1Richard Rush to James Monroe, 28 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
The more I have reflected upon the subject of a proclamation, in the more important lights does the immediate necessity for it strike me, and I have sketched and enclose you a few thoughts to look at. After an event so very marked in our public affairs and destined to be always prominent in our national history, I think some very marked notice should be taken of it, without, perhaps, too nice...