From James Madison to Henry Clay, 16 May 1826
To Henry Clay
May 16. 1826
Dr Sir
I am very sorry that a lapse of attention on my part, shd. have given you the trouble denoted in yours of the 13th. The communication inadvertently addressed to you was intended for your colleague of the War Department, to whom as existing Presidt. of the Agricultural Society of Albemarle, the Botanical Box ought to have been transmitted. I must ask the favor of you to hand over to him the misdirected letter, that whatever remains to be done in the case, may pass into the right hands. With great esteem & cordial regards
J. M.
Draft (PHi).