To James Madison from John Dawson, [25 March] 1812
From John Dawson
Wednesday morning [25 March 1812]
Dear Sir
I do think that the appointment of federalists to command both the regiments in Virginia1 will give discontent, and the rejection of one Major, and nomination of others, whose pretentions are not higher, will increase that discontent.
You will readily appreciate the motive from which this opinion is given, and will believe me to be sincerely Your friend
J Dawson
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM. Undated; date assigned here on the basis that 25 Mar. was the first Wednesday after JM’s nomination of William Campbell to the Senate on Tuesday, 24 Mar. (see n. 1).
1. On 6 and 24 Mar. 1812 JM had nominated Virginians Thomas Parker and William Campbell to be colonels of infantry. Parker and Campbell had held commissions as lieutenant colonel and major, respectively, in the Eighth Infantry during the Quasi-War from 1799 to 1800 ( , 2:221, 240; , 1:279, 770).