To James Madison from Robert Lewis, 8 November 1824
From Robert Lewis
Mayors Office Fredg. Novr 8th. 1824
Dr. Sir,
The pleasing task has devolved on me of communicating to you the wishes of a joint committee of the common hall and citizens of this place that, you would honour them with your presence at a dinner to be given to Genl. Lafayette on his return to Washington. I may truly add that, to none would your company be more pleasing than Yr. respectful Humbe. Servt.
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.
1. Robert Lewis (1769–1829), George Washington’s nephew and private secretary, 1789–91, was several times mayor of Fredericksburg and gave the welcoming speech to Lafayette on his visit in 1824 (Abbot et al., Papers of George Washington: Presidential Series, 1:397 n. 1; Virginia Herald, 27 Nov. 1824).