To James Madison from Thomas Posey, 21 November 1795
From Thomas Posey
Fredericksburg 21 Novr. 1795
Dr. sir
I have some reason to suppose that the ensuing Congress will establish a Land Office on the northwest side of the Ohio; should such a regulation take place, an Appointment to the Office would suit me extremely, could I meet the Approbation of the President and Senate. I am well convinced that my abilities are fully adequate to the office, and my exertions should be such, as to endeavor to discha[r]ge the duties of the office with propriety agreeable to the nature of the business. I shall esteem myself singularly obliged, if you will mention me to the President as a candidate for the Appointment. Had I any reason to suppose that I could get the Appointment I would immediately Arrange my business in such manner as to settle on the Northwest side of the Ohio instead of Kentucky. I am with great respect & esteem Your Obt. Humble servt.
Th: Posey1
RC (DLC: Washington Papers). Addressed by Posey to JM at Philadelphia. Enclosed in JM to Washington, 25 May 1796.
1. In 1794 Posey resigned his commission as a brigadier general in Anthony Wayne’s western army. After JM announced in December 1796 that he would not stand for reelection, Posey declared his candidacy in JM’s congressional district, but John Dawson defeated him. Posey then settled in Kentucky, where he became active in state politics. Appointed a U.S. senator from Louisiana to fill a vacancy, he served for four months in 1812–13 but lost the subsequent election. JM then appointed him governor of the Indiana Territory (, 13:93 n. 3; Philadelphia Aurora General Advertiser, 16 Dec. 1796; , p. 1559).