Monticello July 23.17. Dear Sir The promptitude & success of our subscription paper, now amounting to upwards of 20, 000 D. with a prospect much beyond that renders the decision immediately necessary of some important questions which I had thought might have laid over to our periodical meeting the last of September. Having an opportunity of writing to Genl. Cocke I invited him to join me in a visit to you on Friday the 25th. I recd his answer last night, that he would do so and would try to bring Mr. Cabell with him. Last night also [struck: I] an opportunity was offered me of sending a letter to Mr. Watson. I do so; and he probably will be with you also. Thus the [strike out] visit I had promised for myself singly to you on my return, is suddenly manufactured into a meeting of our visitors at Montpelier, te inconsulto. I do not know whether [strike out] Mr. Cabell & Mr. Watson will certainly come, but Genl. Cocke & myself will be certainly with you on Friday, to dinner if we can get there by half after two; if not, we will dine at Gordon's & be with you afterwards, therefore do not wait a moment for us. The illness of our principal driver will disappoint Mrs. Randolph in the participation in the visit which she had much at heart. Affectionate esteem & respect to Mrs. Madison & yourself. Th: Jefferson Mr. Madison