1To James Madison from John Coburn (Abstract), 28 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
28 February 1805, Mason County, Kentucky . “Amidst the numerous applications to which you are necessarily exposed, I have taken the liberty of addressing you, altho a stranger to you. I should not venture this mode of application unaccompanied with some evidence more worthy your attention. It is painful to be the writer of my own claims to the patronage of Government—But if the pretensions I...
2To James Madison from John Coburn (Abstract), 5 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
5 April 1805, Mason County, Kentucky . “Desirous to place before the Chief Magistrate of the United States, the best means in my power, to enable him to determine the merit of my pretensions, I have been compelled to trouble you, in addition to the inclosed Letter from General S. Hopkins, with sundry others—One from Judge Wallace, one from Judge Innes and one from Coll. Isaac Shelby our former...
3To James Madison from John Coburn (Abstract), 26 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
26 June 1805, Mason County, Kentucky . “In consequence of the determination of Mr. Sebastian, not to accept the appointment of a Commissioner, to adjust the claims to land in the vicinity of N Orleans —I am induced to communicate to the President of the United States, the wish of Genl. Henry Lee of Kentucky, to receive this appointment. The character and qualifications of this Gentleman, place...
4To James Madison from John Coburn, 20 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Coburn. 20 August 1806, Mason County, Kentucky. “I was induced during the last year to apply to the Executive of the United States for some respectable appointment, within some branch of the Government, to which I was qualified. “I was so fortunate as to obtain a number of recommendatory Letters, from some of the most intelligent and respectable Citizens of this State. Those...
5To James Madison from John Coburn, 31 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 January 1811, Mason, Kentucky. Reminds JM that he accepted a judgeship in the Louisiana Territory and claims that he has faithfully performed his duties, despite the fact that he has not yet moved to the territory because of “the reluctance of my family to abandon their relatives and connexions in Kentucky.” Since he has been employed in judicial positions for about twenty years and...
6To James Madison from John Coburn, 10 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 January 1813, Maysville, Kentucky. Resigns his commission as judge in the Missouri Territory following passage of a congressional act making it “indispensible” for judges to reside in the territories over which they preside. Has performed the duties of his office “under circumstances extremely unpleasant—Traversing a wild and savage country in ten different journies.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LRD...
7To James Madison from John Coburn, 15 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I returned a short time past from the Territory of Louisiana; during my stay there, the Legislature were employed in enacting several important Laws, for the Government of the Territory. It may not be considered as improper if I offer some few remarks respecting that Country. From the collected information derived from different sources, the most correct knowledge of this distant Territory may...
8To James Madison from John Coburn, 16 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of my appointment, as a Judge in the Territory of Louisiana, I resigned the same office in Kentucky, and have spent some time in the Territory, in the discharge of my duty. Having exchanged a situation in the Michigan territory for Louisiana, my appointment took place in the recess of Congress. I shall be thankful to you for any attention you may think proper to bestow on the...
9To James Madison from John Coburn, 15 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of communicating to the Executive, the wish of Mr. Adam Beatty of Kentucky, to be appointed in the room of Judge Sprigg of the Orleans territory, who it is said has resigned. I conceive it a duty, to recommend Mr. Beatty, for an employment, for which I consider him well adapted. He has acted as the Attorney for Kentucky, for some years, with great reputation. His Standing at...