Henry Clay Recommends a Friend For a Senior Position in the Bank of the United States

Nathaniel Cox was a New Orleans businessman and a partner in a business venture with Henry Clay's brother-in-law. Cox fell on hard times, and needed a job. Clay had just become counsel to the Bank of United States, and he contacted the President of the Bank and asked him to offer Cox the job of cashier of the Bank's New Orleans office. In those days, the job of cashier was a senior and important position, as he was the only one authorized to disburse moneys on behalf of the bank.

Autograph Letter Signed, Lexington, KY, June 24, 1820, to Bank President Langdon Cheves, containing Clay's strong recommendation. "I have much pleasure in complying with the request of a highly esteemed friend in New Orleans to say to you what I know and think of Nathaniel Cox Esq., an applicant for the office of cashier of the branch in that city…I have known Mr. Cox for many years. He resided and was highly respected in this state. A brother of Mrs. Clay, Mr. Bartlett and Mr. Cox established about 15 years ago a mercantile firm in New Orleans, which was managed chiefly by Mr. Cox with much credit and advantage to the partners. Subsequent to the death of Mrs. Clay's brother, the concern, owing I believe the political causes, proved somewhat unfortunate. Mr. Cox obtained time from his creditors, and his affairs again proving prosperous, I learned when I was in that city about a year ago, that he had complied with his engagements to them in a manner highly creditable and honorable to him. And I was informed that he had moreover secured a competency for his family. I was frequently in his company, and entertain a very favorable opinion of his honor and his capacity, and I think he enjoyed as much consideration in that city as almost any other American there. I have no doubt that he will discharge the duties of cashier, if appointed, with ability and perfect integrity."

We cannot find any evidence that Clay's influence won the position for Cox. However, in 1824, President Monroe named Cox Navy Agent at New Orleans, and two years later Cox was appointed Receiver of Public Monies there. He was removed from the post in 1829 by President Jackson, who placed his own man there.