Mary Randolph (1762–1828) to Dolley Madison
| My dear Madam | March 7— 1822— |
You certainly will think me the most troublesome creature since I so often draw upon your friendly feelings towards me. It is now in the power of your dear, good, husband to render me an essential service. The land office is to be enlarged and it is supposed will be divided into two departments, if my friend Mr Madison will use his influence with Mr Crawford, he will no doubt place Beverley at the head of one department. You know that he has been writing fourteen years in Mr Nourse’s office and must of course be qualified for the trust. The addition this will make to his Salary [wi]ll enable [hi]m to furnish me with a portion of it, and thereby encrease the comforts of my declining age [a]nd if Mr Crawford would give Burwell a clerkship*
[in] the same office my situation would be rendered easy and happy—Ellen is still with me enjoying the gaieties of the City, she is very much admired as you may suppose. We both unite in cordial love for your family