From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, [28 June] 1812
To Albert Gallatin
Sunday Evening [28 June 1812]
Will you ascertain by a line to Philada. this evening, whether Carswell will accept if appointed to the commisariate? As another person is under consideration, it will be best if it cd. be done, without disclosing the source of the enquiry.1 If you write & have no other occasion to send to the post office, Mrs. M. will take charge of the letter & have it delivered for the mail.
J. M.
RC (NHi: Gallatin Papers). Date assigned on the basis of Samuel Carswell’s nomination as commissary general on 1 July 1812, a Wednesday (
, 2:281).1. After William Jones had declined the appointment as commissary general (see Eustis to JM, 1 Apr. 1812, and n. 2), Eustis filled the position with temporary appointees until JM nominated Edward Fox on 22 June 1812. Nine days later JM withdrew Fox’s nomination in favor of Samuel Carswell of Philadelphia. Carswell accepted the nomination on 31 July, but five days later, after reviewing the requirements of the position, he resigned, claiming health problems. On 8 Aug. Eustis offered the job to Callender Irvine, who accepted on the condition that the office be headquartered in Philadelphia ( , 2:278, 281; Risch, Quartermaster Support, pp. 139–40).