Letter from Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, March 17, 1809

Forms part of The James Madison Papers, 1723 to 1859; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009141
Jefferson describes his departure from Washington and opening letters on his return home. He describes going home on horseback the last few days in a terrible snowstorm, and refers to the"backward" spring, no oats sown, for instance. Jefferson offers President Madison advice about trying to avoid war with Europe and is very critical of Congress and the newspapers during his own administration. Warm feelings for Madison are expressed and Jefferson is confident Madison can preserve peace and wishes him a "smooth administration."
Letter from Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, March 17, 1809.
Original document scanned in 1999-2000 for the former American Memory presentation “I Do Solemnly Swear”: Presidential Inaugurations (retired 2016).