James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 25 June 1814

From Elbridge Gerry

Cambridge 25th June 1814

Dear Sir,

The unparalleled events of Europe are deeply interesting to this Country, & are unfathomable in regard to their results, to those who are not informed of the affairs of the cabinet. On these I wish for information, so far & no farther than you can communicate it with propriety, in confidence: & whether they will require an earlier meeting of Congress, or of the Senate, than that already established.

Whilst I was writing this, I received the enclosed from General Dearbor[n]. I have not had an opportunity of being much acquainted with Capt Joseph Lee, but have always understood that he was an excellent seaman, & General Dearborn’s recommendation has great weight. Accept with your Lady, the most sincere & respectful regards of Mrs Gerry & of your unfeigned friend

E Gerry

RC (DLC). Docketed by JM. The enclosure has not been found, but JM’s 5 July 1814 reply to Gerry (owned by Marshall B. Coyne, Washington, D.C., 1992) suggests that it recommended Lee to be commander of a revenue cutter.

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