James Madison to Peter Stephen Du Ponceau thanking Du Ponceau for a copy of his translation of Bynkershoek's "Treatise on the Law of War" - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC00117
From Archive Folder	Documents Relating to 1810
Title	James Madison to Peter Stephen Du Ponceau thanking Du Ponceau for a copy of his translation of Bynkershoek's "Treatise on the Law of War"
Date	8 December 1810
Author	Madison, James (1751-1836)
Recipient	Ponceau, Peter Stephen Du
Document Type	Correspondence
Content Description	Thanks Du Ponceau for a copy and commends his translation of Bynkershoek's "Treatise on the Law of War." Continues with the comments: "A nation which appeals to law, rather to force, is particularly bound to understand the use of the instrument by which it wishes to maintain its rights...When the sword alone is the law, there is less inconsistency if not more propriety in neglecting those Teachers of right and duty."
Subjects	President Law Literature and Language Arts Military History Civil Rights
People	Madison, James (1751-1836) Du Ponceau, Peter Stephen (1760-1844)
Place written	Washington, D.C.
Theme	The Presidency; Law; Arts & Literature
Sub-collection	The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Additional Information	Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Transcript	Show/hide Washington Dec 8, 1810 Dear Sir I recd. in due time your favor of the 15th instant and with it a copy of your translation of Bynkershoek. I am glad to find that in the midst of your professional occupations, you have completed a work which was so much wanted, and which required that accurate knowledge of both languages which you posses. The addition of your notes will contribute to recommend both of our Statesmen & Students. A nation which appeals to law, rather to force, is particularly bound to understand the use of the instrument by which it wishes to maintain its rights as well as of those which, angst. its wishes, it may be called upon to employ. When the sword alone s the law, there is less inconsistency if not more propriety in neglecting those Teachers of right and duty. With my thanks for your very acceptable present, and my apology for the delay of them, be pleased to accept assurances of my esteem & friendly respect Mr Madison Dec 8 1810

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