James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Aaron Burr, 21 April 1801

From Aaron Burr

Nyork 21 Ap. 1801

Dear Sir

I was well acquainted with Major Gibbs during the late revolution. He was a punctual, attentive officer and has at all times been deemed a Man of integrity and honor. It has been suggested to me that, in Case of Vacancy, the office of Marshall would be acceptable to him. I should suppose him to be competent to the discharge of the duties of that office with reputation to himself and to the Government. I have thought it to be due to an old fellow soldier, who has been uniformly republican, to enclose to you the testimonies, which he has forwarded to me, of his services and to express the favorable opinion which I entertain of him. Being however totally unacquainted with the present Marshall, and ignorant of the other persons, if any, who may offer for this appointment, I decline giving any opinion as to the expediency of a change and of the preference of Mr Gibbs to other Candidates who may be in Your View.1 Mr Lincoln must be better informed on these points. I am Dear Sir with great respect & Esteem Your assured friend & Ob St

A; Burr

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