Thomas Jefferson Papers
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To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 13 June 1789

From James Madison

N. York. June 13th. 1789

Dear Sir

The letter herewith enclosed from Col. H. Lee with the papers accompanying it fully explain themselves. Inclosed also is a letter from Mr. P. Carr, who has been here several weeks. One of his inducements to visit N. York during the present vacation, was a hope of falling in with you on your visit to America. I regret much both your disappointments. It is not yet in my power to say when the cause of yours will be removed. Every step taken under the new system is marked with tardiness; the effect of that want of precedents which give a mechanical motion to business under old establishments.

To the above inclosures is added a chart of the Great falls copied from a draught sent me by Col. Lee. I should have observed that all the papers from him, except this are duplicates, the originals having been consigned by a conveyance from Alexanda. to the care of Mr. Mason who resides at Bourdeaux, to be forwarded to Paris.

This will go by a Gentleman, Mr. Joy, who is returning to London, and will be forwarded by such opportunity as he may judge sufficiently certain. Considering it as likely to be long on the way, and having written pretty lately to you, I shall suspend further communications till a more direct and convenient channel presents itself. The Newspaper inclosed will shew you the form and extent of the amendments which I thought it adviseable to introduce to the H. of Representatives as most likely to pass thro’ ⅔ of that House and of the Senate and ¾ of the States. If I am not mistaken they will if passed, be satisfactory to majority of those who have opposed the Constitution. I am persuaded they will be so to a majority of that Description in Virginia. I wish you all happiness & am Dear Sir Yrs most affectly.,

Js. Madison Jr

RC (DLC: Madison Papers); at foot of text: “Note: Let the amendments follow”; endorsed. Recorded in SJL as received 15 Aug. 1789. Enclosures: (1) The duplicate of Lee’s letter and its enclosures, together with the sketch, have not been found and are not recorded as received on this date (but see Lee to TJ, 6 Mch. 1789). (2) Peter Carr to TJ, 29 May 1789. In view of the note quoted above, it is probable that Madison did not enclose the paper containing the amendments (not identified); but see note to Madison to TJ, 30 June 1789.

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