Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 7 April 1807

Apr. 7. 07.

Th:J. to Mr Gallatin

The following persons have either occurred or been proposed to me as candidates for emploiment in the survey of the coasts.

Isaac Briggs

 Hasler of Philadelphia

 Garnett of N. Jersey. I do not know that he would accept.

Wm Neill of N. Carolina strongly recommended by Mr. [Blackledge] but nothing more known of him. no specific mark of science is mentioned so as to know his grade.

Major Rivardi, recommended by Genl. Smith. his grade of science not known: and there is something respecting his extravagance in the waste of public money which Genl Dearborne can state better than I can.

Orchard Cooke asks emploiment. of his science I know nothing.

Saml. Lewis of Philada., formerly clerk of the Treasury asks employ as a draughtsman.

I think the being able to ascertain the longitude by Lunar observations will be a tolerable test of the qualification of a Candidate.   Affectionate salutations

DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.

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