James Madison Papers

James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 5 May 1831

Montpellier May 5. 1831.

Dear Sir

I recd. yesterday your favour of the 2d. with its accompaniments. I thank you for the little treatise on mental* Physiology, which I reserve for perusal at the earliest leisure. From the reputed talents & tenets of the Author, something may be anticipated well written & out of the trodden circle. I thank you also for the rectified copy of "Distress for rent," and return the one formerly sent me.

The revolution in the Cabinet has produced here as elsewhere, much agitation in the political world. In what form the public opinion will settle down, is unknown to those who know more of its workings than I do. The current has hitherto set a good deal against Mr. VanBuren, to whom I have the less doubt that injustice has been done, as that opinion has the sanction of yours. Mr Livingston is the only one of the four Heads of Depts. designated for the new Cabinet, whom I personally know, tho qualifications both substantial & ornamental speak for themselves.

We had promised ourselves the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Randolph & her family somewhat sooner than your letter implies. We are gratified  by the certainty that there will be only a little difference as to the time. We had taken for granted that sooner or later in the season, you & Mrs. Trist would follow them, and are sorry that we are to expect but the half of you, though it be the better half. Can’t you supply the other on your way to or from N. Orleans. You well know the pleasure your visits will always give us, as you do the sincerity with which we offer our cordial regards and all our good wishes

James Madison

* [note added by Trist] This should be Moral--Moral Physiology by Robert Dale Owen.

RC (DLC: Nicholas P. Trist Papers); draft (DLC).

Index Entries