To James Madison from the South Carolina Legislature, 25 January 1817
From the South Carolina Legislature
Charleston South Carolina 25th.
January 1817
Sir,
We have the Honor to enclose you a Resolution passed by the Legislature of this State at their last Session and directed to be presented to you.
Permit us at the same time to offer you our best wishes for a continuance of your happiness and valuable life and remain With great respect your Obedt Servts.
James R Pringle
President of the Senate
Thomas Bennett
Speaker of the Ho: of Representatives
[Enclosure]
Whereas the highest tribute of respect which a Rep[u]blican Government can pay its officers, is the approbation of its freemen unequivocally and candidly expressed, and whereas, James Madison has, with wisdom, firmness and patriotism, exercised for near eight years the high and important Office of President of the United States, p[r]eserving and supporting the character of the Nation in peace and war; and is soon about to repair to the peaceful shades of retired life.
Resolved unanimously that the Legislature of South Carolina recall with grateful recollections the past services of James Madison President of the United States, and whilst they in common with the nation, yield this favorite Statesman and Patriot to retirement, discharged from those arduous public duties, so long, faithfully, wisely and promptly rendered the Republic, they request he will receive their unfeigned approbation and regard, assuring him, their fervent benedictions and best affections accompany him to the scenes of private life.
Resolved that the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives communicate this Resolution to James Madison President of the United States.
RC and enclosure (DLC); cover docketed by JM. Appended to the resolution are 1) the order of the South Carolina House of Representatives, dated 13 Dec. 1816, and signed by R. Anderson, Clerk of the House, that the resolution be sent to the South Carolina Senate; 2) the concurrence on the resolution of the South Carolina Senate, dated 13 Dec. 1816, and signed by J. Murphy, Clerk of the Senate, and 3) a certification of the copy of the resolutions, dated 24 Dec. 1816, signed by Murphy and Anderson.