To James Madison from Richard M. Johnson, 25 February 1815
From Richard M. Johnson
House of R 25. Feb 1815
Sir,
Having received so many demonstrations of your favour, & which have never failed to produce the most lively feelings of gratitude on my part, I feel some hesitations in renewing the recommendation of Joseph F⟨icklin⟩ Esq for a Commercial agency or a consulate;1 as the pacification of the world may present occasions which have not heretofore existed. If however you Should not find it convenient to appoint him, he certainly will not be pressed by your Sincere friend & obt Servt
Rh: M: Johnson
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Johnson”).
1. In 1811 and 1814 Johnson had forwarded to the State Department letters from Joseph Ficklin (1775–1859) requesting that Johnson recommend him for a commercial agency or consulate. JM nominated Ficklin to be consul at Saint-Barthélemy on 16 Apr. 1816, and the Senate confirmed the appointment four days later. Ficklin had been postmaster at Russellville, Kentucky, 1802–12. After returning from the West Indies, he edited the Kentucky Gazette, 1821–24; served as postmaster at Lexington, Kentucky, 1822–41 and 1843–50; and was a trustee of Transylvania University (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Ficklin”; , 3:43–44, 46; 3:104 n. 3).