To Thomas Jefferson from Gabriel Duvall, 31 May 1804
From Gabriel Duvall
Comptroller’s Office, May 31. 1804.
Dear Sir,
Permit me to lay the inclosed letter before You. I did not certainly know until I received it that Mr. Smyth had been an applicant for an office in the Custom house at New-Orleans. Knowing how justly he is entitled to the friendly aid of all who know him, it is taken for granted, that the recommendatory letters to which he alludes in his letter, are from very respectable Characters, & that they need no addition. I do not hesitate to add my sanction.
It is not without reluctance that I at any time consent to an agency of this kind, but knowing Mr. Smyth’s merit & capability, I cannot refuse it.—
I have the honour to be, with very great Respect & esteem, your obedt. Sert.
G. Duvall.
RC (DNA, RG 59, LAR); at foot of text: “The president, U.S.”; endorsed by TJ: “Duval Gabriel to mr Madison.” Enclosure: Thomas Smyth, Jr., to Duvall, Baltimore, 22 May, stating that he has failed to secure an appointment in Louisiana and is in financial distress; he will accept “any employment,” either in Duvall’s office or perhaps in the State Department; to support his claim to public patronage, Smyth refers to his long acquaintance with Duvall and recommendations sent by others to the president and secretary of state in support of his Louisiana application (same; endorsed by TJ: “Smyth Thos. to mr Duval. for employment”).
For the application by Thomas smyth, Jr., for employment in Louisiana, see Vol. 41:679-80.