Louis P. Masur-A Journey North: Jefferson, Madison, and the Forging of a Friendship

Between May 21 and June 16, 1791, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison went on a trip together through Upstate New York and parts of New England on horseback. This "northern journey" came at a moment of tension for the new nation, one in whose founding these Virginians and political allies had played key roles. The Constitution was ratified, and President Washington was in his first term of office. Whether the country could overcome regional and political differences and remain unified, however, was still very much in question. Hence why some observers at the time wondered whether this excursion into Federalist New England by the two most prominent southern Democratic-Republicans, both future presidents, had an ulterior motive.In A Journey North: Jefferson, Madison, and the Forging of a Friendship, Louis Masur writes that Madison maintained that the journey was for "health, recreation, and curiosity." That he and Jefferson needed a break from their public responsibilities, so off they set. #thomasjefferson #jamesmadison