To James Madison from Willis Alston, 5 November 1811 (Abstract)
§ From Willis Alston
5 November 1811, “Representative Chamber.” States that while he was in Petersburg, the collector, Dr. Shore,1 died, and that he was applied to by almost everyone to recommend Shore’s son, Thomas Shore, as his replacement. The son had been conducting the business of the place for four years during his father’s indisposition. “Coln. Goodwin this moment informed me that he had just received a letter from a respectable merchant of Petersburg stating that a petition would be forward[ed] signed by almost every ship owner and Merchant in favor of the appointment.” Recommends Shore as “well qualified” for the office.2
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Shore”). 2 pp.
1. John Shore had been appointed collector at Petersburg, Virginia, in September 1802 (, 3:401 n. 5, 527, 537, 555).
2. At the request of Thomas Shore, Virginia senator William Branch Giles wrote to JM on 25 Nov. 1811 seeking an interview “for the purpose of making some representations” on the vacant collectorship at Petersburg (DLC; 2 pp.; docketed by JM). On the same day JM nominated Joseph Jones of Virginia to the position (, 2:192).