Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-18-02-0559

Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 5 September 1822

To James Monroe

Monticello Sep. 5. 22.

Dear Sir

I have made it a rule, and have pretty steadfastly observed it, not to permit myself to be used as an instrument to trouble and embarras the government with sollicitations for office. now & then however a case occurs which from peculiar circumstances, cannot be declined. still I wish it always to be understood that I ask no departure from what justice, or the necessary rules of government may require. a year or two ago, in a letter to mr Secretary Thomson, I seconded the application of mr Gibson of Richmond for the reception of his son into the corps of Midshipmen. the father is a most worthy man, was, jointly with my late friend and relation George Jefferson, for 20. years my correspondents in business in Richmond, of the purest integrity & personal worth. he is one of those who suffered in the general catastrophe1 of commerce which took place two or three years ago, has a numerous family, and is rendered helpless by the deplorable state of his health. I inclose you a letter lately recieved from him, with the expression only of the gratification I should feel should the necessary rules of the government now admit his request. accept assurances of my constant and affectionate esteem and respect.

Th: Jefferson

RC (NjP: Andre deCoppet Collection); mutilated at seal, with missing text supplied from PoC; addressed: “James Monroe President of the US. Washington”; franked; postmarked; endorsed by Monroe. PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of Tarlton Saunders (for James Lyle [1798–1850]) to TJ, 7 Apr. 1821; torn at seal; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: Patrick Gibson to TJ, 27 Aug. 1822, not found (see note to TJ to Gibson, 5 Sept. 1822).

1Manuscript: “catastophe.”

Index Entries

  • Gibson, Alexander; seeks appointment search
  • Gibson, Patrick; family of search
  • Gibson, Patrick; finances of search
  • Gibson, Patrick; health of search
  • Gibson, Patrick; seeks appointment for son search
  • Gibson, Patrick; TJ on search
  • Jefferson, George (1766–1812) (TJ’s cousin); mentioned search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Correspondence; letters of application and recommendation from search
  • Monroe, James (1758–1831); and appointments search
  • Monroe, James (1758–1831); letters to search
  • Navy Department, U.S.; applications to search
  • patronage; letters of application and recommendation from TJ search
  • Thompson, Smith; and appointments search
  • United States; Panic of1819 search