James Madison Papers

Josiah Quincy to James Madison, 10 March 1833

Cambridge. (Mass) 10 March 1833

Dear Sir

My Son in law Benjamin D. Greene Esq of Boston, with his lady, and another of my daughters are about visiting the Southern States, with combined views of health and curiosity. In their excursion they are about to pass, in the vicinity of your residence, and have that wish, which is at once so natural and honorable, personally to know and to be permitted to pay their respects to one, who has filled so great a space in the eyes of mankind & to whose talents & services their country is so largely indebted for its prosperity.

Permit me, Sir, by this letter, to give them the opportunity to be gratified in this predominating wish.

Mr. Greene is a gentleman of liberal education and is one among the few, in our country, who conjoin a strong, exclusive, tendency to scientific pursuits, with a sufficiency, in the circumstances of fortune, to justify his gratifying and yielding to the general inclinations of his taste and talents. He is President of the Natural History Society of Massachusetts, and enthusiastically led to botanical and geological researches.

His intention being to pass some years, in Europe, one object of his present journey is to the better preparing himself for his transatlantic tour by a previous knowledge of his own country. If by your opinion or advice, you shall be able to direct, or assist him, in his general views, you will confer a favor on one who will well know how to appreciate and be grateful for it—He being in every respect most worthy and estimable.

Be pleased to present my respects to your lady; to whom Mrs Quincy has written in behalf of our daughters, asking the same favor from her, which I have ventured to assume with you, in behalf of my Son in Law. I am Sir, very respectfully yr hl St

Josiah Quincy

RC (NN).

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