Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-15-02-0512

To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 November 1789

From James Madison

Fredericksbg. Novr. 1.

Dear Sir

In the letter left for you in N. York on my leaving that place I omitted to mention to you three names which solicit a clerkship in the office which will be under your direction. They are Mr. Fisher, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Orr. The first has vouchers of his pretensions which will enable you to decide readily on them. The second is a son of Merriwether Smith. I am not personally acquainted with him, but am told he is a youth of real merit. The third is a nephew of Colo. Grayson. I have never seen him but understand that he is a youth of parts, and if put into a proper line might rise into consequence. My information however comes thro’ a channel that may be partial. In mentioning these names I fulfil an expectation which circumstances have produced. You will understand at the same time that nothing more is meant than merely to lead you into proper inquiries, and enable you to form proper comparisons.

I am this far on my way to Orange. I was detained in Philada. a fortnight after I determined to await no longer your arrival, by an indisposition, which is still troublesome to me, but not worse than when I left Philada. I am Dr. Sir yr. mo: affectly.

Js. Madison Jr

RC (DLC: Madison Papers); endorsed by TJ: “received Jan. 14.” and by Madison, late in life: “Novr. 1. 1791”-an obvious error. Recorded in SJL as received 14 Jan. 1790.

On 15 Nov. 1789 William Irvine wrote to Madison from New York: “Your favor from Fredericksburg covering a letter from Mr. Jefferson came to hand and I will either deliver it or leave it in the office of foreign affairs, in case of absence, which may probably happen, as I am informed the County in which I live have elected me for the State Convention, which is to meet at Philadelphia on tuesday week … There is no account of Mr. Jefferson unless your letter contains it” (DLC: Rives Papers).

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