To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 29 December 1803
From Albert Gallatin
Decer. 29th 1803
Dear Sir
Doctr. Jones says that Joseph Monroe is perfectly worthless—Edwards extremely indolent—and Robinson having removed to Fauquier & owning no land in the vicinity never could find it convenient to return for the sake of the trifling salary. He is decidedly in favour of Nelms.
Respectfully Your obedt. Servt.
Albert Gallatin
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Treasury Department on 29 Dec. and “Nelms. Keepr. Lt. H. Smith’s Pt.” and so recorded in SJL.
On 31 Dec., TJ informed Gallatin, “The appointment of William Nelms to be Keeper of the Lighthouse at Smith’s Point is approved.” Gallatin noted that the salary was $250 and transmitted the information to the commissioner of the revenue (facsimile of RC in Patrick Evans-Hylton, Images of America: Lighthouses and Lifesaving Stations of Virginia [Charleston, S.C., 2005], 16; in TJ’s hand and signed by him; with notation signed by Gallatin; addressed: “The Secretary of the Treasury”; endorsed: “see letter to Mr. Daviss & Mr. Nelm’s same date”; not recorded in SJL). On 31 Dec., Gallatin signed letters to Nelms and Norfolk collector William Davies, informing them of the appointment (FCs in Lb in DNA: RG 26, LL).