James Madison Autograph Letter Signed. One page, 7.75" x 2.75"; Montpelier, Virginia; January 24, 1821. A letter to Thomas B. Parker declining to give his opinion on questions about an amendment to the constitution of Parker's home state. "I have recd your letter of Jany. 18 & thank you for the 2 papers containing very interesting parts of the debates & proceedings of your convention. I am very sensible of what I owe to the respect & confidence marked by your request of my opinions on 2 great points in the articles of amendment proposed to the state constitution, But I must appeal to the same friendly dispositions for an excuse from a compliance with it. Naked opinions could have no claim to attention. And if it were less inconvenient than it is at present to explain the grounds of them I could not but feel the delicacy of the task. At the same time that I have any reason for presuming that I could throw no new light on subjects which have been publickly discussed, & doubtless with so much ability & information. With friendly respects J Madison." The letter is hinged along the left margin to a sheet measuring 9.25" x 4.25". There is a filing docket in an unknown hand on the verso. Madison helped organize the Constitutional Convention, which produced the Constitution that replaced the Articles of Confederation. His role was so integral that he is hailed as the Father of the Constitution. This was known even in his day, as evidenced by this letter written to someone who sought his opinion on the subject. Retired from public life, it is understandable why Madison would decline to give an opinion. Condition: Light soiling and age toning. Letter is affixed along left margin only to a larger sheet. Small tear at top left corner has been repaired with archival material. HID03101242017