Rare Autographs, Manuscripts and Photography
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James Madison’s signed conclusion of letter to Dr. Calvin Jones subscription to the Farmers Magazine. This is the bottom portion of a letter which resides in the National Archives. The letter is written to a Dr Calvin Jones
In a reference to the start and a subscription of the Framers Magazine. The bottom conclusion of a letter, framed with a copy of the top portion and a copy of the original broadside, which was also sent to Madison in reference to the magazine.
The letter from Madison reads in full, with retained portion underlined:“To Calvin Jones, Montpellier June 28. 1819 Sir.The Copy of your proposals for publishing “The Farmer’s Magazine” has been a good while in my hands,1 without obtaining subscriptions; owing doubtless to the number of agricultural publications less remote, as well as to other causes at present concurring. For myself I find it more and more expedient not [to] multiply engagements, especially those of indefinite continuation.2 Having much confidence in the source as well as value for the object of the “Farmers Magazine” I shall with pleasure express both by taking the publication for one year, without the formality of a subscription; and will remit the price as soon as the receipt. of a number shall inform me that the work is issuing from the press. I tender you my friendly respects. James Madison”
Calvin Jones (1775–1846) was born in Massachusetts where he trained to be a physician. In 1795 he moved to North Carolina, served as an officer in the state militia, as a member of the state legislature, 1799, 1802, and 1807, and as a trustee of the University of North Carolina. Between 1808 and 1815 he was co-publisher of the Raleigh Star. In 1832 he retired from his medical practice and moved to Bolivar, Tennessee, where he became a planter. Always interested in agricultural science, he floated the idea of a farmer’s magazine in 1819, without success.
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