From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 1 March 1823
To Tench Coxe
Montpellier Mar. 1. 1823
Dear Sir
Mr. Jefferson has just returned me your two letters & the papers accompanying them.1 Supposing that I had yet to acknowledge them he annexes a line requesting me to do it for him also: observing that it would hurt him much to leave unnoticed an old friend, and that the difficulty of using his pen with his crippled hand, had compelled him to abandon writing, but from the most urgent necessities. I find he thinks it best to abstain strictly from the Presidential Question, not expressing even a sentiment on the subject of the Candidates. Having thus made the communication desired, I have only to repeat assurances of my continued esteem & friendly wishes
James Madison
RC (owned by David Barton, Aledo, Tex., 2007); draft (DLC). RC addressed and franked by JM to Coxe in Philadelphia; postmarked Orange Court House, 4 Mar.; docketed by Coxe. Minor differences between the copies have not been noted.
1. See Thomas Jefferson to JM, 24 Feb. 1823, , 2:669.