William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, March 2, 1801
City of Washington March 2 d [ 1801 ]
My dear Aunt
For a few days past, every moment of my time has been so compleatly
occupied in official duties, that I have had hardly a moments time to write or even to
think for myself— We have not heard from or […], since your last letter to the President
from Philadelphia 1
The President has nominated all the officers for this district Mr
T. Johnson of Frederick—Mr Marshall of Alexandria, brother to ex Sec of State & Mr
Cranch are the judges of the supreme court for the District— 2 No minister for France has been or will be
nominated, since Mr Bayard’s refusal—under the present administration. 3 Mr Briesler went to see Mr J. a few days since—
Mr J. told him, that he had sent to LeTombe to procure him a steward, if he did not
succeed, he should send to France—that he had more anxiety on his mind in procuring a
good & honest steward, than he had in the future
administration of the government. !! 4
We shall leave this city on Wednesday Morning Briesler has secured
Maglauklins stage & we go by ourselves. 5 Shipley & Betsy go on tomorrow.
In very great haste, / I am yours very respectfully
W m S Shaw