James Madison Papers

From James Madison to John Stark, 26 December 1809

To John Stark

Washington Decembr. 26. 1809

Sir

A very particular friend of your’s,1 who has been much recommended to my esteem, has lately mentioned you to me in a manner of which I avail myself to offer this expression of the sense I have always entertained of your character and of the part you bore as a Hero and a Patriot, in establishing the Independence of our country.

I cannot better render this tribute, than by congratulating you on the happiness you cannot fail to derive from the motives which made you a champion in so glorious a cause; from the gratitude shewn by your fellow citizens for your distinguished services; & especially from the opportunity which a protracted life has given you of witnessing the triumph of republican Institutions so dear to you, in the unrivalled prosperity flowing from them during a trial of more than a fourth of a century.

May your life still be continued as long as it can be a blessing; and may the example it will bequeathe never be lost on those who live after you.

J. M.

FC (DLC). In a clerk’s hand; docketed by JM. RC (not found) enclosed in JM to William Bentley, 27 Dec. 1809. Printed in Concord N.H. Patriot, 27 Feb. 1810, and other newspapers.

1William Bentley (see JM to Bentley, 28 Oct. 1809, and n. 1).

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