Thomas Jefferson Papers

Thomas Jefferson to Return J. Meigs, 7 November 1819

To Return J. Meigs

Monticello Nov. 7. 19.

Dear Sir

The dangerous illness under which Dr Foushee is has doubtless already drawn on you competitors for the postmaster’s office of Richmond. I am requested to name one to you which I do the more willingly as more knowingly. mr Thomas Eston Randolph, my neighbor, friend and relation offers his service in that office. I will be responsible for his perfect integrity, his industry, application and exactness and fidelity in his accounts. he is of a perfectly correct conduct, unblemished reputation, and an accomodating & conciliatory disposition, & of an understanding1 fully competent to the duties of the office. being a neighbor to the President also when here, I think he must be personally known to him and if known at all, it cannot but be favorably. if no higher qualifications are offered, I should suffer my wishes to be strongly enlisted in his favor; but whether or not, I am sure that will be done which is right; accept the assurance of my friendly esteem and high respect.

Th: Jefferson

RC (ViU: TJP); addressed: “Return J. Meigs esq. Postmaster General Washington”; franked; postmarked Milton, 9 Nov. PoC (MoSHi: TJC-BC); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; mutilated at seal; endorsed by TJ.

1Incompletely reworked from “understand” to “understang.”

Index Entries

  • Foushee, William; as postmaster of Richmond search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Correspondence; letters of application and recommendation from search
  • Meigs, Return Jonathan (ca.1765–1825); as postmaster general search
  • Meigs, Return Jonathan (ca.1765–1825); letters to search
  • Monroe, James; and appointments search
  • patronage; letters of application and recommendation from TJ search
  • Post Office, U.S.; appointment of postmasters search
  • Randolph, Thomas Eston (TJ’s cousin); TJ recommends search
  • Richmond, Va.; post office in search