To Thomas Jefferson from Haden Edwards, 25 April 1801
From Haden Edwards
Kentuckey April 25th 1801
Hond. Sir
It being the first time I ever applyed for an office either under the State or United States government, I have no other appology to offer but a desire to live and support a growing family—I suppose you may recollect me when I inform you that during a short residence in Philidephia with my father John Edwards, who acted at that time as Senator in Congress from this State, I received instructions from you in the law—Cloase application has proved so injurious to my health that I have been compelled to refrain from the practice of the law and being informed that there would be a vacancy in the Marshalls office of this state sometime the ensueing fall which requires an active life has induced me to solicit the office, which if it meets with your approbation will ever be greatfully acknowledged by your unfeigned friend
Haden Edwards
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); endorsed by TJ as received 21 May and so recorded in SJL with notation “Off.”
Haden Edwards (1771–1849), a native of Stafford County, Virginia, was the son of the U.S. and state senator from Kentucky, John Edwards. Although trained as a lawyer, Haden was active in land speculation and, with his brother, became involved in Texas colonization plans and separatist movements, especially the Fredonia Rebellion (Ron Tyler, ed., The New Handbook of Texas, 6 vols. [Austin, Tex., 1996], 2:798–9).
For the vacancy in the marshal’s office in Kentucky, see Appendix I, Lists 1 and 2, and Vol. 32:592.