To Thomas Jefferson from John Hollins, 20 April 1804
From John Hollins
Balto. 20th: April 1804
Sir
Being informed that R. Etting Esqr the present Marshal is about to resign, I use the freedom to address a few lines in favor of a very deserving & worthy Citizen—Major Thos. Rutter,—I shall only add that I am fully convinced upon enquiry you will find this Gentleman worthy of the Appointment, & shd. he be so fortunate as to get it, I shall feel very happy
I have the Honor to be Sir yr. mo. obdt
Jno. Hollins
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); at foot of text: “Thos Jefferson Esqe President of the U.S.”; endorsed by TJ as received 27 Apr. and “Rutter Thos. to be Marshl. Maryld. v. R. Etting. resd.” and so recorded in SJL.
In a letter of 22 Apr., Reuben etting informed James Madison that due to the low pay of the office, he was resigning as marshal of the Maryland district and would be moving to Philadelphia “in the ensuing month.” Thomas rutter received a recess appointment as marshal on 29 May and was subsequently confirmed by the Senate (RC in DNA: RG 59, RD, endorsed by TJ: “Etting Reuben to mr Madison resigns office of Marshal of Maryld”; , 1:473-4; Memorandum on Appointments, 29 May).