1To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Dowse, 12 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Having lately applied to you by letter, and proposed myself a candidate for the office of Navy-agent , it is with much regret I find myself impell’d a second time to obtrude myself upon your notice. Captain Samuel Nicholson late commander of the Ship Constitution, has this day (to my astonishment) given me proof to what length the malignant spirit of party, and to what degree of baseness some...