Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones and Joseph Clay, 30 April 1802

From William Jones and Joseph Clay

Philada. 30 April 1802

Sir

As the Judiciary bill now pending before the Legislature invests the Executive with the power of nominating the commissioners of Bankruptcy, we are invited to address you on this subject by motives of justice to an individual, and a knowledge of your disposition to appoint men in all respects worthy of the public confidence.

We therefore beg leave to represent that Mr Thomas Cumpston one of the present commissioners for this district is a gentleman universally and highly esteemed for the rectitude of his conduct and general good character.

We believe Sir, that in the exercise of his functions as a Commissioner he has been faithful and impartial—is well qualified for the office; and that his reappointment would give very general satisfaction.

We are Sir, with the highest regard Yours very respectfully

Wm Jones
Joseph Clay

RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); in Jones’s hand, signed by Jones and Clay; at foot of text: “The President of the U States”; endorsed by TJ as received 4 May and “Thomas Cumpston to be Commr. bkrptcy” and so recorded in SJL.

THOMAS CUMPSTON was appointed a commissioner of bankruptcy for Pennsylvania in June 1802 (TJ to Albert Gallatin, 10 June 1802).

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