From James Madison to James Monroe, 16 July 1810
To James Monroe
Montpelier July 16. 1810
Dear Sir
If I did not misunderstand you when in Washington the Gardener Beza, was not now engaged or wanted for your service, and would not, probably, be unwilling to undertake a job for me.1 Should this be the case, I would ask the favor of you to send him down as soon as possible. I wish to employ him, & 2 or 3 hands under him, in preparing a piece of ground for a Garden, and to have it executed in a certain degree at least before I return to Washington about the beginning of October. To prevent mistakes or discontents, it will be desireable that he should be engaged by the month, and that the rate should be fixt before he sets out. Will you be so obliging as to include these particulars in what may be said to him. Mrs. M. charges me with her best respects to Mrs. Monroe. Be pleased to add a tender of mine, & to be assured of my high esteem & friendly wishes
James Madison
RC (offered for sale by R. W. Oliver’s, Andrew H. Green Estate & Antiques Auction, Session 4, 11 Sept. 2010, lot 114). Docketed by Monroe: “answd. 25. July 10.” (see 2:437). Calendared as a letter not found (ibid., 418).