From James Madison to Samuel Smith (Abstract), 25 March 1805
§ To Samuel Smith
25 March 1805, Department of State. “As the name of Genl. W. Stewart1 does not appear in the list of decisions by the Commissioners at Paris, it is probable that the claims on his behalf 2 appear in that of some Agent, who cannot be ascertained here.”
Letterbook copy (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 14). 2 pp.
1. Gen. Walter Stewart (ca. 1756–1796), known as the “Irish Beauty,” fought throughout the American Revolution. He retired from the military in 1783 and became a successful merchant in Philadelphia, although he lost heavily when Robert Morris failed. He married Deborah McClenachan, the daughter of wealthy merchant Blair McClenachan, in 1781. The couple were friends of George Washington, who was godfather to their first child (Campbell, History of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, 126, 134).
2. According to a list enclosed in Fulwar Skipwith to JM, 14 Mar. 1802 ( , 3:33 n. 1), Stewart had a claim for “Ordonnances from the Administration of Guadaloup, for supplies made in 1793, not paid,” with the added observation: “Original Papers wanting.”