To Thomas Jefferson from John Dawson, 4 March 1803
From John Dawson
George Town—March 4. 1803
Dear Sir,
I have reason to believe that you think favourably of Captain Barney—an intimate acquaintance with him convinces me that that impression is a just one, and that he is a man of merit.
he does believe that he was ill treated by the late Post master general, on account of his politicks, and that he has been neglected by the present—coud he be employ’d I am convinc’d that he woud do justice and credit to the public, and therefore I take the liberty of recommending him to you—he will explain his wishes!
With much respect Yr friend & Sevt
J Dawson
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); endorsed by TJ as received 13 May and “Captain Barney for employment” and so recorded in SJL. Probably enclosed in John H. Barney to TJ, 13 May.
John H. barney, a stage line operator and former postmaster at Havre de Grace, Maryland, had written TJ requesting to succeed Joseph Habersham as postmaster general, but TJ appointed Gideon Granger to the post instead in November 1801 (Vol. 33:415, 429, 670, 677).