1To James Madison from Asher Robbins, 27 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
You undoubtedly recollect the case of Mr Thomas Eldred. A long time ago he applied to the department of State to aid him in reclaiming property to a large amount, depending in the Courts of Spain, upon the question whether, or no he is a citizen of the United States. He writes that he has recently been informed that you had come to entertain some doubts of his being a citizen, & had instructed...
2From James Madison to Asher Robbins, 10 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 27th. ult. I enclose copies of two letters written to Captain Eldred from this department in the year 1798, whence you will collect the Suggestions on which the doubt respecting his case rests. As long as the facts to which they refer remain unshaken, it is not perceived how he can justify his claim to the rights of an American citizen on general principles. For...
3To James Madison from Asher Robbins, 1 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 10th. ult. was duly recd. The fact you state & rely on, is important; and the objections suggested by it, are perhaps conclusive; they certainly are very ably stated. I find the fact, on enquiry, to have happened as follows. Antecedent to the war, Mr. Giles Hosier of this town, was part owner & master of a certain Vessel. A House at Pool in England, were the other part...
4From James Madison to Asher Robbins, 22 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 1st. inst. respecting Captain Eldrids case. It is admitted in your statement that during the revolutionary war he commanded a British vessel in the Mediterranean trade, and with respect to the date of the act of Parliament which required the master of British vessels to be British subjects, you will find the regulation in the first section of the...
5To James Madison from Asher Robbins, 3 June 1811 (Madison Papers)
I hope, Sir, the occasion of my addressing you personally will be received, as a sufficient apology for the liberty, which I have taken. I have recently been informed, from a source entitled to respect, that whilst you were deliberating upon the selection of a Successor to Judge Cushing, you received a letter from, this State, denouncing me as a monarchist in principle; and that the standing...
6From James Madison to Asher Robbins, 10 June 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 June 1811, Washington. Acknowledges receipt of a letter from Robbins. “Its declaration of your principles & sentiments on certain subjects will have the attention which is due to the frankness and explicitness with which it is made.” Does not authorize “any inference from this assurance, that might prejudice any individual whatever in your estimation.” Printed summary ( The Collector , No....
7From James Madison to Asher Robbins, 10 June 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 3d instant. Its declaration of your principles & sentiments on certain subjects will have the attention which is due to the frankness and explicitness with which it is made. I ought at the same time not to authorize any inference from this assurance, that might prejudice any individual whatever in your estimation. Accept my friendly respects RC (offered...
12 July 1812, Newport. Recommend that Capt. David Bartlett be awarded the rank of first captain for Rhode Island and state that Bartlett believes he is entitled to that rank because he has held a commission as a field officer, which the other captain from the state has not. Inform JM that Bartlett has forwarded or will forward evidence of his commission to the president. RC ( DNA : RG 94,...
9To James Madison from Asher Robbins, 18 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
I beg permission to address this letter directly to the President; its contents will be my apology. I have been informed thro. a friend at washington, that some person or persons there, at the instigation of my Enemy here, are meditating an attempt to prejudice the mind of the President against my official conduct, to effect my removal from office, & to open a vacancy for a favorite of that...
10To James Madison from Asher Robbins, 17 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have read your essay, addressed to the Agricultural Society of Albermarle, as I have all your productions, with much pleasure and profit. Tho’ it has a particular referrence to the local circumstances in the agriculture of that particular District, it abounds with general principles applicable and important every where, recommended by the charm of your peculiar style. As your Essay will be...
11From James Madison to Asher Robbins, 8 August 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of July the 17th. and thank you for your friendly Criticism on the passage in the address to the Agricultural Society of Albemarle relating to the Theory of Tull. Many Years had elapsed Since I read the Work of Tull, and I was of course guided by my recollection only aided by the references of others to it which had occasionally fallen in my way. I was very ready...
12To James Madison from Asher Robbins, 5 August 1824 (Madison Papers)
I begin with begging your pardon for the liberty I have taken in addressing you on the subject of this letter. The favorable opinion of me, which you have manifested on more than one occasion, and the very high value which I set upon that opinion, has induced me thereto. It is respectfully to request, that you would be pleased to communicate that opinion to President Munro, with the veiw now...
13From James Madison to Asher Robbins, August 1827 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Robbins with many thanks for the copy of his oration delivered on the 4th. of July last. Less can not be said of it, than that it has taken very interesting views of well chosen topics, and given an instructive example of condensed and vigorous eloquence. Draft ( NjP : Jasper E. Crane Collection of James and Dolley Madison). Asher Robbins, Oration,...
14James Madison to Asher Robbins, 3 July 1830 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his respects to Mr. Robbins, returns his thanks for the speech of M. R. in the Senate of the U. S. on the 20th. of May. The Constitutional system of the U. S. being truly a Non-descript, can not be explained by the classifying & technical terms applied to other Governments; and the speech has judiciously adopted the mode of precise delineation of its features, according to the...
15Asher Robbins to James Madison, 15 March 1832 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Robbins sends the copy, inclosed herewith, of his Speech, in token of his high respects, & grateful regards for Mr. Madison. RC (DLC) .
16James Madison to Asher Robbins, 21 March 1832 (Madison Papers)
J. M has duly recd. the Speech of Mr. R on the "protection of American industry. J. M. has read it, as he has others taking opposite views of the subject, with a just sense of the eloquence & ability, brought forth by the discussion. He cannot but hope, notwithstanding the antipode opinions wch. have appeared, that some intermediate ground will be traced, for an accommodation, so impressively...
17James Madison to Asher Robbins, 12 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have long been in debt for the Copy of your "Discourse before the P. B. K. Society of Brown. University;" as I yet am for kind attention from other friends. For apologies for these delays, not unfrequently spun out into entire omissions, I must rely on my age now within a few days of its 85th. year, to which is added a State of health, severely crippled by disease. I find as is,...