James Madison Papers
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Permanent link for this document:
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/03-09-02-0118

To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 25 March 1815

From Thomas Jefferson

Monticello Mar. 25. 15

Dear Sir

After I had sent my letters of yesterday and the day before to the post office the return of the messenger brought me a letter from Saml. H. Smith informing me you had directed Milligan to come on whenever I should call for him. I mention this to save you the trouble of further writing on that subject. The same mail brought me the Aurora, beginning the publication of the Causes and Conduct of the war, which settles the question of publication.1 I still think however it would be worth while for the government to smooth & reprint it. If done instantly it will get to Europe before the newspaper details, and at any rate may be declared to be the genuine edition as published by the government, and may be with truth so declared in a conciliatory P.S. Ever and affectionately Yours

Th: Jefferson

RC (DLC); FC (DLC: Jefferson Papers). RC docketed by JM.

1The Philadelphia Aurora General Advertiser published Alexander J. Dallas’s An Exposition of the Causes and Character of the War in installments, 17–23 Mar. 1815 (Looney et al., Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series, 8:381 n.).

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