Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-18-02-0181

From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 18 January 1791

To James Monroe

Philadelphia Jan. 18. 1791.

My dear Sir

I have been constantly afflicted at my inability to acknowledge the reciept of Dr. Mortimer’s letters and of those of my friends Mr. Fitzhugh and Mr. Page: but I have for some weeks past been forced by other business to suspend answering any letters whatever, unless indeed of indispensable magnitude, and even now I must beg you to make the answer for me. When I came into office, I found the clerkships all filled by gentlemen who had been in them several years, and who to the title of possession added that of irreprocheable conduct. I have therefore not had a single appointment to make. This answer has been given to near an hundred letters which I have had to write in reply to applications of this nature. I wish with all my soul I could have obliged my friends on this occasion. Your taking the trouble to write thus much, and apologize for my not writing will oblige Dear Sir Your sincere friend & servt.,

Th: Jefferson

PrC (DLC); at foot of text: “Colo. Monroe.”

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