To James Madison from Armistead T. Mason, 15 September 1817
From Armistead T. Mason
Selma 15 Sepr. 1817
Sir,
I have had the honor to receive your favor of the 1 Ultimo covering a subscription paper for the Central College of Va.
Altho’ my knowledge of the deficiency of public spirit in this section of the state forbids me to hope for any considerable contributions in this County towards that Institution, yet it is an object so interesting & important that I will not be discouraged from making every exertion in my power to promote it.
When I shall have obtained all the aid I can from those who may be disposed to contribute towards it I will as you request return the Subscription to you.
Permit me to request you to present me very respectfully to Mrs Madison, and also to accept for yourself the assurance of my great respect. Your friend & obt Servt
Armistead T. Mason2
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.
1. Left blank in Ms. For JM’s circular letter soliciting subscriptions for the Central College, see JM to Charles Fenton Mercer, ca. 31 Aug. 1817.
2. Armistead Thomson Mason (1787–1819), son of Virginia senator Stevens Thomson Mason and grandson of George Mason, was a graduate of the College of William and Mary who rose to become a brigadier general in the Virginia militia during the War of 1812. He served in the U.S. Senate, 1816–17, and died in a duel with his brother-in-law, John Mason McCarty, at Bladensburg, Maryland.