James Madison Papers

Humphrey Marshall to James Madison, 16 May 1803 (Abstract)

§ From Humphrey Marshall

16 May 1803. James Blair, of Frankfort, Kentucky, understanding that Thomas T. Davis has declined his recent appointment as a judge of the Indiana Territory,1 wishes the president to know that “he would accept the appointment, should the president be pleased to confer it on him.” Blair has been told that letters in his favor were sent to JM before Davis’s appointment,2 and he wishes these letters also to be shown to the president, “as he has not the honor of a personal acquaintance, and can be known only by representation.” Blair has served as attorney general for Kentucky “for some time,” but “a growing family, and but small compensation” have made him “willing to exchange his present situation for one, more permanent, and better paid.”

RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9, filed under “Blair”). 2 pp.; docketed by Jefferson. Printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Indiana, 7:113–14.

1Blair was mistaken, for Davis accepted his appointment and served as judge of the territory, 1803–6 (PJM description begins William T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (1st ser.; vols. 1–10, Chicago, 1962–77; vols. 11–17, Charlottesville, Va., 1977–91). description ends , 16:397 n. 4).

2See, for instance, Joseph Crockett to JM, 9 Dec. 1802 (PJM-SS description begins Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Secretary of State Series (Charlottesville, Va., 1986–). description ends , 4:184).

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