1To James Madison from Perrin Willis, 30 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
It is with the utmost diffidence that I again appeal to your generosity for an office under the government and could only be urged to the act by the most pressing necessity. I have discovered by experience, the unpleasant fact that my present avocation is not to be conducted but with an adequate capital. And not possessing that requisite I shall very soon be compel’d to discontinue it; When I...