1To George Washington from William Nelson, 22 February 1753 (Washington Papers)
I have received yours of the 12th Instant, in which you express a Desire to be removed to the Adjutancy of the Northern Neck. I think the Thing so reasonable that I wish you may succeed: however, I presume You are not unaquainted, that two Gentlemen have apply’d for it, & both strongly recommended; yet, Reason I hope will always prevail at the Board over Interest & Favour, upon which Principle...
2To James Madison from William Nelson, Jr., 7 May 1787 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of your polite promise to take charge of any letters that I might wish to send to my friend Mr. Short, I take the liberty of troubling you with the inclosed, and beg the favor of you, to have it put into the mail at New York, which goes by the French-packet. Mr. Wythe and Mr. Blair sailed from York this morning for the head of Elk. May not a favorable effect be hoped from the...
3To Thomas Jefferson from William Nelson, 2 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of mentioning to you for an appointment in the Army Mr. William O Allen, who, as far as I can judge, is well calculated to serve his Country in that line. He is very temperate, has a good person, a strong Constitution and quickness of mind. I beleive too he is acquainted with tactics in some measure, having been an active officer in a Company of light Infantry at this place....
4To Thomas Jefferson from William Nelson, 27 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you excuse my taking the liberty of asking the favor of you to put the enclosed letter for our friend Mr. Short in the proper channel to him, after adding to the superscription the place in Europe where he may probably be? With sincerest wishes for your health and happiness, and with great respect & esteem, I am, dear Sir, yr. obedt S MHi : Coolidge Collection.
5William Nelson to Thomas Jefferson, 19 June 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your power and disposition to give information and assistance to others in various ways must be my apology for obtruding this address upon you in your retirement—If this were not sufficient, your former acquaintance with Col o Byrd , and the kindness you have shewn on other occasions in informing M rs Byrd of the situation of some property to which the estate was entitled, would justify my...
6To James Madison from William Nelson, 4 July 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 July 1810, Williamsburg. Reports a rumor of the death of Judge Cyrus Griffin and suggests St. George Tucker for the vacancy. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Tucker”). 2 pp. Nelson was a judge of the General Court of Virginia, 1791–1813 ( PJM William T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (1st ser., vols. 1-10, Chicago, 1962-77, vols. 11-17, Charlottesville,...
7To James Madison from William Nelson, 3 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 January 1812, Williamsburg. Has been informed that Mr. Daingerfield, present secretary of the Mississippi Territory, will resign; recommends the bearer, Richard Pollard, as his successor. Pollard has been educated at William and Mary “and is a very deserving young Man.” He was licensed to practice law a short time ago but has not yet come to the bar “in consequence of his wish to settle to...