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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 WILLIAM TAYLOR.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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TO WILLIAM TAYLOR.

CHIC. HIST. SOC. MSS.

Dear Sir,—I have recd. your favor of the 15th
inst. which affords me an oppy. of thanking you at
the same time for your letter from Mexico, valuable
both for the facts stated in it, & for the prophetic
remarks which events confirmed.

Mexico must always have been made interesting
by its original history, by its physical peculiarities,
and by the form & weight of its colonial yoke. The
scenes thro' which it has latterly passed, and those
of which it is now the Theatre, have given a new


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force to the public feeling, and this is still further
enlivened by the prospect before it, whether left
to itself or doomed as it probably is to encounter
the interference of the powerful Govts. confederated
agst. the rights of man and the reforms of nations.
With the U. S. Mexico is now connected not only
by the ties of neighbourhood & of commercial interests
but of political affinities & prudential calculations.
We necessarily therefore turn an anxious
eye to everything that can effect its career and its
destiny.

These observations make it needless to say that
the communications you offer, whilst stationed in
that country will be recd. with a due sense of your
kindness. I feel some scruple nevertheless in saying
so of a correspondence which on one side must be
passive only. The scruple would be decisive if I
did not trust to your keeping in mind that the mere
gratification of a private friend is lighter than a
feather when weighed agst. your private business or
your official attentions.

Your friends in this quarter wd. have recd. much
pleasure from a visit if you cd. have conveniently
made it. They are all, I believe, in good health,
with the exception of Mrs. J. Taylor, who has laboured
under a tedious complaint which appears to have
very nearly finished its fatal task.

I am glad to learn that the President has given
you so acceptable a proof of the value he sets on your
services. It augurs a continuance of his friendly
attention as far as may consist with his estimates


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of other public obligations. In whatever circumstances
you may be placed I wish you health &
success; in which Mrs. M. joins, as she does in the
esteem & regard of which I beg you to be assured.