To Thomas Jefferson from Bernard Peyton, 20 September 1824

On my return here, from Washington, last evening, found yours of the 25th with the enclosure, unexpired—I cannot, my dear Sir, express the feelings of love & gratitude I entertained for you, for the many evidences of friendship I have recd at your hands, but above all, for your efforts, from time to time, in relation to the subject of your last, & that they should fail, especially as the President was particular in saying he had never promised the office to any one, but had given intimations &C: only is utterly confounding to me, supported too, as your application for me was, by very respectable individual, client, in the State—insomuch, that the P. M. General told me he had never in his life, known any man, for any office, so powerfully supported—& added too, that if the appointment rested with him, your letter, above, would have been conclusive—I confess I do not understand it, but sure it is, I do not get the place, & shall content myself with poverty, as heretofore, feelings as deeply, as I shall to the hour of my death, the obligation I owe you, as if I had succeeded, remain, with the surest affectn