James Madison Papers

James Madison to Isaac Hite, 6 December 1802

To Isaac Hite

Washington Decr. 6. 1802

Dear Sir

Since my last1 I have recd. yours communicating the sentiments of my mother & yourself on the proposition towards a compromise in the family.2 I have written to my brother3 in consequence, recommending a speedy execution of it. My intentions towards Nelly are known to you.4 Those of others except yourself, are not particularly known to me. I think it best that the other object should be secured as soon as possible, among other reasons, because it will increase the proportion put into my hands of giving effect to that part of the Memorandum. Has nothing been yet done with Mr. Potter?5 Your account of my sisters health is very afflicting. I pray that I may soon be relieved by a more favorable one.6 We hear nothing from Tripoli. Morocco seems to be returning to a right temper. The affair at N. Orleans I hope will be corrected before much injury ensues. It is now certain that the Decree issued from the Intendant with7 orders from Spain, & in opposition to the sentiments of all the other local Authorities. Accept from my wife & myself the sincerest affection for my sister & yourself

RC (InHi). Unsigned. Addressed and franked by JM.

1The extant letter from JM to Hite previous to this one is dated 24 Nov. 1801 (PJM-SS description begins Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Secretary of State Series (Charlottesville, Va., 1986–). description ends , 2:267–68).

2Letter not found.

3Letter not found.

4For the estate of James Madison, Sr., and the property he wished to bequeath to Nelly Conway Madison, see PJM-SS description begins Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Secretary of State Series (Charlottesville, Va., 1986–). description ends , 2:197 n. 2.

5Ebenezer Potter had apparently considered buying the Madison County mill, which was entangled in the settlement of the estate of JM’s father, but he eventually declined (Potter to JM, 23 June 1803 [DLC]; see also PJM-SS description begins Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Secretary of State Series (Charlottesville, Va., 1986–). description ends , 2:125–26 n. 1).

6JM’s sister Nelly Conway Madison Hite died on 24 Dec. 1802 (WMQ description begins William and Mary Quarterly. description ends , 2d ser., 5 [1925]:274).

7JM no doubt meant to write “without” (see JM to Robert R. Livingston, 17 Dec. 1802).

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