From James Madison to Isaac Shelby, 21 July 1814
To Isaac Shelby
Washington July 21. 1814
Dear Sir
I learnt with much regret the insuperable bar to your co-operation in the important task of making such a Treaty with the Indians invited to Greenville, as may be safe & satisfactory.1 You will have found from the Commission forwarded to General Adair that your wishes in his behalf are not disappointed.2
Your letter of May 15.3 came safe to hand but an unqualified resignation from Genl. Harrison had previously taken effect. I have always intertained [sic] an opinion very favorable to the general Talents & military capacities of that gentleman. Had this been less the case your observations founded on such good opportunities would have produced it. Accept assurances of my great esteem & friendly respects.
James Madison.
RC (OCHP: Whelpley Autograph Collection).
1. See Richard M. Johnson to JM, 15 July 1814, and n. 2.
2. Shelby’s recommendation of John Adair has not been found, but on 14 July 1814, John Armstrong informed Adair of his appointment as an Indian treaty commissioner (DNA: RG 75, LSIA). Adair accepted the commission on 28 July 1814, six days after the treaty was concluded (DNA: RG 107, LRRS, A-25:8; 7:377 n. 5).