Robert Y. Hayne to James Madison

I take the liberty of sending you herewith copies of my two Speeches in reply to Mr. Webster, as an evidence of my high respect and esteem. I am also desirous of recalling your attention to the Constitutional principles involved in this controversy. The Virginia Resolution of ’98 and your admirable Report, have almost passed away from the memory of the politicians of the present day. It is this forgetfulness which has led to the alarming assumptions of power on the part of the federal government, and I feel an entire conviction that nothing can save us from Consolodation, and its inevitable consequence, the separation of the States, but the restoration of the principles of ’98, as illustrated in the documents above alluded to. Without intending to intrude on your time, or imposing upon you an unwelcome task, let me say, that if it shou[ld] be altogether agreeable to you, I should be gratified by knowing your present views, in relation to the great principles involved in these questions. Should you prefer remaining silent however, let me reques[t] that you will give yourself no furth[er] trouble on the subject.

Mrs. Hayne joins me in our best respects to Mrs. M. & yourself— Believe me to be with the highest respect & esteem your obt. Servt.