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Edited by David B. Mattern, J. C. A. Stagg, Mary Parke Johnson, and Anne
Mandeville Colony
The first volume of the Retirement Series covers the period between 4
March 1817, when Madison left the presidency, and 31 January 1820, years
when he and Dolley Payne Madison settled once again into the rhythms of
rural life at their beloved home, Montpelier.
Madison's retirement was a busy and productive one. The management of
his large plantation occupied a great deal of his time. The correspondence
in this volume reveals aspects of life at Montpelier, whether it be land
sales and boundary surveys, sales of tobacco and wheat, court suits, medical
bills, or purchases of household goods.
Closely allied with his concerns for the productivity of his plantation
were Madison's interest in scientific agriculture and his correspondence
with Thomas Jefferson, Peter Minor, Richard Peters, and others, relating
to it. Featured in this volume is Madison's presidential address to the
Agricultural Society of Albemarle, which was published in pamphlet form
and widely disseminated in the newspapers.
Madison remained engaged with current events through his correspondence
with James Monroe, William H. Crawford, John Quincy Adams, James Barbour,
James P. Preston, and others who consulted him from time to time on foreign
and domestic political matters and constitutional questions, such as the
extension of slavery, the tariff, internal improvements, and banking.
On these issues and others, Madison freely gave his opinion. During this
period also, Madison wrote his "Detatched Memoranda," a collection
of anecdotes of political figures, including Benjamin Franklin and George
Washington, as well as explanations and defenses of decisions he had made
in his political life.
Finally, Madison's correspondence with Jefferson, Joseph C. Cabell,
and others highlights his involvement in the creation of the University
of Virginia. As in all volumes of this edition, thorough annotation and
a detailed index provide access to people, places, and events..
704 pages • 6 1/8 x 9 1/4 cloth • 2009
ISBN 978-0-8139-28496-4 • $85.00 |
