1To Thomas Jefferson from Richard T. Hanson, 4 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The following application to your Excellency, comes from a young man, who would not have the boldness to ask the favour he solicits, had not his habits from a very early period of life, not only have qualified him for the office of Marshal for Maryland District, which he now entreats at your Excellency’s hands: but have perhaps rendered him incompetent for any other pursuit in life. Your...