To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1815
From Thomas Jefferson
Monticello May 12. 15.
Dear Sir
I have totally forgotten the writer of the letter I forward to you, and every circumstance of his case. I leave it therefore on his own letter and that of the Marquis de la Fayette to you, which came inclosed, and is now forwarded with the other.1 I shall set out for Bedford within three days, and expect to be absent as many weeks. The newspapers have begun the war for the European powers; but if the people of France are as unanimous as they represent, I cannot believe that those powers will imagine they can force a sovereign on that nation, and therefore presume the Continental powers will prefer a compromise, and that the financial difficulties of England will deter her from the Quixotism of attempting it single-handed. Present us all affectionately to mrs Madison and accept best wishes for your own health, quiet & happiness.
Th: Jefferson
RC (DLC); FC (DLC: Jefferson Papers). RC cover sheet postmarked Milton, Virginia, 17 May; docketed by JM. For enclosures, see n. 1.
1. For the letters, see Lafayette to JM, 11 Feb. 1815, 8:567 and n. 1.