To James Madison from Naphtali Phillips, 9 July 1827
From Naphtali Phillips
New York 9 July. 1827
Respected Mr Madison
Desirous of making a few historical memorandums for the use of my children, I take the liberty of requesting you to inform me on what day you was born.
I would not take this liberty but have been Unable to ascertain it in this City. May you enjoy every happiness Compatible With the present State of Society. Your H. Servt.
N. Phillips1
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.
1. Naphtali Phillips (1773–1870) was proprietor of the New York National Advocate in the early nineteenth century and later inspector in the New York City customhouse until about 1850. He also served fourteen terms as president of Congregation Shearith Israel (the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue) (“Biographical Sketch of Naphtali Phillips,” Publications of the American Jewish Historical Society 21 [1913]: 172–74).