To James Madison from William Preston, 25 January 1812 (Abstract)
§ From William Preston1
25 January 1812, Fincastle. Declares that when the councils of the nation have decided on war, “It becomes the duty of each individual in society attached to his Government of every political denomination to yield minor considerations and rally around the national flag that the enemies of our country may be combated with unanimity and certain effect.” Refers to his “more than seven years actual service with a considerable shear of reflection on the science of war” and offers his services “for the command of a Brigade.” “Your personal acquaintence with me and my character with such information as can be obtained from the Virginia Tennassee and Kentucky delegation and from other Gentlemen who are acquainted with my standing qualifications and integraty will enable your Excellancy to Judge how far I am Justified in the above application.”
RC, FC (KyLoF: Preston Family Papers, Joyes Collection, folder 22); Tr (ViU). RC 1 p. Tr enclosed in Preston to James Breckinridge, 26 Jan. 1812, with a request to Breckinridge to “give a wing in the matter so as to accomplish it” (ViU).
1. William Preston of Virginia, probably a brother of Virginia representative Francis Preston, who sat in the Third and Fourth Congresses with JM between 1793 and 1797, had served as a captain of infantry and in the Legion of the United States, 1792–98 (, 1:806).