5477. MONROE (James), Friendship for.—
I have ever viewed Mr. Madison and
yourself as two principal pillars of my happiness.
Were either to be withdrawn, I should
consider it as among the greatest calamities
which could assail my future peace of mind. I
have great confidence that the candor and high
understanding of both will guard me against
this misfortune, the bare possibility of which
has so far weighed on my mind, that I could
not be easy without unburthening it. [342]
—
To James Monroe. Washington ed. v, 248.
Ford ed., ix, 178.
(W.
Feb. 1808)
