The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
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TO BENJAMIN W. CROWNINSHIELD.
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 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO BENJAMIN W. CROWNINSHIELD.[100]
Sir Mr. Jones having retired from the Secretaryship
of the Navy, my thoughts have been turned to
you as a desirable Successor; and I have this day
sent in your name to the Senate for the appointment.
I hope you will excuse my doing it without your
consent which would have been asked, if the business
of that Dept. had less urged an avoidance of delay.
The same consideration will apologize for my hoping
aid your Country in that Station, nor with your
conveniency to be prepared to repair to it as soon as
you may receive notice that the Senate have given
effect to the nomination.
Accept Sir assurances of my esteem and of my
friendly respects.
On April 25th, 1814, Jones wrote to Madison that he must resign,
as peace had come and he had only expected to serve during the war.
On September 11th, alluding to this letter, he asked to be relieved on
December 1st. He must go to work to make money, he said, as he
had debts to meet.—Mad. MSS. On November 24th Madison wrote
to Commodore John Rodgers asking him to be Secretary of the Navy;
but, having been advised by the Attorney-General that a naval officer
could not lawfully serve, he withdrew the offer December 4th.—
Chicago Hist. Soc. MSS. On December 26th Crowninshield replied
declining Madison's offer, but December 28th wrote accepting "at
the special request of my political friends & the permission of my
family."—Mad. MSS. He entered upon his duties January 16th,
1815.—Ex. Reg. U. S., 85.
| The writings of James Madison, | |