To James Madison from James Barbour, 8 January 1821
From James Barbour
Washington Jany 8th. 21
Dear Sir
I understood when at your house that you were in want of a good riding horse. In consequence when I returned here, having found the one I had bought of Mr Johnson1 the writer of the within a very fine one I mentioned to him your wish. In answer he returned me the enclosed note.2 If you think proper to avail yourself of his offer and should choose either of the horses and signify which to me I will advance the money for you here which you can restore me on my return to Virginia. Most respectfully Your Friend
James Barbour
RC and enclosure (DLC). RC addressed by Barbour to JM, and franked. Docketed by JM. For enclosure, see n. 2.
1. Francis Johnson (1776–1842) was a Virginia-born, Kentucky lawyer who served in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1820–27.
2. The enclosure is Francis Johnson to Barbour, 8 Jan. 1821 (2 pp.), offering two “good riding Horses” for sale, one for $150, the other for $100. “The latter is the best pacer, the Other trots & paces both—they are some thing above 15 hands high. Mr. Madison may send down and have either or both of them taken up to his house and try them, if he Chooses so to do—and return either or both if he should not like them.
“I know them both to be servicable Horses. The bay Horse Lance I have rode for more than two Years—when in order he is a remarkable fine horse and is Shewy & pleasant to ride, a little head Strong when kept from exercise for some time, but has no tricks, and requires a stiff bitt. The Other Horse Bob perhaps the tallest, is a very gentle pleasant horse to ride, he is Six Years old next Spring & the Other 7. as well as I now recollect.”