University of Virginia Library

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THE WRITINGS OF
JAMES MADISON.

TO REV. THOMAS MARTIN.[1]

Rev Sir—I am not a little affected at hearing of
your misfortune, but cannot but hope the cure may be
so far accomplished as to render your journey not inconvenient.
Your kind Advice & friendly cautions
are a favour that shall be always gratefully remembered,
& I must beg leave to assure you that my
happiness, which you and your brother so ardently
wish for, will be greatly augmented by both your
enjoyments of the like blessing.

I have been as particular to my father as I thought
necessary for this time, as I send him an account of
the Institution, &c &c., and of the College wrote by
Mr. Blair, the Gentleman formerly elected President
of this place you will likewise find two pamphlets
entitled Britannia's intercession for John Wilks, &c.,
which, if you have not seen it, perhaps may divert you.

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I am perfectly pleased with my present situation; and
the prospect before me of three years' confinement,
however terrible it may sound, has nothing in it, but
what will be greatly alleviated by the advantages I
hope to derive from it.

The Grammars, which Mr. Houston procured for
you amount at 2/10 each to 17/. Your brothers account
with Plumb, to 6/7. and Sawneys expence 4/2
the whole 1.. 7.. 9, Inclosed you have 15/. the overplus
of which you may let Sawney have to satisfy
those who may have been at any trouble on my
account.

The near approach of examination occasions a surprising
application to study on all sides, and I think
it very fortunate that I entered College immediately
after my arrival, tho' I believe there will not be the
least danger of my getting an Irish hint as they call it,
yet it will make my future studies somewhat easier,
and I have by that means read over more than half
Horace and made myself pretty well acquainted with
Prosody, both which will be almost neglected the two
succeeding years.

The very large packet of Letters for Carolina I am
afraid will be incommodious to your brother on so
long a journey, to whom I desire my compliments
may be presented and conclude with my earnest request
for a continuance of both your friendships, and
sincere wishes for your recovery, and an agreeable
journey to your whole Company.

I am, sir, your obligd friend and Hl Ser.

James Madison.

P. S. Sawney tells me that your Mother and

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Brothers are determined to accompany you to Virginia;
my friendship and regard for you entitle them
to my esteem, and with the greatest sincerity I wish,
after a pleasant journey, they may find Virginia
capable of giving them great Happiness.