Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Willson, 26 January 1802

From Richard Willson

City of Washington Jany 26. 1802

Sir

The appointment of Librarian being about to be made, I am impelled by the deranged state of my finances to solicit the appointment:—and not having the honor of a Personal Acquaintance with your Excellency, I beg leave to refer to Joseph H Nicholson Esqr. of the House of Representatives, and Robert Wright Esqr. of the Senate, for any information requisite on the subject, and relative to my qualifications

I have the honor to be with sentiments of high respect Your Excellencys Obedt. Hum Servt

Richard Willson

RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); endorsed by TJ as received on 27 Jan. and “to be librarian” and so recorded in SJL.

TJ received a 26 Jan. letter from Joseph H. Nicholson on the 27th, which he recorded in SJL with the notation “Richd. Wilson to be librarian,” but the letter has not been found. Also missing is a letter from Robert Wright to TJ of 27 Jan., recorded in SJL as received the 28th, but without a notation. For Willson’s qualifications for a government appointment, see Willson to TJ, 15 Oct. 1801.

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