From James Madison to John Francis Mercer, 19 May 1803
To John Francis Mercer
Department of State Washington
19 May 1803.
Sir
Agreeably to your request I have the honor to enclose two documents, which contain a power and instructions to Mr. Pinkney to negotiate a transfer to the State of Maryland of the Stock,1 which they held in the Bank of England. Of these documents, the nature of the one marked B. requires it to be considered as confidentially communicated.
The originals will be forwarded to London as soon as you shall be pleased to transmit to me the communications you may think necessary to add to Mr. Pinkney. With great respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obed. servt.
James Madison
RC (MdAA: Blue Book 2); letterbook copy (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 14). RC in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM.