101To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 23 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved your favor of the 21st. yesterday, inclosing post notes for 235 dollars. I shall obtain the bills of Mrs. Elsworth and the Smith this afternoon and will let you know the amount of them. There is a bill also from the Taylor amounting to £6.7. which I shall pay. The articles for which it is due are in my hands and will be forwarded by the first opportunity. If a good one should fall...
102To James Madison from James Madison, 14 April 1794 (Madison Papers)
I have had it in contemplation to write You, some time past, but thought it most prudent to defer it as long as possible, knowing that yr attention was taken up wth business of much more importance, than answering my letters. I am now advancd in years, and think I am nearly master of the business now pursueing, think it needless to continue longer with Mr Dunbar. I have a desire to commence...
103From James Madison to Richard Peters, 19 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been much delighted with the extract from your collection of fables, and should have told you so sooner, were I less incumbered with a number of involuntary correspondencies, which stand in the way of those which my inclination would cherish. May I hope that “The wise Cooks & foolish Guests” is but a sample of the treat you meditate for your friends, out of the “Aunciente & connynge...
104Notes on the Bank of England, [ca. 1 February] 1791 (Madison Papers)
Bank of Engd. estabd. 1694. for abt. 11 years—to 1705. on the models of Genoa, Naples & Bologna. And. 3. 141 The 1,200,000 £ subscribed in 10 days—& ¼ pd. down p. 144 In 1697. Bank Notes depreciated 15 to 20 PerCt. The Bank obliged to pay 10 PerCt once a fortnight—& at length 3 PerCt. ev[er]y 3 months. p. 176,7. In 1697. the capital of the Bank increased to 6,360,450—& the term extended to...
105Notes on the Influence of Extent of Territory on Government, [ca. December] 1791 (Madison Papers)
In estimating the tendency of Governme⟨n⟩ts to the increase or the relaxation of their powers particular causes distinct from their respective structures, but of powerful influence on their operation, seem to have been overlooked or little heeded by the great oracles of political wisdom. In the discussions produced by the establishment of and revisions of the new forms of Govt. in the U. S....
106To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 31 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yours of the 28th. last evening. Your preceding one covering among other things your memorandums through France was acknowledged by a few lines put into the hands of a young gentleman bound to Philada. in the Stage of yesterday. The purpose of them was to apprize you that you had omitted Coxe’s answer to Sheffeild and to request the favor of you to send it by Monday’s mail. Should...
107From James Madison to Joseph Jones, ca. 16 December 1795 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 16 December 1795. Mentioned in Jones to JM, 21 Dec. 1795 . Discusses the prospects of proceedings in the House of Representatives on the Jay treaty. Encloses Thomas Knox’s 12 Dec. letter to JM requesting papers concerning the estate of Lawrence Kortright.
108From James Madison to John Beckley, 1 October 1796 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 1 October 1796. Acknowledged in Beckley to JM, 15 Oct. 1796 . Encloses a letter for Beckley to forward to James Monroe. Apparently discusses Monroe’s recall as U.S. minister to France and the impending presidential election. Asks Beckley to find a house in Philadelphia for JM to rent during the next session of Congress.
109From 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...
110From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 31 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your’s of the 9th. inclosing a letter for Mr. Chew which I shall forward as you desire. As far as I have had an opportunity of enquiring I do not find that Coffee can be got here on terms that will make it worth while to prefer it to what can be got in Virginia. The price of brown Sugar I have not yet learnt but will attend to your request on that subject. The funding bill has at...
111Excise, [16 January] 1795 (Madison Papers)
In Committee of the Whole, Smith (Maryland) opposed excises hut asked rhetorically, “Why not lay excises on the following, who have excluded the importing of similar articles, and who equally may be said to have obtained a monopoly of the supply of their respective goods? viz: Rope-makers, saddlers, boot-makers, shoe-makers, tanners, curriers, ship-builders, carvers, cabinet-makers,...
112From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
Since my last which was written on sunday last and included an introduction of young Mr. Colden who is to be the bearer of it from Scotland where he now resides, I have had the pleasure of yours of March 15. My former letters will have made known to you the obstacles to a licence for your visit to America. The new authority has not yet taken up your application. As soon as the auxiliary...
113To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 March 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
The paper of yesterday inclosed, will give you a clue to the designs of the faction which has used Sedgwick for its organ. His immediate prompter will be seen both in his speech and in his propositions. Whether more be seriously aimed at than to embarrass the others which have been long depending, is by some doubted. Perhaps this may be one of the objects; but you understand the game behind...
114From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 30 October 1791 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here yesterday morning was a week, having been obliged to push through the bad weather by the discovery first made at Mount Vernon that the meeting of Congress was a week earlier than was calculated at our setting out. The President had been under the same mistake, and had but just been apprized of it. Many others had equally miscalculated. Being obliged to attend immediately on my...
115From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 31 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with yours of the 19th. instant and thank you for the answer to Mr. St. John’s enquiries. The apprehensions of Mrs. Randolph give me unfeigned concern, but I indulge strong hopes that they proceed from an imaginary cause. There are so many symptoms which mimic the cancerous that it would be wrong to suffer appearances to prevail against the favorable chances. At the same...
116From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 April 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 18 April 1791. Noted by JM in his list of letters to Jefferson as relating to the “conversation with Beckwith” (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers).
117Notes on State Claims, [ca. 20 June] 1790 (Madison Papers)
N. Hampshre. rate of depreciation settled by law after Mar. 18. 80. from 40 to 120 for 1. Actual rate do. in new emissions as 4 to 1. Besides the State bounties, bounties by towns classes & individuals are charged the amount of £115683..12–8 = Dollars. 385,612 Massts. depreciation settled by law after Mar. 18. 80. from 40 to 160 for 1. do new emissions, as valued by State Commissrs. extends as...
118Notes on Hudson Valley Lodgings, [post 24 April] 1791 (Madison Papers)
Best Taverns over the Bridge Kings bridge—New House Crowtons—A Widow Purdie Peekskill—Excellent Fish kill—2d. Tavern near a new Church good beds—bad dinner— Near this a curious spring noted by Colles in his chart enquire of it for Ct. Andriani Poughkepsie—Capt: Weeks— Reinbeck X—very bad— Red Hook—very good Claverack—best accommodations 1 mile beyond at a
119From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have written you several particular letters latterly, & now add this for a conveyance of which I am just apprised. The British Treaty, is still in the situation explained in my last. Several circumstances have indicated an intention in the Executive to lay it before the House of Reps. but it has not yet taken place. There is reason to believe that some egregious misconception of ideas has...
120Tonnage Duties, [7 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
JM moved to lower the tonnage duty on ships of countries which had no alliance with the United States from fifty to forty cents until the end of 1790, when it would be raised to seventy-five cents. Mr. Madison . As there is a great diversity of sentiment respecting the policy of the duty, I am very happy to find it is not prescribed by the geographical situation of our country; this evinces...
121“Helvidius” Number 3, [7 September] 1793 (Madison Papers)
In order to give color to a right in the Executive to exercise the Legislative power of judging whether there be a cause of war in a public stipulation—two other arguments are subjoined by the writer to that last examined. The first is simply this, “It is the right and duty of the Executive to judge of and interpret those articles of our treaties which give to France particular privileges, in...
122From James Madison to John Sitman and Others, 28 May 1794 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 28 May 1794. Acknowledged in Sitman and others to JM, 22 Jan. 1795 . Concerns an address that Sitman has sent to JM (possibly a “petition of sundry inhabitants of the towns of Salem, Beverly, and Danvers, in the State of Massachusetts,” which was read in the House of Representatives on 7 Apr. 1794 [ Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United...
123Import Duties, [9 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The impost bill, first read on 5 May, was under consideration by the Committee of the Whole. Tucker, seeking a general reduction of duties, moved to lower the tax on Jamaica rum to six cents a gallon. Mr. Madison . The right understanding of this subject is of great importance; the discussion has been drawn out to a very considerable length on former occasions. The chain of ideas on which the...
124“Helvidius” Number 4, [14 September] 1793 (Madison Papers)
The last papers compleated the view proposed to be taken of the arguments in support of the new and aspiring doctrine, which ascribes to the executive the prerogative of judging and deciding whether there be causes of war or not, in the obligations of treaties; notwithstanding the express provision in the constitution, by which the legislature is made the organ of the national will, on...
125From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 19 December 1796 (Madison Papers)
We have been concerned as well as disappointed in not having a single line from Orange since we left it. Fanny has written by every post; & has reminded you & complained of it. I have never even heard whether Mordicai got back safe or not. I refer to the letter to my brother William, for the state of things here, the price of wheat &c. You expressed a wish that some articles for Negro’s...
126From James Madison to Hubbard Taylor, 29 September 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 29 September 1792. Acknowledged in Taylor to JM, 3 Jan. 1793 . Concerns hopes for Taylor’s election to Congress, “the fermentations” in Kentucky, and the political attack on Jefferson.
127To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 2 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I write this by your servant on his way to George Town with a Horse. He applies to me for his best route. I advise the circuitous one by Fredg., in preference to the shorter one, in which he would probably lose more by mistakes than would be equal to the difference between the two in point of distance. I left Monroe’s yesterday. My stay was spun out by waiting for Mr. D. R. , who did not...
128Public Debt, [10 March] 1790 (Madison Papers)
Secretary Hamilton’s report on the means of providing funds for the assumption of state debts was sent to the House on 4 March ( Syrett and Cooke, Papers of Hamilton Harold C. Syrett and Jacob E. Cooke, eds., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (26 vols.; New York, 1961–79). , VI, 286–89). Debate resumed on 8 March; the next day the assumption resolution, as amended by JM’s motion of 24 February,...
129Militia, [23 December] 1790 (Madison Papers)
Laurance objected that JM’s amendment did not properly belong in the first section of the bill. JM accordingly withdrew it, “as he was not disposed to sacrifice substance to form.” Sherman’s motion was then defeated, 34 to 17, and the original words of the first section remained. On Williamson’s motion, all of the second section relating to state officers and conscientious objectors was struck...
130Indian Lands, [28 February] 1795 (Madison Papers)
On 17 February Washington forwarded to Congress the laws passed by the Georgia General Assembly authorizing the Yazoo land sales (on those sales, see JM to Monroe, 27 Mar. 1795 , and n. 4). The House appointed JM to a select committee chaired by Sedgwick, who on 26 February reported resolutions authorizing “the military force of the United States to apprehend … all persons who, unauthorized by...
131Sale of Prizes, [11 May] 1796 (Madison Papers)
On 7 May, Smith (Maryland) moved that no nation be allowed to sell prizes in United States ports, there being no provision to prevent Great Britain from selling Spanish prizes in the event of an Anglo-Spanish war. Debate began on a bill in a Committee of the Whole on 11 May ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). ,...
132From James Madison to Samuel Johnston, 22 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 22 June 1789. Acknowledged in Johnston to JM, 8 July 1789 . Encloses President Washington’s reply to the address from North Carolina. Recommends the publication of both the address and the reply.
133From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 December 1794 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 December 1794, Philadelphia. Introduces Robert S. Van Rensselaer. RC offered for sale by Leonard & Co., Auctioneers, Catalogue of a Valuable Private Library, Including … Rare Autograph Letters (Boston, 9 May 1866), p. 15, item 7.
134To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 13 December 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday your favor covering a letter to Monsr. Liancourt which I have put into the hands of Noailles who will attend to the delivery of it. I inclose a copy of the P’s speech . The Senate have answered it, as was to be expected. You will see the first fruits of their open doors in the debates it produced. The answer of the House of Reps. will be reported tomorrow. It has been...
135From James Madison to [Nicholas Lewis?], 25 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
In a letter of March 15. from Mr. Jefferson I am requested to communicate to you the result of his application for leave to make a visit to America. The application was made long ago, but never decided on under the old Congress, nor taken up under the present Government till a few days ago. His wish is now complied with and notice that he has leave of absence will be forwith transmitted...
136From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
I am just in possession of your favor of the 24 inst: & thank you for the pamphlet which I shall look over without delay. Mr. Dorhman has this moment handed me a letter to Mazzei which will give him the change of prospect as to the balance of the debt. I really believe D’s misfortune to have been great & real. Mazzei must rest contented with his ultimate security in the land which I consider...
137From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 15 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
The last letter recd. from you was that of Feby. 1. Since my answer to that the state of the roads & rivers has been such as to render the conveyance of letters very tedious if not uncertain, and hence to produce the interval between that date & the present. I now inclose 5 Nos. of the National Gazette which continue the intelligence throughout the period of my silence. You will find noticed...
138Public Debt, [11 February] 1793 (Madison Papers)
The House passed a resolution on 21 November 1792 requesting the secretary of the treasury to report a plan for the reduction of the public debt. On 3 December Hamilton submitted his report, which the Committee of the Whole considered on 11 February 1793 ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States, 1789–1824 (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). , 2d Cong., 2d...
139For the National Gazette, 20 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
An humble address has been lately presented to the Prince of Wales by the buckle manufacturers of Birmingham, Wassal, Wolverhampton, and their environs, stating that the buckle trade gives employment to more than twenty thousand persons, numbers of whom, in consequence of the prevailing fashion of shoestrings & slippers , are at present without employ, almost destitute of bread, and exposed to...
140Inquiry into General St. Clair’s Defeat, [26 February] 1793 (Madison Papers)
The House defeated Hartley’s motion “that the House should go into a committee of the whole on the report of the committee appointed to enquire into the causes of the failure of the expedition under Gen. St. Clair” and approved Livermore’s motion “that the committee of the whole should be discharged from the consideration of said report.” Mr. Madison then moved the following in substance, viz....
141To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 February 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
After several little turns in the mode of conveying you notice of your election, recurrence was had to the precedent of leaving the matter to the Senate, where on the casting vote of Mr. Adams, the notification was referred to the President of the U. States, in preference of the President of the Senate. You will see in the papers the state of the votes, and the manner of counting and...
142Notes on Navigation and Trade, [ca. 13 May] 1790 (Madison Papers)
Molasses Massts. has 60 distilleries. (Sheffd. p. 108) In 1769.—3,580,144. galls. of French & Surinam,—and only 299,678 of British Molasses were imported into N. America—(Id. 109) The Quantity of foreign Molasses imported into America, prior to the war, appears by the Custom house books to be greater than the quantity of rum imported there, altho’ the latter free from duty and molasses subject...
143IV. James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. was received last evening. To my thanks for the several inclosures I must add a request that the letter to Baynton which came in one of them may be handed to him by one of your servants. The directory will point out his habitation. I had seen Payne’s pamphlet with the preface of the Philada. Editor. It immediately occurred that you were brought into the Frontispiece in...
144From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 January 1796 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have had the pleasure of your two favors of Ocr. 23 & 24. The business of the Treaty with G. B. remains as it stood. A copy of the British ratification has arrived; but the Executive wait, it seems, for the original as alone proper for communication. In the mean time, altho’ it is probable that the house if brought to say yea or nay directly on the merits of the treaty will...
145From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 25 December 1796 (Madison Papers)
Your two letters of the 12 & 11. came duly to hand since my last. The power of Atty sent me proves sufficient. It will be necessary for you to have a proper one at Richmond to prevent another transfer hither. The weather has been so intensely cold that I have not yet gone out to the proper office with Saml. French’s Certificate. I am at a loss to account for Mr. Noe’s draught. I know of no...
146To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 November 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your two favors of Ocr. 30 and Novr. 6, the former not in time to be answered on Monday last. Mazzei’s claim on Dorhman is £2000 N.Y. Currency, with interest at 7 perCt. from Novr. 1788. It is secured by a Deed of Trust empowering me to sell a tract of land granted to Mr. D. by an Act of Congress of Octr. 1. 1787. (see Journals of that date). Mr. Randolph thinks that a Court of...
147From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 21 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
For a week past the subject of amendts. has exclusively occupied the H. of Reps. Its progress has been exceedingly wearisome not only on account of the diversity of opinions that was to be apprehended, but of the apparent views of some to defeat by delaying a plan short of their wishes, but likely to satisfy a great part of their companions in opposition throughout the Union. It has been...
148From James Madison to William Overton Callis, 27 November 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 November 1792. Acknowledged in Callis to JM, 9 Dec. 1792 . Requests vouchers needed for Callis’s Revolutionary War claim and comments on the state of the army account books.
149Nonintercourse with Great Britain, [18 April] 1794 (Madison Papers)
On 2 April Clark moved a resolution calling for nonintercourse with Great Britain, and on 14 April the Committee of the Whole reported the resolution to the House ( Philadelphia Gazette , 3 Apr. 1794; Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). , 3d Cong., 1st sess., 594). JM offered the following amendment on 18 April....
150From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 3 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
The last letter I recd. from you was of Novr. 12. I had previously informed you that your certificates had been funded by Messr. Ashton & Wister. They are now in my hands, with interest due on them from Jany. last, which cannot be drawn without a power of attorney to me for the purpose. My brother William can procure you blank powers at Richmond. It will be proper in filling up the blank to...