Source: National Archives
Transcription Assistance By: Carolyn Harrison and Lloyd Lyon
From John Francis Mercer to James Madison:
Marlbrough, Feby. 11th. 1795.
Dear Sir
Mr. John Fenton Mercer the bearer of this is the eldest Son of my late Brother. By a clause in his fathers Will his Estate cannot be divided for three years to come, & that time he proposes to pass in some of the Armies of france probably the Northern Army. I know no situation more improving for a young Man than the family of an old experienc’d General Officer, & from my knowledge of this young Gentleman’s talents & disposition I have great expectation of the benefits he would derive from such an opportunity. He only wants prudence to make a most valuable man & that can only come from experience. Your forwarding him in this view if in your power will be an additional obligation to many which I acknowledge.
I have had no opportunity of congratulating you before on your becoming a free mason — a very ancient & honorable fraternity. I am sure you are now much wiser & I do not doubt you are much happier altho’ you were very wise & happy before, at least in my opinion. I hold a lodge on your road pray let me take you some time by the hand in it & let Mrs. Mercer welcome, the fair prophetess who has converted you to the true faith. A Man who has got his head somewhat clear of a large load of leaden politics — feels of course a little light headed to that you must attribute the levity of this style which is only intended to assure you of my respect & friendship for you & yours.
John F Mercer
From James Madison to Stephen Bates Written by J.C. Payne:
Bates Stephen 24th Jany, '31
Dear Sir
I received long ago your interesting favor(?) on the 31st of Oct with a pamphlet referred to, and I owe an apology for not sooner acknowledging it. I hope it will be a satisfactory one that the state of my health crippled by a severe rheumatism, restricted my attention to which seemed to have immediate claims upon it, and in that light I did not view the subject of your communication, ignorant as I was of the true character of Masonry and little informed as I was of the grounds on which its extermination was contended for, and incapable as I was and am, in my situation of investigating the controversy. I never was a mason, and no one perhaps could be more a stranger to the principles, rites and fruits of the institution I had never regarded it as dangerous or notorious (noxious?); nor on the other hand as deriving importance from any thing publicly known of it. From the number and character of those who now support the charges against Masonry I cannot doubt that it is at least susceptible of abuse outweighing any advantage promised by its patrons. With this apology and explanation I tender you Sir my respectful & cordial salutations.
James Madison
The Letter From Mercer to Madison:
The Letter To Bates from Madison, Written by J.C. Payne:
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