To Thomas Jefferson from Washington Boyd, 21 November 1807

Not having the honour of a personal Acquaintance with you, I have taken this method to inform you of my wish to be considered a candidate for the Office of Marshal for the District of Columbia, which I have been informed will be vacated at the close of this year, I enclose, for your consideration, a certificate of my character and fitness for the office, from the Present Marshal; also a letter of Recommendation from him to Mr. Rodney in July last, together with a testimonial of character from Robert. Brent. Esqr. Mayor of this City. My particular friend Mr. Munroe, who from a long acquaintance with me, well Knows what pretentions I may have to favour and confidence, tells me has never addressed the President in favour of applicants for office; but that, in the present case he will gladly do any thing in his power to give you correct information concerning me; and has authorised me to use, for that purpose the inclosed letter from him to me. Having Resided here near fourteen years, and having Received many local appointments, I am well Known to the Inhabitants generally; and could obtain, I have no doubt, from most, of them, very favourable testimonials both of my private and public character, as well as an expression of their wishes in Relation to the appointment which I now solicit, if Such evidences woud Strengthen the application;—

I have the Honour to be Sir with Considerations of the highest Respect your Obedient and Humble. Servt.