I have taken the liberty of forwarding to you by today’s mail the first half dozen proofs from the engraving from the Portrait you so indulgently suffered me to paint last autumn, and which has only been delayed by the anxiety of the Engraver to do justice to his subject I sincerely hope it may meet the approbation of Mrs. Madison and yourself and that you will feel disposed to make every allowance for both the picture & engraving With the highest regard and Compts. to Mrs. Madison I remain. Your much obliged & Ot. Servant