James Madison to Edward Everett (June 3, 1827)

Montpellier June 3d. 1827 —

I offer for your brother and yourself the thanks I owe for the copy of his work on "America". . . . One error into which the author has been led, will I am sure be gladly corrected. In page 109. it is said of Washington that he "appears to have wavered for a moment in making up his mind upon the constitution". I can testify from my personal knowledge, that no member of the Convention appeared to sign the Instrument with more cordiality than he did, nor to be more anxious for its ratification. I have indeed the most thorough conviction from the best evidence, that he never wavered in the part he took in giving it his sanction and support. The error may perhaps have arisen from his backwardness in accepting his appointment to the Convention, occasioned by peculiar considerations which may be seen in the 5th. volume of his Biographer (Marshall).