§ From Robert Patton. 22 August 1806, Fredericksburg. “Mr Richard S. Hackley informs me he is Anxious to be Appointed one of the American Consuls at Some foreign port; I take the Liberty of recommending him to you as a Gentleman of honor and Integrity, and Well qualified to fill Such a Station with great Credit to himself and much respectability as a public Officer. I have further to Observe that from his general Acquaintance I am confident such an Appointment Would give great Satisfaction to the Mercantile Interest.”