(JSP 01)
File 9221 Percival, John S. M.D. 1815 (N.Y.)
(JSP 02)
Re md for appt. Hosp. Surg. Mate - Jan 28.
1182 - New York
Jno. S. Percival S. Mate
R by Dr. Stearns
28 Jany 1815
(JSP 03)
City of Washington 28th Jany 1815
Sir I have the honor to enclose you a letter which I lately received from Dr. John Stearns of the city of Albany, recommending Doctor John S. Percival for the commission of Surgeon’s mate. With Doctor Percival I have no acquaintance, with Doctor Stearns I have been long and intimately acquainted with his true character in the line of his profession. I have taken the liberty to certify upon the back of the letter enclosed.
I have the honour to be Sir
With great consideration
Your Most Obt Sevt.
John Lovett
(Addressed to the Honorable James Monroe)
(JSP 04)
9221
Encl. Percival, John
Jany 28, 1815
Hon John Lovett
Member of Congress Washington
(Reverse of letter)
(JSP 04)
Albany 20th Jany 1815
Dear Sir, Although I have some acquaintances with the mode of receiving, yet I have very little with that of professing solicitations for office. It is therefore with reluctance that I trouble you with the request of my Nephew Dr. John S. Percival - he wishes to obtain your aid in procuring for him the appointment of Hospital Surgeon mate. Dr. Shaw the Hospital Surgeon at Green Bush has informed him that he wants a mate and has directed him to pursue this mode to obtain the appointment. In recommendation of Dr. Percival I can freely say that I believe him to be well qualified to discharge the duties of that office - He was appointed Surgeons mate in the militia detached last summer for the defense of New York, but on account of the removal of his surgeon to the hospital, performed the duties of Regimental Surgeon without an appointment & was singularly successful not to lose a single patient in that Corps.
Your successful interference in this case will confer on me a favor which I shall always be happy to reciprocate, and an obligation which I trust I shall never refuse to acknowledge.
At the National bank posses what is your opinion of it (—)?
Accept assurance of my highest esteem and friendship.
John Stearns
Hon. John Lovett
The undersigned can with truth and confidence certify that Doctor John Stearns has long stood at the head of his profession in the city of Albany, and that no gentleman would be more cautious and guarded against urging the pretensions of any candidate which was not well founded in merit and skill.
John Lovett of the House of Rep from Albany, NY
Washington City
28th Jany 1815
