1From James Madison to William Crawford, 14 November 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have rcd. Sir your pamphlet on the question of Retroceeding George Town to the State of Maryland, with a request of my ideas on the subject. The question involves several points which would require more development than is permitted by other claims on the remnant of time now before me; nor am I sure that it would be discreet to intrude my opinion, on a local subject which it is understood...
2From James Madison to William Crawford, 23 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
On my return from a visit to our University I recd your letter of the 10th. If I commend your zeal on a subject you deem both just & important, I must regret that you ascribe to my opinion on it, an influence wch experience does not warrant; and that you cast your eye on one only of the grounds on which I declined an interposition. The other, my advanced stage of life, and the appropriation of...