To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Crockett, 15 November 1803
From Joseph Crockett
State of Kentucky
Frankfort Novr 15th 1803
Sir
The cession of Louisiana to the united States, I expect will make it Necessary for a collector of the revenue to be appointed at the port of New Orleans: If so I would beg leave to inform you Sir, Mr. George Madison of Frankfort, wishes to be considered a candidate for that Office.
I have been well acquainted with Mr Madison ever since a small boy his character is equal to any for honesty and industry, he is a good accomptant, and in full practice in transacting public business in this State. I expect he will be mentioned to you sir by some of our representitaves.
I have the honor Sir to be your Most Obedt Servt.
Joseph Crockett
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); endorsed by TJ as received 1 Dec. and “Madison George to be Collector N.O.” and so recorded in SJL.
A native of Virginia and auditor of public accounts in Kentucky, george madison was the brother of Bishop James Madison and a second cousin of James Madison. He became governor of Kentucky in 1816, but died shortly after taking office (John E. Kleber, ed., The Kentucky Encyclopedia [Lexington, Ky., 1992], 601-2). Writing to the secretary of state on 15 Nov. 1803, Madison made known his interest in the New Orleans collectorship, stating that the appointment “is a kind of business which not only suits my Genius and inclination, but is one the duties of which I feel myself more competent to discharge than any other.” As references, he named John Breckinridge, John Brown, “and the rest of the Representatives from Kentucky,” and hoped that the secretary would recommend him to the president. Madison did not receive an appointment from TJ (RC in DNA: RG 59, LAR; endorsed by TJ: “Madison George to be Collector of N. Orleans. his lre to mr Madison”).