91Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 8 July 1830 (Madison Papers)
In the scrawl I sent you just before my departure for Philadelphia, I adverted to another subject, on which I proposed to write soon. Circumstances have encouraged my procrastinating disposition, until it has brought me to the last moment. The subject in question is the creation of a Professorship for (for this is truly the only light in which the subject can be viewed by an impartial...
92Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 26 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have never lost sight of the report to the Legislature; and yet it has been impossible for me to make the sketch which goes by this morning’s mail, before this moment. The first days of my arrival were entirely engrossed by attendance on the office, & then, receiving & making calls and seeking a lodging. These things, added to the bustle of a tavern, made it so difficult for me to collect my...
93Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 21 September 1830 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Gales having told me on Saturday that the communication in question would appear in the ensuing paper, I was apprehensive, on the receipt of your last favor, that it would be too late to avail myself of the suggestion contained in it. The paper yesterday morning, however, proved not to contain it; and I went down to the printing office as soon as I could. Mr G. (nor S.) was not in; & after...
94Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 20 October 1828 (Madison Papers)
Your kind favor of the 12th (post-mark-14th) was received on the 17th, & I wished to answer it by return of post, but found it impossible. I wrote, however, by that mail to Mr Clay, saying that, provided the duties were such as I felt competent to, the office would be very acceptable; and that my determination would be communicated the moment I could receive the necessary information on the...
95Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 11 January 1833 (Madison Papers)
On christmas morning, In attempting to rise, I found myself completely nullified , and almost as stiff as a statue, in the body. I had for some days felt a slight pain in the back, which had now almost impreceptibly ripened into quite a severe acute rheumatism, that rendered every attempt at motion excessively painful. In the course of 36 hours, the stiffness disappeared; but I had to confine...
96Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Under this cover is the speech of Genl. H. which you will oblige me by returning when you have done with it. The particular part in question is in the appendix, p. 44. The consideration I have again bestowed on the subject confirms me in the conviction that it may, without difficulty, be placed in its true light. One of the passengers in the stage obtained at the Ct. House an orange Press , in...
97Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 7 October 1829 (Madison Papers)
Mr Van Buren is reported to contemplate a visit to Richmond, where he will, of course, see you. He has expressed himself favorably concerning me, to several persons. But I have not had any opportunity to make myself known to him, except in the mere routine of a subordinate clerkship. Should no circumstance exist to make such a thing unpleasant; an expression of the sentiments with which it has...
98Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 1 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
A steady rain all day yesterday prevented my going to the University then. The hour at which the mail closes just allows me time to send you a copy of the Contract with Mr Long —which I have selected, thinking it might be the one you have occasion for—The others are in substance the same. If copies of them are wanted, please drop me a line to that effect. Affectionately, Your very devoted...
99Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 29 May 1830 (Madison Papers)
On reading the message of the President on the Maysville road bill, you will be, probably, as astounded as I was, at the preposterous misconstruction of your very plain language, and the ascription to you of a concession utterly at variance with the idea of a limitation of the authority of the Fed. govt, and with the uniform & emphatic tone of your mind on these subjects. Conceiving it to be a...
100To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 9 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
When I came to make a copy of the report, I was stopped at the first step, by the want of a caption. How was this difficulty to be got over? I could not communicate with you on the subject, without a loss of time that might add still more to the delay of the report. I have determined therefore on the following course. To transpose a portion of body upon the shoulders—thus making a head of...