To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Story, 28 July 1802
From Isaac Story
Marblehead July 28. 1802.
Most respected Sire,
I am as fluent, & ready at language, as any of my Neighbors; but at present I am at a loss in what manner to express the gratitude, with which my breast is filled, for your great kindness & condescension towards me. You have conferred a piece of undeserved honor upon me, by granting me a Commission simply upon my own application, without being accompanied with any recommendatory Letters. I feel myself entirely devoted to you, & have the vanity to think, that you will not have a more faithful servant in all the united States.
I was brought up from a child in the paths of integrity & virtue, & my Conscience bears witness, that I have never swerved therefrom.—
I shall endeavor to defend & establish your Character, support your interest & honor at all times, & in all places and in all possible ways exhibit specimens of my gratitude.
accept the homage of my most profound respects
Isaac Story
P.S. Were I not affraid of taking advantage of your indulgence, I could express a wish, that in case Mr. Otis, or any other Gentleman in Boston should decline a Commission of Bankruptcy, the vacancy might be left open to give me an opportunity of returning to Boston, the place of my nativity, & where four of my children are settled
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); endorsed by TJ as received 5 Aug. and so recorded in SJL.
MY OWN APPLICATION: in his 8 May 1802 letter to TJ, Story had requested an appointment as a bankruptcy commissioner. TJ granted him a commission on 8 July (Vol. 37: Appendix ii, List 2).