James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Killian K. Van Rensselaer, 14 November 1794

From Killian K. Van Rensselaer

Albany Novr. 14th. 1794.

Dr Sir

The Bearer Robert S. Van Rensselaer1 (son of Coll. Philip Van Rensselaer)2 has it in contemplation to make a tour through some part of Europe, he is a young Gentleman of respectability and Character and Recommend him to you as such. His father will evince his Gr⟨at⟩itude to you & I will consider myself under obligations also, if you will furnish him with letters to Mr. Munro3 & Mr. Pinckney in Europe, with whom I have no acquaintance.

Chancellor Livingston & Coll. Burr have both interested themselves in obtaining letters, and I must beg the favour of your attention to this request also. I am Dr. Sir with Sentiments of Esteem Yours

K. K. Van Rensselaer4

RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.

1For a selection of Robert S. Van Rensselaer’s letters, 1795–96, during his tour of Europe, see Catherina V. R. Bonney, A Legacy of Historical Gleanings (2 vols.; Albany, 1875), 1:113–19, 126–28.

2Philip Van Rensselaer, brother of Killian K. Van Rensselaer, served as deputy quartermaster general and a member of the Committee of Safety at Albany during the Revolution (ibid., 1:69, 77, 79).

4Killian Killian Van Rensselaer attended Yale College and became a private secretary to Philip Schuyler. He was a Republican congressman from New York, 1801–11 (BDC description begins Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774–1971 (Washington, 1971). description ends , p. 1853).

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