James Madison Papers

Virgil David to James Madison, 6 May 1836

’L’amitié d’un grand homme est un bienfait des dieux’--Voltaire

Laurenceville near Pittsburgh May 6. 1836

Sir,

I am not certain that I have transmitted to you the following resolution unanimously adopted before the Institution of Laurenceville—If I have please pardon the freedom I have taken—

"Resolved—That this Society, view with emotions of gratitude, the high regard entertained for its members by the Hon James Madison. John Q Adams. Edward Everett—Right Revd Bishop White—and Peter S. Duponceau Esqr., in bestowing upon the Institution their kindest expressions of esteem; accompanied with donations, for the encouragement of ’native talent’; and in answer to which the members return their acknowledgements, by enrolling their names upon the archives, as of the "Laurenceville Lyceum"—"

The volume which we received from you Sir, is placed in the depository of the Institution as a sacred memento of your benevolence toward the ’Young Citizens of Western Pennsylvania;’ and future ages will explain the object of the donation—Permit me Sir, to request a few lines from you to be placed along with the work tendered to the Lyceum, and believe me, with great respect, Your fellow Citizen

Virgil David

RC (ViU).

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