To Thomas Jefferson from William Eustis, 30 March 1802
From William Eustis
Washington March 30th. 1802.
Sir,
General Stevens of New York has pending with the government a business of great moment, and wishes to be known to you in his true character, which is that of an upright & respectable citizen, who passed the revolutionary war with great reputation as a commander in the artillery. He is also a native of Massachusetts which may plead an apology for this representation from,
Sir, Your most respectful humble servant.
William Eustis
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “The President of the United States.”; endorsed by TJ as received 30 Mch. and so recorded in SJL.
BUSINESS OF GREAT MOMENT: see DeWitt Clinton to TJ, 29 Mch.
On 30 Mch., Senator Joseph Anderson also recommended Ebenezer Stevens to the president. He wrote: “In the Course of the Revolutionary War—I was acquainted with General Stevens then Lt. Colonel Stephens of the Artillery, his Character was that of an active, Judicious attentive and intelligent officer—and as a man it was equally respectable” (RC in MHi; endorsed by TJ as received 30 Mch. and so recorded in SJL with notation “Stevens”).