To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 November 1800
From James Monroe
Richmond Novr. 3. 1800
Dear Sir
I lately made a flying visit to albemarle with my family in hope the change of air and scene might be useful, but cannot say that much benefit has been derived from it. Mrs. M.’s health is in a very delicate state, but hope it will soon improve. Majr. Butler passed to the so. lately resolved to aid the republican cause all in his power. From the north we have nothing new except the publication of a pamphlet by Hamilton,1 the object of wh. is to decry Adams, & throw the British or anti republican vote on Pinckney. I have not read it but am inclined to believe, from what I have heard of the work, it will do their whole party more harm than good. I am told it unmasks the views of that party too much not to injure it. I wish Mr. McGhehee to take possession of my plantation as soon as possible. If I knew when he wod. be there I wod. meet him. Petty has been dismiss’d, so that there is no one on the ground […]
RC (DLC). Addressed by Monroe to JM at Orange. Cover dated Milton, 8 Nov. 1800. Lower part of RC, including signature, has been clipped. Misdated 7 Nov. 1800 in Index to the James Madison Papers and , 3:219.
1. Letter from Alexander Hamilton, concerning the Public Conduct and Character of John Adams, Esq., President of the United States (New York, 1800; 37566). Hamilton’s attack on Adams provided grist for Republican mills and was looked on with disfavor even by the author’s friends and fellow Federalists (see the introductory note to the document in , 25:169–85).