Madison, James (1751-1836) to John Adlum
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03929 Author/Creator: Madison, James (1751-1836) Place Written: Montpellier, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 April 1823 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 24.9 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Indicates that he received Adlum's memoir on cultivation of native wines, a bottle of Tokay wine, and a letter from Adlum. Discusses Adlum's memoir at length.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Montpellier Apl. 12. 1823
Sir
I recd. some days ago the 2 Copies of your Memoir on the cultivation of the wine, with the bottle of your Tokay; and I have misread. Your letter enforcing the importance of making the Vineyard an appurtenance to american Farms.
The Memoir merits well the public attention to which it is offered. It is so long since I tested the celebrated wine whose name you have adopted that my memory can not compare its flavour with that of your specimen from an American grape. I am safe I believe in saying that the latter has an affinity to the general character of the good Hungarian wines, & that it can scarcely fail to recommend itself to discriminating palates.
The practicability & national economy of substituting, to a great extent at least for the foreign wines on which so large a sum is expended. those which can be produced at home [inserted: without] withdrawing labour from objects better rewarding it is strongly illustrated by your experiments & statements. The introduction of a native wine is not a little recommended [inserted: moreover] by its tendency to substitute a leverage favorable to temperate habits, for the ardent liquors so destructive to the morals, the health, and the social happiness of the American people; and it may be added. Which is so expensive to them also: for besides the actual cost of [inserted: the] intoxicating draughts. The value of the time & strength consumed by them is of not less amount.
[2] I shall forward one of the copies of the manor, as you desire to new agricultural Society of Albemarle: to which your letter will also be communicated, that the members may have the benefit of the suggestions & remarks which it contains. Nothing seems to be enacting to the addiction of a desirable article to our productions but decisive efforts, to which the patronage of the agricultural Societies may contribute a reasonable stimulus
With friendly respects
James Madison
J. Adlum, Esq
[docket]
The Hon.ble
James Madison
Arpil 15:th 1823
[address]
Orange CH Va
April 15
1823
John Adlum Esqr
Vineyard near George Town
Dist: Columbia
[free frank]
Free James Madison
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