To James Madison from Edward E. Davis, 4 January 1812 (Abstract)
§ From Edward E. Davis1
4 January 1812, New York. Seeks appointment as a physician in the army or the navy. “I have been one of the Old Revolenterry Men of Last war where I had the Misfortune to loos one of My Leges in the Deffence of My countrys wrights.” Promises “to give Satisfaction in the Disscharge” of his duties and refers to a “Number of Gentleman who have given Certifi[c]ates” on his behalf. Requests the favor of “a few Lines” if there is a vacancy. Mentions in a postscript that the bearer, Mr. Hamilton, can furnish “every Information” about him. Adds: “I was a Prisoner on board of the Old Jersey in New York the Last war with England, And have Suffered almost every thing but Death Sir as I have been one of those Old Revoluntary Men of 76.”
RC (DNA: RG 45, Letters Received from Officers below the Rank of Commander). 3 pp. Docketed by a Navy Department clerk. Copied into the letter between the signature and the postscript are testimonials from the following: Samuel Brown, Jr., 4 May 1777; Joseph Otis and Nathaniel Freeman, April 1778; John Barry, 9 Mar. 1797; and John Warren, 16 Feb. 1778.
1. Davis was listed in the New York City directory for 1812 as a doctor residing at 149 Cherry Street (Longworth’s American Almanac, New-York Register, and City Directory [New York, 1812; 25877], p. 80).