To James Madison from Donald Fraser Sr., 30 August 1817
From Donald Fraser Sr.
Newyork Augt. 30th. 1817.
Sir
Permit me to present, for the honour of Your acceptance, a copy of a few verses of mine; which, may afford you a few minutes’ amusement, at a leisure hour. For, triffles, light as air,1 may amuse a Philosopher, after profound reflection. I have the honour to be, very respectfully, Sir, Your Obdt. humble Servant
Donald Fraser Senr.
P. S. A recent anecdote. When the President of the U. S. Landed in this City, a Gent of veracity, then Standing upon the wharf; informed me that he heard two Captains of vesse[l]s, in conversation, A British & American. The former asked the latter, [“]who that Gent. was, whom the people were so eager to see?” The President of the U. S. was the reply of the latter. “Has he no Body-Guards?” “O Yes! Nine Millions of freemen, for, all the Citizens, are his Body-Guards.”
RC (NN). Enclosure not found.
1. “Trifles light as air / Are to the jealious confirmations strong / As proofs of holy writ,” Shakespeare, Othello, 3.3.322–24 ().