31To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 20 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
After the most mature reflection I have at length yielded to my inclinations to suffer my name to be mention’d for a public appointment. If it takes place, unless some unpleasant reflections on probable future events should press on me, it will contribute greatly to my own and the gratification of Mrs. M. as it will place us both with and nearer our friends. But to be candid there is not that...
32To James Madison from James Monroe, 2 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 17th. of June I have recd. & am sorry to find the most important measures of congress still remaining unsettled & in a very fluctuating state. The assumption will be dislik’d here from what I can learn, under any shape it can assume. Under the discussion it has recd. the publick mind appears to be made up on the subject, & will not readily yeild to any accommodation...
33To James Madison from James Monroe, 25 September 1793 (Madison Papers)
I am still doubtful whether I shall visit Fredericksburg this term—if I do will call on you as I go down perhaps on Monday—but I shall in case I do not sit out on that day for Richmond, so that I shall not have the pleasure of se[e]ing you here till the week after. I found at Staunton impressions had been made by letters from Richmd. Mr. M. had written to Gl. Jones who was there to promote an...
34Power of Attorney from James Monroe, 17 June 1794 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison will be pleased to receive from Genl. Wilkinson, or draw on him for the sum of three hundred dolrs. or thereabouts (due me by him) according as the Genl. shall direct. He will likewise receive whatever is obtained from Genl. Bradley from the sale of our Vermont property, or otherwise from the sale or upon acct. of it. He will likewise be pleased, in case he is applied to, give...
35To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 3 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I parted from Mr. Madison three days past at my house. He was so kind as shew me your letter to him by Mr. Randolph. The state into which the conduct of an indiscreet man on the one part, and some very wicked men on the other, has thrown us in respect to France fills me with extreme concern. That he should not have implicitly followed your advice in all the affairs of his country is to me...
36To James Madison from James Monroe, 23 October 1795 (Madison Papers)
I send you herewith an invoice of the articles purchased for you according to yr request & by wh. the duties will be paid. The price will I fear exceed what you expected, for by Dr. Edwards acct. the reports in America were very erroneous in this respect. It is however in my opinion comparatively with what is usual in America very cheap. In the bed there are abt. 80. French ells of Damask...
37To James Madison from James Monroe, 29 October 1795 (Madison Papers)
To day the members of the Directoire are to be chosen. Yesterday the two houses were organised and the prospect is that the present will be a propitious Era in the history of the revolution. The spirit of dissention seems already to be checked by the seperation of the members into different chambers. If suitable men are put into the Directoire the happiest effects must result from the change,...
38To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 6 June 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my appointment I have been extremely occupied in a variety of respects. I had likewise flattered myself with the hope I should see you before my departure till within a day or two past—but of this I now begin to despair. I shall sail from Bal: for which place I sit out in 4. days hence. Tis possible the vessel may not be ready altho I am advised she is. I feel extremely anxious upon the...
39To James Madison from James Monroe, 1 January 1797 (Madison Papers)
I have not heard from you since the adjourmt. of the last Congress or rather since you left Phila. after the adjourment. In my last I informed you that Adet was suspended & orders issued to seize British property in our bottoms & that the aspect here was a very menacing one, and in consequence my situation as the minister of our country a very disagreeable one, & wh. was made more so, after...
40To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 17 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I came here a few days past to attend the ct. of appeals, it being an irregular term and formed of Judges of the general court and some of those of the proper ct. of appeals, to take cognizance of those causes in which any of the judges of the latter ct. may be interested. Tis likewise expected a meeting of the gentlemen appointed for the revision of the laws will be obtained and that business...
41To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 3 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 20th. of June I have received and am happy to hear of your restoration to health. Mrs. Monroe and family are in Albemarle whither I sit out in a day or two. They are well.—The assumption of the state debts is disliked here, and will create great disgust if adopted under any shape whatever. The minds of all are made up on it, and I doubt whether even the immediate removal to...
42To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 9 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I came here a few days past to attend the district court and shall leave this place on the 10th. for the chy. in Richmond which commences on the 12. In Charlottesville in the case of Barrett the verdict and judgment were against you, deducting the interest as you had proposed during the war. He had no proof except that of Colo. Lewis to establish his claim (at the trial). Upon confering with...
43To James Madison from James Monroe, 15 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Upon my return home the other day after the close of the Chancery term, I found a letter from you in the post office, wh. had been there for sometime. This will apologize for my not answering it sooner. I am again call’d here, & shall attend untill the last of this month, upon the genl. & court of appeals. Mr. Jefferson we are taught to believe will visit this state in the course of the...
44To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 17 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you soon after my arrival here relative to the wishes and pretentions of a Mr. Mortimer, son of Dr. M. of Fredbg., to an appointment in your office. As I understood mine was accompanied with letters from Mr. Fitzhugh and Mr. Page I suppos’d an answer would have been communicated to these gentlemen. Latterly I have received several applications on that subject from the Doctor and his...
45To James Madison from James Monroe, 7 June 1796 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 25. of Feby. is the only I have recd. for 12. months past, altho’ I have written unceasingly & fully. I suspect your letters are thrown over in the sea by the captns of vessels to avoid compromittment. For the future therefore it may be well to address by the way of Engld. under the care of Mr. Pinckney or in case he withdraws, some merchants deserving confidence. Mr. Yard wod....
46To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 17 June 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
The urgent pressure of the Executive for my immediate departure has deprived me of the pleasure of seeing you before I sailed. I sincerely regret this for many reasons but we cannot controul impossibilities. Will you forward me a cypher, and letters for your friends remaining in Paris to the care of Mr. R. as soon as possible. They may probably reach Paris as soon as I shall. I beg you to add...
47To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 10 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I could wish Mr. Beckley might receive [this?] immediately. But if he should not be in town will you be so kind as possess him of it as soon as possible, adverting to the consideration that it requires of him to perform something in Phila. I wrote you a few days past and shall again from Richmd. whither I am just sitting out. Yrs. affectionately RC ( MHi ); torn; addressed: “[…] of State...
48To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 20 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friends have been made uneasy by a report of your indisposition, but flatter themselves it has been remov’d ere this, as they hear it was a periodical complaint you have had before and which was never accompanied with any dangerous symptoms. I have just return’d from Albemarle whither I went lately from the chancery to qualify in the circuit court of the U. States. The Judges were...
49To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 January 1797 (Madison Papers)
I recd. notice of my recall in Novr., Mr. Pinckney arrived here in decr. & I took my leave of this govt. on the first of Jany. so that you will perceive it was impossible unless I exposed myself & family to the danger & inconvenience of a winters voyage, to depart hence before the begining of April next, wh. we propose to do, in case a suitable passage can be obtained from any of the ports of...
50To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, [30 January 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Gunn has mentioned to Major Butler the report that his conduct at New York upon some publick questions was influenc’d by some expectations of a foreign mission. He has called on Hamilton whom he did not see but means to chastise those concerned in the charge. Hamilton informed him at the time it took place that the appointment of Short was at your instance contrary to his wishes, and that...
51To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 23 July] 1795 (Madison Papers)
I received yours of the 26. of march and had before received those of the 4th. of Decr. 11 of march and 6th. of April which comprize all that I have received since my arrival here. I am happy to hear that you judged it expedient to deliver my letter of the 18th. of Decr. to Mr. R. because I think it could in no view do any harm, & might possibly in a particular view do some good. I wait with...
52To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 27 June 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
Of the above hasty view I have sent a copy to one or two other friends. Since it was written the committee have reported a plan of government as suggested of 2. branches, the one to be called a council of 500. consisting of so many members, the other of 250. called the council of antients. The age of the 1st. to be 30. and of the 2d. 40. They are to be chosen each for 2. years but to be...
53To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 17 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be presented you by Mr. Yard at present residing in this city, but lately from St. Croix, whither also he proposes shortly to return. Presuming the establishment of consuls will be extended to that Island, and being willing to accept of such appointment, he has requested me to make his pretensions known to you. His connection with Mrs. Monroe’s family has given me the pleasure of his...
54To James Madison from James Monroe, 26 July 1795 (Madison Papers)
I had began a long letter to you in cypher, it appearing the British have commenc’d seizing my letters, but which not being complete I forward the enclosed by the present private opportunity, & which being on the moment of departure prohibits more being added than that the comn. is intended as a friendly deposit in your hands & for the purpose of guarding my reputation from unjust attacks...
55To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 23 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I came here yesterday upon some business in the office of the Ct. of chancery, and shall return to morrow. I shall see Barrett to day and give him a line to Mr. Pope for the adjustment of his claim. Mr. Lewis and Divers have valued Thenia and children but have not furnished me the statement. They will on my return. I am likewise in your debt for the Encyclopedia. Be so obliging as state in...
56To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 March 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 March 1791 Offered for sale by Robert K. Black, Upper Montclair, N.J., 1966, with a catalog notation that the one-page letter concerned “the sale of land.” JM’s reply of 12 Apr. 1791 (DLC) makes it clear that Monroe made an inquiry concerning some books on behalf of “Mr. Brackenridge,” and possibly enclosed a list of the desired volumes.
57To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 17 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been favor’d with 2 letters from you since my arrival with Paine’s pamphlet in one, and should have answer’d them sooner, but knew of your departure Eastward and of course that it would not have been sooner received. By the 25th. we shall be settled in Albemarle upon my plantation, the unfinish’d state of the buildings having prevented the removal there sooner. The appeals and general...
58To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 15 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you the letters mention’d last night, among which you will find two, from Mr. Fitzhugh and Mr. Page each, cover’d by one from the old gentleman his father recommendatory of young Mr. Mortimer. He is extremely anxious to have him admitted into your office and under your care. The young man appears to be amiable in temper and manner, sensible, prudent, and is well esteem’d among his...
59To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 May 1793 (Madison Papers)
I have just returned home from an attendance on the courts at Fredbg & Richmond & promise myself repose at least for a short time. I called on Colo. Taylor from whom I enclose you a letter. I found he had been very busily employed upon some subjects of an interesting nature since he reached home. He has written near 60. (56. I believe) folio pages upon the subject of the bank and the funds in...
60To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 16 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
You have before this I presume heard of the death of Colo. Geo. Mason which was about the 8th. of this month of the gout in the stomack. His patriotic virtues thro the revolution will ever be rememberd by the citizens of this country, and his death at the present moment will be sensibly felt by the republican interest. We intended to have rested a day or two with him on our way, and this event...
61To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 21 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday in concert with Mr. Izard to whose wishes I am forced to accomodate I agreed to the postpon’ment of the report upon weights and measures untill the first monday in Decr., that Mr. Ritenhouse might in the mean time make the experiment of the rod. It was moved by Mr. Ellsworth and seconded by Mr. Read to postpone it untill the next session, but withdrawn upon this motion. Mr. Sherman...
62To James Madison from James Monroe, 5 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
I flatter’d myself I shod. have been able by this, to have remitted you my proportion of the balance due Mr. Taylor for the land we bought of him—but my endeavors have been ineffectual, nor do any prospects that I have, warrant a hope, I shall be able to command it, within any short period of time. Thus circumstanc’d it wod. be more agreeable to me to disengage myself from the contract....
63To James Madison from James Monroe, 30 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
I forget whether the deed of the Mk. land was made to you singly, or to us jointly, or severally. To the former a rect. specifying the object will do. In the latter case in either instance a conveyance will be necessary—as you are informed will you shape it & give it me for signature. I have no documents here of the State of our account. From memory I mention the following—you paid me in 1786....
64To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 18 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
My last from Richmond in answer to yours of the 20th. of June has no doubt been received. The more I have reflected on the subject, the better satisfied I am of the impolicy of assuming the state debts. The diminishing the necessity for State taxation will undoubtedly leave the national government more at liberty to exercise its powers and encrease the subjects on which it will act, for that...
65To James Madison from James Monroe, 7 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have just return’d from the chancery court & sit out for Albemarle tomorrow. I shall remain there untill the appeals, abt. the 25. of this instt. This will be given you by Mr. Garnett a worthy & respectable gentn. of this town. He visits New York with commersl. views, & will be benefited by your acquaintance. He will consider any attention shewn him as a proof of my acknowledgment for his...
66To James Madison from James Monroe, 5 August 1795 (Madison Papers)
Soon after my arrival here last year I found it necessary to appoint some one consul provisionally & in consequence appointed Mr. Skipwith to that office & announc’d him to this govt. as well as our own: but before this step was known the President had nominated a Mr. Pitcairn for that place. Mr. P. being by birth a British subject & having latterly become an American citizen & in consequence...
67To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 27th. ulto. found me in Richmond attending the chancery whence I returnd two days since. We move on monday next to Albemarle having already sent up the principal part of our furniture &ca. You will address to me in future by the way of Richmond. Our delay has been protracted too long to secure us, I fear, from the contagion incident to the lower country; as yet however we...
68To James Madison from James Monroe, 26 September 1796 (Madison Papers)
The state of affrs. remains nearly the same since my last: except that upon the Rhine or rather in the intr. of Germany since the check of Jourdan or perhaps complete defeat & wh. I rather presume, the progress is impeded, & in Italy Bounaparte has gained another victory taking 5000. prisoners & driving Wurmser into Mantua where he is closely besieged. I think I mentioned to you in my last...
69To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 3 March 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
The avidity with which I knew you sought retirement and peace, undisturbed by political occurrences, with the further consideration that no event of any importance had taken place since you left us, prevented my trespassing on you sooner. I am perfectly satisfied you will find in that retirement a contentment and tranquility not to be hoped for in publick life. And yours will be the greater,...
70To George Washington from James Monroe, 3 January 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 5. of June did not reach me till a few days past or it shod have been sooner answered. I am happy now to answer it because I am able to give you details of the Lady in question which will be very agreeable to you. I had advanc’d her near 2000. dolrs when I was advised here by Jacob Van Staphorst that you had placd in the hands of his brother for Madame La Fayette the sum of...
71To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 September 1792 (Madison Papers)
I returned last night having made a long and fatiguing journey through the rain. Your servant soon after presented to me yr. favor with its enclosures. I sent off on saturday the packet to Dunlap so that on thursday night it will be recd. & may be published on saturday next. I inserted the paragraph I had first written, & made the concln. rather more pointed introducing the extracts, making...
72To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 4 May 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of April 24th. reached me yesterday. Since my last the proposition of Mr. Clarke for prohibiting the importation of British goods untill the posts shall be surrendered and compensation made for the depredation on our trade, was rejected in the Senate. Upon the question the first section which determined the fate of the bill, Jackson and Bradley withdraw which left us 11. only against...
73To James Madison from James Monroe, 19 September 1796 (Madison Papers)
From what I see in an American newspaper and what Dr. Edwards writes me from London it is probable the English faction with us will endeavor to impose on the publick the belief of an intrigue between some men in America [and] this government to prevail on the latter to interfere in our interior and to make Major Fulton the organ—nothing is more false—the man has come here to get paid what was...
74To James Madison from James Monroe, 26 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 4th of July was the last recd. acknowledging mine by Mr. Garnett. Those of earlier date were answer’d from Richmond. I find you have had before you two subjects only, of consequence latterly, that part of the revenue business wh. respects the assumpsion of the State debts, & the fixing on some places for the tempy. & permanent seats of Congress. The latter we hear has been finally...
75To George Washington from James Monroe, 24 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
You will decypher this by the publick cypher in the hands of the Secry of State. A letter from you to Gr Morris inclosed to Mr Deas has fallen by some accident into the hands of the Directoire. It contains five or six pages. Is said to be very confidential, authorizing communications with Lord Grenville, &c. The person who told me of it and who read it, says it has produced an ill effect. He...
76To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 29 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Charlottesville, 29 Mch. 1791. When he left for Philadelphia last November he sought to place his brother “in a quiet good family and where he might pursue his studies to the best advantage.” From general opinion of his friends he engaged lodgings for him with James Kerr, the more so because Monroe “had render’d him services, and had a claim to his attention.” But to his astonishment he...
77To George Washington from James Monroe, 1 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
I was presented yesterday evening by Mr Randolph with the commission of Minister for the French republick, which you were pleas’d with the approbation of the Senate, to confer on me. As I had previously intimated to him in consequence of a conversation I had with him the day before the nomination was presented, that I would accept this trust, I have only now to request that you will consider...
78To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 4 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I find the establishment of the charge against Mr. G: will depend principally upon what you heard Mr. Dallas say. This latter will deny that he ever said any thing like what the certificate states. Jay and King heard it from Hamilton and Knox, these latter from Mifflin and I am told that there is a difference between those Gentlemen and Mifflin, and likewise between him and Dallas as to what...
79IX. James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 25 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 10th. found me here upon the business mention’d in my last. I left Mrs. M. at Monticello to remain till my return. I have been here near three weeks and shall leave it tomorrow on my way back. We have gone thro’ the business, allotted to each his duty and are to meet again in Fredbg. on the 5th. of Octr. next. A part of our duty was to consolidate (when many were drawn) all...
80To James Madison from James Monroe, 27 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
This will accompany your china which is addressed to Mr. Yard. I enclose also the charge by wh. you will be able to pay the duty. About a fortnight past I was informed by the minister of foreign affairs that the government had at length resolved how to act with us in respect to our treaty with England . That they considered it as having violated or rather annulled our treaty of alliance with...