To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Stewart, 16 April 1805
From Robert Stewart
Philadelphia, April 16th, 1805.
Honored Sir,
The favorable account my brothers William and John, gave me of that country, occasined me to wish for an oppertunity to settel in it—I therefore solicit you to indavour to get me a situation, as overseer of a plantation in your neighbourhood. It not being in my power to stock a farm.
I can bring recommendation from Messrs Patterson and Cochran, whom I served my apprenticeship with; & all the others who, I have worked for.
From the many favors my family hath received from you; I expect you will not forget me.
If you can get me such a situation you will be so kind as to let my father know and he will let me know when to come.
If you could have imploy for me I should prefer it to any other.
Your’s &c:
Robert Stewart.
RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 19 Apr. and so recorded in SJL.
Robert Stewart was presumably the son of the Monticello blacksmith, William Stewart.
Messrs Patterson and Cochran: Stewart may have apprenticed for the Philadelphia printing firm Patterson & Cochran, which was in operation in 1799 and 1800. One of the proprietors, Hugh B. Cochran, continued the business with a different partner (Robinson’s Philadelphia Register and City Directory, for 1799 [Philadelphia, 1799], n.p.; Cornelius William Stafford, The Philadelphia Directory, for 1801 [Philadelphia, 1801], 80; Philadelphia Universal Gazette, 9 Jan. 1800).
many favors: TJ recommended William G. Stewart for a midshipman’s warrant in the navy and may have employed John Stewart as a painter at Monticello (, 2:1126; Vol. 38:62-3).