From James Madison to Albert G. Slaughter, 1 August 1825
To Albert G. Slaughter
Augst. 1. 1825
I recd. Sir, some time ago, your favour of June 7.1 inclosing a sample of the Vicuña wool, and I must ask you to excuse an unintentional delay in thanking you for it.
I am not sure that I had before seen the article in its unwrought State: I have often seen the delicate fabric made of it, which is understood to have been a monopoly of the Spanish Court, and obtained thence as a special favor only.
The introduction of the race producing such a fleece into the U.S. has been spoken of; and might not perhaps be frustrated by the difference of physical circumstances. It is worthy of experiment at least, where favorable opportunities present themselves. With friendly respect
J. M
Draft (DLC). Albert Gallatin Slaughter (ca. 1799–1853) of Culpeper County, Virginia, joined the U.S. Navy as a midshipman in 1819, was made lieutenant in 1827, and commander in 1848. His first duty was on the U.S. Constellation on a three-year voyage to the Pacific (Baltimore Sun, 14 Sept. 1853; Green, Genealogical and Historical Notes on Culpeper County, Virginia, [1978 reprint], 1:86; , 501; Baltimore Patriot & Mercantile Advertiser, 28 July 1820).
1. Letter not found.