Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Macon, 25 September 1801

From Nathaniel Macon

Warrenton 25 Septr. 1801

Sir

I have been requested to name Col John Pugh Williams to you for an appointment either in the collection of the revenue or as a Consul at some foreign port; I only write now to inform you that such a request has been made, but shall delay saying any thing on the subject untill I see you at Washington in December, I wish to make some enquiries before I undertake to recommend, and hope to do it, before the meeting of Congress, although the blame of improper appointments will in a great measure constitutionally attach to you; In justice & equity, those who recommend, should have a share of the responsibility, I am with the utmost respect

Sir yr. most obt. sert

Nathl Macon

RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); endorsed by TJ as received 1 Oct. and “John Pugh Williams to some office” and so recorded in SJL.

John Pugh Williams had been recommended for office in a 30 June letter from former U.S. Senator Timothy Bloodworth to TJ, suggesting that additional information about Williams could be obtained from Macon, “who is wel Acquainted with his Charrecter.” Macon wrote TJ regarding an appointment for Williams again on 9 Oct., reporting that “I am not by any means convinced, that I ought to recommend him, I have not been informed, that he is well qualified for one, Indeed I have some reason to believe, that he is too fond of ardent spirits.” Macon promised to continue his investigation and report in person to TJ upon his arrival in Washington (RC in DNA: RG 59, LAR; endorsed by TJ as received 15 Oct. and so recorded in SJL; also endorsed by TJ: “concerning John Pugh Williams”).

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