1To James Madison from Benjamin King, 30 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 November 1812. Begs forgiveness for addressing JM, “but when I look round me, and see my six children and an aged mother depending on my exertions and industry for their support, the motive must plead strongly in a parent’s breast.” Was “dismissed the Public service on the 14th. instant without any other cause than that of absence for three or four days, through personal illness, after a...
2Benjamin King to James Madison, 22 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
I hope you will not deem my addressing you an intrusion; but I am compelled by my necessities to do so. I am at present receiving but one dollar per day—in the Navy Yard at this place, which is not sufficient to supply myself and family with the necessaries of life. I am now eighty & odd years of age, and having filled the station which I did for thirty & odd years, I think it a great hardship...
3James Madison to Benjamin King, 28 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your letter. Having entire confidence in the judgement & accuracy of Col. Miller, with respect to your services in the battle of Bladensburg, I could not, if my impressions were less in accordance than they are with his statement, withhold my good wishes that you may be successful in obtaining an enlargement of your means for a comfortable subsistence—These wishes cannot but...