James Madison Papers
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From James Madison to the American Whig Society, 20 January 1827

To the American Whig Society

Montpr. Jany. 20. 1827

I have received from the American Whig Society in the College of New Jersey, a copy of the Discourse on popular education delivered at Princeton in September last by Charles F. Mercer. Esqr.1 In returning my thanks to the Society for this token of its friendly respect, I ought not to withold the praise due to the Author of the discourse, for the valuable information enriched with much instructive observation which he has given to the publick, on a subject which lies at the foundation of free Government, and of social and individual happiness.

Having like him the College for my Alma Mater, and been a member also, of the Whig Society,2 I can not let the occasion pass, without acknowledging in my old age the debt of gratitude incurred in my youth; with an offer of my devout wishes that the venerated Institution may shine more & more among the Luminaries first in Magnitude; nor without the further wish that the Whig Society, in amicable Competition with its Cliosophic Rival, may continue to receive & reflect the lights which will best prepare its members for a useful life, which alone can promise a happy one.

J.M.

Draft (NjP). A 29 January 1827 copy of this letter, with some variations, is printed in Jacob N. Beam, The American Whig Society of Princeton University (Princeton, N.J., 1933), 26.

1. Charles Fenton Mercer, A Discourse on Popular Education: Delivered in the Church at Princeton, the Evening before the Annual Commencement of the College of New Jersey, September 26, 1826; Published at the Request of the American Whig and Cliosophic Societies (Princeton, N.J., 1826; Shoemaker description begins Richard H. Shoemaker, comp., A Checklist of American Imprints for 1820–1829 (11 vols.; New York, 1964–72). description ends 25312).

2. For JM’s membership in the American Whig Society, see PJM description begins William T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (1st ser.; vols. 1–10, Chicago, 1962–77; vols. 11–17, Charlottesville, Va., 1977–91). description ends , 1:61 n.

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    Madison Papers
    Title
    From James Madison to the American Whig Society, 20 January 1827
    Author
    Madison, James
    Recipient
    American Whig Society
    Date
    20 January 1827

    Reference

    Cite as
    “From James Madison to the American Whig Society, 20 January 1827,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/04-04-02-0251. [Original source: The Papers of James Madison, Retirement Series, vol. 4, 3 March 1826–29 February 1828, ed. Armin Mattes, David B. Mattern, J. C. A. Stagg, Anne Mandeville Colony, Ellen D. Goldlust, Mary Parke Johnson, Katherine E. Harbury, and Mary K. Wigge. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2023, pp. 291–292.]

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