101James Madison to Thomas G. Addison, 11 May 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of April 29th. In my present condition crippled as it is by a chronic complaint with the addition of a new inroad on my health, & the addition of both to the enfeebling effect of my very advanced age, I cannot undertake a compliance with your request on the important & controverted subjects to which it relates. I can only therefore with this apology tender my...
102James Madison to Samuel L. Southard, 11 May 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have received the copy of your speech on the motion "to expunge from the Journal the Resolution of the Senate of March 28th. 1834." My present condition under a new inroad on my health not permitting me to give it the reading due to it I can only thank you for it in advance, well assured that I shall find what I have always found in your like favors much that is interesting conveyed in a...
103James Madison to Colonel Peyton, 6 May 1835 (Madison Papers)
My wagon is about setting off to Richmond with two Hogsheads of Tobacco. Be pleased to make the most of them & communicate to me the proceeds of the sales of this and of the rest of the crop as from time to time it is forwarded. For the first time it has happened that our crop has been cured without being fired & of course without being touched with smoke excepting a small portion & that so...
104James Madison to William A. Duer, 5 May 1835 (Madison Papers)
(Confidential) I have received your letter of April 25th., and with the aid of a friend and amanuensis have made out the following answer. On the subject of Mr. Pinkney’s proposed plan of a Constitution it is to be observed that the plan printed in the Journal was not the document actually presented by him to the Convention. That document was no otherwise noticed in the proceedings of the...
105James Madison to L. Y. Atkins, April 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yrs. to [ ] of 26 Ult. enclosing the Rept. of Col. Long on the contemplated subject of a Rail Road from Fredg. to the Western counties, and requesting my view on it, particularly of the route for it. Impressed as I am with the importance of improvts. which cheapen & expedite, transportation & travel, I shd. feel it a duty as well as pleasure, to promote them in every way that I...
106[James Madison] to William Taylor, April 1835 (Madison Papers)
I received some time ago your letter of December 24th. informing me that the negroes under the charge of Mr. Nicholls had arrived in safety and that they were all well at your arrival on the 26th. of November. I have since received your letter of January 16th. in which you represent the condition of the girl Betty as annulling her sale, and decline on that account the payment of any part of...
107James Madison to Joseph Kerr and Others, 27 April 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have received young friends, your letter of the 18. communicating my appointment as an honorary Member of the Washington Literary Society, of Washington College. Viewing with gratification every Institution favorable to the cause of Literature and Science, I cannot be insensible to the tribute of respect, from that, of which you are the Committee. In my present condition I can only express...
108James Madison to Thomas W. White, 26 April 1835 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison returns his thanks to Mr. White for the Copies of Mr. Brown ’s speech in the House of Delegates lately published. He is sorry that an increase of his indisposition disables him from giving the perusal which he doubts not it merits. J. M. infers its high character from the proofs of a rapacious & brilliant mind furnished by Mr. B’s speech delivered on a former occasion in the house...
109James Madison to Jared Sparks, 24 April 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have just received your favor of April 16th. There is on my files no letter from me to General Washington dated December 9th. 1786. There is one dated December 7th. 1786 which relates to his appointment to the Philadelphia Convention, and which is acknowledged as of the 7th. in his letter to me of the 16th. Should my letter of the 7th. have been mislaid or lost a copy of it will be furnished...
110James Madison to William Allen, 20 April 1835 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a check for fifty dollars which you will place to my credit on your books. After this be pleased to add up the debits & credits and inform me of the precise balance as it stands at this time between us. This I cannot ascertain, the prices of the articles sent from time to time not being annexed. Draft (DLC) .
111James Madison: Original Will, and Codicil of April 19, 1835, 15 April 1835 (Madison Papers)
I James Madison of Orange county do make this my last Will and testament, hereby revoking all Wills by me heretofore made. I devise to my dear Wife during her life, the tract of land whereon I live, as now held by me, except as herein otherwise devised; and if she shall pay the sum of nine thousand dollars within three years after my death, to be distributed as herein after directed, then I...
112James Madison to Unknown, 6 April 1835 (Madison Papers)
Being disappointed in the rect. of a debt, which I had the best reasons to expect wd. be punctually paid, I must avail myself of your aid in obtaining a credit with the Bank for $400. the amount of the inclosed note. Having immediate occasion for part of it, you will oblige me, by giving me the earliest notice of my being authorized to draw on the fund. With friendly respects FC (DLC) .
113James Madison to Andrew Parks, 4 April 1835 (Madison Papers)
On looking into some bundles of old papers, were found the two of which the enclosed are exact Copies. They will indentify the account which has been the subject of a correspondence between us and shew that it had been transmitted to you with an omission of the receipt of payment. Be so obliging as to return or cancel the letters written on the Supposition, that there was no error in the case...
114James Madison to A. G. Gano and others, 25 March 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. fellow Citizens your letter of the 13th. inst: inviting me "to a Celebration by the Native Citizens of Ohio, of the anniversary of her first settlement in 1788" Having now reached my 85th. year and being otherwise enfeebled by much indisposition, I am necessarily deprived of the pleasure of accepting the invitation. I am not the less sensible however of what I owe to the kind...
115James Madison to William Allen, 16 March 1835 (Madison Papers)
I observe that the price of flour has risen a little. As the advance of the season will soon bring the Northern supplies into market, I think it would be best to take advantage of it, and if you concur in this opinion I will ask the favor of you to dispose of mine. Draft (DLC) .
116James Madison to John R. W. Dunbar, 10 March 1835 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of Decr. 29, with its enclosures came safe to hand. The paper containing the Galvanic Experiments, is very curious & attractive. The effect of the fluid, in mimicking vital action though of little avail in a search for the secret principle of vitality, a ray of light to the physiologist. I hope the General Assembly will not be long insensible to the object of the Memorial; enforced...
117James Madison to [John] Trumbull, 1 March 1835 (Madison Papers)
Your late letter in the New York Commercial Advertiser having referred to my recollection of what passed between us as to revolutionary subjects for the paintings provided for by Congress, it may be a satisfaction to yourself for me to say, that you justly inferred from it, that the omission of the battle of Bunkers Hill, in the final selection, did not proceed from the circumstance that it...
118James Madison to Martin Van Buren, 18 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his respectful compliments to Mr. Van Buren, returns his thanks for the Copy of Mr Adams’ Oration on the "Life & character of Lafayette." It is a signal illustration of the powers & resources of the Orator; and will deservedly aid in making more known, a Character, which will be the more admired, the more it is known. ( MHi : Adams Papers); FC (DLC) .
119James Madison to Edward Coles, 16 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
As the most secure mode of paying the inclosed account I trouble you with a request that you will apply five dollars for the purpose, and return the account with the receipt. A letter of late date from your brother Isaac mentioned that all friends at and about Enniscorthy were in good health. We hope neither yours, or that of Mrs. Coles has suffered from this irregular and hard Winter. Mine...
120James Madison to Charles J. Ingersoll, 12 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your favour inclosing a copy of your "View of the Committee powers of Congress." Without entering into questions which may grow out of the twofold character of the Senate of the U. S. as a Legislative, and Judicial Body, your observations suggest a fuller investigation and more accurate definition of the privileges and authorities, of the several Departments & Branches of our...
121James Madison to Asher Robbins, 12 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have long been in debt for the Copy of your "Discourse before the P. B. K. Society of Brown. University;" as I yet am for kind attention from other friends. For apologies for these delays, not unfrequently spun out into entire omissions, I must rely on my age now within a few days of its 85th. year, to which is added a State of health, severely crippled by disease. I find as is,...
122James Madison to Ferdinand R. Hassler, 11 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have received your communication relating to the survey of the coast and thank you for it. Finding that my great age now within a few days of its 85th. year, with a constitution & health severely crippled by disease did not permit me to give the attention due to the printed Documents, I can only refer to my former letters for an expression of the sentiments and good wishes retained for you...
123James Madison to Peter S. Duponceau, 7 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have received the Copy of Mr. Tyson’s "Discourse before the Young Men’s Colonization Society in Pensylvania, forwarded by you at his request; and I take the liberty of returning through the same Channel, my thanks, for a publication, so valuable and appropriate. It gives me great pleasure to find that the parent society has gained such an auxiliary as that in question, which has commenced...
124James Madison to Isaac A. Coles, 5 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
I am just favoured with yours of the 2d. inst. I owe an apology for not informing you that the articles sent by Commodore Elliot were duly received from the Courthouse, more than you did for not apprizing me that they were left there. Our only regret has been that you & Mrs. Coles could not give us the pleasure of your intended call. We hope another opportunity will be free from disappointing...
125James Madison to [John Quincy] Adams, 4 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his best respects to Mr. Adams returns him many thanks for his "Oration on the Life & character of De Lafayette". J. M. has read it with a deep impression of the abounding merits which render it worthy of the source from which it comes, and of the object & the occasion which inspired it. RC ( MHi : Adams Papers).
126James Madison to Daniel Newell, 2 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
private I have received your two letters of the 28 & 30 Ulto. and return the paper inclosed in one of them, with a subscription to it as requested*—Should the sum be short of expectations or examples, I am able to say, that the question with myself was whether under the obligations to which my reduced resources are subjected I was justified in subscribing at all. I have not assumed the...
127James Madison to Henry Clay, 31 January 1835 (Madison Papers)
Perceiving that I am indebted to you for a copy of your Report on our Relations with France, I beg you to accept this return of my thanks for it. The document is as able in its execution, as it is laudable in its object of avoiding war without incurring dishonor. It must be the wish of all that the issue may correspond with the object. But may not a danger of rupture lurk under the conflicting...
128[JM] to [William Allen], 13 January 1835 (Madison Papers)
Below is an authority for transferring my credit on the Books of the S. G. T. Company, to yours. FC and enclosure (DLC) . Enclosure is an authorization written by Payne Todd, for Allen to receive the dividend from the Swift Run Gap Turnpike Company.
129James Madison to Daniel Drake, 12 January 1835 (Madison Papers)
The copy of your "Discourse on the History charac[ter] and prospects of the West", was duly received; and I have read with pleasure, the instructive views taken of its interesting and comprehensive themes Should the youth addressed and their successors follow your advice, and their example be elsewhere, in noting from period to period, the progress and changes of our country under the aspects...
130James Madison: On Nullification, December 1834 (Madison Papers)
Altho’ the Legislature of Virginia declared at a late Session almost unanimously, that S. Carolina was not supported in her doctrine of nullification by the Resolutions of 1798, it appears that those Resolutions are still appealed to as expressly or constructively favoring the doctrine That the doctrine of nullification may be clearly understood, it must be taken as laid down in the Report of...
131James Madison to Unknown, re majority governments, December 1834 (Madison Papers)
You justly take alarm at the new doctrine that a majority Govt. is of all Govts. the most oppressive. The doctrine strikes at the root of Republicanism, and if pursued into its consequences, must terminate in absolute monarchy, with a standing military force; such alone being impartial between its subjects, and alone capable of overpowering majorities as well as minorities. But it is said that...
132James Madison to [Unknown], December 1834 (Madison Papers)
Having alluded to the Supreme Court of the U. S. as a Constitutional resort in deciding questions of Jurisdiction between the U. S. and the individual States a few remarks may be proper shewing the sense and degree in which that character is more particularly ascribed to that Department of the Govt. As the Legislative, Executive & Judicial Departments of the U. S. are co-ordinate, and each...
133Memorandum of checks drawn on Bank of Fredericksburg, December 1834 (Madison Papers)
Deposit 5400 + 600 (check every Memorandum of checks drawn on the Bank of Fredericksburg on the fund recd. from Mr Taylor. No. 1. fav. of W. Allen $1500 2. J. C. Payne 400 3. E. Coles.....2050 octb 4. J. Ballard & Co. ..... 200 10 5. Js. Shepherd ..... 80 10 6. Eras: T. Rose .... 250 17. 7 Docr. Grymes ..... 15 20. 8. D & M. Cutts ... 45 31. 9. Jas. Cowherd .... 1047 Nov 11. 20. Peter Gray...
134Notes on Nullification, December 1834 (Madison Papers)
Altho’ the Legislature of Virginia at a late Session declared almost unanimously, that South Carolina was not supported in her doctrine of nullification by the Resolutions of 1798 it appears that those Resolutions are still appealed to as expressly or constructively favoring the doctrine. That the doctrine of nullification may be clearly understood, it must be taken as laid down in the Report...
135James Madison to Langdon J. Jay, 24 December 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 20th. instant. The object of it will be attained, by this acknowledgment, with my name and that of Mrs. M. subscribed. (DLC) .
136[JM] to William Allen, 22 December 1834 (Madison Papers)
Estimating the price of flour as rather more likely to be better than lower, I have preferred a small loan from the bank to a sale of the flour on hand. You will oblige me therefore, by turning the enclosed note into a credit for in Bank, and letting me know when I may draw on it. Your letter noting the balance in your account, was duly recd. I had disposed of a draft on you for $80 in favor...
137James Madison to the New England Society of New York, 20 December 1834 (Madison Papers)
—I have recd. fellow Citizens your letter inviting me in behalf of the New England society in N. York to a dinner on the 22d. Inst., their anniversary celebration of the principles & virtues of their pilgrim Fathers. The obstacles to my acceptance of the invitation being insuperable I can only express my acknowledgments for the kindness & politeness which dictated it. The exalted feelings...
138James Madison to Edward Coles, 15 November 1834 (Madison Papers)
For the lateness of this acknowledgment of your letter of the 31 Ult: my dear Sir, I must plead my crippled condition which has not mended, and more than usual calls on my attention. It would seem that neither of us have seized precisely the views of the other, in our comments on the political questions which have agitated the public. I retain the opinion in which I am glad you agree, that...
139James Madison to Edward Everett, 22 October 1834 (Madison Papers)
(I have received the copy of your Eulogy on Lafayette; and tho’ obliged in my present condition to read but little at a time, have gone through it, and with great pleasure, finding a reward in every page as I proceeded. It is a fine picture finely framed, with a likeness faithful to the noble original; the more noble for having renounced the vain title. It cannot fail to be universally...
140James Madison to Edward Coles, 15 October 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have received my dear Sir, your letter of the 15th. ultimo. I did not anticipate a complaint that mine was not full enough; being an effort which in my present condition, I had rarely made. It was not my object to offer either a plenary or a public review of the agitated topics; but to satisfy a friend that I ought not in my 84th. year, and with a constitution crippled by disease, to put...
141James Madison to Mann Butler, 11 October 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 21. Ult in which you wish to obtain my recollection of what passed between Mr. John Brown and me in 1788, on the overture of Gardoqui "that if the people of Kentucky would erect themselves into an independent State, and appoint a proper person to negociate with him, he had authority for that purpose and would enter into an arrangement with them for the...
142James Madison to Edward Coles, 8 October 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 5th. with the Bond enclosed in it, and catch a fugitive opportunity of requesting by the Mail, that the small balance, may remain in your hands, applicable to some small object in Phila. Accept our joint wishes that health and happiness may attend you both; with our regret that we could not have the pleasure of personally expressing them. RC (NjP :...
143James Madison to Edward Coles, 3 October 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have received yours of the 15th Sepr. and have commenced an answer; but interruptions of different sorts and my crippled fingers, make the progress very tedious. Tell me where an answer will catch you. Finding that I have in order to avoid the sale of Negroes sold land till the residue will not support them, concentered and increasing as they are, I have yeilded to the necessity of parting...
144James Madison to Isaac A. Coles, 3 October 1834 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his best respects to Col: Coles, requests the favor of him to have the enclosed delivered to his brother, if in the neighbourhood. Should he have left it, and be out of immediate reach, Col C. will be so obliging as to return it to me, with a notice of the most expedient address for a letter to his brother. [printer’s fist] The enclosed letter contains a check on the B. Bank of...
145James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, September 1834 (Madison Papers)
I recd. in the due time your letter of Aug. 11. But in my present condition I have been obliged to spare the use of the pen as much as possible, especially when an answer was not pressing, and I could give none that could be of much importance. It may well be supposed that at my age, and after a lapse of nearly 30 years, my memory must be a very fallible resort for information as to...
146James Madison to Isaac S. Lyon, 20 September 1834 (Madison Papers)
I must apologize for the great delay in acknowledging your letter of Apl. 20th, by referring, (now a common and necessary resort) to the feebleness of age, accompanied by severe & continued inroads on my health. My respect for your object, would make it very agreeable to me, to aid it in the way you mention. But on looking into the parcels of pamphlets I possess, I find none that would supply...
147James Madison to Thomas R. Dew, 15 September 1834 (Madison Papers)
J. M. presents his thanks to Professor Dew for the Copy of his Essay on Usury. The subject being very ably handled, will doubtless aid in dissipating the erroneous views of it which have so long prevailed. FC (DLC) .
148James Madison to Henry D. Gilpin, 15 September 1834 (Madison Papers)
J. M. with his respects to Mr. Gilpin acknowledges the receipt of his able & eloquent Speech on the 4th. of July. The delay in returning his thanks for it, has an apology in the decrepit state of his health, of which he is obliged in this as in other cases to avail himself. FC (DLC) .
149James Madison to Samuel L. Southard, 15 September 1834 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his respects to Mr Southard returns him many thanks for his biographical discourse on Mr Wirt. The character of this meritorious Citizen is a rich theme for eloquent and instructive comments; of which the discourse is a signal & happy illustration. RC (NjP) ; FC (DLC) . In an unknown hand, signed by JM.
150James Madison to William H. Winder [Jr.], 15 September 1834 (Madison Papers)
I am sensible of the delay in acknowledging your letter of and regret it. But apart from the crippled condition of my health, which almost forbids the use of the pen, I could not forget that I was to speak of occurrences after a lapse of 20 years, & at an age in its 84th year; circumstances so readily and for the most part, justly referred to, as impairing the confidence due to recollections &...