1846: Thomas Lavender to George Sykes

NJ Congressman George Sykes

This letter was written by Thomas Lavender of Princeton, New Jersey. He wrote the letter to Congressman George Sykes (1802-1880) — a Democrat representing New Jersey’s 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1843 to 1845, and reelected in 1845 to fill a vacancy, serving until 1847.

Sykes was born in Sykesville, New Jersey (in North Hanover Township) on September 20, 1802. He was educated by private teachers, and became a surveyor and conveyancer. He was elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-eighth Congress, serving in office from March 4, 1843 to March 3, 1845. He was elected to the Twenty-ninth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Samuel G. Wright, and served from November 4, 1845 to March 3, 1847.

After leaving Congress, he resumed his former pursuits. He was a member of the council of properties of West Jersey, and was a member of the New Jersey General Assembly from 1877 to 1879. He died near Mansfield Township, Burlington County, New Jersey on February 25, 1880, and was interred in Old Upper Springfield Friends Burying Ground near Wrightstown, New Jersey.

Stampless Letter

TRANSCRIPTION

Addressed to George Sykes, Esq., Member of Congress, Washington D.C.

Princeton [new Jersey]
March 17, 1846

George Sykes, Esq.

Dear Sir,

1846 Letter

I have to acknowledge your kindness in sending me a copy of Fremont’s Report of his explorations with many thanks. At the same time, I wish to ask another favor if convenient and can be had. It is a copy of the map of Oregon, which I see has been published by the House, and a Report of the Coast Survey. If not giving thee too much trouble, thee will oblige me very much.

Yours truly,

Thomas Lavender