1Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 17 December 1835 (Madison Papers)
Until a few weeks ago, I counted with certainty on making my usual pilgrimage to Montpellier during this visit to the U. States. But circumstances beyond my control have put it out of my power, and I am now hastening to New Orleans, by the Way of Charleston, Augusta & Mobile, in company with Septimia Randolph, who has already suffered such effects from the cold weather as to make her friends...
2Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 25 September 1834 (Madison Papers)
Unless the day should be unfavorable, Mrs Trist & myself & children will set out to-morrow, to dine at Gordonsville, and reach Montpellier in the evening. Cornelia & Mary, and one of Mr. Randolph’s younger daughters (Cary Ann) will follow the next tuesday; and we propose all to leave you on the ensuing friday evening, so as to be in Washington the next day. I thought, when last with you, that...
3Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, August 1834 (Madison Papers)
Private. A circumstance came to my knowledge the other day, which, as (according to the impressions which prevail here) it may have some connexion with your affairs, I deem it proper to communicate to you. Mr. Eugene Vail some time since rented of the Newells a house (marked V’s house) adjoining the ground in possession of Mr. Cutts. V’s father in law, a wealthy monied man of New York,...
4Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 29 August 1834 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 25th came duly to hand. There was a reason for the application to G going from you which I intended, but forgot at the moment, to state. Of this, however, another time. Every day has been devoted to the examination of Mr. J’s papers: beginning at the beginning, & coming down regularly. I have almost got through, and at every step something occurs to confirm my own opinion, &...
5Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 20 August 1834 (Madison Papers)
Since my return here (last friday) I have been engaged in the examination of Mr. Jefferson’s papers, for materials to put the measures of ’98-’99 in their true light, and thus to vindicate his memory & that of his co-laborers from the deep reproach of having given birth to the doctrine of Nullification as now understood. I have found several precious things, among which is the memorandum of...
6Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 6 August 1833 (Madison Papers)
Towards the close of a thorough examination which I have made of Mr. Jefferson’s papers, and when I had nearly given up all hope, I found one cypher. This, by Mr. R’s permission, I now enclose, with the request that when you shall have made what use you want of it, it be put under cover to him. It is the only cypher now among his papers, I am confident. With it were several Schemes , from...
7Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 11 July 1833 (Madison Papers)
A note from Mr Kane informs me that Mr Longacre—whom I had previously the pleasure of knowing, and whom he speaks of as "one of our most accomplished & estimable Philadelphia artists, is on his way to Virginia, and proposes to visit Montpelier in the hope that it will not be found too inconvenient to you to allow him an opportunity to take your picture. Mr Kane says he has never seen a good...
8Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 2 July 1833 (Madison Papers)
You were right in supposing that my thoughts had been given to the subject of the void made in the University by the resignation of Dr Dunglison; but I am sorry to say that it has not been to any purpose. Indeed I was satisfied from the beginning that it would be utterly impossible to fill his place, even tolerably; and that the days of the Medical School in our University were numbered. I...
9Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 6 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
At the recommendation of Commodore Elliot, (a gentleman of great intelligence who knows all about the West Indies, and Havana particularly) I have purchased a volume of letters, which none of us will have time to read for a couple of weeks or more. I have dipped into it, & think it will prove entertaining to Mrs Madison & yourself, independently of the interest the subject will derive from its...
10Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 3 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
I intended that you should first hear from myself , of the plunge I have taken; but this step has but added to the pressure of things to be done, which was before intolerably great, by requiring that many should be immediately dispatched which might otherwise have waited a little—besides no small addition to the pressing agenda arising from the step itself. Mrs. Trist had, several days before...