Providence Decmr 24th 1803
Sir
The bearer of this Mr Robert Sterry a Native of Providence decended from two respectable Families in this State He has received a Clasical Education and been regularly trained to the Bar—Literature has ever been his Amusement and the Days of his Youth in its pursuits among Books
History has been his favorit studies—He is twenty one Years of Age has tallents and Perseverance and I think will make a Respectable figure in his Profession—Not confined to no spot or place his Mind imbrace the Interest of his Country and Mankind—
His Talents may be useful to his Country He has chosen1 New Orleans for his place of Professional residence—He is now on his way there Any aid that is given will be considered by me as giving aid to Tallents which I believe may be useful to his Country
I am with great esteem and Friendship Your Coleague in Abuse
A Fenner
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); at foot of text: “President United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 27 Feb. 1804 and so recorded in SJL with notation “Sterry”; also endorsed by TJ: “Sterry Robt. emploimt N.O.” Enclosed in Christopher Ellery to TJ, 27 Feb. 1804.
robert sterry graduated from the College of Rhode Island and was admitted to the Rhode Island bar before moving to New Orleans. In 1805, he mortally wounded the brother-in-law of William C. C. Claiborne in a duel (Boston New-England Palladium, 18 Oct. 1803; Poulson’s American Daily Advertiser, 25 Mch. 1805; Boston Daily Advertiser, 31 Jan. 1820).
1. MS: “cohesen.”