From James Madison to Richard Rush, 1 August 1825
To Richard Rush
Montpellier Aug. 1. 1825
Dear Sir
The Mail of yesterday brought us the first information of your having reached Washington, where alone a letter would be sure of finding you; and I avail myself of the first moment to congratulate you on your safe return to your country; as I do your Country on your acceptance of a new & more important career in its service.1
Mrs. Madison joins me in these congratulations, as I do her in those she offers to Mrs. Rush; and we equally unite in reminding you both of the expectations heretofore authorized, that your return whenever it should take place, would be followed at an early day by the gratification of our wishes to welcome you over our threshold. At the present season our Montpellier will be a wholesome retreat from the less pure atmosphere on the tide waters.
Permit me to remind you also that you have never yet enabled me to balance the little account growing out of your kindness whilst in London. Be assured my dear Sir of my constant & affece. esteem
James Madison
RC (MH-H); draft (DLC). RC addressed and franked by JM to Rush in Washington; docketed by Rush “answered the 5th.” Minor differences between the copies have not been noted.
1. Rush had just returned from his post as U.S. minister in London to take up the position of secretary of the Treasury.