Since my return here (last friday) I have been engaged in the examination of Mr. Jefferson’s papers, for materials to put the measures of ’98-’99 in their true light, and thus to vindicate his memory & that of his co-laborers from the deep reproach of having given birth to the doctrine of Nullification as now understood. I have found several precious things, among which is the memorandum of which I enclose a copy. The great importance of securing the letter itself is obvious. My first idea was, to write immediately to Mr. Gouverneur; but reflexion has satisfied me, that the better course, by far, is to beg you to do so, loth as I am to put you to any trouble of the sort.

I have found letters from John Taylor which throw a favorable light on the subject. Were you in correspondence with him at that period? If so, I doubt not his letters to you would prove a valuable auxiliary, and I would beg you to permit me to examine them during the visit which we shall make before we go. (We shall probably not leave here till this time next month, and then stop a day or two at Montpellier)

Many of Mr. J’s letters are illegible from the fading of the ink on the press copies. Many others could be read only after great trouble in tracing over the faded marks with a pencil. Among those in this condition are two to you, of Aug. +28 ’99 and Nov.* 26. ’99. The former is referred to in his (published) letter to W. C. Nicholas, Sep. 5. ’99. There is a passage towards the end, valuable as showing that he saw no middle ground between acquiescence under the laws, and separation. I should be glad to learn if you possess these two letters. Otherwise I must take the trouble of making them out: if indeed that be practicable. Mrs Madison can in a single line answer this question, without putting you to the trouble of even writing your frank, which is altogether unnecessary in any case, to me: and might well be omitted to others, as the sight of your name on the back of a letter, conveys to many who would otherwise not be aware of it, that you are in correspondence with some; whence it is inferred that you might as well be with others.

*no such date found

+Augst. probably 23 same [ ] Copy 28 sent to Mr. T

The envelope covering a piece of Mr. J’s writing followed me to Washington, and found me confined to my back (to say bed would convey an erroneous idea of general sickness) by a slight strain which developed an affection of the Spinal nerves that was lurking there, and might have become more serious had it not betrayed itself in time. It was attended with great pain for a day or two; and great caution was enjoined. I bore the ride up quite well, however, and my health is now very good, as is that of the family here generally, though among so many (now including Mrs Coolidge & her 5 children) there is always some complaining. Affecte regards to Mrs Madison, and friendly remembrance to the young ladies & to Mr. Todd if he be returned