To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 24 March 1809
From John G. Jackson
Clarksburg March 24th. 1809
My dear Sir.
I reached this place last Week after a fatigueing journey through the Mud almost impassible. My return was very opportune for never were there such exertions by the Federalists to elect their candidates in all the districts round me, & particularly in my own. I believe however the majority will not be diminished in this district, but I am sure that if I had not opposed the unfortunate abandonment of the posture which our honor & interests alike required us to maintain, we should be compelled to succumb: so much are the Republicans opposed to it—for in no quarter have the parties taken their stand more decisively, the one for base submission, the other for resistance in all its forms. The Union it seems has arrived & I suppose the February packet is following not far behind. What news do they bring & what are the prospects? The secret documents which have been published at Boston cannot possibly produce any unfavorable effect the letter of Mr. Pinckney must counteract it.1 I need not say how pleasing it is to me at all times when your convenience will permit to hear from you & with what sincerity I am my dear Sir your Mo Obt Servant
J G Jackson2
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.
1. For the “secret documents” published in Boston, see JM to Pinkney, 17 Mar. 1809, n. 4.
2. John G. Jackson (1777–1825), a member of the House of Representatives from the western district of Virginia, was the widower of Mary Payne (sister of Dolley Madison). He represented Harrison County in the House of Delegates, 1798–1801. His wife died of tuberculosis in 1808. After serving in Congress, 1803–10, he resigned and was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1811. Following a return to Congress, 1813–17, he became a U.S. district judge in western Virginia (, p. 391; , p. 1178).