1From James Madison to John Francis Mercer, 24 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 January 1785 . Mercer acknowledged on 8 February 1785 receipt of “your favor of the 24. which pursuing me by a circuitous route, did not reach this untill within a few days.” In all likelihood JM reported to the Virginia congressman the legislative situation following adjournment of the October 1784 session of the General Assembly.
2From James Madison to John Francis Mercer, ca. 21 January 1786 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 21 January 1786 . Acknowledged by Mercer in his letter to JM, 28 March 1786 . It apparently contained a commentary on the October 1785 session of the House of Delegates.