James Madison to Moses Dawson and Others, 20 February 1836
Feby. 20. 1836.
I have received fellow Citizens, your letter inviting me to a public dinner, at Cincinnatti, on the 4th. of March, to celebrate the expiration on the preceding day, of the Charter of the U. S. Bank; and requesting from me, if unable to attend, an appropriate sentiment to be given in my name, by the Company.
Retaining as I do, my convict<ion> heretofore officially, and otherwise expressed, that in expounding the Constitution, in the case of the Bank, the decision of the Nation had been sufficiently manifested, to over-rule individual opinions, and to sanction the power exercised, in establishing such an institution, I cannot fail to be excused for declining to participate in a protest against it, as destitute of Constitutional Authority.
For the favorable & friendly sentiments expressed in your letter, I tender my acknowledgments with assurances of my great respect and good wishes.
Turn Over
FC (DLC).