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The writings of James Madison,

comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed.
 
 
 
 
 

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TO PAUL HAMILTON.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TO PAUL HAMILTON.[63]

MAD. MSS.

Dear Sir,—I have recd. your letter of yesterday,
signifying your purpose to retire from the Dept. which
has been under your care.

On an occasion which is to terminate the relation
in wch. it placed us, I cannot satisfy my own feelings,
or the tribute due to your patriotic merits & private
virtues, without bearing testimony to the faithful
zeal, the uniform exertions, and unimpeachable
integrity, with which you have discharged that important
trust; and without expressing the value I
have always placed on that personal intercourse, the
pleasure of which I am now to lose.

With these recollections & impressions I tender
you assurances of my affecte esteem, and of my sincerest
wishes for your welfare & happiness.

 
[63]

Hamilton's resignation was probably on a hint from Madison.
On January 12, 1813, William Jones, of Pennsylvania, succeeded
him.