John M. Snowden - Letter From John Maugridge Snowden To Gen Andrew Jackson

Letter From John Maugridge Snowden To Gen Andrew Jackson

Pittsburgh 12 March 1829

His Excellency
Gen A. Jackson
Prest. U.S.

Dr Sir
To the many requests to which your attention is at this time drawn, may I be permitted respectfully to add mine? I have this day written to the Hon. M Van Buren applying for the appointment to publish the laws of the United States, &c in the Pittsburgh Mercury of which I am the editor and proprietor; and requesting of him, if required, to afford me time to forward to him whatever recommendations may be deemed necessary. Presuming on your knowledge of my character and standing here and on your friendly feelings may I be permitted respectfully to solicit your aid in this particular. I presume it is known to your excellency that the Mercury was, both in 1824 and 1828, devoted to those principles which have so signally triumphed in the late contest. It is the second oldest paper in this place and has a respectable patronage and circulation. Calculated with firmness, but at the same time maintaining that decorous course which is calculated to merit and secure the public confidence, it is believed that it was not an unimportant auxiliary in that contest. But neither my scrupulous regard as an editor for private character - the correctness of my course - nor my acknowledged good reputation - has secured me from many sacrifices in (supp crossed out) the just support of my political principles and opinions. Wherever political opponents could assail me, they have done it. From their own avowals, the first effort displayed itself by a combination to oust me from the mayoralty of this city - not because I was considered to be incompetent to or unfaithful in the discharge of the duties of that office, but because the fact that an opponent of the then existing administration had been removed from the head of the city authorities, would give éclat abroad and subserve their political interests. This step has then been followed up by attempts to break down my establishment or diminish its patronage - attempts which have to a considerate extent affected my pecuniary interests, and subjected me to an inconvenience which is sensibly felt at my advanced period of life, with a numerous family dependent on my labour and exertions for maintenance. I make these statements not by way of complaint, but to show that the Pittsburgh Mercury was not, and is not regarded as an inefficient partisan in the struggle for principles; and as a change will undoubtedly be made of the public printer of this place, respectfully to present them as recommendations on the score of service to the consideration of the government.

If other recommendations be wanting for the obtainment of that appointment, I shall with great pleasure afford to your excellency any testimonials which may be asked of the purity of my life and character.

I write with the freedom of a friend, and I hope that my candour will not be construed into a want of respect. Had I less confidence in your willingness to give my application a favorable reception, or in the benevolence of your disposition, I should scarcely have ventured to write this letter, or if I had written, would have written more reservedly.

At the time of your visit to this place, I had the honour of introducing to your notice my son Wm Snowden. He accompanied you to Washington. He has been bred to the law. He possesses a good address, some talents and is a young man of steady habits. Several of his and my friends have advised him to apply for a clerkship in one of the public offices, particularly in that of the secretary of state. His course of education we think best qualifies him for such a clerkship. I have understood that Mr Stevenson, and many of the Pennsylvania delegation, together with Col McKinley of Alabama, and other of your distinguished personal friends in and out of our congress, with whom he is acquainted, will join in his recommendation. If from the partial acquaintance you have had of him, and the recommendations he may obtain, your excellency could be induced to interest yourself in his behalf, it would not only afford great gratification to me, but might be the happy means of bringing a promising young man into the public usefulness.

I have the honour to be your excellencys most obt sevrt. John M. Snowden

This is a transcript of a letter from the National Archives, Record Group 59, (State Department Records).