From James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 18 January 1827
To Nicholas P. Trist
Montpellier. Jany. 18 1827
Dear Sir
As English newspapers seemed to be acceptable to you, I inclose a few which came to hand before their contents appeared in our own. The mail of to day may bring even later dates, but probably not at full length, the interesting, and it may be added very adroit speech of Mr Canning.1 Without drawing the sword agst. Ferdinand, he flourishes it in the scabbard over his head, and gives notice to all the Legitimate Sovereigns, with a special glance no doubt at Charles X, that England can blow them all up, when she pleases, by applying a spark to the Revolutionary mine under their Thrones. The thermometer this morning was at the lowest point to which it has yet sunk. I fear the severity of the weather has been unfavorable to the business at Monticello. I am glad to see that there was a mistake in the case of the Busts & paintings, which is corrected in the Gazette of saturday last. With friendly salutations
James Madison
RC (DLC: Nicholas P. Trist Papers); draft (DLC).
1. For George Canning’s 12 December 1826 speech in the House of Commons in response to George IVs message regarding Spanish infringements on Portuguese independence and British commitments to defend it, see London Times, 13 Dec. 1826.