To James Madison from John Breckinridge, 17 December 1802
From John Breckinridge
Senate Chamber
Friday Morning 17th. Decr. 1802
Dear sir
I recd. the inclosed letter this Morning. The Young Gentl. who writes it, is the Son of Colo. Nichs. Cabell of Amherst,1 & wishes to visit France, partly on account of his Health, & partly for his improvement. He is a young man of most unblemished Character, & a well informed excellent Mind.
He would be greatly flattered by a line from you to Mr. Livingston, or to any other person whatever, either in Paris or Bordeaux; to which latter place he is first distined [sic]. Having known this young Man from his infancy & being so thoroughly impressed with his prudence & worth, I cannot hesitate in giving him the strongest recommendation. Wishing to write to him to-morrow, I would have waited on you to day; but have on me the remains of a bad cold. I will send to you early in the morning for an ansr. Yours respectfully
John Breckinridge
RC (DNA: RG 76, French Spoliations, 1791–1829). Docketed by JM. Enclosure not found.
1. Nicholas Cabell (1750–1803) represented Amherst County in the Virginia General Assembly between 1779 and 1801 ( , 11:445 n. 2).