To Thomas Jefferson from John Archer, 6 March 1805
From John Archer
George Town, March 6th 1805
Sir,
The Laws passed respecting Louisiana have opened new Appointments to Office—Permit me to recommend to your Consideration an Acquaintance of mine a Mr. Eligius Fromentin either as Secretary, Register or, Recorder—He is a Gentn of an accurate classical and scientific Education, he has paid some Attention to the study of Law & is well acquainted with the English Language which would fit him for an Office in that Country—He is a Frenchman by Birth, an American by Naturalization & (I believe) friendly to the present Administration of the american Goverment & sanguine in the Prosperity of Louisiana—he intends to move with his Family into that Country this Spring—
I am with the highest Respect & Esteem
John Archer
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); endorsed by TJ as received 7 Mch. and “Fromentin Eligius. to be Recorder or Reciever” and so recorded in SJL.
Laws passed respecting Louisiana: in addition to the 2 Mch. act for the resolution of land titles in Orleans Territory and Louisiana District that provided for the appointment of land office registers and recorders, an act approved on 3 Mch. to establish territorial government for Louisiana District included a provision for the appointment of a territorial Secretary. Under another act of 2 Mch., which authorized a new form of government for Orleans Territory with a general assembly, that territory’s officers would need new appointments (, 2:322-3, 331-2; Kentucky Members of the House of Representatives to TJ, 28 Feb.).