To James Madison from Daniel D. Tompkins, 14 July 1814
From Daniel D. Tompkins
New york July 14. 1814
Sir,
General Mapes and Mr. T. R. Smith, two of the aldermen of this city, have been deputed by the Corporation on business relating to the defence of this city & harbour;1 and I beg leave to introduce them to you as respectable & patriotic characters in whom the utmost confidence may be reposed. With perfect respect & esteem, I am, Sir, Your Ob St
Daniel D. Tompkins
RC (DNA: RG 107, LRRS, T-81:8). Docketed as received in the War Department in August 1814.
1. Aldermen Jonas Mapes and Thomas R. Smith were instructed by the New York Common Council on 14 July 1814 to “call upon the President of the U S. and respectfully to solicit his attention” to aspects of the defense of the city considered by the committee to be within the purview of the federal executive: construction of fortifications, allocation of regular troops, calling out the militia for “immediate service” or paying them with U.S. funds if ordered into service by the governor, and providing arms and ammunition (Peterson, Minutes of the Common Council of the City of New York, 8:6, 9–11).