James Madison Papers

James Madison to Moses Dawson and Others, 20 February 1836

Feby. 20. 1836.

I have received fellow Citizens, your letter inviting me to a public dinner, at Cincinnatti, on the 4th. of March, to celebrate the expiration on the preceding day, of the Charter of the U. S. Bank; and requesting from me, if unable to attend, an appropriate sentiment to be given in my name, by the Company.

Retaining as I do, my convict<ion> heretofore officially, and otherwise expressed, that in expounding the Constitution, in the case of the Bank, the decision of the Nation had been sufficiently manifested, to over-rule individual opinions, and to sanction the power exercised, in establishing such an institution, I cannot fail to be excused for declining to participate in a protest against it, as destitute of Constitutional Authority.

For the favorable & friendly sentiments expressed in your letter, I tender my acknowledgments with assurances of my great respect and good wishes.

Turn Over

FC (DLC).

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