From James Madison to Littleton Dennis Teackle, 29 March 1826
To Littleton Dennis Teackle
Montpellier Mar. 29. 1826
Dear Sir
I have recd. your letter of the 22d. inst: inclosing a copy of the Law providing for primary schools throughout your State. I congratulate you on the foundation thus laid for a General System of Education, and hope it presages a superstructure, worthy of the patriotic forecast which has commenced the Work. The best service that can be rendered to a Country, next to that of giving it liberty, is in diffusing the mental improvement equally essential to the preservation, and the enjoyment of the blessing. With esteem & friendly wishes
James Madison
RC (ViU: Special Collections, Madison Papers); draft (DLC). RC franked and addressed by JM to Teackle in Baltimore.