To James Madison from John Wayles Eppes, ca. 12 February 1810 (Abstract)
§ From John Wayles Eppes
Ca. 12 February 1810. Informs JM that “Colo: Howard will accept the appointment.” Suggests that unless the public interest requires an immediate nomination, a delay would be prudent, since Howard is reluctant to deprive his constituents of his vote on important matters still pending before the House.
RC (DLC). 1 p. Dated “Monday Morning.” Conjectural date assigned here on the basis that 12 Feb. was the first Monday after 8 Feb., when Eppes had communicated with JM on the subject of Howard’s nomination. Benjamin Howard resigned as a congressman from Kentucky on 10 Apr., JM nominated him as governor of the Louisiana Territory on 17 Apr., and the Senate confirmed his appointment the following day (
, 2:145, 146).