To James Madison from Thomas Tingey, 1 October 1814
From Thomas Tingey
Navy Yard Washtn: 1st: Octr 1814
Sir
Doctr Thos: J: C. Monroe, being desirous of serving his country in his professional line (the Medical Staff) in the Army of the United States; permit me Sir, respectfully to solicit that, your patronage may be extended to him therein, by which I shall feel myself particularly obliged.
I presume not to speak of his Medical abilities, being totally an incompetent judge—but for his amenity of manners, indefatigable industry, probity and attention to his duties, I have had ample to proof to vouch that you will not be disappointed in any expectation that may be form’d of his services.
To these I can add with pleasure that, I have myself witnessed his cool intrepidity in the hour of danger, and that he possesses such a truly American spirit, as renders him worthy the appointment he asks. I have the honor to be most respectfully Sir yr Obedt Servt:
Thos: Tingey1
RC (DNA: RG 94, Letters Received, filed under “Monroe Thos. J.C.”).
1. Thomas Tingey (1750–1829) was born in London and served in the Royal Navy before immigrating to the United States. By 1798 he was a captain in the U.S. Navy, and fought in the Quasi-War with France before becoming commandant of the Washington Navy Yard in 1800. When the British entered the capital in August 1814, Tingey oversaw the burning of the Navy Yard in accord with his orders from William Jones (Heidler and Heidler, Encyclopedia of the War of 1812, 513).