James Madison Papers
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To James Madison from Christopher Raymond Perry, 7 September 1812 (Abstract)

§ From Christopher Raymond Perry1

7 September 1812, Newport. Explains that in 1808 he “procured letters from some of the first Republican characters in this state” recommending him for the office of superintendent of a navy yard2 but was too late in applying to receive an appointment. JM later appointed him superintendent of the navy yard at Charlestown, Massachusetts, but he was superseded when the previous superintendent returned to the office. Describes his extensive service during the Revolutionary War and his current impecunious situation. Requests that JM appoint him as an agent for the exchange of prisoners in the West Indies.

RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Perry”). 3 pp.; docketed by JM. On the verso of the final page is a copy of a 3 Apr. 1801 letter from Samuel Smith informing Perry that he was to be retired from service.

1. Christopher Raymond Perry had been promoted to the rank of captain in the navy in 1798, was discharged from service under the Peace Establishment Act in 1801, and was appointed collector of the First District of Rhode Island in January 1814 (Callahan, List of Officers of the Navy description begins Edward W. Callahan, List of Officers of the Navy of the United States and of the Marine Corps from 1775 to 1900 (New York, 1900). description ends , 431; Senate Exec. Proceedings description begins Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, 1828). description ends , 2:455, 460).

2. At least ten letters were written on Perry’s behalf between 4 Jan. and 5 Mar. 1808 (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9, filed under “Perry”).

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    Madison Papers
    Title
    To James Madison from Christopher Raymond Perry, 7 September 1812 (Abstract)
    Author
    Perry, Christopher Raymond
    Recipient
    Madison, James
    Date
    7 September 1812

    Reference

    Cite as
    “To James Madison from Christopher Raymond Perry, 7 September 1812 (Abstract),” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/03-05-02-0211. [Original source: The Papers of James Madison, Presidential Series, vol. 5, 10 July 1812–7 February 1813, ed. J. C. A. Stagg, Martha J. King, Ellen J. Barber, Anne Mandeville Colony, Angela Kreider, and Jewel L. Spangler. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2004, pp. 285–286.]