From James Madison to Roberts Vaux, 20 February 1827
To Roberts Vaux
Montpellier Feby. 20. 1827
I thank you, Sir, for the copy of your interesting Discourse before the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.1 The tribute it pays to her great Founder and first settlers, was due to the memorable example they gave of justice and humanity to the aboriginal inhabitants of the Country. The example was in true harmony with that of their inviolable respect for the rights of Conscience in all men. These merits are not only fruitful themes for panagyrical eloquence, but will furnish for the pages of history some of its most precious lessons. To my thanks allow me to add the expression of my great respect and my friendly wishes.
James Madison
RC (PHi); draft (DLC). RC addressed and franked by JM to Vaux at Philadelphia; postmarked at Orange Court House, ⟨Virginia⟩, 23 Feb. Roberts Vaux (1786–1836) was a Philadelphia merchant who retired from business as a young man to devote the rest of his life to philanthropic activities. His varied interests included prison reform, the establishment of hospitals and insane asylums, and temperance, and he was a founding member of numerous societies devoted to human well-being in his city.
1. Roberts Vaux, A Discourse Delivered before the Historical Society of the State of Pennsylvania, on New Year’s Day, 1827 (Philadelphia, 1827; 31588).