Albert Gallatin to Thomas Jefferson, 30 July 1805
From Albert Gallatin
Treasury Department 30th July 1805
Sir
I have the honor to enclose the resignation of George Foster collector of Sunbury in Georgia. Although I have no knowledge of James Holmes mentioned in his letter, permit me, considering the distance & difficulty of obtaining recommendations and the danger to which the revenue would in the mean while be exposed, to submit the propriety of appointing him successor. The appointment might be considered as temporary, as time & opportunity of making proper enquiries will be afforded, and the permanent appointment cannot take place till after the next meeting of the Senate.
I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir Your obedt. Sert.
Albert Gallatin
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “The President of the United States Virginia Milton”; endorsed by TJ as received 8 Aug. and “Foster. Holmes” and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure not found, but see below.
Gabriel Duvall enclosed Foster’s resignation in a letter of 24 July to Gallatin. In a letter of 5 July, Foster alerted James Holmes that he had mentioned his name in his resignation. Foster advised Holmes to “write to some of your friends on the subject” (, 11:332; DNA: RG 59, LAR, endorsed by TJ: “Holmes James. Geo. Foster’s lre to him”; Gallatin to TJ, 17 Aug.).