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 HENRY LEE.
|
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO HENRY LEE.[87]
(Copy.)
Dear Sir—The last mail went out at a time when
I was so engaged that I could not drop a line to you
—the task of first conveying to you the result of the
elections for Congress here has therefore probably
superiority which your reflection and firmness will
maintain over the vicissitudes incident to public life,
forbids any suggestions which may be calculated to
abate a sensibility with regard to them—I will only
assure you that the indelicacy of the situation in which
your country has placed you is severely felt by those
whose esteem you would most value.
The enclosed paper contains all the Legislative
information worth giving you—Present my respectful
compliments to Mrrs. Lee, and assure yourself of my
sincerest wishes for your happiness—
Honbble. Henry Lee
"Alexa. 20th. Decr. 86
"My Dear Sir,—After the notification of my disgrace which reached me
about the 20th Nov. I hastened from N York & pressed forward to my home.
Every difficulty of weather and roads opposed my progress and retarded me effectually,
for it took us three weeks to reach this place which I had reckoned
on accomplishing in twelve days. At length we arrived on the banks of patomac,
and thro our avidity to embrace our friends, were on the point of destruction
for some hours, by rashly adventuring to cross in the night, thro' bodies of
floating ice. But providence, kinder to me than my beloved country rescued
my family & myself, with some detriment of sense but no injury to my reputation
—striking difference to be sure, and a theme for unceasing admiration of
the Supreme benevolence on my part. This subject always disturbs me & excites
my resentment. But cruel & ungrateful as I estimate the treatment I have received
from the assembly, I am frank to declare to you that the opinion I had
formed of your dereliction of the friendship which existed between us rendered
my affection doubly severe. In all nations precedents are to be found demonstrative
of the caprice & indelicacy of public bodys, therefore being not alone I
could have procured repose to my feelings that all who knew me, would attribute
my dismission to the proper cause.
"Your abandonment of a man who loved your character to excess & who esteemed
your friendship among the first blessings of his life connected with the
circumstance of your election to the office from which he was dismissed, together
with many other considerations which are unnecessary to repeat wounded
me deeply, & has given me many melancholy hours. Your letter of the 11th. affords
me some relief, & as it explains your intentions which before were subject
to conjecture, strengthens my hope that you regard me as I have esteemed you,
& that no difference in political sentiments ever has or ever can cool the affection
which commenced in our youth, and till very lately has existed in full vigor.
It is my wish that we may ever be united, & I believe you cannot question my
sentiments, especially, when it relates to you."—Henry Lee to Madison, Mad.
MSS. Lee was soon restored to favor in the State. Madison wrote to him
again November 23d.
| The writings of James Madison, | |