James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Elias Vanderhorst, 22 November 1808

Bristol Novr. 22d. 1808.

Sir,

The preceding’s is a Copy of my last Respects to you of the 11th. ⟨u⟩lto Pr. the Brig Alexander & Sally Captn. Swain via Philadelphia, ⟨sin⟩ce which period I have not been favored with any of your communications.

The War in Spain appears to be carried on with great Vigour ⟨on⟩ both sides, ’though of the final issue I can discover nothing at present ⟨to⟩ induce me to alter my former opinion thereon. Her Vast Colonies ⟨wil⟩l however probably soon feel the expediency or propriety of taking ⟨car⟩e of themselves & will of course, in all likelihood, during this struggle ⟨be⟩ for ever separated from their Parent State, whether she succeeds ⟨in⟩ her present efforts, or not. Such an event, no doubt, will have a wide ⟨an⟩d powerful influence on the Interests & Conduct of other Nations by caus⟨ing⟩ such changes among them as can not yet be calculated upon with ⟨any⟩ degree of certainty, but which, I think, without much hazard it ⟨ma⟩y be presumed will prove pleasing & beneficial to all, particularly to ⟨suc⟩h as view Commercial objects as those most worthy of consideration ⟨an⟩d pursuit.

Enclosed I beg leave to hand you a few of our latest Newspapers ⟨w⟩hich ’though not very remarkable for conveying much truth, but ⟨a g⟩reat mass of matter of an opposite nature, yet, serve in some degree, ⟨to⟩ leave on the Mind of the attentive Reader, a tolerable impression ⟨of⟩ the general state & complexion of things in this Quarter. I have the Honor to be &c. &c.

DNA: RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bristol.

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