James Madison Papers

James Madison to the New England Society of New York, 20 December 1834

Decr. 20th. 1834

—I have recd. fellow Citizens your letter inviting me in behalf of the New England society in N. York to a dinner on the 22d. Inst., their anniversary celebration of the principles & virtues of their pilgrim Fathers. The obstacles to my acceptance of the invitation being insuperable I can only express my acknowledgments for the kindness & politeness which dictated it.

The exalted feelings which determined the Pilgrims to seek in a new world, through the perils & sufferings to be encountered, the liberty religious & civil denied them in the old; and the fruits of their heroic virtues, in the multiplied blessings now enjoyed by their expanding posterity cannot fail to inspire admiration & gratitude.

With an assurance of my cordial sympathy in these sentiments, I tender that of the great respect & good wishes which I pray may also be accepted.

J M

Draft (DLC).

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