8461Motion for Reprisal for Detention of Henry Laurens, [3 December] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, III, 427–28). Written by JM. Docketed, “Motion of Mr. Madison Decr 3. 1781” and “referred to the Com: appointed to Confer wth G. Washington.” Whereas H. Laurens Esqr. formerly President of Congress and now invested with the character of a public Minister of the U. States, having been taken prisoner by the Enemy in his voyage to Europe, has been & still is imprisoned in...
8462Motion 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...
8463From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, [27 November] 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but Pendleton docketed the letter, “James Madison Esqr. Novr. 27. 1781.” Your favor of the 19th. instant came to hand yesterday. On the same evening arrived our illustrious General returning to his position on the North river. We shall probably however have his company here for some days at least, where he will be able to give Congress very...
8464Report on Lafayette’s Return to France, [23 November] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, II, 241–43½). Written by JM. Docketed, “Report of Comee. on letter 22d Novr. 1781. from the Marquis de la Fayette[,] passed Novr. 23d 1781.” The Committee to whom was referred the letter of the 22d. instant from Major General the Marquis de la fayette, requesting leave of absence for the purpose of making a visit to France report the following resolutions That Major...
8465From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 November 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed, “Madison Nov. 18. 1781 recd. Jan. 9. 1782.” By the conveyance through which you will receive this the Delegates have communicated to the State the proceedings in Congress to which the territorial cessions have given birth. The complexion of them will I suppose be somewhat unexpected, & produce no small...
8466To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 November 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By the conveyance through which you will receive this the Delegates have communicated to the State the proceedings in Congress to which the territorial cessions have given birth. The complexion of them will I suppose be somewhat unexpected, and produce no small irritation. They clearly speak the hostile machinations of some of the States against our territorial claims, and afford suspicions...
8467From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 13 November 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The honble Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” I was favored with yours of the 5th. yesterday. There are some flattering reports here of a meeting between the fleets which brought another drubbing on the English, but the most probable report is that the British fleet have returned to their station at the Hook, judging it inadvisable to...
8468From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 30 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). On the cover is this note: “Colo. Pendleton will be so Obliging as to bring the form he promised to Church next Sunday T. Jones.” Pendleton and Thomas Jones (d. 1782), a planter, lived in St. Mary’s Parish, Caroline County, and were members of the same congregation of the Church of England. JM addressed the letter to “The Honble Edmund Pendleton Esqr Caroline County...
8469To George Washington from James Madison, 25 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Amidst the Acclamations of Multitudes contending who shall applaud you most, accept, Sir, from us, that Tribute of Respect & Gratitude, in which none withhold but those who are your Enemies, only because they are Enemies to the Deliverer of their Country, and to the Friend of Mankind. We rejoice with you upon the Reduction of York: a Success, which all ascribe to wise Counsel, prudent Conduct,...
8470From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 16 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but the letter is docketed in Pendleton’s hand, “Jas. Madison jr. Esqr. Octr. 16. 1781.” When you get a sight of the Resolution of the Gen: Ass: referred to in your favor of the 8th. you will readily judge from the tenor of it what steps would be taken by the Delegates. It necessarily submitted the fate of the object in question to the...
8471Motion of Virginia Delegates on Western Lands, [16 October] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 223–24). Written by JM. Docketed, “Motion of Delegates of Virginia—Oct 16. 1781.” The Delegates of Virginia representing to Congress that the Committee to whom were committed the territorial Cessions of Virga. N. Y. & Connecticut with a Memorial signed J. Wilson by order of the United Illinois & Wawbash Companies & the Memorial of Wm. Trent in behalf of himself &...
8472Protest of Virginia Delegates, [10 October] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 30, fols. 557–59). In JM’s hand, except for Joseph Jones’s and Edmund Randolph’s signatures. A copy in the library of Duke University is not in the hand of any of the Virginia delegates. That no misconstruction unfavorable to the territorial rights of the State of Virginia may be put on the refusal of its Delegates to exhibit evidence in support of them before the Committee...
8473From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 9 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia” Having sent you the arguments on one side of the judiciary question relating to the property of Virga. seized by Mr. Nathan, it is but reasonable that you should see what was contended on the other side. With this view, although I in some measure usurp the task of Mr. Jones, I enclose the paper...
8474From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 2 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Only a fragment of the cover remains. It reads, “Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” Yours of 24th. ulto. came safe by yesterdays post. In addition to the paper of this day I enclose you two of the preceding week in one of which you will find a very entertaining & interesting speech by Mr. Fox, and in the other a handsome forensic discussion of a case...
8475Report on Retaliation against British, [1 October] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, III, 421–23). Written by JM as chairman. Docketed: “Report of the Committee on Retaliation[.] Entered Oct. 1. 1781[,] Read. Decr. 3d. 1781 Referred to the comee appd. to confer wth. Comr. in chief, &c.” The Committee to whom was referred the several papers concerning retaliation recommend the following Manifesto The United States in Congress assembled taking into their...
8476Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, [21 September] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. Sepr. 21. Duane, Randolph, Matthews, Boudinot & Sherman a Come to receive communications from Minister of Fr. When this committee was named by Congress on 3 September, its members were Duane, Randolph, and Mathews. They were directed to report upon the papers dealing with John Laurens’ mission to France ( JCC...
8477Expense Account as Delegate in Congress, 20 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS (Virginia State Library). JM’s file copy is in LC : Madison Papers. JM’s covering letter, if any, to the Virginia Auditors of Public Accounts has not been found. 1781 Pena. Cury July 10 To bills drawn on Mr. R. Morris in my favor by G: Nicholson Agent for Mr. Ross Pennsa. Currency £100. - - By balance June 20th. £ - - - Sepr. 20 By Board & Lodging including Liqrs. &C. from June 20...
8478From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 18 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Pendleton, “James Maddison Esqr. Sepr. 18th. 1781.” I was yesterday favored with yours of the 10th. instant. The various reports arrived of late from Chesapeake prepared us for a confirmation from our correspondents of a fortunate rencontre between the 2 fleets. A continuation of these reports although unsupported by any authentic evidence still keeps up...
8479From 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...
8480Motion 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...
8481From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 14 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble. Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” I have your favor of the 6th. inst: before me. The defect of intelligence from your correspondents here must have been removed soon after you wrote, unless a miscarriage befell my letter as well as that of Mr. Jones who wrote the week before by the intercepted mail. Such accidents or sickness...
8482Changes Suggested in Ordinance on Captures at Sea, [ca. 12 August] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 59, III, 283–84). The notes below are directly related to Edmund Randolph’s report of 14 August of “an ordinance ascertaining what captures on water shall be legal” ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXI, 861–68). This report stems back, through a series of motions and committee...
8483From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 1–2 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Col James Madison Orange County Virginia Favd. by B. Bradburn.” I recd. your letter by Mr. Randolph and this morning have a verbal information from you by B. Bradburn. I shall send by him a Barrel of Sugar and a bag of Coffee, which I wish to be retained for your own use as far as necessary, & the residue divided between my brothers Fr. & A. This...
8484From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 31 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but the letter is docketed by Pendleton, “James Maddison jr. Esqr. July 31. 1781.” I have the pleasure of your’s of the 23d. I congratulate you on your return to Caroline and on the safety of your estate from the ravages of the Enemy. The mail of last week having been intercepted near Wilmington has kept back the post a day later than his usual...
8485Report on Salaries of Southern Delegates and Civil Officers, [ca. 30 July] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 26, fols. 305, 307). Congress added JM’s proposal (fol. 307) to that of Thomas McKean (fol. 305) to make its resolution of 30 July 1781. This resolution was a substitute for a committee report docketed: “Report of Comee on the means of furnishing certain delegates with Money and paying the salaries due to civil officers & clerks[,] Delivered July 27. 1781[,] Entd. read. a...
8486Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 28 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. Com[mitte]e on plan of Consular Convention Randolph Elsworth Vandyk Under Articles VI and IX of the Articles of Confederation, the “United States in Congress assembled” was delegated “the sole and exclusive right and power” in the domain of foreign affairs, and each state, without the consent of Congress, was...
8487Motion on John Adams’ Commission and Instructions, [12 July] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, IV, 367). Although docketed by Samuel Huntington, “Motion by Mr Madison 2d by Mr Sharpe Respecting the Instructions given to J Adams for Negotiating a Treaty of Commerce with Britain,” the “Secret Journal, Foreign Affairs,” states that John Mathews seconded it ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.;...
8488Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to John Adams, 12 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. Madison & Mathews moved to revoke Comissn. & instrns. to Mr. Adams for Treaty of Commerce with G. B. —on which Liverm: no—Partridge Osgood no—Varnum ay—Elsworth—Sherman no, Montgomery, Clymer, T. Smith ay—Rodney McKean ay—Jenifer no Carrol ay Potts ay—Jones ay. Madiso[n] ay—Bland ay—Sharpe Johnson...
8489From 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...
8490Report on Staff of Superintendent of Finance, [6 July] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, IV, 323). Written by JM. Docketed, “Report of Com. on the letter 28th. June from R. Morris Passed July 6th. 1781.” Charles Thomson wrote “pasd.” at the bottom of the manuscript. The Committee appointed to confer with the Superintendt. of Finance on the subject of his letter of the 28th. of June report, That the Superintendt of Finance be authorised to appoint an...