To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 29 November 1791
From Daniel Carroll
Novr. 29. 1791
My dear Sir
I wrote to you a few lines by post respecting the affair of Mr Carrolls House1—it is a subject I do not like to dwell on, but prudence dictates that I shou’d make a communication to you confidentially, and to Mr Jefferson if he will be so obligeing as to receive it, of some matters respecting myself, not with a view of injuring any person, but to prevent any being done to myself. You will consider it for that purpose only, if there shou’d be occasion. Mr. Ellicot I am confident had the best intentions, but was disapointed in his expectations.2 I am, Dr sr. with regard & esteem yr. most Obt Sert.
Danl. Carroll
RC and enclosure (DLC). In the two-page enclosure, Carroll recounts his efforts to prevent the destruction of his nephew’s house.
1. Carroll must have sent this second letter of 29 Nov. by private courier.
2. In a portion of the enclosure, Maj. Andrew Ellicott, surveyor of the federal district, is quoted as assuring Carroll “that as the Diagonal Street did not strike the House, & the E & W. street took only abt 6 feet, it cou’d without the least possible injury to the plan be alterd so as to leave the House Clear—that he wou’d write to Majr. L’Enfant, & be answerable for the matter being so done.”