American Historical Ephemera and Photography

One page, 7 7/8 x 8 5/8 in. Old folds, light wear to edges, few spots of ink transfer, possible adhesive residue to verso.

Madison, dictating to an unknown hand, thanks his correspondent for a letter and a box of Sherry before lamenting his inability to write for himself: "Your letter I observe is written by your own hand. I wish I could answer it in like manner; but though your years somewhat outnumber mine, my fingers are de facto older than yours, and are at present, as is my general condition, more than usually unfitted for the pen."

He continues: "Doctor Dunglison being with us and in the habit of drinking Sherry, and a better judge than I could be were my palate in better health, pronounces the wine to be of the first chop...I wish I could more safely indulge a relish for it."

Though the recipient of this letter, dated only 32 days before Madison's death, is unknown, Madison assures him of his "cordial esteem" and his best wishes for his and his family's happiness.

Dr. Robley Dunglison (1798-1869) not only acted as personal physician to James Monroe, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson, but he also holds the distinction of being the first full time professor of Medicine in the United States, teaching at the University of Virginia from 1824-1833. He is often referred to as the Father of American Physiology.