To James Madison from Orchard Cook, 16 December 1815
From Orchard Cook
Wiscasset Decr 16th, 1815
Hond. Sir,
Believing the remarks on the second page of the enclosed News Paper, by the erudite & Reverend Mr. Bentley of Salem, to be just, useful & important “& in consent” with the universal opinion of all Parties in this part of the Country, & supposing you might not otherways see them, I have taken the liberty of enclosing the Paper for your perusal.1 With sentiments most truly grateful & respectful I remain your ever devoted St.
Orchard Cook
RC (DLC). Cover docketed “Bentley Wm” by JM.
1. Cook probably enclosed a copy of the 13 Dec. 1815 issue of the Salem, Mass. Essex Register, which published on its second and third pages an essay praising JM’s annual message to Congress of 5 Dec. Bentley was a regular contributor to the paper (Bentley, Diary of William Bentley, 1:xviii).