From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 27 July 1791
To James Madison
Philadelphia July 27. 1791.
My Dear Sir
I inclose you the pamphlet desired in your’s of July 24. also the one on Weights and measures recieved through you, of which having another copy, be pleased to keep it. In turning over some papers I came across my journal through France, and Italy, and fancied you might be willing to acquire of that country a knowlege at second hand which you refuse to acquire at the first. It is written in the way you seemed to approve on our journey.—I gave E.P.’s letter to Mr. Lear. I write to Mazzei by a vessel which sails on Monday; so shall hope to hear from you by that time.—Nobody could know of T.C.’s application but himself, H. you and myself. Which of the four was most likely to give it out at all, and especially in such a form? Which of the four would feel an inclination to excite an opinion that you and myself were hostile to every thing not Southern?—The President is much better. An incision has been made, and a kind suppuration is brought on. If Colo. Lee be with you present my respects to him. Adieu. Yours affectionately,
Th: Jefferson
P.S. Dispatches from Genl. Scott confirm the newspaper accounts of his success, except that he was not wounded.
RC (DLC: Madison Papers). PrC (DLC).
The pamphlet which Madison had requested was Tench Coxe’s A brief examination of Lord Sheffield’s observations on the commerce of the United States (Philadelphia, 1791). TJ failed to inclose it in the above letter, which Madison received two days later and replied: “I have this instant received yours of the 27th in which you refer to as enclosed the pamphlet desired by me. … as it is not enclosed I snatch this sudden opportunity to request you to forward it by Monday’s mail. I thank you for the other enclosures and have only time to add that I am &c. Js. Ma[dison] Jr. N.Y. Friday” (Madison to TJ, 29 July 1791; RC in DLC: Madison Papers; addressed: “Mr. Jefferson Secretary of State Philadelphia”; endorsed by TJ as received 31 July 1791 and so recorded in SJL). See Madison to TJ, 31 July 1791.