James Monroe to William Crawford, 1822 September 9

Washington Sepr 9th 1822
Dear Sir
The death of Mr J. Meigs comr. of the land office has given us all much concern, on account of the loss of so estimable a man, & more particularly by the distressd state in which he leaves his family. My concern has been encreased, by the necessity it imposes on me of appointing a successor. Several estimable characters have been brought into view, & among them, my friend Mr Graham; but from the painful dilemma relating to him, I have been relievd by his own manly act, desiring me, to put him out of the question, from a conviction that the appointment ought to be conferrd, on some person in the western country. In that quarter also different persons came into view, but I have decided, on full consideration to confer it on Judge McLean, ch: Justice of Ohio, who was so useful in the late war. I should have been glad of your council, in the case, had you been so near as to promise an early arrival.
Genl Steel has I hear in a great measure recoverd his health, which will relieve me from the necessity of acting in another case, in which the conflicting claims of some estimable friends would have created another very serious embarrassment. For General Lacocke I have a sincere regard, & should certainly have given to his merit all the attention it might justly claim, compard with that of others residing in the city & near it, & of course supported by the citizens.
Of late my family has been indisposed particularly Mrs Monroe, but she is now better. I hope that you & your family have entirely recoverd your health. with great respect & regard I
am dear sir yours
James Monroe