To James Madison from Samuel Hawkins, 5 April 1816
From Samuel Hawkins
Washington 5. April 1816
Sir.
I understand William S. Radcliffe Esquire intends to apply for the Office of justice of the Peace; and also for that of Notary Public.
It affords me pleasure to say for Major Radcliffe,1 that his Integrity and talents qualify him to perform the duties of the offices he desires to obtain. Shortly after he was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, the Governor and Council appointed him Master in Chancery and Notary Public. I have the honor to be with great respect, Your obt. Servant
Samuel Hawkins.
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Radcliff”). JM nominated Radcliff to be a justice of the peace for Washington County in the District of Columbia on 29 Apr. 1816. The Senate confirmed the appointment the same day (
3:51–52).1. William Stuyvesant Radcliff from New York served in the Forty-First Regiment of Infantry during the War of 1812 ( 1:812).