To James Madison from Tench Ringgold, 28 March 1816
From Tench Ringgold
Washington March 28th. 1816
Sir
Having ascertained from friends on whose superior judgement I have the greatest reliance, that in consequence of the pecuniary misfortunes to which I have lately been exposed, there are well grounded apprehensions, that my appointment to the office of superintendant of indian affairs, for which I have applied might be objected to by the public, I beg leave to withdraw my application.1
The great respect which I entertain for you is sufficient to induce me to2 the application for an appointment, the conferring which on me, at this time, notwithstanding the fair and honourable payment of all my debts might be a subject of criticism. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir your most obt. hum Sert.
Tench Ringgold
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.
1. On 2 Apr. 1816 JM appointed Thomas L. McKenney to be superintendent of Indian trade, an office he held until its abolition in 1822 (McKenney, Memoirs, Official and Personal [1846], 17–18, 41).
2. Ringgold evidently omitted a word here.