A 1p autograph letter signed by former 4th U.S. President James Madison (1751-1836) as "James Madison" at lower right. Montpelier, Montpelier Station, Virginia. March 23, 1819. Encapsulated and PSA/DNA certified and graded NM 7. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds, minor toning, isolated smudges, and a paper clip impression verso, else very good to near fine. The letter measures 8" x 9.75" while the slab measures 9.75" x 13.25."

Madison wrote this thank you note to Gulian C. Verplanck (1786-1870), an arts aficionado who belonged to the Knickerbocker Group. In early January 1819, Verplanck had sent Madison a copy of his "An Anniversary Discourse, Delivered before the New-York Historical Society, December 7, 1818" (New York: 1818).

Verplanck's January 9, 1819 letter to Madison can be found in the National Archives. In it, Verplanck explained that he had sent his discourse to Madison specifically because it treated "a moral object, the inculcating [of] the principles of humanity and toleration," and he believed these themes held a certain appeal to the co-author of the Federalist Papers. (A copy of Verplanck's letter to Madison can be found attached.)

Madison wrote Verplanck ten weeks later to thank him for his essay treating the New-York Historical Society. In full, with unchanged original spelling and punctuation:

"Montpellier Mar. 23. 1819

Sir

The copy of the anniversary discourse which you were so obliging as to send me came to hand a few days ago. and I cannot return my thanks for the favour without expressing the pleasure with which I have perused a publication made so interesting by the subjects chosen for it, and so ornamental to American Literature, by the manner in which they are treated.

Be pleased to accept Sir my friendly respects:

James Madison."

The New-York Historical Society had been organized by an 11-member committee on December 10, 1804. Its founders were dedicated to creating New York's first ever museum. Verplanck's discourse coincided with the 14th anniversary of the institution. In 1813, the New-York Historical Society already had in its collections over 4,000 books, maps, prints, newspapers, almanacs, and manuscripts. The New-York Historical Society is still in operation today, with its collection of artwork comprising 1.6 million pieces alone. Its museum and research library contain works on paper, sculpture, paintings, antiques, folk art, ephemera, photographs, and historical artifacts.

Madison's correspondent Gulian C. Verplanck was a Columbia College graduated lawyer who would serve in New York state government, and in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1824-1834. Fellow members of the Knickerbocker Group, an organization of literati and aesthetes, included Washington Irving, Nathaniel Parker Willis, William Cullen Bryant, and Fitz-Greene Halleck.

James Madison served as president from 1809-1817.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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