The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
TO EDMUND PENDLETON. |
 |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO EDMUND PENDLETON.
MAD. MSS.
Philada. Dec. 25th, 1781.
Dear Sir,—You only do me justice in ascribing
your disappointment in the part of the week preceding
your favor of the 16th. instant, to some other
cause than my neglect. If I were less disposed to
167
it. As the last letter went to the post office
here & you did not receive it from the post in
Virga., the delinquency must have happened in that
line. It is however I believe of little consequence,
as I do not recollect that any thing material has
been contained in my letters for several weeks, any
more than there will be in this in which I have little
else to say than to tender you the compliments of
the day. Perhaps indeed it will be new to you what
appeared here in a paper several days ago, that
the success of Com̃odore Johnstone in taking 5 Duch
E. India men homeward bound & destroying a 6th. is
confirmed. Whatever may be thought of this stroke
of fortune by him & his rapacious crew, the Ministry
will hardly think it a compensation to the public for
the danger to which the remains of their possessions
in the East will be exposed by the failure of his
Expedition.
It gives me great pleasure to hear of the honorable
acquittal of Mr. Jefferson. I know his abilities,
& I think I know his fidelity & zeal for his Country
so well, that I am persuaded it was a just one. We
are impatient to know whether he will undertake the
new service to which he is called.
I am, etc.
| The writings of James Madison, | |