To Thomas Jefferson from Archibald Stuart, 28 December 1803
From Archibald Stuart
Staunton 28th. Decr. 1803
Dear Sir
This will be handed to you by Doctr Cornelius Baldwin a young Gent from the State of New Jersey who has resided several years in this place and practised Physic with considerable reputation—He is desirous of becomeing an adventurer in our newly acquired Terretory on the Mississippi and should any appointment in his line be in the Gift of the executive would gladly embrace such an opportunity of introducing him selfe to public Notice in that quarter—Should he meet with such an appointment I have no doubt but he will acquit himselfe to the entire satisfaction of All concerned: & I have as little doubt of his using his utmost exertions to perpetuate the present prosperous & happy State of our public affairs
adieu I am yrs most affectionately
Archd: Stuart
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); at foot of text: “The President of the U States”; endorsed by TJ as received 29 Jan. 1804 and so recorded in SJL with notation “Dr. Baldwin for Louisiana”; also endorsed by TJ: “Baldwin Dr. for emploimt N.O.”
Stuart and Jacob Kinney of Staunton also sent letters of introduction for cornelius baldwin to Senator John Breckinridge of Kentucky. Stuart’s letter, dated 29 Dec., informed Breckinridge that Baldwin was planning to move to New Orleans in order to secure “a more profitable Station.” Baldwin hoped to receive a federal appointment that would maintain him “untill he could acquire some Knowledge of the people & be enabled to stand upon his own legs” (same; endorsed by TJ: “Stuart Arch to mr Breckinridge”). Kinney’s letter, dated 28 Dec., informed Breckinridge that Baldwin had settled in Staunton several years earlier and practiced medicine with success, but had made an unfortunate investment in an iron works. Kinney considered Baldwin “an honest industrious man” (same; endorsed by TJ: “Kinney Jacob. to J. Breckinridge”).