1To James Madison from William S. Cardell, 2 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Cardell of New York has the honor to present his respects to Mr. Madison and will call on him this morning. The circumstances and prospects of the American Academy of Language & Belles Lettres are becoming interesting and on that subject a personal interview with Mr. M. is particularly desired. RC ( DLC ). Year not indicated; assigned based on JM’s docket “Cardell May 2. 1821.”
2To James Madison from William S. Cardell, 4 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
Though my name is signed individually to the enclosed circular you will not, unknown to you as I am, consider me as acting without the concurrence of the first Scholars and the first citizens in this vicinity. The subject is considered as resting on its own merits or I should have asked a distinguished gentleman personally acquainted with you to enclose my letter. There is a particular anxiety...
3William S. Cardell to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 26] February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall need neither apology nor a long introducting introduction in addressing you on a subject which you will not deem unimportant as connected with the good of our country. This is an association of the best Belles Lettres scholars of the United States as a national philological Academy. To settle a point on which some difference might exist, it is not designed to form an American Language...
4Enclosure: Circular from American Academy of Language and Belles Lettres to Thomas Jefferson, 1 October 1820, enclosure … (Jefferson Papers)
Your attention is respectfully requested to an association of Scholars for the purpose of improving American literature. This association, though yet at its commencement and unknown to the public, has been the subject of an interesting correspondence for some months past; and it is believed will not be deemed unimportant as connected with the best interests of our country. To settle at once a...
5To John Adams from William S. Cardell, 11 January 1821 (Adams Papers)
The literary institution on which I before had the honor to address you has become organized with very encouraging prospects. The enclosed circular which is in part an amplification of my former letter explains the outlines as far as it was thought proper to form them by anticipation. The officers elected are His Ex. J. Q. Adams President–Judge Livingston, Judge Story and Hon. William Loundes...
6To James Madison from William S. Cardell, 12 January 1821 (Madison Papers)
The literary institution on which I before had the honor to address you has become organised with very encouraging prospects. The enclosed circular which is in part an amplification of my former letter explains the outlines as far as it was thought proper to form them by anticipation. The officers elected are His Ex. J. Q. Adams President. Judge Livingston, Judge Story Hon. William Lowndes, V....
7To John Adams from William S. Cardell, 24 February 1820 (Adams Papers)
I shall need no apology for addressing you on a subject which you will not deem unimportant as connected with the best interests of our country. This is the association of the leading Belles Lettres scholars throughout the United States as a national Philological Academy. To settle at once a point on which some differences might arise it is not designed independently of England to form an...
8William S. Cardell to Thomas Jefferson, 11 January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to address you in February last , in behalf of a number of Gentlemen, on the subject of a literary an institution for promoting the literature of our country. The correspondence on the subject has been extensive and interesting, and the society is organised under very encouraging prospects. The en c losed circular which is in part an amplification of my former letter will...