D. E. Wheeler to James Madison, 15 July 1831
NewYork July 15th 1831
Dear Sir
Through the liberality of two of our Citizens "The American Peace Society" is about to offer five hundred dollars for the best dissertation on the subject of "A Congress of Nations for the amicable adjustment of national disputes and for the promotion of universal peace without recourse to arms," and one hundred for the next best.
The following Gentlemen have been appointed to judge of the relative merits of the several dissertations, viz. James Madison John Marshall, John C. Calhoun, Wm. Wirt and Joseph Story.
My object in this communication is to inform you of the appointment, and to request you to comply with the wishes of the Society.
Should you accept the appointment you will gratify the Board of Directors & confer, I trust, a lasting benefit upon our Country and the world. Your humble and obt. Servt.
D. E. Wheeler Corspg. Secty.
N. B.
Dear Sir
Will you have the goodness to answer this communication as soon as convenient and mention the time when it will be most agreeable for you to perform the duties involved should you accept the appointment, that a time may be designated for the receipt of the communications.
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.