51Report on Treaty and Convention with the Netherlands, [23 January] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, I, 29–32). In JM’s hand, except as mentioned in n. 16. Docketed by JM, “Report of the Committe[e] on the letter of the 8th. of Ocr. 17[82] from Mr. Adams with the copi[es] of Treaty & Convention accompan[y]ing the same.” Below this docket, Charles Thomson added: “Mr. Madison Mr. Hamilton Mr. Elsworth Passed Jany 23d, 1783.” The Committee consisting of Mr. Madison Mr....
52Report on Form of Public Audience for La Luzerne, [7–9 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 25, II, 99–103, 105, 105½). In small part, the report is in JM’s hand. Docketed: “Report of Comtee relative to the Ceremonial on admitting the Minister of France to a Public Audience—Pass’d. May 7th 1782.” On 2 May 1782 the secretary for foreign affairs wrote to inform Congress that La Luzerne wished “a public audience” in order to deliver a letter from King Louis XVI...
53From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Many years later after recovering the letter, JM wrote “Madison, Jas.” above the date line. The words italicized in the present copy were written in the JM-Jefferson Code No. 2. Congress have recd. two letters from Mr. Laurens dated London [,] one the fiveteenth of March the other fiveth of April . In the former he persists in the jealousy expressed in his letter of
54Notes on Debates, 12 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes on Debates, 4 November 1782 , ed. n. JM preceded the entry for Tuesday, 12 November, with the notation, “Saturday & Monday no Congress.” The reappointment of Mr. Jefferson as Minister Plenipo: for negociating peace was agreed to unanimously and without a single adverse remark. The act took place in consequence of its being suggested that the death of Mrs....
55From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 19 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, D.C., 1840). , I, 76–77). The manuscript is now lost. Besides the text below, JM probably added the news about the army mentioned in his letter of the same date to Edmund Pendleton ( q.v. ). Yours of the eighth instant came to hand yesterday. I was sorry to find the Assembly had...
56Notes on Debates, 12 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . The Instruction in the Secret Journal touching the principles &c of the Neutral Confederacy, passed unanimously. The Resolution as reported by the...
57From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 14 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “James Madison Novr. 14. 1782.” Below this date JM added, probably many years later, “to E. Randolph.” By a line dropped for the post, tho’ perhaps too late to get into the mail, and by another by Dr. Tucker who soon followed, I informed you of the reappointment of Mr. Jefferson, that the act passed unanimously & without even an...
58From James Madison to William Bradford, 19 June 1775 (Madison Papers)
I received another acceptable pledge of your friendship two days ago in a letter dated June 2d. and, as usual, must begin this by discharging a debt of Gratitude to which the further accounts I have of your friendly services and intentions intitle you. I hope I have an inexhaustible fund of that however destitute I may be of other virtues. But I assure you I am often grieved at reflecting that...
59From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., [ca. 12] February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Years later, JM docketed the letter, “Madison Js Feby 1782.” Following the signature at the close of the letter, JM’s father added, “This letter was wrote about the 12th. of Feby. 1782.” A conveyance by a waggon returning to your neighbourhood this moment presenting itself I make use of it to forward you a collection of papers which have accumulated since the last...
60Amendment to Report on Restoring Public Credit, [17 April] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 26, fol. 419). In JM’s hand. Docketed by him, “Report of Committee to which was recommitted the 10. clause in the Report relative to the establishmt. of funds &c April 11. 1783 Read Entd. April 17. 1783. On the question to admit the clause to which this is proposed as an addition, into the report on finance States called Virg, ay all the rest no.” Prior to 17 April 1783...
61Notes on Debates, 6 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . A motion was made by Mr. Lee, to recommend to the several States to pass laws indemnifying Officers of the Army for damages sustained by individuals...
62From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 6 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by “J. Madison Jr.” and addressed by him to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison, 6th. May 1783.” Many years later JM or someone at his bidding placed a bracket at the close of the fourth paragraph, probably to designate that the letter to that point should be published in the first comprehensive...
63Comments on the Cost of the War, [31 July] 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed copy ( Thomson, “Debates,” Charles Thomson, “Debates in the Congress of the Confederation from July 22d to September 20th, 1782,” Collections of the New-York Historical Society , XI (1878), 63–169. p. 75). See Comments on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 24 July 1782 , headnote. On 31 July 1782 Congress resumed the debate begun the day before on the problem of how, in view of an...
64Motion on Exchange of Prisoners of War, [22 August] 1781 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXI, 893). On motion of Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [Edmund] Randolph, Resolved , That in case General Burgoyne shall have been exchanged for the honble Henry Laurens, credit shall be given for the officers which may be received for him in the...
65From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 3 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble. Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” I am favored with yours of the 27th. ultimo. This letter will be the most agreeable of any I have long had the pleasure of writing. I begin with informing you that the Commander in chief and the Ct. Rochambeau, the former with a part of the American Army, and the latter with the whole of the...
66Notes on Debates, 6 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . The come. on Revenue made a report which was ordered to be printed for each member, and to be taken up on monday next. JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et...
67From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 June 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Nothing material has taken place since my last. The fact is confirmed that Clinton has returned to N.Y. with part of the Southern army, and has joined Kniphausen. They are at present maneuvering for purposes not absolutely known, but most probably in order to draw Gnl Washington to an action in which they suppose he may be disabled to give the necessary co-operation...
68From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 12 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Madison, Js. Feby. 12. 1783.” Col: Jameson affords me an opportunity of writing which I cannot omit, although I have little more to say to you than that I hope you & the family may be as well as I am myself. I readily suppose from the reports prevalent here that some information on the subject of peace will be expected, & I wish it were in my power...
69From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, [7] May 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 125–26). The enclosed gazette details all the information which we have received relative to the parliamentary advances towards a negotiation with the United States. The first reports which issued from the packet which brought them, were of a very different...
70Motion for Complete Non-Intercourse with Great Britain, [16 March] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 123, 129–30). Written by JM. Docketed by Charles Thomson, “Motion of Mr Madison Mr Duane March 16. 1781. Monday assigned for the consideration thereof.” Whereas in order to afford to the Virtuous individuals of G. B. an asylum from the tyranny against which these States had taken arms, and to favor the importation of such warlike stores as were necessary for the...
71Motion on Navigation of Mississippi, [1 February] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Continental Congress Miscellany). Entirely in JM’s hand. Docketed by Charles Thomson, “Motion, Respecting the Mississipi by the delegates of Virginia Feby. 1. 1781.” The Delegates from Virginia have received an instruction from the General Assembly of that State which authorises them to inform Congress, that the zeal of their Constituents to promote the general object of the Union...
72Notes on Debates, 4 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes on Debates, 4 November 1782 , ed. n. After the passing of the Resolution concerning Cap: P. Jones a motion was made by Mr. Madison to reconsider the same, that it might be referred to the Agent of Marine to take order, as a better mode of answering the same purpose; since it did not become the sovereign body to give public Sanction to a recommendation of...
73From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 9 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but the contents permit no doubt that JM was writing to Randolph. I had promised myself the pleasure of a line from you by this post but find by a letter from Mr. Jameson that you had not arrived at Richmond at the time of writing for it. I have inclosed to Mr. J. the paper of this morning which contains all the news current without doors....
74From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 14 November 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I am glad to find by your favor of the 5th. inst: recd. yesterday that your health & that of your family have admitted of your going to Richmond. The tardiness of other members is very unfortunate and inexcusable at the present critical moment. I wish when they do meet the vigor & wisdom of their measures may make amends for it. I do not learn that any of the States...
75Notes on Debates, 26 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . The Resolutions on the Journals instructing the Ministers in Europe to remonstrate agst. the carrying off the Negroes; Also those for furloughing the...
76From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed “May 27. 1783” by the recipient. Probably some years after writing the letter, JM wrote “Madison Js” above the date line. I duly recd. yours of the 16th. inst: yesterday by the post, and hope as you are fixing a communication with Fredg. that I shall hear often from you during my stay here thro’ the same channel, as I shall be attentive on my side to fulfil...
77Motion on Management of Funds, [27 November] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 79, II, 41). Written by JM. That the resolution of the day of committ[ing?] to the management & disposition of the superintendt. all loans or other monies obtained in Europe or else where for the use of the U. States. That the Superintendt. of Finance be authorised & directed to take under his care & management all loans or other monies obtained in Europe or elsewhere for...
78Amendment to Report on Restoring Public Credit, [28 March] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 26, fols. 433–34). For the background of this amendment, see Report on Restoring Public Credit, 6 Mar. , and n. 20; JM Notes, 27 Mar. 1783 , and n. 27. JM’s notes for 28 March ( q.v. ) permit no doubt that the wording of the amendment on the first page of his manuscript (fol. 433, cited above) includes at least one revision resulting from the discussion in Congress...
79Amendment to Report on Thomas Edison, [3 December] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, II, 201–3). Written by JM. The docket of the report reads: “Letter from Thos. Edison Nov. 30 referred to Mr. Lovell Mr. Carroll Mr. Bee Report—Entd. 3 Dec. recommitted passed Decr. 5th. 1781.” Tha[t] T. Eddison has by an essential service to the U. S. and a singular proof of his fidelity to their interests recommended himself to the attention & reward of Congress. The...
80From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 26 September 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Yesterday’s post disappointed me of the expected pleasure of a line from you. I hope the next will not fail to make amends for it. I have nothing to add to the inclosed paper except that Ternay is yet unreinforced, Graves at Sea no one knows where or for what purpose, and Rodney with 10 Ships of the line still at the Hook, though according to some private accounts he...
81From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 September 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Addressed to “E. Randolph Esqr.” Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “James Madison. Septr. 10. 1782.” Except where otherwise noted, the italicized words were written by JM in the official cipher. The loss of the French 74 in Boston Harbour presented an occasion which was embraced by Congress, of making a small requital to their Ally for...
82From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 30 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by JM and addressed to “The honble Edmund Randolph Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J Madison June. 30. 1783.” My last informed you of the mutinous insult which was offered to Congs. on the Saturday preceding. On the Evening after the insult Congs. met and resolved that the Executive Council sd. be informed that in their...
83From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 4 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). In the second volume of this collection, beginning with folio 73, are four pages of a letter written by JM and dated “June 4th. 1782.” Although the cover is missing, the contents permit no doubt that Randolph was the addressee. Folio 42 of the third volume of JM’s manuscripts in the Library of Congress seems to be an additional page containing a postscript to the...
84Notes on Debates, 22 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . Congress adjourned to give the Come. on the Treaty & convention time to prepare a report thereon. JM Notes, 21 Jan. , and nn. 2, 3; Report on Treaty, 23...
85Notes on Debates, 23 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . The Report of the come. last mentioned consisting of a state of the variations in the Treaty of Amity & commerce with the States General from the plan...
86From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 12 November 1782 (second) (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover addressed to “The honble Edmd. Randolph favd. by Dr. Tucker who will deliver it himself if he can—if not by the hand of Col: Monroe.” This cover was docketed by Randolph, “Novr. 12. 1782 J Madison.” On the fragment of a second cover there appears, certainly not in Tucker’s and seemingly not in Monroe’s hand, “[Ho]nble Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Resolved...
87Expense Account as Delegate in Congress, [20 December] 1780 (Madison Papers)
MS (Virginia State Library). In this instance, unlike on 25 September ( q.v. ) when JM forwarded an expense account to the Virginia Auditors of Public Accounts, he either wrote no covering letter to them or it has been lost. The statement given below covers the quarter from 20 September to 20 December 1780 and is taken from a double-size master sheet on which Madison recorded his debits and...
88Changes Suggested in Ordinance on Captures at Sea, [ca. 28 August–4 December] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MSS ( NA : PCC , No. 59, III, 280–82, 295) and excerpts from texts of ordinance printed in JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXI, 961–68, 1153–58. The proper sequence of the PCC folios is 280½, 295, 280, an unnumbered quarter-sheet adjacent to 280½, and 281 and 282. JM’s connection with this ordinance...
89From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 October 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison jr. Oct: 15. 1782.” Probably many years later, after this letter was returned to him, JM wrote below Randolph’s docket, “contains Lovell’s cypher.” Words or parts of words which JM encoded in that or the official cipher have been italicized in the present copy. The third paragraph of the...
90From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 2 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Docketed, “James Madison. 2d July 1782.” The cover is missing. The italicized words are those that JM wrote in the official cipher. The confidential & circumstancial communications in your favor of the 20th. of June have afforded me much pleasure. Those which relate to the scheme of garbleing the delegatetion were far from surprizing me. In...
91Motion on Instructions on Treaty of Commerce, [29 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, IV, 359). Moved by JM and seconded by Meriwether Smith. Docketed, “Motion by Mr. Madison postpond, Additional instructions to the Minister plenipotentiary for negotiating a Treaty of Commerce with G Britain.” The motion given below represents a further effort by JM and his Virginia colleagues to have Congress revert to its original instructions, stipulating that the...
92From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Madison Jas. Feby. 13. 1783.” The Chevr. de la Luzerne having just given me notice that he shall send an Express to the Romulus in ½ an hour I sieze the opportunity of inclosing a copy of the British Kings Speech which presages a speedy establishment of peace. What effect this circumstance may have on your mission is at present uncertain. For myself...
93Motion on Mission to Portugal, [8 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXII, 250). Thereupon, on motion of Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [Edward] Telfair, Resolved , That it be an instruction to Mr. Jay not to send Mr. Carmichael to the Court of Portugal in pursuance of the resolution of the 11th day of July, 1781,...
94From James Madison to Philip Mazzei, 7 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
Draft ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Mazzei, Philip July 7. 1780.” The year should have been 1781. Years later William C. Rives wrote below this note, “Description of military operations, & cruelties of the enemy.” I have received 2 copies of your favor of the 7th. of Decr. last and 3 of that of the 30th. of Novr. preceding Having neglected to bring with me from Virginia the cypher...
95Committee Report on Tax Status of Friendly Aliens, [5 February] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 20, I, 9–10). Report entirely in JM’s hand. Docketed “Report of the Committee on Presidt. Ware’s letter of the 20th. of Novr. 1780 part passed Feby 5. 1781.” The Committee to whom was referred the letter of the 20th. day of Novr. 1780 from Presidt. Ware with the papers enclosed having considered the subject to which they relate, and consulted the best sources of information...
96Expense Account as Delegate in Congress, 27 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
MSS (Virginia State Library). JM addressed the covering letter to “The Auditors of Public Accounts for the State of Virginia at Richmond.” The statement of debits and credits is in JM’s hand. Also in the Virginia State Library is the auditors’ ledger page for JM. The only entry on it which supplements the information furnished by JM’s own statement is mentioned in a footnote. The inclosed is a...
97Notes on Debates, 5 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes on Debates, 4 November 1782 , ed. n. Mr. Lowel & Mr. Reed were elected Judges of the Court of Appeals. Mr. P. Smith of N. Jersey had the vote of that State; and Mr. Merchant of Rhode Island the vote of that State. The Resolutions respecting Vermont moved by Mr. McKean on the day of were taken into Consideration. They were seconded by Mr. Hamilton, as...
98Notes on Debates, 27 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . No Congress Although in the manuscript JM wrote “No Congress” at the right of a bracket with which he united “Tuesday 27 May” and “Wednesday 28 May,”...
99Notes on Debates, 28 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . No Congress JM Notes, 27 May 1783 .
100Motion for Reports by Superintendent of Finance, [29 March] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, II, 49). In JM’s hand. Docketed, “Motion of Mr Madison Seconded by Mr Wilson, March 29th 1783.” That it be the duty of the Superintendt of Finance with as little delay as may be & thereafter on the day of in every year to lay before the U. S. in Congss. assmbd. a state of all monies receiv’d into his Departmt. with the times when & the persons from whom they shall have...