1From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwallader Colden, 13 September 1744 (Franklin Papers)
, 1744. After contributing articles on such varied topics as the opossum, potash, electricity, and race and color to the
2Remarks & Occurrs. in October [1770] (Washington Papers)
Opossum Creek, entering the Ohio from Monroe County, Ohio.
3[Diary entry: 25 October 1770] (Washington Papers)
Opossum Creek, entering the Ohio from Monroe County, Ohio.
4To James Madison from the Reverend James Madison, 15 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
: Madison Papers). Addressed: “The Hone. James Madison Esqr. Member of Congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM: “Revd Js. [?] Madison June 15. 1782 Mahmouth-Opossum.” has examined & found out the Arcana of the Opossum—and also that the Bones of the
5To James Madison from the Reverend James Madison, 2 August 1782 (Madison Papers)
: Madison Papers). Addressed: “The Hone. James Madison Esqr. Member of Congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM: “Revd J. Madison Aug 2. 1782 Mahmouth-Opossum.” At right angles to this and in a darker ink, JM also wrote, probably at a much later time, “Aug. 2. 1782.” Above the date is penned “Madison Js Revd” and below it “... As to the opossum, he says, from his Observations, that
6Notes on Buffon’s Histoire naturelle, [completed ca. May 1786] (Madison Papers)
20. les philandres—Opossum Jean de LaëtLe Sarigue. Opossum.
7From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1786 (Madison Papers)
...all our common and of some of our rarer quadrupeds, and can have them stuffed if desired. It is possible also that I may be able to send some of them alive. I lately had on hand a female opossum with 7 young ones, which I intended to have reared for the purpose of partly of experiments myself and partly of being able to forward some of them to you, in case of an opporty. and your desiring...
8To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
...our common and of some of our rarer quadrupeds, and can have them stuffed if desired. It is possible also that I may be able to send some of them alive. I lately had on hand a female opossum with 7 young ones, which I intended to have reared for the purpose partly of experiments myself and partly of being able to forward some of them to you, in case of an opportunity and your desiring it...
9From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, Jr., with enclosure, 7 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Opossums male & female
10To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
...layers of moss, a layer of moss & a layer of plants alternately, in a box, & the box nailed close, with directions to Limozin to forward them by the Diligence. Red birds for the ladies, & Opossums for the naturalists would be great presents, if any passenger would take charge of them. I must either refer you to my public letter for news, or write you a letter of news if my time will permit....