Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-44-02-0076

To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Munroe, 14 July 1804

From Thomas Munroe

14. July 1804

Sir,

I find on a diligent and particular enquiry of the Overseer & others who saw the riotous workmen parading the streets, and heard a good deal of what was said amongst them that Matthias Kyne (or Kyan) Charles Dent, mark Fahey, Thomas Bean John King, & Thomas Crowley, then in the public works, and Brian Larner & one or two others, whose names are not known, and who were not employed by the public, were the persons who excited the late disorderly behavior, and were most active and insolent on the occasion; and several of those who have been dismissed in consequence of the riot declare that had it not been for Kyan they believe it would not have taken place, but that Dent & Fahey pretty readily joined him, and, with Brian Larner, threatened & abused those who refused, or were backward until they agreed to “turn out” as they term it.—

I Have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Yr mo Ob Servt.

Thomas Munroe

Timothy King the man mentioned in Mr Gallatins note was said, at first, to be a principal, but I suspect it was a mistake—I have known him 5 or 6 years and always thought him a well disposed poor ignorant inoffensive creature.—

RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 14 July and “rioters” and so recorded in SJL.

enquiry: see TJ to Munroe, 14 July (second letter).

Mr Gallatins note: Timothy King’s wife furnished butter for the Gallatins. After the firings, King, an Irishman who did not speak English, sent his child to Gallatin “with a long story” and a request for help in getting King reinstated. According to the child, King was at labor on the avenue when “other workmen compelled him to leave work threatening to break his cart” if he did not comply. Gallatin professed to Munroe in this 10 July note: “Of the facts I know nothing, but relate the story so far as I could, from the child’s relation, understand it” (DLC: TJ Papers, District of Columbia Miscellany).

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