To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 10 August 1812
From Thomas Jefferson
Monticello Aug. 10. 12.
Dear Sir
The death of my much valued friend & relation George Jefferson will doubtless produce many competitors for the office of Consul at Lisbon. Among these a neighbor of mine, mr David Higginbotham1 wishes to be considered. He is a merchant of Milton, of very fair character, steady application to business, sound in his circumstances, and perfectly correct in all his conduct. He is a native of this part of the country, brought up to mercantile business, of a temper and manners entirely conciliatory and obliging, and would, I am persuaded execute the duties of the office with all the diligence and zeal in his power. Should no person of better qualifications be proposed his appointment would gratify his many friends here as well as, Dear Sir Your affectionate friend & servt.
Th: Jefferson
[Enclosure]
Monticello Aug. 10. 12.
Dear Sir
The letter within which this is inclosed contains the truth: there is not a word in it that is not so, but while the sollicitations of a friend have obliged me to present his case, duty to yourself & the public oblige me to say it does not contain the whole truth. One single circumstance is to be added. This candidate for the office of Consul at Lisbon, who often has to transact diplomatic business with that government, as we have no minister there, is not qualified by education or understanding for the duties of the office. He is uninformed & unlettered, & so much so as to be entirely insensible of it himself. His understanding is equal to the business he is in, but not to that which would be incumbent on him at that post. His letter now inclosed2 is a specimen by which you can judge, which after perusal be so good as to return under cover to me, without taking the trouble of saying a word on the subject. My outer letter will probably go on your files; I have written this separately that it may not do so, but remain among your private papers, unwilling to make a public record of it in the case of so good a man.
Constant rains are detracting from the produce of our harvest, by rendering it impossible to thresh, and in the mean time injuring the grain in the stacks. Ever affectionately yours
Th: Jefferson
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Higginbotham”); enclosure (DLC); FC and FC of enclosure (DLC: Jefferson Papers).
1. David Higginbotham (1775–1853) was a merchant in Charlottesville and Milton. Beginning in 1798, Jefferson traded with and borrowed money from Higginbotham extensively (William Montgomery Sweeny, “Higginbotham Family of Virginia,” , 1st ser., 27 [1918–19]: 124).
2. Enclosure not found, but it was probably one of two letters Jefferson had received from Higginbotham, dated 26 and 27 June 1812 (Jefferson’s Epistolary Record [DLC: Jefferson Papers]). JM returned the enclosure in his 17 Aug. letter to Jefferson. JM also received a letter from Higginbotham, dated 12 Aug. 1812, offering his services in the Lisbon consulate (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Higginbotham”).