To Thomas Jefferson from General Washington Johnston, 29 June 1805
From General Washington Johnston
Vincennes June 29th. 1805.
Honored Sir
In addition to a recommendation made in my favor by Governor Harrison (which I doubt not You’l find in the Honble. The Secretary of State’s (Mr. Gallatin’s) Office, having been inclosed by me, some time since—) I inclose you a Recommendatory Petition, signed by a number of Actual Settlers and farmers of Louissiana.
Excuse, if you Please, my intrusion! I am Honored Sir Your Hu’ble. Servt.
Genl. W. Johnston.
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); at foot of text: “His Excy. Thos. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 2 Aug. and so recorded in SJL; also endorsed by TJ: “to be Comr. Louisiana.” Enclosure: petition signed by 90 citizens of St. Louis district, recommending General Washington Johnston for appointment as recorder for the land office in Louisiana District authorized by Congress on 2 Mch.; the petitioners cite their familiarity with Johnston “and his knowledge of the French and English languages” (RC in same; at head of text: “To His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esquire. President of the United States of America”).
General Washington Johnston (1776-1833) was an attorney and postmaster at Vincennes. A native of Culpeper County, Virginia, Johnston settled in what became Indiana Territory while still in his teens. He served in the territorial and state legislatures and was speaker of the house of representatives (George R. Wilson, “General Washington Johnston,” Indiana Magazine of History, 20 [1924], 123-53; , 116).