1From James Madison to Peter Baynton, 31 March 1791 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison has just recd. the inclosed letter under cover of one from Virginia. If Mr. Baynton wishes to have an answer conveyed, Mr. Madison offers his service for the purpose. He will have an opportunity in two or three days, probably on sunday or monday. RC ( WHi ). Addressed by JM. A clipped signature has been attached at some later time. Peter Baynton (1754–1821), a former postmaster of...
2From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 2 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 2 January 1791. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 2 Feb. 1791 . Discusses the excise and militia bills. Requests Carrington’s ideas on a national bank.
3From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 27 February 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 February 1791. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 20 Apr. 1791 (DLC). Concerns JM’s views of the legislation chartering the Bank of the United States, and the constitutional questions raised by a charter proposal. JM apparently suggests that the federal government lacks the power to establish banks.
4From James Madison to Edward Carrington, ca. 10 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 January 1791. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 2 Feb. 1791 . Encloses Attorney General Randolph’s report on the judiciary.
5From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 14 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. inst: came to hand two days ago. Though I can not yield to the remarks on my proposition in the House of Reps. I am not the less indebted for the candor which dictated them. The nature of the domestic debt will account for the diversity of opinions among those who examine it. Those who are disinterested or being interested are superior to that biass, will be mutually...
6From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 14 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 February 1790. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 2 Mar. 1790 . Explains his motion in Congress to discriminate between the original and present holders of public securities.
7From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 24 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 January 1790. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 5 Feb. 1790 , and mentioned in JM to Carrington, 2 Feb. 1790 . Discusses Carrington’s appointment as federal marshal for the Virginia district.
8From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 2 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
I sent to Col: Innis a few days ago Copies of the Reports of Mr. Hamilton & Mr. Knox, with a request that in case you should be in Town you might have a perusal of them. It was not then in my power to send separate Copies; besides that they are too voluminous to be multiplied without exceeding the due share of room in the conveyance. The former Report is to be considered on monday next. Amidst...
9Address of the President to Congress, 8 December 1790 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and House of Representatives. In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able to repeat my congratulations on the favorable prospects which continue to distinguish our public affairs. The abundant fruits of another year have blessed our Country with plenty, and with the means of a flourishing commerce. The progress of public credit is witnessed by a...
10From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 28 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have been some days in debt for your favor of the 21st instant. Accept my thanks for the Medal and copy of your new Constitution inclosed in it. I have delivered to Mr. Jefferson the remarks on a standard of measures, and communicated to him the several other interesting matters which you mention. The former will be disclosed to no one else, but remain in his hands for the purpose intended....
11From James Madison to John Dawson, 24 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 June 1790. Acknowledged in Dawson to JM, 4 July 1790 . JM has attended to Dawson’s business with Nathaniel Twining.
12From James Madison to John Dawson, 31 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 31 January 1790. Acknowledged in Dawson to JM, 26 Feb. and 14 Mar. 1790 . Says the official reports of Hamilton and Knox have led to a variety of reactions.
13From James Madison to the Governor of Virginia, 25 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
Previous to the receipt of your favor on the subject of the arrears to the Virginia line, a proposition for remedying the abuses which have taken place, had been made and was under consideration. It has since passed the two Houses in the form which corresponds with the idea suggested by you. I take the liberty of inclosing a copy, though it has not yet been submitted to the President. As soon...
14From James Madison to the Governor of Virginia, 11 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
On the recipt of your letter on the subject of the Inspection law of Virginia, I communicated the matter to the Secretary of the Treasury. He sees no impropriety in his giving the requisite instruction to the Custom-House officers and having promised to do so, I shall decline an application to Congress. Since the late separation of the State debts from the national, the House of Reps. has been...
15From James Madison to the Governor of Virginia, 27 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
Information having been received here that some persons acquainted with the appropriation made at the last Session of Congress in favor of the officers & soldiers of the Virginia & N. Carolina lines of the late army, are taking advantage of the claimants who are ignorant of that provision, by purchasing their claims for very inconsiderable proportions of their amount, it became a question...
16From James Madison to the Governor of Virginia, 26 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose a copy of the instruction given by the Secretary of the Treasury on the subject of our inspection laws, which has been put into my hands for that purpose; and am with the highest respect, Sir, Your Most Obedt. humble servant, RC and enclosure ( Vi ). Enclosure in a clerk’s hand. Addressed and franked by JM. Docketed by a clerk, “Done June 5h. 1790.” See Governor of...
17Reply of the President to the House of Representatives, [13 December] 1790 (Madison Papers)
The sentiments expressed in your Address are entitled to my particular acknowledgment. Having no object but the good of our Country, this testimony of approbation and confidence from its immediate Representatives must be among my best rewards, as the support of your enlightened patriotism has been among my greatest encouragements. Being persuaded that you will continue to be actuated by the...
18From James Madison to Joseph Howell, 12 February 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 12 February 1791. Acknowledged in Howell to JM, 14 Feb. 1791 . Requests information concerning the claim submitted by the heirs of Robert and Henry Tompkins.
19From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
The newspapers will have shewn you the late proceedings of the House of Representatives. The present subject of deliberation is the proposed assumption of the State debts. Opinions are nearly balanced on it. My own is no otherwise favorable to the measure than as it may tend to secure a final settlement and payment of balances among the States. An assumption even under such circumstances is...
20From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 11 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
By the last mail I acknowledged the receipt of your favor of the 9th. Ult: and hazarded a few remarks on the subject of that of Sepr. last from Paris. The newspapers forwarded by me from time to time will have exhibited something of the complexion of the politics here, particularly as they relate to the public debt. On this subject the H. of Reps. is at this moment deliberating. All that can...
21From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 31 December 1790. Acknowledged in Jefferson to JM, 1 Jan. 1791 . Gives his views concerning the application of the treaty of amity and commerce between the United States and France to the latter’s protest of the United States tonnage acts.
22From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
A dysenteric attack at Georgetown with its effects retarded my journey so much that I did not arrive here till a few days ago. I am free at present from the original complaint, but a little out of order with the piles generated by that or the medicine it required. The Cato in which were the busts of P. Jones and the box of books for myself never arrived till the day before yesterday, having...
23From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 September 1790 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yours of the 23 inst: by the bearer who now returns with the Horse. I will consult with some persons who are acquainted with him & let you know the price I set on him. The time & place of payment which you propose would suit me as well as immediate payment here: but I consider this credit as a necessary set off agst. advances which you will have made for me in France. If no obstacles...
24From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [13 March] 1791 (Madison Papers)
Your first proposition having been arranged, I have only in answer to your last to acknowledge that I feel all the inducements you suggest & many more to be in a situation where your society would make a part of my hourly enjoyments. In making the sacrifice therefore you will be assured that the circumstances which determine me are unaffected. My stay here is so uncertain & limited that a...
25From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
We proceed slowly in business. The Report of Mr. Hamilton has been, of late, the principal subject of debate. On the foreign debt the vote has been unanimous. On the domestic, a reduction of the transferred principal has been brought into view by several arguments and propositions. My idea is that there should be no interference of the public in favour of the public either as to principal or...
26From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [11 January] 1791 (Madison Papers)
T: J. to J. M. Dr. To advances for him on the road to Philada. £14..5..6 To Horse Credit By 50 dollars £18..15– Balance to T. J. £ 4..9..6. Pa. Curry. If the intended charge of £25. for the Horse is not cancelled by the presumptive evidence that he was not sound at the time of sending him, the balance will lie on the other side. The scruples of J. M. on this point are not affected,...
27From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. of Jany. inclosing one of Sepr. last did not get to hand till a few days ago. The idea which the latter evolves is a great one, and suggests many interesting reflections to legislators; particularly when contracting and providing for public debts. Whether it can be received in the extent your reasonings give it, is a question which I ought to turn more in my thoughts...
28From James Madison to Walter Jones, 28 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 28 February 1790. Acknowledged in Jones to JM, 25 Mar. 1790 . Reports recent illness.
29From James Madison to Tobias Lear, 7 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have consulted with Mr. Brown on the subject of a Successor to Mr. Short. He is apprehensive that the reasons which induced Mr. S. to decline his appointment will have the same weight with any other person who could be recommended. He names Col: Richard Taylor as worthy of the appointment, and as not more likely to follow the example of Mr. Short, than any other fit person within his...
30From James Madison to Henry Lee, 1 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 1 March 1790. Acknowledged in Lee to JM, 13 Mar. 1790 . Probably relates to the defeat of JM’s discrimination amendment, the assumption debate, and Lee’s Potomac land speculation.
31From James Madison to Henry Lee, 13 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 4th ult. by Col. Lee was received from his hands on Sunday last. I have since recd. that of the 3d Instant. The anticedent one from Alexandria, though long on the way was recd. some time before. In all these, I discover strong marks of the dissatisfaction with which you behold our public prospects. Though in several respects they do not comport with my wishes—yet I cannot...
32From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, ca. 20 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 20 April 1790. Mentioned in JM to James Madison, Sr., 2 May 1790 . Advises him to ship tobacco abroad or postpone its sale in anticipation of rising prices.
33From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 2 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday yours of the 19 & my father’s of the 20 Decr. I am glad to hear of your recovery, and particularly so of My Mothers whose attack was unknown to me till the receipt of my father’s letter. The inclosed papers will give you the late proceedings of Congs. more fully tho’ often very incorrectly, than could be done in a letter. The excise on spirits distilled in the Country will...
34From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 27 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment your favor of the 16th. The inclosed papers will shew you that the project of asuming the State debts is revived & likely to employ further time. I hope we shall be able to defeat it, but the advocates for it are inconceivably persevering as well as formidable in point of numbers. The bill for funding the other debt is gone thro’ and will pass the 3d. reading in the H. of...
35From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 2 March 1791 (Madison Papers)
Tomorrow will put an end to our existence. Much of the business has been laid over to the next session which is to be held the 4th Monday in Ocr. The most important bill lately past is that for establishing a Bank. You will see in the inclosed gazetteer the ground on which it was attacked & defended. The bill remained with the President to the last moment allowed him, and was then signed by...
36To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 14 March 1791 (Madison Papers)
Mr. T. Coxe will be very much obliged to Mr. Madison if he can inform him what is the estimated amount of the debt of the Citizens of Virginia to the British Merchants; and, if he knows it, of those of any other state. He understands the following to be the debt of So. Carolina. Principal due in 1775 £ 2,000,000. Interest from 1775 to 1791 (deducting the 7 years from 1776 to 1783) is 9 years...
37To James Madison from Charles Yancey, 27 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
You will please to excuse me for Troubling of you on a private Matter—the case is this. I am about to purchase a Tract of Valuable land And to Effect which Must part with a Quantity Of State Securities As also Those of the Domestick debt Or as we Call them final Settlements, And as our Assembly have taken some Steps that may recommend A reconsideration of the funding System of the State’s Debt...
38To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 7 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to the command of the President of the United States, I have the honor to enclose you a letter from Peyton Short Esquire resigning his Commission of Collector of the Port of Louisville in Kentuckey, and to request that you will be so good as to consult with Mr. Brown, and any other Gentlemen from Virginia who are acquainted with characters in that part of the Country, upon a...
39To James Madison from Fontaine Maury, 20 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 4th Instant came duly to hand and I am much obliged for the information it contained. I have Shiped to the address of my Brother Six hhds Tobacco being the amount of your Crop, should you have occasion you can draw as usual. Inclosed is a Copy your account Balance due £21.10.3 which I have this day taken the Liberty to draw on you for, at 20 days sight, in favor Messrs Ludlow...
40To James Madison from the Governor of Virginia, 4 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 25th. of May inclosing a resolution of both Houses of Congress, on the subject of Arrears due to the Virginia Line, has been recieved. So soon as the Resolution shall be officially communicated to me, you may be assured that the Executive, will take every possible step to prevent impositions upon the claimants. I have lately received a letter from Colonel Davis, inclosing a...
41To James Madison from Henry Lee, 4 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Since your illness at Georgetown I have heard nothing of you, only that you had so far recovered as to proceed, until yesterday, when a gentleman from Alexandria told me that you had taken your seat in Congress. This information gave me pleasure, as it seemed to communicate your complete recovery, as well as because it assured me that you was executing your duty at a time which seems big with...
42To James Madison from William O. Callis, 20 December 1790 (Madison Papers)
In the year 1778 at the White Plains I was as a Lieutenant of 4th Va Regt. deranged: some previous or subsequent to that period, the Congress promised the Officers of the American Army so deranged, one Years Pay: this compensation I have never received; the design of this then is to beg the favour of you to make the proper application to the present Congress to obtain it. On reference to the...
43Seed Order for James Madison, Sr., 26 March 1791 (Madison Papers)
1 Pint Early Charlton Peas 1 1 Quart Dw[a]rff Marrow Peas 2 1 Qt Ey french Beans 1 – 6 1 oz Ey Battersea Cabbage 2 – – ½ oz Large Late Cabbage 9 ½ oz Green Savoy
44To James Madison from Benjamin Rush, 4 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your proposition for doing justice to the late Army of the United States becomes both popular & practicable in proportion as it is contemplated. Many people are Converts to it, who at first considered it as impracticable & impolitic. Among these I have reason to believe is A Gentleman from South Carolina who bore a decided part in the Opposition to you on the floor of Congress. He is a...
45To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 2 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 2 April 1790. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 13 Apr. 1790 . The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that the letter consisted of one page and calendars it as follows: “Further objections to Hamilton’s plan. The progress of liberty in Europe.”
46To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 31 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 31 January 1791. Acknowledged in JM to James Madison, Sr., 13 Feb. 1791 . Reports recovery of JM’s mother.
47To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 2 February 1791 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 2d. Ult: also with that covering the report of the Attorney Genl. Accept my thanks for both. The subject of an Excise did sometime ago excite much apprehension here owing to its being contemplated, and industriously represented by some, with all the horrible circumstances said to attend that of England: much conversation has been held upon it through the...
48To James Madison from Josiah Parker, [ca. 15 June] 1790 (Madison Papers)
The only surviving evidence in JM’s papers that explicitly links location of the national capital with the proposal to assume the state debts is a note from fellow Virginian Josiah Parker. Undoubtedly, a solution to these two troublesome questions, which historians have labeled the Compromise of 1790, was much on JM’s mind. A paucity of documentation makes it impossible to reconstruct the...
49To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 10 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
After a fatiguing journey we arrived here on sunday evening, when I found all my family well, except my wife, who, I fear, is incumbered with a dead fœtus of more than seven months old. I am endeavouring to ward off by medical aid the consequences of this event. She is now in good spirits, and therefore I trust, that the mischief will not be fatal. Yesterday I saw Colo. Innes. He informs us,...
50To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 20 December 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 December 1790. Acknowledged in JM to Ambrose Madison, 2 Jan. 1791 . Reports the recent illness of JM’s mother, Nelly Madison. She has since recovered.