1Aaron Vail to James Madison, 18 November 1833 (Madison Papers)
Under the auspices of an acquaintance formed some years ago, while on a visit to your neighbourhood and at your hospitable mansion, I venture to ask a favor of you, which, a the same time that it will place me under an obligation to you, will fulfil the desires of a person whom you will admit to have a greater claim than myself to your kindness. At an interview which I had yesterday with the...