To James Madison from William Lee, 23 January 1816
From William Lee
Bordeaux Jany 23. 1816
Sir.
Mr Espie, the President of the College at St Foy in this department, has sent me the packet accompanying this, to be forwarded to you.1 He has the reputation of a man of great science, and litterature, and being a great admirer of our institutions, he intends I am told dedicating one of his works to you. If you should think proper to reply to his letter, I will take care that it reaches him. With great respect and attachment I have the honor to be your very humble Servant
Wm Lee
RC and enclosure (DLC). RC docketed by JM. For enclosure, see n. 1.
1. Lee enclosed an 18 Jan. 1816 letter to him from J. B. Espie (3 pp., in French; docketed by JM), stating that Espie was enclosing a letter for the president (see Espie to JM, 15 Jan. 1816), along with fragments from Espie’s poem “La famille” [The family], six copies of his poem “Vieillesse” [old age], and an analysis of the latter work. He asked Lee to recommend him to JM’s patronage and to mention that at the age of forty-seven, with twenty-eight years of teaching experience, Espie could be useful in the new country, that his numerous children would contribute as well, and that he had instructed Lee’s own son. He also requested recommendations on the best places for him to settle in the United States.