James Madison Papers
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To James Madison from Benjamin Johnson, 12 January 1789

From Benjamin Johnson

12th. Jany. 1789

Sir,

On my way to Fredbg. on Friday, I Called on Mr. Leeland, who was from home, attending Meetings which he had apptd. for Friday, Saturday, & Sunday; his Circuit was throug[h] Culpr. His wife informed me he did not see Mr. Waller when in Spotsylvania; Several Gentlemen in Town informed me of a political Meeting of the Baptist Ministers of this district, appointed to be held in Louisa, but could not inform me of the particular time, or place; but refered me to Majr. Williss, who they said Could give me the fullest information on the Subject; I waited on Majr. Williss, who gave me a very equivocal Answer, tho informed me that Mr. Monroe intended to Set out on yesterday morning for Louisa; I was informed by Mr. Patton that Mr. Monroe would most undoubtedly attend the Said Meeting; and from Majr. Willisses information I expect he intended being at Louisa Court; the prevailing Opinion in Fredbg. I think Seems to be, that the County will be nearly eaqually divided. I wrote a few lines and left at Mr. Leelands as I came up, requesting the favr. of him to notify you of the time & place of the Meeting in Louisa, by a Special messenger at my expence, if no favourable opportunity Should offer. I waited on Mr. Maury who informed me he had sent a packet of Letters for you by Mr. Jos. Smith a few days ago. I was after that in the post office when the mail was opened, where I Recd. a Letter for you, which the boy will deliver you. I am Sir yr. Humble Servt.

Benjamin Johnson1

NB. Mr. Gilcress of port royal, is elected Elector for that district.2

B J.

RC (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers). Addressed by Johnson. Docketed by JM.

1Johnson, an Orange County justice of the peace, served several terms in the House of Delegates during the 1790s (JCSV description begins H. R. McIlwaine et al., eds., Journals of the Council of the State of Virginia (4 vols. to date; Richmond, 1931—). description ends , IV, 122; Swem and Williams, Register description begins Earl G. Swem and John W. Williams, eds., A Register of the General Assembly of Virginia, 1776–1918, and of the Constitutional Conventions (Richmond, 1918). description ends , p. 392).

2Johnson was mistaken. John Roane, not Robert Gilchrist, was chosen elector from the King and Queen district (Va. Independent Chronicle, 28 Jan. 1789).

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