James Madison Papers

James Madison to Ralph Randolph Gurley, 19 February 1833

Montpellier Feby 19/ 33

Dear Sir

I have received your Letter of the 15th informing me that I have been unanimously elected to the Office of President by the American Colonisation Society."

The great and growing importance of the Society and the signal Philanthropy of its members give to the distinction conferred on me a value of which I am deeply sensible.

It is incumbent on me at the same time to say, that my very advanced age & impaired health leave me no hope of an adequacy to the duties of the Station which I should be proud to perform. It will not the less be my earnest prayer that every success may reward the labors of an Institution, which through so humble in its origin, is so noble in its object of removing a great evil from its own country by means which may communicate to another, the greatest of blessings

J. M

FC (DLC).

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