1To James Madison from George Washington Parke Custis, 17 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Custis’s respects to Mr. Madison & begs leave to present him with a lock of Smiths Island Wool, shorn from a tup, lately arrived at Arlington. This Wool, is the growth since last September, & Mr. C beleives may not improperly, be termed American Merino. DLC : Papers of James Madison.
2To James Madison from George Washington Parke Custis, 1 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
I am happy to inform you that the Agricultural meeting of yesterday, resulted in the most complete success, & presages the most beneficial effects to the institution. Four candidates were offered for the premium in Sheep, & three in American manufacture, a specimen of which, I have the honour to enclose Mrs. Madison. Supposing it might be agreable or satisfactory to the President of the United...
3To James Madison from George Washington Parke Custis, 7 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honour of addressing you on the subject of the Smiths Island fine Wool. I have been distributing specimens in most parts of the United States, particularly to Gov. Morris, Colo. Humphreys, Genl. Pinckney & other Gentlemen of information, & national spirit. I am now daily receiving their answers, speaking in the highest terms of the value of this article of manufacture. Feeling...
4To James Madison from George Washington Parke Custis, 4 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
From the lively interest you appear to have taken in the promotion of Agricultural improvement, & Domestic Oeconomy, I have taken the liberty of sending you a few specimens of the produce of my Estates, in the Counties of New Kent & King William, since improvement of the soil has taken place of the former usage. I also enclose you a sample of our Domestic Manufactures of Cloathing & Shirting...