1To James Madison from Isaac Coffin, 22 December 1817 (Madison Papers)
Shortly after my arrival in England last August, your invaluable present of two wild Turkies were landed in England and received by my Friends the Messrs. Earles of Liverpool. I had set out on my Travels, and your obliging Letter reached me only a few days since. You have done more for me than all my Relations and friends have been able to accomplish in seven years. The Birds are placed under...
2To James Madison from Isaac Coffin, 10 June 1819 (Madison Papers)
In your dignified retirement I much fear my application to you for a second Supply of wild Turkies will induce you to believe me void of Modesty and Forbearance. Two as you know out of the Six survived the Voyage, they have repeatedly deserted & have as often been secured. They are much admired by all our country Gentlemen, but have not bred to the extent contemplated. I am most anxious to...
3To James Madison from Isaac Coffin, 17 May 1817 (Madison Papers)
Now that you have quitted the Helm of your Country & retired to private Life, on which Occasion I most sincerely congratulate you & Mrs. Madison, you may be able to recollect the kind promise made some time since to procure me some wild Turkies. Should you succeed, I dare hope Mr. Todd will find some Friend at Baltimore, who will take charge of them, & in the event of their being consigned to...
4From James Madison to Isaac Coffin, 2 April 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have been so fortunate as to procure for you, 3 wild Turkies, two Goblers and one hen. I regret that I could not double the latter also, but all my efforts have failed. The solitary Gobler in a Coop by himself, is several years old, is very large, and has the finest plumage I have ever seen on a Turkey. The pair in the other Coop are of the last year’s brood, and not a forward one. They will...
5From James Madison to Isaac Coffin, 1 October 1819 (Madison Papers)
On receiving your letter of June 10. I offered without delay encouragements for obtaining a few young wild Turkies, but have not been successful. It was too late in the Season to get Eggs, to be hatched under tame hens; and young ones are seldom otherwise procured. Nor indeed is it easy to rear very young ones however procured, such is their mortality under the best domestic management, and...