Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison

Dear Sir

With a caution that my slowness and total inexperience in the duties of which the board of Visitors tender me the discharge, will probably call for a full measure of indulgence; and with the grateful feelings which the mark of confidence is calculated to inspire, I accept the opportunity of trying myself in the office of their Secretary.

In relation to the catalogue, as my motive in undertaking it was to gratify Mr Jefferson, I beg it may be considered as work done by me for him, and as part of that gratuitously done by him for the Uny. The date of your note leaving me in doubt whether your session will not terminate today, and the ride being a benefit rather than inconvenience, I shall have the pleasure of seeing you at the Uny after dinner.

With grateful and affectionate regard
Nich: Ph: Trist
RC (ViHi: Nicholas P. Trist Papers); partially dated at foot of text; endorsed by Madison: “Trist N. P Ocr 1826.”