To James Madison from Jonathan Thompson, 20 June 1816
From Jonathan Thompson
New York June 20h. 1816
SIR
A recommendation having been handed to me for my signature, in favour of appointing Mr. Samuel Denton a Consul or Commercial agent to some port in France, & in case of a vacancy, particularly at Bordeaux—I have signed the recommendation with great pleasure having been personally acquainted with Mr. Denton for upwards of Twenty years, & know him to be a friend to the liberties of his country, a Merchant of good reputation, and I believe both a moral & an honest man. Mr. Denton retired from Mercantile pursuits with a very respectable property acquired by his industry—he is acquainted with the French Language and I trust (is) fully competent to discharge the duties of the office solicited, with credit to himself, & honor to his Country. I am very respectfully your Obt. Servant
Jonathan Thompson1
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Denton”).
1. Jonathan Thompson (1773–1846) was a prominent figure in the New York City mercantile and banking communities. In 1813 he became a director of the Manhattan Company. In 1814 JM appointed him tax collector for the second district of New York. He became collector at the port of New York in 1820 ( 2:339 n. 2).