James Madison to Littleton Dennis Teackle, March 29, 1826.

To Littleton Dennis Teackle,

Montpellier. Mar. 26, 1826

I have recd. your letter of the 22nd inst: inclosing a copy of the Law [crossed out] providing for primary schools throughout your State. I congratulate you on the foundation thus laid for a general system of [crossed out] education, and hope that it presages a superstructure, worthy of the pat-riotic forecast which has commenced the Work. The best service that can be rendered to a Country, next to that of giving it Liberty, is in diffusing the mental improvement equally essen-tial to the preservation, and the enjoyment of the blessing.

With esteen & friendly wishes

J.M.

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[illegible] L [illegible], U.S.