Altho’ personally unacquainted with you, I hope, my revered Sir, you will not consider it presumption in one so obscure as myself to address you, being actuated in so doing by the purest motives.

Conjointly with several friends, I wish to learn from you, who performed so eminent a part in the formation of our Federal Constitution, what was the main or primary object in instituting that branch of the national Legislature, called the Senate of the U. S.? What was the motive for continuing Senators in office for six years? And last but not least, ought Senators to be governed by instructions? if yea, who are their constituents

I have been led to address these queries to you from this circumstance—We have in our village Yanceyville a Debating Club and it has recently been decided, that Senators were out of the reach of instructions, and it was asserted that the illustrious Madison, whose opinions on political matters are canonical, inculcated such doctrine—I maintained the negative of the question—

I am, Sir, an Instructer of youth—have 7 children, 3 Sons and 4 daughters—I pray you, Sir, drop me through the medium of the Mail, a maxim or maxims, for my children to adopt through life—They have been taught from their infancy to venerate the name of Madison, and any advice, I am persuaded, emanating from such a source, would exert a happy influence on their conduct in future life. I know, Sir, that you take a deep interest in the welfare of the Country, you served long and faithfully, and will not hesitate to do an act, that may engender and foster in the minds of youth, principles that may be dedicated to the interests of a prosperous Republick—

My father was an Elector who voted for you in 1808, is now nearly an octogenarian, in good health &c.—My address is Yanceyville Caswell County N. C.

Permit me to close by expressing the wish that your future life may roll on without a cloud, and its duration be commensurate with its usefulness. With profound respect I am your humble Svt.