From James Madison to John Pool, 24 September 1824
To John Pool
Sepr. 24. 1824
Sir
I have recd your letter of Aug. 30. Altho’ a stranger to me I readily give you credit for the good motives which suggested the request you make. It is proper for me however to reflect that under any circumstances I ought to be backward in interposing an opinion on a depending question, which agitates & divides a particular State in the manner you describe. In the present case a particular delicacy is imposed on me by the circumstance that I happen to have a personal interest wch. may be affected by the result of the question to be decided.1 With friendly respects
J. M
Draft (DLC).
1. For the sale of the Kentucky lands owned by JM and his niece and ward, Nelly Conway Madison Willis, and their attempts to receive payment for them, see , 1:177 n. 1.