To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 15 October 1824
From Thomas Jefferson
Monticello Oct. 15. 24.
Dear Sir
I wished to have communicated to you my letter to Gilmer before I sent it off. But the danger of it’s not getting there before his departure induced me to dispatch it by mail for the packet from N. York, as soon as written. My rough draught being illegible, I have taken time to make a legible copy, now inclosed for your perusal.1 I think there is nothing in it which does not accord with the sentiments of your last letter. Affectionately yours
Th: Jefferson
RC (MGrS); draft (DLC: Jefferson Papers). Minor differences between the copies have not been noted.
1. In this letter Jefferson advised Gilmer, among other things, not to go to Germany to search for professors but to Ireland, if none from England or Scotland could be found, noting that “if you cannot get men of the first order of science, it would be better you should bring the best you can get, altho’ of secondary grade.” He also encouraged Gilmer to accept the professorship of law (Jefferson to Francis Walker Gilmer, 12 Oct. 1824, ViU: Special Collections, Jefferson Papers).