1To James Madison from William Lowndes, 20 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I feel very sensibly the honor which you do me in offering me the charge of the War-department & am still more flattered by the expressions of personal regard contained in your letter. A preference however for the situation which I now fill (among other reasons because it allows me to apply a portion of the year to the care of my private affairs) will make me decline that which you have...
2To James Madison from Francis Corbin, 20 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
Some years ago a Pipe of my Port Wine strayed up to Alexandria instead of being landed at Norfolk. As it was troublesome to get it round, and I knew it to be superiour to any that could be imported in the ordinary way, I offered it to General Washington and Mr. Fitzhugh at prime Cost, charges &c. The latter took it and divided it. It proved to be as I expected, & they wished for more. A...