To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fenwick, 16 April 1801
From Joseph Fenwick
Norfolk 16 April 1801.
Sir
Having complained to you of my removal from office, without sufficient cause—it becomes me to endeavor to repel anything advanced to support the contrary. With this view, I have the honor to send you the inclosed strictures, on what has been published concerning my Consular Conduct, in a Washington paper of the 1 & 7th. Inst.
The desire of preserving the good opinion of those who thought well of me, as a man, is the primary object of this printed letter. I shall therefore be gratifyed if your important occupations permit you to read it. Few men, very few indeed like yourself, can boast of being out of the reach of calumny.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir your most obedient & humble Servant
Joseph Fenwick
RC (DLC); at head of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esquire President of the United States Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 18 Apr. received on the 24th, and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: response by Fenwick to charges of improprieties in his office as consul at Bordeaux that appeared against him in the Washington Federalist of 1 and 7 Apr. (printed copy in DLC; dated Norfolk, 14 Apr. 1801, altered by hand to 16 Apr.).
Complained to you: Fenwick to TJ, 22 Mch.
Also in TJ’s papers is a letter from Fenwick to Madison of 16 Apr. in regard to the charges against him (RC in DLC; Madison, Papers, Sec. of State Ser, 1:94–6).