James Madison Papers

Henry Banks to James Madison, 29 October 1829

Kentucky Frankfort Octr 29. 1829

Dear Sir

After a long very feeble and debilitated state of Health and debility I have so far recovered as to be able to write legibly & intelligibly, as the fruitage of my recovered health I have determined to render myself useful to the public, as long as my life shall be spared, and therefore to devote my time and faculties to public Benefit for that Purpose I have published a prospectus for a newspaper to be called the Western Volunteer of which a sheet containing two copies is now enclosed.

After having enjoyed for you personal esteem and friendship almost my whole life I need hardly say that I shall feel myself much honord and gratified should you become a subscriber to the paper & that your example may be used to induce others to become subscribers also.

Should a subscription paper be sent to me by the mail, papers corresponding with it shall be forwarded as they may be desired

I rejoice to find that you are in good health and are in the full possession of your faculties which I pray to the father of Mercies may be long very long continued

I have published and shall publish and circulate other copies of this which have been and shall be sent to all parts of the United States to the number of six thousand Copies, so that the tidings which it contains may be universally seen and weighed. In the hope of hearing from you by the mail, I remain your most Resple and very hum Sert

Henry Banks of Virginia

RC and enclosure (DLC). The enclosure is a printed prospectus which may have been intended for James Monroe. See note: "I have written letters similar to this to the Honble chief Justice Marshall and to the Honble Mr Madison Should you & they cooperate the cause which you espouse will be greatly promoted Henry Banks."

Index Entries