From John Jay to George Washington, 13 March 1791
To George Washington
NYork 13 March 1791
Dear Sir
Percieving that Col. Smith you have been pleased to appoint Col. Smith a Supervisor for this District,1 I conclude that on his acceptance of that place,
another the office of Marshall will be conferred on some other person. It is probable that Several Candidates, will offer, and [illegible] I take the Liberty of availing myself of your [Permission?] to communicating my Sentiments respecting a Gentleman who Backwardness too delicate to display his own merit, possesses more than falls to the Share of many— I mean General Matthew Clarkson. I think him one of the most pure & virtuous Men I know— When at Boston General Lincoln (whose aid he was) spoke to me of him in Terms not only of approbation but affection— During the war he was a firm & active Whig, and since the Peace a ^constant^ Friend to National and good Government. Few men ^here^ of his Standing enjoy more ^or deserve^ a greater Degree of the Regard ^Esteem & good will^ of the Citizens here than he does, and in my opinion and is he would discharge the Duties of that or any office ^for wh. he may be qualified^ with Propriety and Honor— Be pleased to present my Respectful Compt. to Mrs. Washington, & permit me to assure you of the perfect Respect Esteem & Attachmt. with which I am Dr Sr. your obliged & obt. Servt.2
The President of the U.S.
Dft, NNC (EJ: 08436).
1. JJ had proposed Clarkson for the position of supervisor in a letter to AH, 22 Dec. 1790, above.
2. On 31 Oct. 1791, GW appointed Clarkson marshal for the district of New York. See GW to the U.S. Senate, 31 Oct. 1791, , 7: 555.