MADISON, JAMES
Autograph letter twice signed as President. [Washington:] 17 August 1812. Two ff. written in dark brown ink, from a single folded sheet: the letter on the first leaf, the other leaf bearing the integral address leaf in Madison's hand, with a free frank signed by him, traces of an adhered seal. Page size 10 5/8 x 7 5/8 inches (27 x 19 cm), 4 lines, plus salutation and felicitation, addressed to James Dinsmore in Charlottesville, Virginia, signed. Usual folds with some separations, silked on the verso for preservation, with two small repaired losses (and tissue repairs on some folds) well clear of the text, one with a surrounding discoloration.
Addressed to the master builder and architect James Dinsmore, who had worked as master carpenter on Jefferson's Monticello, and at this time was engaged in restoring Madison's home at Montpelier, the letter reads in full: "Sir, I recd your letter of the 9th & remitted $407 to Mr. Warnock for which he has sent me a receipt. I can not positively say when I shall be at Montpelier, but hope it will be soon. Accept my respects, James Madison. August 17, 1812." Dinsmore would go on to work with Latrobe on the restoration of the Capitol Building after the British sacked Washington. Madison autograph letters signed, with the secondary free frank signature, are distinctly uncommon. For this letter, see the Founders Online National Archive https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/03-05-02-0131