1To James Madison from John P. Van Ness, Richard Bland Lee, and Tench Ringgold, 20 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
Having found it impossible to obtain a supply of a quantity of seasoned yellow pine plank from 2 to 3 inches thick, and the works on the public buildings, being subjected to a suspension in consequence thereof; on being informed that a supply might possibly be obtained at the Navy yard in this City: and inasmuch as it would be in our power to return similar lumber in the spring which might...