1Robert B. Randolph to James Madison, 24 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I make no apology for the liberty I take of addressing a letter to you. Being a Virginian by nature, habit and character yourself, you will readily I am sure appreciate the feelings of one of her sons in surrendering to you the commission it was so much my honor and pride to receive from you: I was of course first commissioned as a midshipman and served with diligence and faithfulness until I...