To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 25 June 1814
From Elbridge Gerry
Cambridge 25th June 1814
Dear Sir,
The unparalleled events of Europe are deeply interesting to this Country, & are unfathomable in regard to their results, to those who are not informed of the affairs of the cabinet. On these I wish for information, so far & no farther than you can communicate it with propriety, in confidence: & whether they will require an earlier meeting of Congress, or of the Senate, than that already established.
Whilst I was writing this, I received the enclosed from General Dearbor[n]. I have not had an opportunity of being much acquainted with Capt Joseph Lee, but have always understood that he was an excellent seaman, & General Dearborn’s recommendation has great weight. Accept with your Lady, the most sincere & respectful regards of Mrs Gerry & of your unfeigned friend
E Gerry
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM. The enclosure has not been found, but JM’s 5 July 1814 reply to Gerry (owned by Marshall B. Coyne, Washington, D.C., 1992) suggests that it recommended Lee to be commander of a revenue cutter.