Thomas Mathews to James Madison, 3 November 1801
From Thomas Mathews
Norfolk 3d November 1801
Dear Sir
I shall offer no excuse for the liberty I take in introducing my friend Lieut. Saunders,1 to your notice and attention. I flatter myself you will find Mr. Saunders an agreeable young Man, and I know He will be acceptable to you, for He is a Man of Honor and integrity.
As I am fixed at the principle mart in our State, it would give me pleasure to render you any services in this quarter. I pray you to be assured, my dear Sir, that I feel myself indebted to the President for calling you into Office, and I trust your health will enable you to discharge the duties agreeable to your wishes. I am with very great respect Dear Sir Your most obet Servt
Thos Mathews2
RC (DLC).
1. Mathews may have referred to John Saunders, a Virginian appointed to the First Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers in 1795. Jefferson reappointed him in March 1802 (, 1:173, 411).
2. Thomas Mathews (d. 1812) had served in the Virginia ratifying convention of 1788 and in the House of Delegates from Norfolk County, 1781–1800. A prominent Federalist, he was Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, 1788–93 (F. B. Heitman, Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army during the War of the Revolution [Washington, 1893], p. 384; , pp. 28, 39, 406; Thomas Jefferson Wertenbaker, Norfolk: Historic Southern Port [Durham, N.C., 1931], pp. 87–88, 99).