ALS, one page, 7.75 x 9.75, February 5, 1833. Handwritten letter to "Mr. Griffith," in part: "I have rec'd your letter of the 25th ulto, inclosing a sketch of numerous amendments wch you think are required by the Constitution of the U.S. I am duly sensible to the respect you manifest for my opinions on such subjects. But mere opinions without a full view of the reasons for them, could be of little value, and this is a task wch in my enfeebled condition & in the midst of other demands on the scanty remnant of my time, I cannot undertake. I am now within a few weeks of my eighty third year, and have for many months been confined to my house & a great part of the time to my bed, by a chronic & latterly an acute disease…This explanation will I am sure satisfy you." In fine condition, with some trivial edge loss, and toning from prior display. A scarce and important handwritten letter by the 'Father of the Constitution,' whose wisdom and political advice continued to be sought well into his old age. That Madison should mention the famous document in any context is remarkable.
Past sales history: Swann Galleries, American Autographs from Private Collections, September 26, 1996.
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