To James Madison from the Merchants of New York, 12 July 1812 (Abstract)
§ From the Merchants of New York
12 July 1812. “Understanding that the office of Consul General of Portugal will become vacant in consequence of the return of George Jefferson Esquire to America, and that an application is about to be made for the appointment, in behalf of Richard M Lawrence Esquire a Native Citizen of the State of New York now and for two years past a resident in Lisbon:1 The Subscribers from a knowlege of Mr. Lawrence’s talents integrity and mercantile information, and of the unblemished character he has always sustained, recommend him to the President of the United States as a proper person to fill the aforesaid office.”
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Lawrence”). 2 pp.; signed by John Hone and thirty others.
1. Lawrence was the subject of an extensive letter-writing campaign. Monroe received letters on his behalf from New York senator John Smith and New York representative Samuel Latham Mitchill, both dated 14 July 1812, and from New York representative William Paulding, dated 15 July. New Jersey representative Lewis Condit wrote to Monroe in support of Lawrence on 31 July, as did New Jersey senator John Condit on 29 July, enclosing a supporting letter from Asa Hillyer, dated 28 July (ibid.).