From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 January 1826
To Thomas Jefferson
Montpellier Jany 7. 1826
Dear Sir
I return Dr. Emmet’s letter as requested. Wall’s qualifications as a Drawing Master, are sufficiently authenticated to make his connection with the University very desirable. But there seems little ground for hope, that he will exchange for it his present advantages in New York. The only material attraction, beyond the fees, is that of a Pavilion, rent free; of which his tenure would be of uncertain, perhaps of short continuance; and at most leaving his pecuniary prospects here, inferior to those where he is. Your suggestions to Emmet, however, are of the happy sort that may do good, and can not do harm. Affectionately
James Madison
RC (ViU: Special Collections); draft (DLC). Docketed by Jefferson “recd. Jan 9.” Minor differences between the copies have not been noted.