From James Madison to Calvin Jones, 28 June 1819
To Calvin Jones
Montpellier June 28. 1819
Sir
The Copy of your proposals for publishing “The Farmer’s Magazine” has been a good while in my hands,1 without obtaining subscriptions; owing doubtless to the number of agricultural publications less remote, as well as to other causes at present concurring. For myself I find it more and more expedient not [to] multiply engagements, especially those of indefinite continuation.2 Having much confidence in the source as well as value for the object of the “Farmers Magazine” I shall with pleasure express both by taking the publication for one year, without the formality of a subscription; and will remit the price as soon as the receipt. of a number shall inform me that the work is issuing from the press. I tender you my friendly respects.
James Madison
RC (NcU: Southern Historical Collection); partial draft (DLC). Calvin Jones (1775–1846) was born in Massachusetts where he trained to be a physician. In 1795 he moved to North Carolina, served as an officer in the state militia, as a member of the state legislature, 1799, 1802, and 1807, and as a trustee of the University of North Carolina. Between 1808 and 1815 he was co-publisher of the Raleigh Star. In 1832 he retired from his medical practice and moved to Bolivar, Tennessee, where he became a planter. Always interested in agricultural science, he floated the idea of a farmer’s magazine in 1819, without success.
1. On 18 Feb. 1819 Jones sent JM a one-page printed broadside entitled “Proposals for publishing in the City of Raleigh a new periodical work, to be entitled The Farmer’s Magazine.” On the verso Jones had written: “For Mr. Madison with the respect of Calvin Jones,” and JM had docketed it “answd. by a promise to take for one year, & to send the price on receivg a no.” JM’s copy is in the Rives Collection of the Madison Papers at the Library of Congress.
2. Partial draft ends here.