To James Madison from Thomas Newton, 5 May 1804
From Thomas Newton
Norfolk May 5. 1804
Dr Sir
The Collector for this port having as I have heard, determind to resign his office; from the many solicitations & general wish that my Son should succed him I am Induced to write in his behalf, the long residence in this place & our sufferings from patriotic principals from 1776 will I hope have some influence in giving the place to a native of it, his virtues & patriotism I engage for, & I beg the favor of yr interest in promoting him to the office, I can assure you it is the general wish of the people here that he may be appointed—health & happiness attend you. Yrs. respectfully
Thos Newton1
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.
1. Thomas Newton, not his son Thomas Newton Jr., became collector of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia. On 25 Mar. 1805 Jefferson wrote to Newton offering him the appointment, explaining that he could assign the actual duties and emoluments to whomever he wished. Jefferson submitted the recess appointment to the Senate on 20 Dec. 1805, and the Senate confirmed it three days later (Jefferson to Newton, 25 Mar. 1805, DLC: Jefferson Papers; , 2:8, 10).