1To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 20 June 1800 (Madison Papers)
I am sorry to inform you that from some unforeseen events, I am prevented from Establishing the News Paper, you did me the honor of subscribing for, when I had the pleasure of seeing you last. Have enclosed the Three dolls, with which you will please to accept my most grateful thanks for your Friendship and politeness. I have seen with pleasure your name on the Ticket for Electors of President...
2To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 10 [October] 1800 (Madison Papers)
I was honor’d with your Letter of Augt. 5th. at which time much uncertainty rested on the state of political affairs in Maryland. I have now the pleasure of communicating to you that the People of our State will exercsise the right of suffrage in the Choice of Electors in Districts. Altho I cannot give an Official statement of the different polls throughout the State, yet I can Assure you that...
3To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 2 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
In addressing to you the subject of the following letter, I hope that the presumption may not be thought too great. The established philanthropy of your Character, but especially the Honor of your friendly deportment towards me, have encouraged the Undertaking. It is known to you, Sir, the languid State of the fine Arts in this Country, particularly that of Painting; and it has been my...
4From James Madison to Charles Peale Polk, 19 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 19 April 1801. Acknowledged in Polk to JM, 14 May 1801 . Quoted in Polk to JM, 12 Oct. 1809 (DLC). Complains of indisposition. Gives assurances that JM will offer Polk and his family help if the opportunity arises.
5To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 14 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1801, Frederick Town, Maryland. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 19 Apr. , in which he promised to serve the interests of Polk’s family “if an Opportunity should Offer of its being in any degree subservient to the Public good.” Conveys his “ most grateful Acknowledgments for your prompt attention to my Letter, Amidst your many important Engagements.” RC ( DLC ). 2 pp.
6To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 10 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 November 1801, Frederick Town. Reluctantly repeats request that JM intervene on his behalf for a federal job as his family is in “extreme distress.” If changes are to be made under the new postmaster general, he wishes to be considered. Is moving to Georgetown within the month as he has no prospects at his present location. RC ( DLC ). 2 pp. On Polk’s earlier efforts to secure a federal...
7To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 7 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 January 1802, Georgetown. Apologizes for burdening JM with his search for public employment but promises this will be “the last trespass” on JM’s patience. Has furnished the postmaster general with a birth certificate and letters of recommendation from Daniel Hiester, representative from the district where Polk lived the past five years, and from Samuel Smith. Requests JM’s intervention with...
8To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 18 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 July 1802, “near the Old Bridge,” Washington. “I take the liberty of writing a few lines soliciting your Patronage to procure a Clerkship, as Copyist, in the Office of the Treasurer .… I am told that the duties are extremely easy, and can be performed by a Common Capacity.… I have long depended on Your humanity for being placed in a Situation more permanent than Painting for my Support.” RC...
9To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 12 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
My feelings are deeply excited by the Step which I now take in addressing a letter to you, not knowing in what light it may be viewed. But of this I am conscious that I do it with the most respectful motive. I take the liberty of enclosing several letters for Your perusal, and among them One which I had the honor of receiving from you in April 1801, in which you were pleased to say “I shall...