George P. Stevenson to Thomas Jefferson, 17 November 1817
From George P. Stevenson
Baltimore Novemr 17th 1817—
Dear sir
I am favored with your much valued letter of the 30th ulto, & return you my grateful thanks for it’s enclosure.—The President had previously promised me in person that if the present Commercial agent at Havana, did not wish to return, I should have the place; this was all I asked, I do not beleive he will return, as he has not exercised the functions yet, altho appointed two years ago.
That I may never prove unworthy of the fair character you have been pleased to draw of me, shall be my constant aim—, and if in the course of my life I may be called upon to serve my friends, or my country, my best efforts shall be at their command—
I contemplate leaving Baltimore for Havana in ten days—and shall carry with me continued wishes for your health & happiness
Geo: P: Stevenson
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 23 Dec. 1817 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with PoC of TJ to John Armstrong, 17 Jan. 1818, on verso; addressed: “To Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello near Milton Va”; stamped; postmarked Baltimore, 21 Nov.
The present commercial agent for Havana was Alexander Hamilton (1786–1875) (A Register of Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the service of the United States, On the Thirtieth day of September, 1816 [Washington City, 1816], 18).