To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 23 April 1804
From Samuel Smith
Balt [23]d April 1804
Dr Sir/
The Resignation of the Marshal for this District of Maryland, leaves a Vacancy, which I am more than Commonly Anxious Should be filled by Major Thomas Rutter. Major Rutter was educated in the Sheriff’s Office & has himself filled the Office of High Sheriff of this County for three Years, with honor & Integrity—His Connection in the City & County are extensive and very respectable, himself invariably Republican, & all his Relations—his Appointment will give universal Satisfaction, his Rejection would distress his friends and None more than
Your Obedt Servt
S. Smith
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); torn; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 23 Apr. received 27 Apr. with notation “[Rutter] Thos. to be Marshal Maryld. v. R. Etting resd.” and so recorded in SJL.
On 23 April, Smith also recommended thomas rutter to Madison (RC in DNA: RG 59, LAR; endorsed by TJ: “Rutter Thomas to be Marshal Maryland S. Smith to mr Madison”; , 7:102). On 21 May, Smith informed Madison that an appointment was necessary as the current marshal declined “to Serve any New Process” (RC in DNA: RG 59, LAR; endorsed by TJ: “Rutter Thos. to be Marshal Maryld.”; , 7:238).