From James Madison to William Rufus Devane King, 3 November 1822
To William Rufus Devane King
Montpr. Novr. 3. 1822
Dear Sir
Mr George Conway1 of this State is about to become with his family, inhabitants of Alabama. As he will be there an entire stranger, he very naturally wishes to be made known to some one whose acquaintance & countenance may be valuable to him. Though not a very remote kinsman, I have personally a slight knowledge only of him: but I am well assured that his character is in every feature a worthy & amiable one. It is on this ground that I take the liberty of giving him an introduction to any friendly attentions it may be convenient for you to shew him; tendering you at the same time assurances of my esteem and my cordial respects.
J.M
Draft (DLC). William Rufus Devane King (1786–1853) was born in North Carolina, attended the University of North Carolina, and served in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1811–16, as a supporter of JM. In 1818 he moved to Alabama, participated in the state’s constitutional convention, and became one of its first U.S. senators, serving terms in 1819–44 and 1848–52. He was appointed U.S. minister to France, 1844–46, and was elected vice president of the United States in 1852.
1. George Conway (1789–1827), the son of Francis Conway of Port Conway, Virginia, was a great-nephew of JM’s mother, Nelly Conway Madison. President Monroe appointed him receiver of public money for the district east of Pearl River in Alabama in 1824 (Hayden, Virginia Genealogies [1973 reprint], 254, 255, 256, 263, 264; James Monroe to JM, 27 Mar. 1824, DLC; , 3:354).