To James Madison from George Washington, [17 May] 1789
From George Washington
Sunday—7’Oclock AM. [17 May 1789]
Mr. Madison having been so obliging as to draw the answer to the Address of the House of Representatives—GW. would thank him for doing the same to that of the Senate. If he receives it any time this day or tomorrow morning it will be sufficient.
RC (DLC); Tr (MH). Late in life JM docketed the RC: “G. Washington without date—(perhaps 1789,) 90 or 91.” Fitzpatrick (Writings of Washington, XXX, 499) dated this letter 10 Jan. 1790, and it is listed under that date in the Index to the James Madison Papers. However, JM was not in New York on that day and did not take his seat for the second session until 20 Jan. 1790. This note fits the circumstances of Washington’s reply to the Senate delivered Monday, 18 May 1789 ( , III, 267; I, 48–49; Reply of the President to the Senate, 18 May 1789).