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Madison, James (1751-1836) to Samuel Harrison Smith re: costs of moving Jefferson's library to Congress

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02793.011 Author/Creator: Madison, James (1751-1836) Place Written: [Washington?] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1815/04/08 Pagination: 1 p. 25 x 20 cm Order a Copy

Written as President. Jefferson sold his library to the nation (for what became the institution known as the Library of Congress) after the British burned the capitol. "Jos: D." is Jefferson's coachman, Joseph Dougherty. The Madison papers identified Dougherty's cargo as the books in Jefferson's library.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Dear Sir

Altho I consider the estimate of expences in the enclosed letter, beyond the species of travelling that is to be performed, I shall not object to an allowance of $5. instead of 4 per day. This with the economy that ought & probably will be practiced, will leave at least $2 of nett saving. Should Jos: D[ougherty]. think more necessary, there will probably be no difficulty in engaging another fit hand, at the rate of $5. Should this not be the case, it will be necessary to add a dollar more. On equal terms. I am disposed to give him the preference.
With friendly respects
J. Madison
Apl. 8th. 1815
S.H. Smith Esqr.

Madison, James, 1751-1836
Smith, Samuel Harrison, 1772-1845

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