The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
| II. |
TO THOMAS JEFFERSON. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of the 7th. inst. with another
pr. of spectacles inclosed came safe to hand on thursday
last. I shall have the person for whose use they
were intended take choice of the most suitable &
will return the other pr. to Mr. Dudley by the first
conveyance, unless I meet with a purchaser which I do
not expect. The arrangement which is to carry you to
Europe has been made known to me by Mr. Short
who tells me he means to accompany or follow you.
With the many reasons which make this event agreeable,
I cannot but mix some regret that your aid towards
a revisal of our State Constitution will be
removed. I hope however for your licence to make
use of the ideas you were so good as to confide to
me, so far as they may be necessary to forward the
object. Whether any experiment will be made this
session is uncertain. Several members with whom I
have casually conversed give me more encouragemt.
than I had indulged. As Col: Mason remains in private
life, the expediency of starting the idea will depend
much on the part to be expected from R. H. L.
& P. H. The former is not yet come to this place,
point. The latter arrived yesterday, & from a short
conversation I find him strenuous for invigorating the
federal Govt though without any precise plan, but
have got no explanations from him as to our internal
Govt. The general train of his thoughts seemed to
suggest favorable expectations. We did not make a
house till Wednesday last, & have done nothing yet
but arrange ye committees & receive petitions. The
former Speaker was re-elected without opposition.
If you will either before or after your leaving America
point out the channel of communication with you in
Europe, I will take the pleasure of supplying you from
time [to time] with our internal transactions, as far as
they may deserve your attention, & expect that you
will command every other service during yr absence
which it may be in my power to render. Wishing you
every success & happiness, I am, Dr sir,
| The writings of James Madison, | |