James Madison Papers

James Madison to James Maury, 26 May 1836

Montpellier May 26th. 1836.

My dear Sir.

I have received your friendly letter of May 7th. and the box of Sherry wine I owe to your kindness came safe to hand the day before yesterday. I thank you for both.

Your letter I observe is written by your own hand. I wish I could answer it in like manner; but though your years somewhat outnumber mine, my fingers are de facto older than yours, and are at present, as is my general condition, more than usually unfitted for the pen.

Doctor Dunglison being with us and in the habit of drinking Sherry, and a better judge than I could be were my palate in better health, pronounces the wine to be of the first chop. It is I doubt not very fine, and I wish I could more safely indulge a relish for it. It gives me pleasure to learn that you can safely do so, and I hope the Sherry may prove with you what has been said of good wine, a milk for old age.

I cannot let the occasion pass without re-assuring you of my cordial esteem, and of my best wishes for your happiness and that of your amiable family.

James Madison

RC (ViU); FC (DLC).

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