James Madison to Walter T. Brooke, 23 October 1830
Ocr. 23d. 1830
Dear Sir
I have recd. your letter of the 20th & wish I could give you the requested information. But if I ever had any knowledge of the time when Commodore Brooke was commissioned in the Virga. State Navy, I have now no recollection of the circumstance: nor do I possess the means of otherwise ascertaining it. I am sorry that I can not even refer you to any living source, from which the desired information could be hoped for. With respects
J. M.
Draft (DLC).