James Madison Papers

To James Madison from James Madison, 14 April 1794

From James Madison

Falmo// 14th April 1794

Dear Uncle.

I have had it in contemplation to write You, some time past, but thought it most prudent to defer it as long as possible, knowing that yr attention was taken up wth business of much more importance, than answering my letters. I am now advancd in years, and think I am nearly master of the business now pursueing, think it needless to continue longer with Mr Dunbar.

I have a desire to commence business on my own acct. and in doing which, am under the disagreeable necessity, of beging yr assistance, this request is I know a very ungreatfull one, and I assure you Uncle it hurts my feelings much, when I make it, but what can I do. Tho it gives me some satisfaction to think I may at a future period have it in my power, to make full compensation, both to you and others. Am anxious to hear from you. From Yr much dependant Nephew

Jas Madison1

I write this in great haste.

Currt. Prices of produce.
Wheat  3/9 & 11/. } best prices
Corn 13/
Rye  3/4
Tobacco 12/.
Flour 24/.. 26/.

RC (NN).

1The son of JM’s brother Francis, James Madison had attended Hampden-Sydney Academy, where his tuition was two years in arrears in 1788 (PJM description begins Robert A. Rutland et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Presidential Series (1 vol. to date; Charlottesville, Va., 1984—). description ends , 11:121 n. 2). At the time he wrote this letter, he was an assistant to the Falmouth, Virginia, merchant Robert Dunbar, who marketed the Montpelier wheat crop.

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