Richmond 20. Feby 1801. Accept my dear sir my congratulation on the election of Mr. Jefferson to the ch: magistracy of the United States. I enclose you a hand bill which gives the particulars. We resolved to give the H. of Representatives time to discharge its constitutional duty, and not to lose a moment in convening the legislature. After we were assured it wo[ul]d make no election, or was likely to make none, we began to incline to the latter opinion, from wh. we were relieved by an express whose return we expected, to day at 11. o clock. Happily our delay was fortunate, as it prevented the compromitment [sic] of our country, without any injury to the cause. Sincerely I am yr. friend & servant Jas. Monroe [Docket:] Febry 12th & 20th. 1801 Answered 25th.