To Thomas Jefferson from Blair McClenachan, 29 November 1802
From Blair McClenachan
Philadelphia, Novr. 29. 1802.
Sir,
I must again entreat you, to have the goodness to pardon me for again, troubling you: Nothing less than the pressure of Severe circumstances, could have extorted from me the former application. These circumstances have not Since improved.
The enclosed paper, which my fellow citizens have executed, not only without my Solicitation, but without my privity or knowledge, Shews the place they Still honor me with in their regard, and at the Same time Solicits for me, an office the duties of which, I trust I Should not be incompetent to discharge.
Please, Sir, to accept the acknowledgments, of my gratitude, for the blessings conferred on this happy country, by your administration, and of my most profound personal respect.
Blair Mclenachan
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); endorsed by TJ as received 3 Dec. and “for office” and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: Recommendation, dated 20 Nov. 1802, signed by Joseph Scott, Mathew Carey, and 59 other members of the general ward committees of Philadelphia elected to form the Democratic Republican ticket for the previous election; they note the “patriotic and disinterested services” of Blair McClenachan during the Revolutionary War and his uniform adherence to those principles of government “recognized in the declaration of Independence” and endorse him “as a citizen worthy, from his long experience in commercial affairs, of filling the office of Purveyor of Public Supplies, now in the possession of one of our most active Political enemies” (MS in same; probably in Joseph Scott’s hand, signed by all).
former application: see McClenachan to TJ, 6 Jan. 1802.
On 27 Nov., McClenachan informed Gallatin of his application to the president. He noted that the Treasury secretary’s Republican friends in Philadelphia would be highly gratified if he used his influence to have him appointed the next purveyor of public supplies. He requested that Gallatin keep him informed of his prospects for that or any other office (RC in DNA: RG 59, LAR; endorsed by TJ: “Mc.lanachan Blair to mr Gallatin”). For Israel Whelen’s plans to vacate the purveyor’s office in 1803, see Gallatin to TJ, 24 July 1802.