To James Madison from Samuel Dana, 6 February 1818
From Samuel Dana
Groton Ms. Feby. 6. 1818
Sir
I have lately read in a Gazette, that an Agricultural Society has been established in Virginia, & that you have consented to preside over its concerns. Masa. incorporated such a Society many years since—for a long period its usefulness was doubted—but lately is fully acknowledged.1 Their first publications were very meagre, & lean, their late reports appear to do honor to the Society who publish them, beleiving that they may be usefull to any new Society, I should be happy to be the Instrument of conveying to you a compleat set of their publications, if you are not already in possession of them.
I avail myself of this Opportunity to offer to you my tribute of respect and gratitude upon your retiring from Office after so severe a conflict crouned with so happy a Peace. You may remember that I was not able to remain at Washington to witness that joyfull event. The health of my wife is at last in a great measure restored. I request you to remember me respectfully to Mrs. Madison, & to permit me to offer assurance of my highest respect & esteem—
Saml. Dana2
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.
1. For the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, established in 1792, and its revitalization after the War of 1812, see Tamara Plakins Thornton, Cultivating Gentlemen: The Meaning of Country Life among the Boston Elite, 1785–1860 (New Haven, Conn., 1989), 57–77, 85–105.
2. Samuel Dana (1767–1835) was a Massachusetts lawyer and state politician who served as a Republican congressman from Massachusetts, 1814–15.