From James Madison to Stephen Van Rensselaer, 6 May 1824
To Stephen Van Rensselaer
Montpellier May 6. 1824
Dear Sir
I have duly recd your favor of Apl. 19.1 accompanied by the Geological Survey,2 and followed by the two Profile plates appurtenant to it.
These fruits of your Munificent patronage give you a just title to the thanks of all who take an interest in such researches, & the proper share of merit will not be refused to the intelligence & care with which your plan appears to have been executed. The variety & extended scope of the observations in the Report made to you will be a welcome contribution to the Stock of Materials for a scientific insight into the accessible part of the planet on which our lot is cast. With friendly respects
James Madison
RC (NN: Harkness Collection); FC (DLC). Minor differences between the copies have not been noted.
1. Letter not found.
2. Amos Eaton, A Geological and Agricultural Survey of the District Adjoining the Erie Canal in the State of New York … (Albany, 1824; 16033). The book included a “Geological Profile Extending from the Atlantic to Lake Erie, Running near the 43° N.L. and Embracing 9 degrees of Longitude.”