To John Jay from Aaron Burr, 23 February 1801
From Aaron Burr
NYork, 23 Feby. 1801
Sir,
In Case Mr Morris1 should not be ^re-^^appointed Sheriff, the name of John Stagg Junr.2 will, among others, be offered to your Consideration. I have understood that Major Stagg was introduced into the War department through your patronage and recommendation: The manner in which he left it appears from the letter contained in the Second page of the paper which I take the liberty to enclose.3 He served several Years in the Continental army in different Stations with great fidelity & always meriting and receiving the approbation & esteem of his Superior Officers.
You will I hope pardon this intrusion from one old officer in favor of another his friend & Comrade in arms I have the honor to be very respectfully Yr Obt Hle St
A. Burr
ALS, CaQMMRB (EJ: 13403). Addressed: “His Excellency /John Jay / Albany”. Endorsed: “John Stagg Junr / desires to be sheriff of / NYork / Feb. 1801—/”. Stamped: “NEW YORK / FEB/23”. Marked: “34”. PAB, 1: 508.
1. James Morris was appointed sheriff of New York City and County in December 1798.
2. John Stagg Jr. (1758–1803) served with AB as a second lieutenant in William Malcolm’s Additional Continental Regiment, and was promoted to first lieutenant while serving in Oliver Spencer’s Additional Continental Regiment. Stagg began his post as chief clerk of the War Department in 1786 and served for twelve years before resigning in 1797 due to his “infirm state of health.” The position of sheriff for New York City and County remained unfilled until Stagg was appointed in August 1801. See Time Piece (New York), 6 Dec. 1797; N.Y. Civil List, 210. See also the editorial note “Conflict with the Council of Appointment,” below.
3. Enclosure not found.