Tench Ringgold to James Madison, 4 July 1831
New York
July 4th Monday afternoon
50 minutes past 4 oClock
My Venerated Friend
It falls to my lot to communicate to you the death of our excellent friend Mr Monroe. He died exactly at half past 3 oClock P. M after a lingering illness, but easy death. I have only time to say thus much as this goes by express to overtake the mail which has 2 hours start of the express. My respectful compls to Mrs Madison. I will write more fully tomorrow. What a remarkable coincidence of the deaths of three of our venerable revolationary Patriots & Presidents Most Respectfully
Tench Ringgold
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.