To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Newton, 22 August 1801
From Thomas Newton
Norfolk 22 Augt 1801
Dr Sir
Your favor of the 14th I recd. yesterday afternoon, being unacquainted with a proper person to fill the place of Mr Kirby, I applyd to Capt. Robt. Baron, who informd me that mr David Brodie living there, Hampton1 was a man fitting for the place, mr Brodie I have often noticed as a serious steady man, & from Mr. Barons assurance believe him to be a good man for the purpose. Mr Chisman I know not. I pray you command me whenever you think proper, it will give me pleasure to serve you & the public & be assured, that I shall be faithful in any trust reposed in me, I have my Countrys good at heart & am the same now as in 1776 I am respectfully Yr.
T Newton
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 27 Aug. and so recorded in SJL with notation “David Brodie to office.” Probably enclosed in letter below.
Robert Barron (Baron), an officer in the Virginia navy during the American Revolution, was a member of the Norfolk common council for several years. In 1792, he expressed interest in becoming the lighthouse keeper at Cape Henry, Virginia. After the death of Mount E. Chisman in 1804, Newton again recommended David Brodie for the collectorship at Hampton, and he received the appointment ( , 11:164–5; , 9:942; , 1:471).
1. Word interlined.