To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 March 1807 (Abstract)
From William C. C. Claiborne, 6 March 1807 (Abstract)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 6 March 1807, New Orleans. “I fear I was greatly deceived in the character which was given me of a Mr. Hopkins, a young man who was the bearer of my dispatches of the 5. & 6. of December last. I have heard, from good authority that he lost by gaming some money at Natchez and behaved otherwise imprudently. His indiscretions were renewed at Nashville; and I fear it is true that he is undeserving of confidence: While therefore I have seriously to regret, that I was so far misled as to speak favorably of this young man in my letters to you, I cannot but express my sincere desire that he may not have obtained a commission in the army for which I had recommended him.”1
RC (DNA: RG 59, TP, Orleans, vol. 9). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, except for Claiborne’s closing and signature; cover docketed by Forrest as received 15 April.
1. No mention of Hopkins has been found in Claiborne’s correspondence with JM, but Claiborne had addressed a letter of recommendation for Hopkins to Thomas Jefferson on 5 December 1806 (DNA: RG 107, LRUS).