From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 26 March 1827
To John Hartwell Cocke
Montpellier Mar. 26. 1827
Dear Sir
I think it proper to inclose you a copy of my letter to Mr. Gallatin, not merely for your information, but that I may be favored, with any additions or alterations that may occur to you. You will perceive the difficulty of accomodating the resort to Mr. Gallatin to the shortness of time, the uncertainty of his success, and the proper reserve for the chance of success here.
In alluding to the possible want of a Professor of Natural Philosophy I was influenced by a hint that a change of place might be sought by Mr. B——,1 and the contingency of his being seized with the malady of Mr. Key. With great esteem & regard
James Madison
RC and enclosure (ViU: Special Collections, Madison Papers); draft (DLC). RC addressed and franked by JM to Cocke at “Bremo near Winn’s post office Fluvanna County Virginia”; postmarked at Charlottesville, Virginia, 1 Apr.; docketed by Cocke: “rcd. 4 April.” Draft dated 27 Mar. Enclosure is a copy of JM to Albert Gallatin, 20 Mar. 1827.
1. Draft has “Mr. Bonnycastle.”