To James Madison from Rufus Easton, 31 December 1816
From Rufus Easton
Washington December 31st. 1816
Sir,
I take the liberty to recommend Docr. Thomas Neale of the town of Jackson in the Territory of Missouri for the office of Marshall for that Territory. Docr. Neale is a man of respectable talents of good character and well qualified in every respect to discharge the duties of that office. He resides near the center of population, of the territory. I am with great respect Sir, your most obedt. servt.
Rufus Easton1
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Neale”).
1. Rufus Easton served as the territorial delegate from Missouri in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1814–16. Narrowly defeated for reelection, he was at the time of this letter contesting the election of his opponent John Scott.