To James Madison from Gulian C. Verplanck, 9 January 1819
From Gulian C. Verplanck
New York Jan. 9th. 1819
Sir
I take the liberty to request your acceptance of a copy of an Anniversary Discourse which I lately delivered before the New York Historical Society.1 The object of that institution is the cultivation of American history in general and of that of this state in particular. I have however had in this little work, not so much an historical as a moral object, the inculcating the principles of humanity and toleration; and it is on this account alone that I can deem it worthy of your attention. I am with great respect Your obedient sevt.
G. C. Verplanck2
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.
1. Gulian C. Verplanck, An Anniversary Discourse, Delivered before the New-York Historical Society, December 7, 1818 (New York, 1818; 46648). JM’s copy is in Special Collections, University of Virginia Library.
2. Gulian Crommelin Verplanck (1786–1870) was a New York lawyer, graduate of Columbia College, and state politician of Federalist hue, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1824–34. He is probably best known for his writings, which included political satires, essays on religion, American history, arts, and literature, as well as a three-volume compendium of Shakespeare’s plays, with a biography.