James Madison Papers

Andrew Bigelow to James Madison, 15 March 1836

Taunton Masstts. March 15th 1836

Sir,

As a Stranger, I ought not, by the laws of courtesy, to intrude myself on your notice. But in offering for your acceptance a copy of a Discourse delivered before the Government of this State on the day of Annual Election last past, I cherish the hope that you will permit me to accompany it, with an expression of my grateful admiration of the illustrious services, which you have rendered to our common Country. I would fain add my fervent prayers, that it may please a Merciful Providence to spare your invaluable life much longer, to cheer us with your presence, to aid us by your counsels, to witness the darkest portents of these troublous times succeeded by happiest issues; and to behold the Union and Constitution which you labored with consummate wisdom and ability to establish, cemented anew on their true and proper basis, a foundation of strength and of solidity. And when late—very late—in the evening of your days you may be summoned to rest from your toils, may you inherit the blessedness of "them that are Wise"; and "Great" may be "your reward in Heaven"!

Accept, Sir, this feeble expression of the sentiments of one, who has the honor to subscribe himself, With highest regard, Most truly, Your obedt Servt

Andrew Bigelow

RC (DLC).

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