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 JOHN ADAMS. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO JOHN ADAMS.
Dear Sir Your favor of the 4th of Sepr. was
handed to me by Doctor Freeman at my abode in
Virga. just before I left it for this place. His transient
stay afforded but a slight opportunity for the
civilities I wished to shew to one who enjoys so
much of your esteem, and who appeared so well to
deserve them. He was so good as to call at the
door since my arrival here; but being at the moment
engaged, he was so informed without my being
apprised of the name, till he had retired; and his
ensuing departure from the City closed our intercourse,
unless he should repeat his southern excursion
when I shall pay with pleasure the arrears due
on the first.
Mrs. Madison, wishing to seize the occasion for
enquiry in yours to me having reference to her. You
will perceive that she has not the slightest recollection
of any letter to Mr. Steel, such as could have
led to the intimations in yours. We conclude
therefore that some error has taken place in the
statement made to you. It will rest with your
goodness & conveniency to throw any light upon it,
which you may have the means of doing, and which
you may think the subject worthy of. I beg you
to be assured that I join fully in her acknowledgments
for the delicate manner in which you have
alluded to it, and for the kind dispositions which
it has led you to express.
The favorable judgment you are so good as to
express on the course of my administration, cannot
but be very gratifying to me; not merely for the
immediate value I set on it, but as an encouraging
presage of the light in which my endeavours in the
service of my country will be hereafter viewed by
those most capable of deciding on them.
Be pleased to accept, Dear Sir assurances of my
high esteem and best wishes.
| The writings of James Madison, | |