7201From James Madison to Robley Dunglison, 27 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of June 30. came duly to hand, with the vial of tincture you obligingly sent, for the Servant with a swelled neck. The vial being now exhausted I obey your request, in observing that the patient has been much benefited by the medicine. The tumor tho’ not entirely removed is greatly abated; and the eyes which for some time, during the use of the tincture, became more inflamed with a...
7202From James Madison to Hugh Mercer, 27 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
I cannot acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 23. without a return of many thanks in which Mrs. M. unites, for the kind sentiments it expresses towards us; and without adding that no apology was required for the hasty departure of yourself and the estimable friend with you. The stay of both, had circumstances permitted, would certainly have given us great pleasure, the greater as I well...
7203From James Madison to Frances Wright, 1 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your letter to Mrs. Madison containing observations addressed to my attention also, came duly to hand, as you will learn from her, with a printed copy of your plan for the gradual abolition of slavery in the U. States. The magnitude of this evil among us is so deeply felt, and so universally acknowledged, that no merit could be greater than that of devising a satisfactory remedy for it....
7204From James Madison to John Brennan, 7 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir your letter of Aug. 31. communicating your intention to publish a translation of the travels of the Marquis de Cha[s]tellux in the U. States during several years of the Revolutionary war. You are welcome to my name on the list of your subscribers which I wish may become sufficit for your object. I can not venture to promise much addition to it in this particular quarter. My...
7205From James Madison to Gurdon Saltonstall Mumford, 10 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
I did not receive till yesterday, your favor of Aug 23: or I sd. sooner have made my acknowledgments for the two pamphlets inclosed in it. The honors conferred on Gen. Lafayette are honorable to our natl. character & to the genius of our Republican system, and I hope will do good both abroad & at home. The object to which you endeavour to make them particularly conducive is much to be...
7206From James Madison to Alexander Scott, 15 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
I wish my memory could furnish more light on the subject of your letter of the 10th. than is found in the two documents inclosed in it. But this happens not to be the case, owing not only to the great lapse of time, but to the more particular agency of the Heads of Depts. in such cases, than that of the Presidt. What alone I can say is that I have no recollections adverse to those of Mr....
7207From James Madison to John H. I. Browere, 17 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir, your letter of the 12th. desiring my consent to be a subject for your professional Art. Having in several instances, her[e]tofore yielded it, and considering myself now at a period of life when such a task would be more inconvenient, to myself; as well as less eligible to an Artist, I had meant to decline any future repetition. I find it difficult however to separate myself...
7208From James Madison to Timothy Pickering, 17 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir, your letter of the 7th. instant, inclosing Nos. 5 & 6. of the New England Farmer. I have not now the title which you supposed, to this mark of attention. Finding that I could not attend the Meetings of the Agricultural Society of Albemarle, held at a considerable distance from me, I made way, by resignation, for a successor to the presiding office who might do more justice to...
7209From James Madison to Henry Clay, 24 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
Since I took the liberty of mentioning to you the name of young Mr. Waugh who wishes to be a bearer of public despatches, and whom you kindly promised to keep in view for consideration, I have learned that he is younger than I was aware and probly without that sort of knowledge of the world which would be useful at any age, and could alone supply the want of age. It is quite proper that I...
7210From James Madison to John Brennan, 26 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yr. letter of the 16th. inst: from which I find that I have but imperfectly corrected the errors relating to the late Bishop Madison into wch. have been led by the Author or translator of the work you are preparing for the press. The Bishop had no son who was ever a member either of Congress or of the Legislature of Virga. He had not indeed at the period referred to been married...
7211From James Madison to Richard Rush, [ca. October 1825] (Madison Papers)
Docr. Js W. Wallace is desirous of exchanging his Residence in Virga. for one in the City of Washington; which wd. be made the more eligible by some official employment there. His thoughts are turned to a Lazaretto established or expected to be established. For the requisites of integrity & fidelity, he can not need my testimony; and his professional qualifications are I presume also not...
7212From James Madison to James M. Hite, 10 October 1825 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yours of Sepr. 10. some time ago & did not despair till within a day or two, of being able to send you a Merino Ram which has been kept in readiness. It appears now that it can not be done and I make haste to give you the information hoping it will reach you by the time you have finished your seeding, & that the Ram may be on the spot by the time he will be wanted. I wish you to take...
7213Indenture between James Madison and Charles Scott and Francis K. Cowherd, [12 October 1825] (Madison Papers)
This Indenture made this twelfth day of October in the year eighteen hundred and twenty five, between James Madison of the county of Orange of the one part and Charles Scott and Francis K. Cowherd of the sd. county of the other part, witnesseth that the said James Madison for and in consideration of one dollar to him in hand paid before the ensealing of these presents the receipt whereof is...
7214From James Madison to Coleby Cowherd, [12 October 1825] (Madison Papers)
On or before the first day of January one thousand eight and twenty eight, I James Madison of the County of Orange, promise and oblige myself, my heirs executors and administrators to pay or cause to be paid unto Coleby Cowherd guardian of Lucy W Daniel, Orphan of John Daniel deceased, the just and full sum of one thousand dollars for value received; As witness my hand & seal this twelvth day...
7215From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 October 1825 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Browere (pronounced Brewer) is so anxious to pay his respects to you that I can not refuse him a line of introduction. His object is to take your likeness in plaster, much desired it appears by patrons of a Public Gallery. His success as an Artist is very highly attested. His bust of Genl Lafayette is pronounced by other imitative Artists a conspicuous proof of his talent. The little...
7216To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 October 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Browere (pronounced Brower) is so anxious to pay his respects to you that I can not refuse him a line of introduction His object is to take your likeness in plaster, much desired it appears by patrons of a Public Gallery. His success as an Artist is very highly attested. His bust of Gen l Lafayette is pronounced by other imitation Artists as a conspicuous proof of his talent. The little...
7217From James Madison to Timothy Pickering, 17 October 1825 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 4th. inst: inclosing a continuation of your printed letters on the improvement of our native breed of Neat Cattle has been duly received. The subject well merits the attention bestowed on it; and I shall cheerfully comply with the request to put the past & the ensuing nos. into the hands of a Gentleman to whom I doubt not they will be acceptable, & whose judgment & public spirit...
7218From James Madison to William Allen, 19 October 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 8th. inclosing statements of my Bank & Turnpike Accts. for which I return my thanks. Inclosed is a Check on the Farmer’s Bank at Richd. for the balance due me there. Not being able to fix it precisely, I leave in part a blank to be filled. The amount from memoranda given me is between 30 & 40. dolrs. Whatever it be, you will be so good after paying yourself for any...
7219From James Madison to Peter Minor, 19 October 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd from Col. Pickering the inclosed Nos. of the N. England Farmer, containing his letters on a question between him & Mr. Powell, relating to the improvement of our breed of Neat Cattle. On being apprized that I could not give to the discussion the attention due to it, he requests me to hand the papers over to some gentleman to whom they might be acceptable; and I take the liberty of...
7220Certification of Authenticity, [19 October 1825] (Madison Papers)
At the request of Mr. Browere Busts of myself and of my wife regarded as exact likenesses have been taken by him, being a Casts [ sic ] in Plaster from our persons; of which this certificate is given under my hand October 19. 1825 A Bust of Mr. Jefferson taken by Mr. Browere in plaster, appears to me to be also a faithful likeness. Draft ( DLC ).
7221From James Madison to Jacob Engelbrecht, 20 October 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of Sepr. 5. was received several weeks ago; but particular engagements have prevented an earlier attention to it. Tho’ the request it makes is a little singular; a compliance with it seems due to the motives which prompted it. As your object is to preserve for public view, at a posthumous day, the letter you wish me to write, it ought to contain something worthy of such a purpose....
7222From James Madison to John H. I. Browere, 1 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
Yr letter from O. C. House was duly delivered, and I recd by the last mail that Ocr. 26th. from Washington. According to your request the Heads of Mr. Jefferson & Dr. Cooper with the moulds &c have been packed up & only await an oppy to be forwarded. I wish they could have gone with the other boxes under your own care fearing delays if nothing worse from the succession of hands thro’ which...
7223From James Madison to William F. Gray, 4 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Browere, Hist. painter & Sculpter, when he lately left this did not carry with him 2 Busts one of Mr. Jefferson & another of Dr. Cooper, and some ps. of one of his Moulds; I have just recd. from him a request that they may be sent to him at Washington. They are contained in a box properly addressed which the Bearer will deliver; and being at a loss for their conveyance from Fredg. I must...
7224From James Madison to Peter S. Du Ponceau, 12 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 5th. instant: informing me that I have been elected an honorary member of “The Society for the commemoration of the Landing of Wm. Penn,” and I make my acknowledgments with a full sense of what I owe for such a mark of favorable attention. Pennsylvania may well be proud of such a Founder & Lawgiver as Wm. Penn, and an obligation be felt by her enlightened...
7225From James Madison to Charles J. Ingersoll, 12 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have received the copy kindly sent me, of your “Discourse[”] before the Penn Society. It is to be wished that all the recurring occasions may be equally fruitful of interesting topics & views. Should the other States take the like course of instituting periodical commemorations of their Origin & Founders, and the model you have furnished on this and other occasions receive the attention due...
7226From James Madison to John Payne Todd, 13 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
What shall I say to you? It is painful to utter reproaches; yet how can they be avoided? Yo⟨u⟩r last letter to your mother made us confident that we should see you in a few days. Weeks have passed without even a line explaining the disappointment, or soothing the anxieties of the tenderest of mothers, wound up to the highest pitch by this addition to your long & mysterious absence. As ample...
7227From James Madison to Thomas Sewall, 14 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 7th. with a copy of your Lecture at the opening of the Medical School recently established. You do me but justice in supposing that I feel an interest in the Literary & Scientific Institutions at the Seat of the National Government. Besides the more comprehensive motives, the long experience I had of the kindness of its inhabitants will always ensure my...
7228From James Madison to Frederick Beasley, 20 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. the copy of your little tract on the proofs of the Being & Attributes of God. To do full justice to it, would require not only a more critical attention than I have been able to bestow on it, but a resort to the celebrated work of Dr. Clarke, which I read fifty years ago only, and to that of Dr. Waterland also which I never read. The reasoning that could satisfy such a mind...
7229From James Madison to Henry Lee, 29 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir, yours of the 19th. instant. I need not repeat my commendation of your purpose to devote your talents to literary pursuits. And the tasks you now mark out for your pen, will doubtless inspire its best efforts. The campaign of Niagara in 1814, and the naval achievements in the Mediterranean, are both of them distinguished by their patriotic & Historic Attractions; and you are...
7230From James Madison to Gales & Seaton, 30 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have received yours of the 26. inclosing a publication charging Mr. King with being a party to a very extraordinary invitation thro’ Baron Steuben, to Prince Henry of Prussia. Whatever pleasure I might take in gratifying your wishes, I have not, in this case, the means of indulging it. As may well be supposed, I was not of the number to whom such a project, if real, would have been...
7231From James Madison to George Ticknor, 2 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favour of Novr. 21. inclosing a copy of your “Remarks concerning Harvard University.” I have found in them much edifying to other Institutions, as well as a triumphant vindication of reforms & improvements in that one. With my thanks for your polite attention, I send, as you request, a Copy of the Code enacted for the University of Virginia; praying you at the same time to be...
7232From James Madison to Ferdinand R. Hassler, 3 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yr. favor of Novr. 25. with a copy of the papers relating to the Survey of the Coast for which I return my thanks. Not being able to bestow on them a critical examination, I might infer in part the merit of what has been done from the Scientific & other qualifications, a confidence in which led to your Selection for the important Work. With an expression of my continued esteem &...
7233From James Madison to James Francis Madison Shepherd, 8 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. Ult. was not recd. till yesterday afternoon. I find on recurring to my files and my memory, that I can afford no evidence of the fact in question. I have nothing from the pen of Docr. Shepherd that alludes to it. In a letter of april 7th 1821. He says “A family of the negroes that belonged to my brothers Estate have been taken back for the benefit of Betsy Shepherd: if...
7234From James Madison to Robley Dunglison, 12 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his respects to Dr. Dunglison begs him to accept a Bonnebouche of Madeira Wine. Having been long from the Island before it was drawn from the Cask, and long afterwards under the Cork, it is ready now for the Cup & lip. Printed facsimile of draft (in John M. Taylor, From the White House Inkwell [Rutland, Vt., 1968]).
7235From James Madison to James Barbour, 15 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed speaks for itself. Should there be an opening at West Point, the pretensions of young Lewis are certainly very respectable, and, as you know, respectably vouched. I do not trouble the President, because your communication as far as the occasion may require will be sufficient. Health & prosperity RC (owned by Henry N . Flynt, Greenwich, Conn., 1961); draft ( DLC ). RC addressed by...
7236From James Madison to Thomas Ritchie, 18 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 10th. inst: was recd. a few days ago & I give it the earliest answer which circumstances have permitted. It has been impossible not to observe the licence of construction applied to the Constitution of the U. States; and that the premises from which powers are inferred, often cover more ground than the inferences themselves. In seeking a remedy for these aberrations, we must not...
7237From James Madison to John H. Peyton, 21 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
On the rect. of your letter on the subject of yr. Ward Lewis I made known to the Govt. at Washington, your wishes for his admission into the Military Academy with the considerations in support of them. His pretensions seem to be such as can not fail to attract a favo⟨rable⟩ attention, if there be an opening at West Point, & no bar in the rule of selection by Congressional Districts laid down...
7238From James Madison to Edward Livingston, 27 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Mar. 13. came duly to hand, with a copy of the executed part of your penal Code for Louisiana. With every disposition to comply with your request in the full extent of it, the reflection could not escape me, that I ought not to obtrude suggestions affecting the essentials of your work, if any such occur; and that a critical examination of its details and definitions was a task...
7239From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday evening yours of the 24th. inst: inclosing a paper drawn up with a view to the question of “Roads & Canals,” and to the course of proceeding most expedient for the Legislature of Virga. now in session. In my retired position it is difficult to scan the precise tendency of measures addressed to the opinions & feelings of the States & of their Representatives; these being...
7240To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 28 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday evening yours of the 24 th inst: inclosing a paper drawn up with a view to the question of “Roads & Canals,” and to the course of proceeding must expedient for the Legislature of Virg a now in session. In my retired position it is difficult to scan the precise tendency of measures addressed to the opinions & feelings of the States & of their Representatives; these being...
7241From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
I return Dr. Emmet’s letter as requested. Wall’s qualifications as a Drawing Master, are sufficiently authenticated to make his connection with the University very desirable. But there seems little ground for hope, that he will exchange for it his present advantages in New York. The only material attraction, beyond the fees, is that of a Pavilion, rent free; of which his tenure would be of...
7242To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 7 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I return D r Emmet’s letter as requested. Wall’s qualifications as a Drawing Master, are sufficiently authenticated to make his connection with the University very desirable. But there seems little ground for hope, that he will exchange for it his present advantages in New York. The only material attraction, beyond the fees, is that of a Pavilion. rent free; of which his tenure would be of...
7243From James Madison to Peter S. Du Ponceau, 10 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
On the receipt of yours of the 4th. I made search on my Book Shelves, for a copy of the printed Document to which you refer; but without success. And I know not that one is to be procured in this neighbourhood. From a late notice in a Newspaper of Richmond, where it was originally published, it is questionable whether a copy be attainable even there. That you may not be altogether...
7244From James Madison to Ebenezer Bancroft Williston, 12 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of Decr. 30 has been duly recd. Whatever pleasure I might feel in aiding you in the object which it communicates, I know not that I should be justified, especially from recollections after such a lapse of time, in pronouncing on the comparative merits of Congressional Speeches during the period to which you refer. The best I can do is to comply as far as I can with your other...
7245From James Madison to Thomas J. Rogers, 16 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favour of the 5th. inst; with a copy of the 3d. Edition of your Biographical Remembrancer. I observe that you have increased its value by lengthening the Roll of deceased Worthies selected for its pages. You justly regard such a task as saving from oblivion merits & memories to which posterity ought to be enabled to do justice. It is indeed from such materials that some of...
7246From James Madison to Peter S. Du Ponceau, 23 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 17th. instant & thank you for the Extract you took the trouble of making from the Speech of Mr. Dupin. It is as beautiful in itself, as it is flattering to the U. States. The free system of Government we have established is so congenial with reason, with Common sense, and with a universal feeling, that it must produce approbation and a desire of imitation, as...
7247From James Madison to Joseph C. Cabell, 25 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. from Mr. Jefferson a letter (Circular) on the foreseen vacancy in the Law Professorship. It is accompanied by a letter from Professor Pictet of Geneva, which I am desired to forward for perusal of the Visitors now at Richmond. Mr. J. wishes the letter, after perusal, to be returned to him from Richmond. I take this occasion to return my thanks, heretofore as well as now due,...
7248From James Madison to Thomas W. Cobb, 25 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 19th. inst. and am very sorry that instead of the pleasure I shd take in satisfying the several enquiries it makes, I find myself unable to do it as to either of them. The great lapse of time, without intervening calls on my memory, has effaced from it every impression that could be of avail to the gentlemen on whose behalf you have written. I cannot even...
7249From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your Circular of the 20. postmark 23. inst. was recd. last evening; and the letter from Mr. Pictet forwarded as desired to our Colleagues at Richmond. I concur in your mode of providing for the foreseen vacancy, which I sincerely lament on every acct; as I should, in any admissible mode, that would avoid the necessity for an extra meeting of the Visitors. I am acquiescent also in your order of...
7250Remarks on an Extract from Hamilton’s Report Published in the Richmond Enquirer, 25 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
In the Richmond Enquirer of the 21st. is an Extract from the Report of Secretary Hamilton, on the Constitutionality of the Bank, in which he opposes a resort, in expounding the Constitution, to the rejection of a proposition in the Convention, or to any evidence extrinsic to the text. Did he not advise, if not draw up, the Message refusing to the House of Reps. the papers relating to Jay’s...