1To James Madison from James M. Bell, 25 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I regret much that my personal acquaintance with you is so limited; However, from the long and intimate one that has prevailed between our families you will no doubt pardon me for breaking in upon your time by requesting you to use your influence (consistent with your feelings) to obtain a berth for my son William Bell at West Point. He is between eighteen & nineteen years old and I trust from...