From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Alexander, 22 May 1807

Having, on recommendations from the Senators & Delegates of your state made two appointments of Marshal, both of which have been declined and apprehending a delay which might be injurious to the state were I to continue nominating without a previous knolege that the party would accept, I take the liberty of inclosing you a blank commission, and of asking the favor of you to insert in it the name of such person as you think most worthy & adequate, and who shall have previously expressed a willingness to serve. to this I must add the further trouble of giving me information of the name which shall be inserted that it may be recorded here. I hope the peculiarity of this case, & the interest of your state involved in it will apologize for the trouble I ask you to take and I tender you the assurances of my high respect & esteem.