To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 21 November 1792
From James Monroe
Novr. 21. 1792.
Dear Sir
Yesterday in concert with Mr. Izard to whose wishes I am forced to accomodate I agreed to the postpon’ment of the report upon weights and measures untill the first monday in Decr., that Mr. Ritenhouse might in the mean time make the experiment of the rod. It was moved by Mr. Ellsworth and seconded by Mr. Read1 to postpone it untill the next session, but withdrawn upon this motion. Mr. Sherman objected to delay with a view of going into the temporary plan suggested in your report. In this idea many seem to incline—but all are willing to have the subject discussed, and I particularly wish that Mr. R. would turn his attention to the above object and furnish a satisfactory result in time. Very affecy. I am dear Sir yours
Jas. Monroe
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 21 Nov. 1792 and so recorded in SJL.
The deferred report on weights and measures had been originally submitted to the Senate on 5 Apr. 1792 by a committee consisting among others of Monroe and Ralph Izard of South Carolina. At that time the Senate had agreed to defer consideration of it until the current legislative session ( , i, 335, 420–1, 458–9). See also TJ to John Rutherford, 25 Dec. 1792.
1. Preceding five words interlined.