To Thomas Jefferson from Christopher Greenup, 18 October 1804
From Christopher Greenup
Frankfort K. October 18th. 1804
Sir
I am informed that the Offices of Collector and Surveyor at the Port of New-Orleans is now Vacant, and that Mr. John Clay formerly of this State but for several years has resided at New Orleans will probably apply for one of those Offices. I therefore beg leave to inform you that from many years acquaintance with Mr. Clay I can recommend him as a Gentleman of great Honour and integretary; he is well acquainted with the police and trade of that Country and of many of the West India Islands,—And I do firmly believe that in case he should meet with your approbation, in an appointment, that he will discharge the duties thereof with ability and punctuality. Be pleased to accept a tender of my sincere Respects
Christr. Greenup
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); at foot of text: “President of the U.S.”; endorsed by TJ as received 3 Dec. and so recorded in SJL with a brace connecting it to letters received on the same date from John Breckinridge of 22 Oct., Thomas Hart and others of 20 Oct., and John Rowan of 19 Oct., and the notation “John Clay to be Collector or Surveyor N.O.”