DATE: December 9, 1828
CREATOR: Crockett, David (1786-1836)
LANGUAGE: English
EXTENT: One letter with addressee information.
SCOPE: This letter was written to President-Elect Andrew Jackson by Davy Crockett recommending a Mr. George McLean for the post of purser with the US Navy.
HISTORY: David (Davy) Crockett (1786-1836) was a 19th century American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier and politician. He represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives, served in the Texas Revolution, and died at the Battle of the Alamo.
He used folksy rhetoric and personal narratives that appealed to the voters. After being defeated for Congress in 1834, he emigrated to Texas. In March 1836, Crockett was killed at the Battle of the Alamo.
With the incoming Jackson administration in late 1828 there was the usual scramble by office seekers and their supporters to acquire positions in the new government. Crockett is appealing to Jackson on the behalf of a George McLean to be awarded the important position of purser in the ranks of the US Navy.
View additional historical and biographical notes.
ACCESS: This is collection M-026. This collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the collection may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, depending on condition. Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building. More information about conducting research with the archival collections of the Library, including current building hours and reading room policies, can be found on our Research page.
RESTRICTIONS: None
Preferred Citation note: The preferred citation for this collection is “From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.”
Acknowledgements: Special thanks to Roman Beuc, St. Louis Mercantile Library Docent, for transcribing the letter as well as researching and compiling an extended history on the topic.
TRANSCRIPTION:
Washington Dec 29, 1828
His Excellency Andrew Jackson
Dear Sir
I take great pleasure in forming with other friends in the Recommendation of Mr
Geo ( George) W. McLean of N. York whose application will be before you this day
for the Station of Purser in the Navy. My acquaintance with Mr McLean is limited.
I merely Recommend on account of my good feeling toward his brother & other
gentle men of his acquaintance.
Respectfully your friend
David Crockett
From D. Crockett
Letter
