To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 29 April 1801
From Timothy Pickering
Easton [Pennsylvania], April 29, 1801
Dear Sir,
Mr Joseph Dennie,1 now of Philadelphia, has more than once observed to me, that he had never the happiness of being known to you. He repeated the observation, as I lately passed thro’ that city. And manifesting an earnest desire to be introduced, requested me to write to you for that purpose.
Of Mr Dennie’s genius and literary talents, you will judge from his writings. These have appeared chiefly in periodical publications. He formerly edited a weekly paper in New Hampshire, called the Farmer’s Museum: And he is the editor of the paper now published weekly in Philadelphia, under the title of the Port Folio.
Correct in his morals and notions of Government, and attached to that system of administration for which our country is so much indebted to you, I shall be allowed the liberty of thus introducing Mr Dennie to your notice, and of recommending him to your attention & patronage.
With sincere respect & esteem, I am, dear sir, Your obedt servant
Timothy Pickering
Alexander Hamilton, Esqr
Copy, Harvard College Library.
1. Dennie, who was graduated from Harvard in 1790, was admitted to the New Hampshire bar in 1794. His principal career, however, was as a Federalist essayist. He edited the [Walpole, New Hampshire] Farmer’s Weekly Museum: New Hampshire and Vermont Journal from 1796 to 1799. In 1799 he moved to Philadelphia, obtained an editorial position on John Fenno’s [Philadelphia] Gazette of the United States and Daily Advertiser, and also became personal secretary to Timothy Pickering, then Secretary of State. In January, 1801, Dennie established a literary magazine in Philadelphia called the Port Folio.