To James Madison from John Dawson, 16 November 1809
From John Dawson
Fredericksburg Nov: 16. 1809
Dear Sir
The unfortunate death of Go: Lewis leaves that office vacant. I have some thoughts of accepting the appointment shoud I be calld to it, altho I shoud wish to see you before it is made.
No person knows better than yourself how far I am capable of discharging the duties and what my claims on the public are. With sincere regard Your friend
J Dawson1
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Dawson”).
1. John Dawson (1762–1814), a Harvard graduate, began corresponding with JM in 1785. He represented Spotsylvania County in the Virginia House of Delegates, 1786–89, and in the 1788 ratifying convention, where he was an Antifederalist. A delegate to the Continental Congress, 1788–89, he was elected as a Republican to the seat in the House of Representatives that JM vacated in 1797, and he served until his death (, 7:199 n. 17).