1From James Madison to William Tatham (Abstract), 6 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
6 May 1805, Department of State . “J. Madison has received the volume of papers concerning the province of Quebeck. He thanks Mr. Totham [ sic ] for this tribute to the collection of Books in the Office of State; as well as for the polite access which he offers, to the other Books in his possession, of which he has not duplicates.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 2 pp.
2To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1809, Washington. Relates his financial losses suffered during and after the Revolution. Proposes a survey which would be sponsored by the federal government to create military maps of U.S. territories. RC ( DLC ). 8 pp. Docketed by JM.
3To James Madison from William Tatham, 1 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have written to Genl. Armstrong, as you instructed, concerning my account & standing with the department of War; but his answer is not yet recieved; to day is quarter day, my Landlord Butcher &c expecting their money impatiently. I percieve a great difficulty arising from intercourse with several Secretaries in succession, for a number of years; and each has pursued his own course. The...
4To James Madison from William Tatham, 7 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 December 1812. “Last evening I recieved information, accidentally, that the Committee had acted on my Memorial concerning the subject of topographical documents, without investigating the vouchers or surveys prepared in support of my statement. This being a matter of surprize to myself,… I have this day applied to the Chairman for information. “I learn … that the Committee (being persuaded...
5To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 May 1810, Norfolk. The same mail that brought JM’s letter [not found] also carried one from London, telling of the death of Miss Tatham, the writer’s cousin, at Hornby Castle, the seat of John Marsden. “As sole heir on my Mothers side,” he may inherit an annual income of £5,000 and from Miss Tatham “the Peerages of Morville, L’Engleys, and Barony of Askham,” to which the duke of Norfolk...
6To James Madison from William Tatham, 26 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 June 1812, Norfolk. “I am making the last effort which seems to be left in my power to return to You in Washington with accumulated military & topographical documents &c. The official plans, Manuscript Charts, & minute topographic & Ichnographic Surveys, of Canada, Nova Scotia, & Florida, are vastly important in our Military & Maritime Archieves [ sic ].” Offers them “for a fair...
7To James Madison from William Tatham, 16 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
The conspiracy which has transpired northwardly, as just announced in the public prints, calls on every citizen to lend a helping hand towards defeating such plots, or repelling their evil consequences: I am stimulated by this consideration to mutilate my private collection of scarce and valuable documents, in favor of government; believing that, in the event of an explanation which is...
8To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1813. “I presume the late measures concerning the increase of the Navy will require wet and dry Docks for Seventy fours: Believing my experience in this branch to be at least at par with any other person, and my economical methods superior, I beg it may be understood that I offer my services as chief Engineer ⟨or?⟩ Supervisor.” Describes the process by which the engineers or...
9To James Madison from William Tatham, 10 July 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1810, Norfolk. Believes it is important to add to his former communications the enclosed statement of facts concerning the legal right of the public to “the Desart” at Cape Henry. Is continuing his topographical work. Relates that his family is in distressed circumstances. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 2 pp. Printed in McPherson, “Letters of William Tatham,” WMQ William and Mary...
10To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The case called Charles Gobert’s is so very extraordinary that it cannot possibly be “ neuteral! ” Two years ago, I told you “I would be the last man to desert the President of the U. States;[”] and, if any yet live who really know me, they will testify that the word of my conscience, and the obligation of my legal responsibility, have been synonymous in my intentions through life; and that my...