To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Morse, 29 January 1804
From Samuel Morse
Savannah, January 29, 1804.
Dear Sir,
As I have engaged to notice the defects as well as the good qualities of any candidate recommended to office, it is proper that you should know the following fact.
Capt. Choate purchased in Liverpool a quantity of glass and crockery ware for his own use, On the way home, his mate, Guthrie, persuaded him that he ought not to pay duties “when such a fellow as Putnam had command of the cutter, and suffered goods every day to be run.” Choate hearkened to him, gave him, the goods, and they were smuggled ashore. Guthrie has, since, been united with Putnam, & threatened a prosecution, but it was supposed the proof was not sufficient.
I am persuaded Choate heartily repents of the transaction and will never again be guilty of a similar. As it came to my knowledge since I wrote in his favour, I believe it would be a neglect of duty to suffer it to pass.
Every body is looking for the removal of Putnam; though I receive some censure for the part I have acted against him: not on his account, but from a supposed coalition with Mr. Gibbons. I know I am doing my duty and am fully supported by my conscience.
There are two individuals who, I think, would not make improper candidates for the place. Alexander Wyly, son of the late Col. Wyly, a revolutionary character; and Benjamin Webley, who was himself a revolutionary character. Their particular claims have not been investigated, nor have they been spoken with on the subject.
Accept the assurance of my highest respect.
S. Morse
RC (ViW: Tucker-Coleman Collection); at foot of text: “Mr Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 15 Feb. and so recorded in SJL.
i wrote in his favour: Morse’s recommendation of Captain Thomas Choate has not been found.
TJ appointed Henry putnam master of the Georgia revenue cutter in March 1802 upon the recommendation of Senators James Jackson and Abraham Baldwin and Congressman John Milledge. Accusations that Putnam was a convicted thief appeared in Federalist newspapers soon after the appointment. TJ recommended that Putnam bring suit against the Washington Federalist in order to clear his name. On 8 Apr. 1803, the newspaper reported that Putnam had brought suit against its proprietors “for a libel against his fame good name and reputation” (Washington Federalist, 8 Apr. 1803; Newburyport Herald, 22 Apr. 1803; George R. Lamplugh, Politics on the Periphery: Factions and Parties in Georgia, 1783-1806 [Newark, Del., 1986], 171-2; Vol. 37:388-9).
i have acted against him: Morse supplied TJ with new charges against Putnam; see Notes on Henry Putnam’s Case, printed at 13 Feb. The Republican newspaper editor was criticized for his supposed coalition with Thomas gibbons, a Federalist described by Jackson as “one of the most violent British Partizans in Georgia.” Putnam publicly horsewhipped Gibbons in Savannah after finding that he was the source of the 1802 allegations (Lamplugh, Politics on the Periphery, 171-2; , Sec. of State Ser., 1:175-7; Gallatin to TJ, 16 Feb.).