1Import Duties, [28 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Goodhue, Gerry, and Thatcher of Massachusetts objected to the six-cent duty on molasses as ruinous to the Massachusetts fishing industry and rum distillers and burdensome to the poor. Mr. Madison . I shall make no observation, Mr. Speaker, upon the language of the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Thatcher) because I do not conceive it expresses either the deliberate temper of his own mind, or...
2Import Duties, [25 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
A fifteen-cent duty on Jamaica rum was approved. The House then took up the twelve-cent duty on other spirits. Smith (Maryland), in order to introduce the principle of discrimination between treaty and nontreaty countries, moved for a six-cent per gallon duty on French brandy ( Gazette of the U.S. , 29 Apr. 1789). Mr. Madison . Discriminations however small may have a good political effect;...
3Import Duties, [24 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Formal consideration of the Committee of the Whole report was now before the House. Several representatives argued that the proposed fifteen-cent duty on Jamaica rum was too high. Mr. Madison . The question is not whether the whole scale of duties agreed to in the committee shall be reduced, but whether the particular duty on the article of spirit; I will not differ with the gentlemen...
4Tonnage Duties, [21 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The tonnage duty on vessels belonging to subjects of countries having a commercial treaty with the United States, or belonging partly to such subjects and partly to United States citizens, was under debate. Goodhue moved for a sixty-cent rate. Mr. Madison . Some gentlemen have seemed to call in question the policy of discriminating between nations in commercial alliance with the United States,...
5John Churchman’s Petition, [20 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
A committee had recommended a cautious approach in supporting Churchman’s proposed scientific expedition to Baffin Bay (see Samuel Stanhope Smith to JM, 26 Mar. 1789 and n. 2). Mr. Madison . I wish that the committee had stated the expences attending a voyage to Baffin’s Bay, for the purpose of discovering the cause of the magnetic variation as proposed by Mr. Churchman, that the House might...
6Import Duties, [20 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
FitzSimons proposed a drawback of six cents per gallon on exports of rum distilled in the United States. Mr. Madison Was sorry the gentlemen from Massachusetts were absent, because they could give authentic information with respect to the quantity. He had in his hands a state of the exports from Massachusetts, which he believed to be pretty accurate, from January 1, to December 31, 1787. From...
7From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 19 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last was committed to Majr. Rogers of your County who embarked some days ago from this place for Virginia. I have been since favored with yours of the 7th. instant; and am much & truly gratified with the proof it contains of your good health. We have not yet either the President or Vice President on the ground. The former is expected in a few days. The latter we are told will certainly come...
8From James Madison to the Reverend James Madison, 19 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 19 April 1789. Acknowledged in the Reverend James Madison to JM, 5 May 1789 . Reports that Congress has begun its work and that there is less disagreement “between the different Parties” than he had expected.
9Import Duties, [18 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
FitzSimons proposed duties on teas that discriminated between those imported from India and China in American ships and those imported in foreign vessels or from countries other than India or China. Mr. Madison Felt a reluctance in being obliged to state his reasons why he doubted the policy of the proposed measure. What, said he, is its object? It is not to add to the revenue, for it will in...
10Import Duties, [17 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The duty on salt was under consideration. Mr. Madison . From the nature of the arguments made use of on this occasion, it is necessary to proceed with some circumspection, though not to depart from that policy which can be justified by reason and experience. I am willing to trust a great deal to the good sense, justice and penetration of our fellow citizens for support; and though I think it...
11Import Duties, [16 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
White suggested the duty on hemp be fixed at seventy-five cents per hundredweight. Mr. Madison Feared 75 cents was too high; he was doubtful whether it would not have been as well to have left out cordage; for if a duty on hemp was impolitic because it burthened navigation, so also was that on cordage. He by no means approved of measures injurious to ship-building, which he considered in a...
12Import Duties, [14 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The Committee of the Whole proceeded to set the amount of duty on each of the enumerated articles, beginning with rum. Sherman proposed fifteen cents per gallon; Laurance preferred twelve cents. Mr. Madison . I would tax this article with as high a duty as can be collected, and I am sure if we judge from what we have heard and seen in the several parts of the union; that it is the sense of the...
13From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 12 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 27. Ulto. My last was sent from Alexandria, and as the receipt of it is not mentioned, I fear that it may have miscarried. I have not sooner written from this place, because I waited for an opportunity of collecting the features & complexion of the new Government, which in its legislative capacity never became practically organized till the 6th. instant; and...
14Notes for Speech in Congress, [ca. 9 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Notes on commercial policy Importance of right outset—more easy to limit—than unfetter—1. prove that generality—2. point out the exceptions— ⟨in liberty of trade⟩ 1 (a) ⟨between⟩ indivil. farmer & manufactu[r]er—do. Manufacr. & do —do. farmer & do— (b) county & village—village & village—county & County— (c) nation & nation—as to produce—to manufactures—to produce & manufactures—suppose each...
15Import and Tonnage Duties, [9 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
FitzSimons moved to add a number of articles to be given a specific duty, including some for the purpose of protecting home manufactures. Mr. Madison . From what has been suggested by the gentlemen that have spoken on the subject before us, I am led to apprehend we shall be under the necessity of travelling further into an investigation of principles than what I supposed would be necessary or...
16From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 8 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
You will not learn without some surprize that the sixth of this month arrived before a quorum was made up in both branches of the New Legislature, and the first of the month, before a Quorum was attained in either. The first & only joint step taken by the Congress was the examination of the ballots for President & vice president. The votes were found, as was expected, to be unanimously given...
17Import and Tonnage Duties, [8 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison . I take the liberty Mr. Chairman, at this early stage of the business to introduce to the committee a subject, which appears to me, to be of the greatest magnitude; a subject, Sir, that requires our first attention, and our united exertions. No gentleman here can be unacquainted with the numerous claims upon our justice; nor with the impotency which prevented the late Congress of...
18From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 8 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 April 1789. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 12 May 1789 . Encloses application of William Mason for military claim.
19To George Washington from James Madison, 6 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The arrival of R.H. Lee yesterday has made up a Quorum of the Senate. a Quorum in the other House was made on Wednesday last. The ballots will be opened today unless an indisposition of Mr Basset should prevent, which was not probable yesterday afternoon. The notifications to the President & Vice President will be left to the Senate. Mr Charles Thomson will be the messenger to the former. The...
20From James Madison to George Washington, 6 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
The arrival of R. H. Lee yesterday has made up a Quorum of the Senate. A Quorum in the other House was made on wednesday last. The ballots will be opened today unless an indisposition of Mr. Basset should prevent, which was not probable yesterday afternoon. The notifications to the President & Vice President will be left to the Senate. Mr. Charles Thomson will be the Messenger to the former....
21From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last was committed in December to Mr. Gouverneur Morris. I was then on my way to Virginia. The elections for the new government commenced shortly after my arrival. The first was of Electors, to Ballot for a President and Vice President. The successful candidates were General Wood, Mr. Zachy Johnson, Genl Edward Stephens, Doctor David Stuart, Mr. W. Fitzhugh of Chatham, Mr. Warner Lewis of...
22To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 29 March 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was committed in December to Mr. Gouverneur Morris. I was then on my way to Virginia. The elections for the new government commenced shortly after my arrival. The first was of Electors, to Ballot for a President and Vice President. The successful candidates were General Wood, Mr. Zachy. Johnson, Genl. Edward Stephens, Doctor David Stuart, Mr. W. Fitzhugh of Chatham, Mr. Warner Lewis of...
23To George Washington from James Madison, 26 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed copy of Morgan’s invitation to his fellow Citizens was obtained from one of his friends, and forwarded to me from Pennsylvania. It is the most authentic & precise evidence of the Spanish project that has come to my knowledge. The instrument referred to as retained in Morgan’s hands in order to be signed by the adventurers, would still further explain the transaction. No Quorum is...
24From James Madison to George Washington, 26 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed copy of Morgan’s invitation to his fellow Citizens was obtained from one of his friends, and forwarded to me from Pennsylvania. It is the most authentic & precise evidence of the Spanish project that has come to my knowledge. The instrument referred to as retained in Morgan’s hands in order to be signed by the Adventurers, would still further explain the transaction. No Quorum is...
25To George Washington from James Madison, 19 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
On our arrival here we found that the number of Representatives on the spot had been stationary from the second day of the Meeting. Mr Page, Mr Lee, & myself raised it to 21. and Mr S[amuel] Griffin and Mr [Andrew] Moore have been since added. The number of attending Senators continues at 8. When a Quorum will be made up in either House, rests on vague conjecture, rather than on any precise...
26From James Madison to George Washington, 19 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
On our arrival here we found that the number of Representatives on the spot had been stationary from the second day of the Meeting. Mr. Page, Mr. Lee, & myself raised it to 21. and Mr. S. Griffin and Mr. Moore have been since added. The number of attending Senators continues at 8. When a Quorum will be made up in either House, rests on vague conjecture, rather than on any precise information....
27To George Washington from James Madison, 8 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
We arrived here yesterday evening where we have met with Mr Dawson just from New York. When he left it, 18 Representatives and 8 Senators had assembled. It is not certain when the deficiencies will [be] made up. The most favorable conjectures postpone it to Monday Sennight. The members attending are chiefly from the Eastward. I do not learn that a single member except Mr White is from a State...
28From James Madison to George Washington, 8 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here yesterday evening where we have met with Mr. Dawson just from New York. When he left it, 18 Representatives and 8 Senators had assembled. It is not certain when the deficiences will [be] made up. The most favorable conjectures postpone it to Monday Sev’-night. The members attending are cheifly from the Eastward. I do not learn that a single member except Mr. White is from a...
29To George Washington from James Madison, 5 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
On our journey hither we have fallen in with the Bearer of the Electoral votes of Georgia. They are unanimous as to the President and are all thrown away on individuals of the State as to the Vice President. The Representatives were not chosen when the Gentleman set out, but the election was to take place in a day or two after. General Matthews, he tells us will be one, Mr Baldwin another, &...
30From James Madison to George Washington, 5 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
On our journey hither we have fallen in with the Bearer of the Electoral Votes of Georgia. They are unanimous as to the President and are all thrown away on individuals of the State as to the Vice President. The Representatives were not chosen when the Gentleman set out, but the election was to take place in a day or two after. General Matthews, he tells us will be one, Mr. Baldwin another, &...
31From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 1 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
This is the first convenient opportunity I have had for dropping you a line since I last came into the State. Your sanction to my remaining in N. York during the crisis of the elections, conveyed through Col: Carrington, never came to hand till I had arrived in Orange. It coincided so fully with my inclination, and indeed with my judgment, that had it been received in due time, I do not know,...
32From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 24 February 1789 (Madison Papers)
The obstructions to my journey from the Snow, the River at Fredericksburg, and the unparallelled badness of the roads, prevented my arrival here sooner than the Evening before last. Harry will be able to give the particulars of the Journey. I detained him yesterday in order to give both him & the horses a little rest after their fatigue; and shall leave it in some measure to himself, to return...
33From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 16 February 1789 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 27th. Ult: has found me so nearly prepared to set out for N. York that I should not have thought it worth while to acknowledge it from hence, were it not for the more speedy rate at which the mail will travel. I am glad to find your calculations for the House of Representatives so favorable. Others which I had seen held out a different prospect in the States North of...
34From James Madison to George Thompson, 29 January 1789 (Madison Papers)
A convenient opportunity offering I take the liberty of adding to the former explanation of my sentiments relating to the federal constitution the grounds on wh. I dislike a change of that part of it which authorizes direct taxes. I am led to give you this further trouble, by intimations that the necessity of such a trust in the Union is by many not truly understood; & is a subject on which...
35From James Madison to a Resident of Spotsylvania County, [27 January] 1789 (Madison Papers)
“ The offer of my services to the district, rests on the following grounds: That although I always conceived the constitution might be improved, yet I never could see in it, as it stands, the dangers which have alarmed many respectable citizens; that I held it my duty therefore, whilst the constitution remained unratified, and it was necessary to unite the various opinions, interests and...
36From James Madison to George Nicholas, 23 January 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 23 January 1789 . Acknowledged in Nicholas to JM, 24 Jan. 1789 . Reports prospects for his election. Encloses a copy of his remarks on Jefferson’s draft constitution ( Observations on Jefferson’s Draft of a Constitution for Virginia, ca. 15 Oct. 1788 and n.). Requests Nicholas to deliver his letter of 21 Jan. 1789 to John Brown .
37From James Madison to John Brown, 21 January 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last was from N York and contained the remarks you desired on Mr. Jefferson’s Draught of a Constitution. Having never heard whether the letter reached you or not, I shall request Col: Nicholas by whom I send this and who is furnished with the same remarks to let you have a copy of them, in case yours should have miscarried. I have pretty late letters from Mr Griffin who remains at N. York,...
38To George Washington from James Madison, 14 January 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 2d instant with the letters attending it never came to hand till last evening. I have good reason to believe that the delay happened between Alexanda & Fredg, rather than at or from the latter place. Mr F. Maury pays particular attention to all letters which arrive there for me, and forwards them to Orange by opportunites which are frequent & safe. I apprehend there will be...
39From James Madison to George Washington, 14 January 1789 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. instant with the letters attending it never came to hand till last evening. I have good reason to believe that the delay happened between Alexanda. & Fredg. rather than at or from the latter place. Mr. F. Maury pays particular attention to all letters which arrive there for me, and forwards them to Orange by opportunities which are frequent & safe. I apprehend there will...
40Remarks on the Situation at Great Falls, [post 14] January 1789 (Madison Papers)
The importance of the spott at the great Falls of Potowmack, and the value of the property including it appear from the following considerations— First: The singular fitness of the situation for every species of water works. Merchants Mills, Forges, Slitting & Plating Mills, Saw Mills &c. &c. may be erected here with greater advantages from nature than at any place perhaps within the whole...
41From James Madison to Thomas Mann Randolph, 13 January 1789 (Madison Papers)
Being informed, that report has ascribed to me many opinions relating to the public trust, for which I am a Candidate in this District, and being unable to rectify the mistakes by personal explanations, I have thought it proper to give written communications of my real opinions, to several of my acquaintances in your, and the other Counties. It has been with reluctance in every instance, that...
42From James Madison to George Eve, 2 January 1789 (Madison Papers)
Being informed that reports prevail not only that I am opposed to any amendmends whatever to the new federal Constitution; but that I have ceased to be a friend to the rights of Conscience; and inferring from a conversation with my brother William, that you are disposed to contradict such reports as far as your knowledge of my sentiments may justify, I am led to trouble you with this...
43Account with the Commonwealth of Virginia, [ca. December] 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Commonwealth of Virginia to James Madison Jr. Dr. Dollars 1788. To balance on account made out & transmitted—to March 23 –88. 5 ⅓ To travelling to & service in Congress from July 1st. to Novr. 3, being 125 days 750. To returning from Congress—11 days 66 821 ⅓ Drs 802 19 ⅓d. Credit By one Quarters advance July 1. –88. 552 By draught dated Ocr. 4. & presented by Col. Carrington 250 Dollrs
44Account with the Commonwealth of Virginia, [ca. December] 1788 (Madison Papers)
1787. The Commonwealth of Virginia to James Madison Jr. Dr. £. S. D To attendance in Convention & Congress from July 20. to Octr. 20. being 92 days at 6 dollars per day 165.12.— Copy sent Aug: 2d. to Auditor 1787. The Commonwealth of Virginia to James Madison Jr. Dr. To attendance as a member of Congress from Octr. 20. to Jany. 20. being 92 days at 6 dollars per day } £165.12 — Credt. By...
45Account with the Commonwealth of Virginia, [ca. December] 1788 (Madison Papers)
Dr. Jas. Madison Esqr. Member of Congress Cr. ’87 ’87 Jany. 11th. To Advance £164.— By attendance on Congress from 21 Jany. to 20 Ap } 162. Ap. 24th. do 174.12. Augt. 9. do 165.12. By do. from 20 Apl. to 20 July
46From James Madison to George Nicholas, 29 December 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 29 December 1788 . Acknowledged in Nicholas to JM, 2 Jan. 1789 . Announces JM’s return home to campaign and make his sentiments known to the inhabitants of the district.
47From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 18 December 1788 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here this morning on my way home. I did not write you my intentions sooner because they are rather of recent date, and I wished to be able at the same time to let you know the day on which I should get to Fredg. This I have not till now been able to fix. I now find that I shall get there on Friday week, and shall accordingly then stand in need of your assistance for the completion of...
48From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 December 1788 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter has been just sent me by Miss Rittenhouse and I avail myself of the delay of Mr. Morris to give it a conveyance. Since mine already in the hands of Mr. Morris further returns have been recd. from the Western Counties of this State, which tho’ not the entire residue, reduces the final result to certainty. There will be seven representatives of the federal party, and one a...
49To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter has been just sent me by Miss Rittenhouse and I avail myself of the delay of Mr. Morris to give it a conveyance. Since mine already in the hands of Mr. Morris further returns have been received from the Western Counties of this State, which tho’ not the entire residue, reduces the final result to certainty. There will be seven representatives of the federal party, and one a...
50From James Madison to Philip Mazzei, 10 December 1788 (Madison Papers)
Since my last Mr. Dorhman has given me further hopes that his measures in hand would place soon a relief for you in the hands of Mr. Jefferson or some friend in Paris, and that he should ere long be in condition to acquit himself of his debt to you which he always acknowledges to involve gratitude along with justice. He has at my request concurred in an instrument which pledges his western...