To James Madison from Ruth Barlow, 10 February 1813
From Ruth Barlow
Paris Feby. 10, 1813.
Dear Sir.
You will doubtless be informed, before receiving this, of the dreadful event which has deprived me of the best of Husbands & my Country of a zealous & devoted friend.1 Borne down by this cruel this unexpected stroke, I know not get fortitude2 to support my sinking health. Every thing about me has now become disagreeable. I wish to return to my Country & friends. In May or June the season will be the best to make the passage. If a protection can be procured, I think there may be found in some of the ports of France, Capns. that will be glad to take my family & effects, to secure there vessels a safe conveyance to America. I hope my dear Sir, you will be able to assist me, as I cannot go to Sea with my helpless Sister, without a protection. She has not walked a step in feefteen [sic] months & tho’ she has been during this period under the care of the first Surgeons of Paris there seems little appearance of any amelioration.3
I intended to send my Niphew to America to make you some important communications, & to arrange our return. Mr. Wardens indelicate, & I think, incorrect conduct, has obliged me to detain him to protect the private papers which regard the Negociations.4 He will give you the particulars which I am incapable of doing at present. My affectionate regards to Mrs. Madison, & to Mrs. Monroe. With every sentiment of esteem & regard I am dear Sir—Yr. fd. & St.
R Barlow
RC (PHi: Gratz Collection). Addressee not indicated; identified as JM on the basis of internal evidence and the existence of a similarly worded letter of the same date from Ruth Barlow to James Monroe (DNA: RG 59, ML).
1. For Joel Barlow’s death, see , 5:455 n. 1.
2. In her letter to Monroe of the same date, Barlow wrote, “I know not how to get fortitude …” (DNA: RG 59, ML).
3. Ruth Barlow’s sister Clara Baldwin wrote to Dolley Madison on 16 Feb. 1813 mentioning her poor health and confinement to a “long chair” (ViU). She had suffered a knee injury. Arrangements were made for Baldwin, Ruth Barlow, and Barlow’s nephew Thomas Barlow to return to the United States in early September 1813 (Woodress, A Yankee’s Odyssey, 292, 307).
4. For the origins of the dispute over the management of the Paris mission after Barlow’s death, see David Bailie Warden to JM, 26 Jan. 1813, , 5:623 and n. 2. Baldwin’s letter to Dolley Madison of 16 Feb. 1813 also gave a detailed account of the dispute (ViU).