From Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 5 August 1801
To Archibald Stuart
Monticello Aug. 5. 1801.
Dear Sir
Mr. Caruthers, to whom I addressed the commission of Marshal for the Western district of Virginia, having been late in signifying his declining the office, some inconvenience may perhaps have arisen from the long vacancy. I have now proposed it to Colo. Andrew Moore with but little hope however of his acceptance. in case of his declining the two who stand most recommeded are a capt. Croudson of Woodstock by yourself, and a mr Joseph Grigsby by two or three others. will you be so good as to give me, by return of post, your opinion between these two persons. I have brought a blank commission with me, which will enable me to supply the office as soon as I know whether Colo. Moore will accept. I shall be here till the last of September and happy to see you should any thing lead you this way. accept assurances of my sincere friendship & high consideration.
Th: Jefferson
RC (ViHi); addressed: “The honble Archibald Stuart Staunton”; franked. PrC (DLC).
Capt. Croudson: Samuel Croudson (see Hugh Holmes to TJ, 17 Dec. 1801). For the recommendation of Joseph Grigsby, see John Coalter to TJ, 3 July.
Stuart responded to TJ on 7 Aug. He noted that either candidate would be satisfactory. He described Grigsby as “a young man of Cleverness” who had adhered to his principles even while he held a commission in the U.S. provisional army. Croudson’s advantage over Grigsby was that he was “More Generally Known in The district” and esteemed in that part, “which was our sheet anchor during the late struggle” (RC in MHi, endorsed by TJ as received 8 Aug. and so recorded in SJL; , 1:298–9, 301, 305).