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 MRS. MADISON.
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 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO MRS. MADISON.[71]
Monticello Friday morning 7. ocl [November, 1824].
We arrived about sunset, just as they were commencing
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3 o'clock with his son & Secrety the last so sick
that he went to bed instead of dinner I have not
heard how he is this evening, I found here only the
General & his family, Col Campbell & Mr. Roane of
the Council who will attend him till he goes out
of the State & a few of the family. A large crowd
had been here, including the individuals appointed
to receive the Genrl from Fluvanna & the party
escorting him but they did not remain not even
Genl Coche to dinner. The Genl does not say yet
how many days he stays here. He declines a visit
to Staunton & will divide the time not required for
the road & the appointed festivities between Mr.
Jefferson & myself. It is probable he will not be
with us till near or quite the middle of next week
He will have with him besides his son & Secrety,
the two Councillors & such of the company of Orange
meeting, & conducting him as may choose to stop
at Montpellier. The Miss Wrights are expected
here tomorrow, of Mrs Douglas & her daughters
the family here have no notice. The Genl thinks
they may make a call as a morning visit only
They travel it seems with the Miss Wrights but
whether they will precede them in the visit to us
is unknown; nor can I learn whether the Miss
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I may learn more today but not in time to write
you. The Genl on finding I had a letter for them
proposed to take charge of it & it was given him of
course. My old friend embrased me with great
warmth, he is in fine health & spirits but so much
increased in bulk & changed in aspect that I should
not have known him. They are doing their possible
at the university to do him honor. We shall set
out thither about 9 o'c I cannot decide till the
evening when I shall return, I am not without hope
it may be tomorrow.
With devoted affection
[71]
From the family papers of the late J. Henley Smith, Esq., of
Washington, D. C. When Lafayette arrived Madison wrote to him,
August 21, 1824:
"I this instant learn, my dear friend, that you have safely reached
the shores, where you will be hailed by every voice of a free people.
That of no one, as you will believe, springs more from the heart than
mine. May I not hope that the course of your movements will give
me an opportunity of proving it, by the warmth of my embrace on
my own threshold. Make me happy by a line to that effect when
you can snatch a moment for a single one from the eager gratulations
pouring in upon you."—Mad. MSS.
| The writings of James Madison, | |