From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 July 1797
To James Madison
Monticello July 24. 97.
Th:J. to J.M
In hopes that Mrs. Madison and yourself and Miss Madison will favor us with a visit when Colo. Monroe calls on you, I write this to inform you that I have had the Shadwell and Secretary’s ford both well cleaned. If you come the lower road, the Shadwell ford is the proper one. It is a little deepened, but clear of stone and perfectly safe. If you come the upper road you will cross at the Secretary’s ford, turning in at the gate on the road soon after you enter the three notched road. The draught up the mountain that way is steady, but uniform.—I see Hamilton has put a short piece into the papers in answer to Callender’s publication, and promises shortly something more elaborate.—I am anxious to see you here soon, because in about three weeks we shall begin to unroof our house, when the family will be obliged to go elsewhere for shelter. My affectionate respects to the family. Adieu.
PrC (DLC).
For the short piece which Alexander Hamilton put into the papers, see Hamilton to John Fenno, [6 July 1797], in XXI, 149–50. It appeared in the Gazette of the United States on 8 July. For James T. Callender’s publication, see Monroe to TJ, 12 July 1797. Hamilton’s more elaborate response in his pamphlet Observations was published in Philadelphia on 25 Aug. (, xxi, 215–85).