Madison, James, as fourth President

Autograph letter signed with initials ("J.M."), 1 page (9 7/8 x 7 3/4 in.; 252 x 197 mm), Washington, 10 February, 1817, to the President of the Senate, J. R. Pringle, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Thomas Bennett of South California; stain at top right corner affecting one word of text, neatly laid down on tissue. Brown cloth folding case, brown morocco spine, red morocco spine labels.

A grateful President looking toward retirement. Acknowledging receipt of recent resolutions of the Senate  and House of Representatives, Madison eloquently writes: "On retiring from the public service I shall count among the circumstances grateful to my recollection, this unanimous expression of approbation and regard from the Legislature of South Carolina." The President then reflects on his years in office: "The period during which the Executive Dept. of the Union was committed to me, has comprized vicissitudes and struggles deeply interesting to the fortunes of our Country. If my agency has participated in the general exertions which were called forth, I am too conscious that the happy result at which we have arrived, is due to the energies of a free people engaged in a just  cause, to feel any other pride than that of having enjoyed the portion of their confidence which sustained me in discharging the duties of my station."