Joseph Dougherty to Thomas Jefferson, 8 August 1813
From Joseph Dougherty
Washington City Augt 8th—13
Sir
In consequence of the packets being prevented from playing between1 this and Philada, I am deprived of the means of doing any thing in the porter line.
S. H Smith being lately appointed Commissioner of the revenue, will have the disposing of a variety of offices, Such as, assessors, stamper &c. Collectors will be appointed by the President.
A line from you to the President and mr Smith, would be the means of procuring one of these places for me.
Sorry am I sir to give you any farther2 trouble. I was doing well, and happy in my occupation. and I can assure you sir, that it is real necessity that causes me to ask your intercession, because I know that it is a delicate undertaking, but I confess sir, that I can approach you with a confidence that I cannot others
I hope that you and your family enjoy good health
Jos Dougherty
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Mr Thos Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 10 Aug. 1813, but recorded in SJL as received the following day.
Dougherty had run a business that bottled ale and porter in Washington since 1810 (Dougherty to TJ, 6 Dec. 1810). President James Madison appointed Samuel H. smith commissioner of the revenue on 29 July 1813, and the Senate confirmed him two days later (, Pres. Ser., 6:484–5, 486; JEP, 2:416, 435).
1. Manuscript: “betwen.”
2. Manuscript: “farthe.”
Index Entries
- Dougherty, Joseph; and porter business search
- Dougherty, Joseph; letters from search
- Dougherty, Joseph; seeks appointment search
- Jefferson, Thomas; Correspondence; letters of application and recommendation to search
- Madison, James; and appointments search
- patronage; letters of application and recommendation to TJ search
- Smith, Samuel Harrison; as commissioner of the revenue search