James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Samuel Sheild, 25 August 1802

From Samuel Sheild

York County Virginia August 25th. 1802.

Dear Sir

The Office of Collector of the Port or District of York-Town having lately become vacant by the Death of Mr. Wm. Reynolds,1 I have taken the Liberty to write to the President of the United States on the Subject and to recommend Mr. William Cary of that Town,2 as a proper Person to supply the Vacancy. To address the Head of the Treasury Department also rather than the Secretary of State might be most proper on such an Occasion; but as I have no Acquaintance with Mr. Gallatin, I have ventured to trouble you and to request that you will be so kind as to interpose your good Offices both with the President and Mr. Gallatin. I verily believe that it is a fortunate Circumstance, that so respectable a Man as Mr. Cary will accept the Office, as other wise it would in all Probability fall into the Hands of some young Man, who might occasion considerable Trouble to the Treasury-Department. Mr. Cary is one of the oldest Inhabitants of the Town, quite easy in his Circumstances, of strict Integrity and has all his Life been remarkable for his Punctuality in the Discharge of any Business which he undertakes. Antirepublicanism, I must confess, has always been and still is too prevalent in York; but so moderate has this old Gentleman ever been, that he has uniformly voted for me, even in the most trying Times. Please to present my best Respects to Mrs. Madison and to be assured that I am with the greatest personal Esteem Yr. most obdt. Servt.

Saml. Sheild3

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