In 1812 President Madison went to great lengths (and great expense) to install new windows in all but one of the window openings at Montpelier.  While some of these were significant changes, such as replacing two windows on the second floor with a tripartite window, in other locations the new windows were shifted only several inches.  Why would President Madison, who was so practical in almost every other aspect of his life, go to all of this trouble and expense?  The answer to this question became apparent only after an investigation was made to determine the original size and location of the ca. 1797 windows.