James Madison Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/03-09-02-0301

To James Madison from William Stephens Smith, 17 May 1815

From William Stephens Smith

Newyork May 17th. 1815

Sir.

My son William Steuben Smith Secretary of Legation to the Court of Russia, having with the approbation of the Secretary of State returned to America on a visit to his family, with permission to return to Europe should it be agreable to him, I have the honor to state, that being nearly six years absent from his family and friends, it is not his wish to revisit Europe again, in the capacity of Secretary of Legation.

Emboldened by the recommendations of many respectable friends in this City in favour of my Son John Adams Smith, I solicit from the President, his appointment as Secretary of Legation to the Court of St. James’s, and enclose a Letter of introduction from The Governor of the state of newYork addressed to The President; in addition to which, my son has addressed The Secretary of State on the subject,1 and forwarded other letters of Introduction to him, and the Secretary of The Treasury; which we flatter ourselves those Gentlemen will submit to the perusal of The President. Should this application meet with a favourable reception, on my Son’s being informed of it and the return of the Secretary of State to the seat of Government, he will do himself the honour of presenting himself at Washington, and paying his visit to The President. With the most profound respect I have the Honour to (be) Sir Your most obedient and very Humble Servant

W. S. Smith

RC (DLC). Docketed by JM. Enclosed Daniel D. Tompkins to JM, 16 May 1815.

1John Adams Smith had written James Monroe on 10 Apr. 1815, applying for the appointment (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Smith”).

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