MADISON, James, President. Autograph letter signed ("James Madison") as President, to Attorney General Richard Rush, Montpelier, 20 August 1815. 4to, very small tear to fold not affecting text, fine dark ink, with Rush's endorsement. MADISON SEEKS LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL ADVICE FROM RUSH.. The President forwards a letter of Commodore Patterson which "presents several points on which your advice to him may be useful...It seems...proper that naval protection if it can be spared, should be employed against the Cathaginian corsairs..." Then he turns to "questions arising on the letter from Gov. Claiborne to the Secy. of State on whether the armed force of the U.S. naval and military ought to be employed to arrest the enterprises against the Spanish Provinces; and whether a Proclamation from the Ex. of the U.S. be or be not necessary in the case." Continuing, he enquires: "Is the law which provides for the removal of intruders on the pub[lic] lands by military force, applicable to the case of forfeiture as stated? What is the precise course, proper, in the application of such a force, in relation to the martial and the military office?" Rush, on his endorsement, indicates that he received and acknowledged the letter, lists the contents, and on "Sep: 2. Answered fully." Rush (1780-1859) had been with Madison when they fled Washington ahead of the British army when it took the capitol. He went on to serve as Attorney General under James Monroe, Treasury Secretary under John Quincy Adams and minister to France under James Polk.