To James Madison from John McCartney, 1 July 1815
From John McCartney
Philadelphia July 1st. 1815.
Sir,
Altho not having a personal Acquaintance, I have taken the liberty of addressing You. I Should feel my self Under many obligations if I Could be reignstated, provided, there should any casualty Occur in the present Army Organization.1 It is altogether probable, I have not the claims that some of my Brother Officers have on the department—but as I have serv’d my Country, first as a Volunteer Under the Command of Capt. William Alexander, from Carlisle Pa—And afterwards has had the honor to Serve as an officer in the U. S. Army—and having a pride in a military life, and a desire to remain in the Service, has Caused me thus to address You. As to my character and Conduct as an officer while in the Service I enclose to you A copy of a letter Recd. from my comdg officer, on my being releived.2 Should you think proper to confer the honor unto me Under those circumstances—it Shall be Gratefully Recd. I am sir with Esteem your most obt. & Humble Servt.
John Mc.Cartney
Late Lieut 14th Infty
N. B. I Shall leave the City for my Nativity, Carlisle Pa, this Week.
RC and enclosure (DNA: RG 94, Letters Received, filed under “McCartney” in 1816). RC docketed as received in the War Department in July 1815. For enclosure, see n. 2.
1. McCartney returned to the army at the rank of second lieutenant on 16 July 1816 (, 1:654).
2. The letter, dated 31 May 1815 and signed by Maj. Thomas Stockton, thanked McCartney for his “strict attention to duty” and “uniform Correct & Honorable Conduct” while under Stockton’s command.