Your opinions on constitutional points are of so much value that when they are given even in private letters they are considered as public property and are published frequently I believe without your permission; I have never thought myself authorized to take such a liberty with any part of a private Correspondence, and therefore trouble you with this application. In acknowledging the receipt of a Copy of my Observations in the Senate on Footes resolution in 1830, You favored me with a few lines in which I think the objections to the Doctrine of Nullification are so admirably condensed and the false inferences Drawn from the Virginia resolutions are so well exposed that I think their publication will be of Use. A word from you simply signifying your will on the Subject is all I request, for highly as I should Value any Communication from you bearing on the momentous questions which now agitate the public, I will not, venture a request the compliance with which might expose you to the slightest trouble.

I learn with the greatest satisfaction that your health & strength have improved since I had the pleasure of seeing you—That you may long, very long enjoy both with every other blessing, is a wish in which I am joined by the unanimous voice of your Country.

Will you have the goodness to make my most respectful remembrances and those of my Wife and Daughter acceptable to Mrs Madison we frequently speak of the high gratification derived from our short Visit and join in lamenting the necessity we were under of so hurried a Departure. I hoped Mrs. Madison has not forgotten the promise she made to receive the bust of an Old friend, and to place it although an unworthy intruder into such Company, among those of the great Men, in her Collection. It will be shipped shortly from New York to the care of the Mail Contractor at Fredericksburgh. I am with the greatest respect & Esteem Your Mo Obd. Ser