From James Madison to Henry Clay, 24 March 1827

To Henry Clay

Montpellier Mar. 24. 1827

Dear Sir

After your kind offer, I make no apology for inclosing another letter which I wish to have the advantage of a conveyance from the Department of State. Its object is to obtain from Mr. Gallatin a small service for our University, and that with as little delay as may be.

Whilst I was charged with the Department of State, the British doctrine against a neutral trade with belligerent ports shut in peace and opened in war, was examined at some length, and the Examination published in a stout pamphlet.1 I have been applied to by several friends for a copy, which I could not furnish; nor do I know that they are attainable, unless obsolete copies should remain in the Department. If this be the case, I should be thankful for the means of complying with the applications. Mrs. Madison joins in offering to Mrs. Clay & yourself assurances of cordial regards & best wishes.

James Madison

RC (DLC: Henry Clay Papers); draft (DLC). RC docketed by Clay and by Daniel Brent, chief clerk in the State Department: “to be attended to by Mr fendall. I have given directions for procuring copies of the pamphlet of which we have none in the office. DB.” Enclosed in this letter was JM to Albert Gallatin, 20 Mar. 1827.

1. For JM’s pamphlet, An Examination of the British Doctrine, Which Subjects to Capture a Neutral Trade, Not Open in Time of Peace, see PJM-SS description begins Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Secretary of State Series (12 vols. to date; Charlottesville, Va., 1986–). description ends , 11:39–157.

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Source Project: Madison Papers
Title: From James Madison to Henry Clay, 24 March 1827
Author: Madison, James
Recipient: Clay, Henry
Date: 24 March 1827

Reference

Cite as: “From James Madison to Henry Clay, 24 March 1827,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/04-04-02-0324. [Original source: The Papers of James Madison, Retirement Series, vol. 4, 3 March 1826–29 February 1828, ed. Armin Mattes, David B. Mattern, J. C. A. Stagg, Anne Mandeville Colony, Ellen D. Goldlust, Mary Parke Johnson, Katherine E. Harbury, and Mary K. Wigge. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2023, p. 367.]

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