1To James Madison from James Monroe, 24 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 December 1812, War Department. Proposes for JM’s approval various “Promotions in the Army of the United States.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 1 p. Monroe’s suggestions for promotions in the Fifth and Seventh Infantry Regiments were recommended to the Senate by JM on 31 Dec. ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of...
2To James Madison from James Monroe, [22 August 1814] (Madison Papers)
The enemy are advanced six miles on the road to the wood Yard, and our troops retiring. Our troops were on the march to meet them, but in too small a body to engage. General W. proposes to retire, till he can collect them in a body. The enemy are in full march for Washington. Have the materials prepared to destroy the bridges. You had better remoove the records. Tr ( DNA : RG 233, Committee...
3To James Madison from James Monroe, 2 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 February 1813, War Department. Lists proposed promotions in the U.S. Army for JM’s approval. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). JM forwarded the list of promotions in the Light Artillery Regiment, the First Light Dragoon Regiment, the Rifle Regiment, and the First through Seventh Infantry Regiments to the Senate in a message of 3 Feb. 1813 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the...
4To James Madison from James Monroe, ca. 17 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 17 December 1812. Lists proposed appointments in the U.S. Army from North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Virginia, Vermont, Ohio, New York, South Carolina, Connecticut, Delaware, and Tennessee. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 1 p.; undated; date assigned here on the basis of JM’s letter dated 18 Dec. 1812 submitting these appointments to the Senate ( Senate Exec. Proceedings...
5To James Madison from James Monroe, 21 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
Nothing new has occurr’d, except the arrival of General Bloomfield, with whom I have had much conversation, & whom find well disposed to forward, all in his power, the measures necessary to the defense of the district confided to him. I enclose you a letter to genl Mason from Mr Skinner, which you will be so good as to return, after perusing. Respectfully yr friend RC ( DLC : Rives Collection,...
6To James Madison from James Monroe, 21 February 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Monroe. 21 February 1815, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the appointment of James J. Ryan & Patrick McKeon, as Second Lieutenants in the 27th. Regiment of Infantry.” RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Monroe. Letterbook copy dated...
7To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 15 April 1816] (Madison Papers)
Major Thompson belongd to a Pena. brigade in the revolutionary war, when I knew him. He was I think a subaltern. I have seen him often, since I came here, & apparently in indigent circumstances. I have always thought well of him, without any minute knowledge of him. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML). Enclosure is John Thompson to Monroe, 15 Apr. 1816 (1 p.), seeking any appointment that...
8To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The minister of France intending himself the honor of paying his respects to you at your residence in Virginia, I have taken the liberty to assure him of the pleasure it would afford you to receive him. He expects to set out this evening, & I avail myself of the opportunity of assuring you of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be your very obt servant RC ( DLC : Rives...
9To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 1 December 1813] (Madison Papers)
It is not known that the British govt. has accepted the mediation of Russia; nothing has been receved from our ministers employed under it; and no intimation to that effect has been communicated to this govt., either from the Emperor of Russia, or from the British govt. Early accounts, after the appointment & departure of our Envoys, indicated the rejection of that friendly overture, & altho...
10To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr Bagot has offerd, an alternative, in the coast of the Island of New Foundland, from Cape Ray to the Raimia Islands, if preferr’d to that on the Labrador, from Mt. Joli to the bay of Esquimaux. I have conferr’d with Mr Homans respecting it, who fears that it is too much Subjected to fog. I believe it will be best to refer it to Mr Adams with all the light we can obtain, together with the...
11To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 December 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Monroe. 16 December 1814, War Department. “The Senate having declined confirming the promotions of Captains Graham & Massias of the 1st. Rifle Regiment, the confirmation of the other promotions in the Rifle Regiment, conformably to the list now before the Senate, would be irregular. I have, therefore, the honor, in lieu of it, to propose the enclosed list.” RC and enclosure ( DNA...
12To James Madison from James Monroe, 20 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here this morning at 8 OClock, and have been since within 4 miles of Benedict, at Butler’s mill, where it was reported the enemy, on their march, had arrived. The report was unfounded. The enemy landed yesterday at Benedict, and had advanced their pickets, within a mile and a half of that mill, for security only. From a height, between that mill and the Patuxent, I had a view of...
13To James Madison from James Monroe, 14 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I return you mr Jefferson’s letters, having shewn them to mr Dallas. I enclose some letters from mr Pinkney in one of which he is joined by mr Nicholson. As the communication is of a delicate nature, I do not wish them to be returnd here till about thursday next, as I leave town to morrow for Loudoun & may not get back till wednesday evening. When returnd, note, them as private. I see nothing...
14To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 6th. I am willing & ready to act in either character alluded to. The effect on public opinion would be greater, if indeed any useful effect might be expected from it, by appointing me to command, than merely making a visit to the country. In the latter case, I would do every thing in my power to promote an organization of the forces, to digest their plan of operations, &...
15To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the Eleventh inst, requesting the President to communicate to the House any information in his possession and which it may not be improper to divulge in relation to the omission or refusal of the French government to accredit the Minister Plenipotentiary sent by the United States to that Court, or of...
16To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have receivd yours of the 12th. Since my return home I have recover’d daily from the debilitating effect of my late indisposition, so that I have reason to presume on a thorough restoration in a short time, if circumstances shod. allow me to remain here. I feel however uneasy lest something shod. occur in which my absence might be improper. I am surprised that we hear nothing from our...
17To James Madison from James Monroe, 4 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
We have had no rain since my arrival here, nor had there been any for some time before. The most discouraging prospect for corn exists, which added to a defective crop of small grain, menaces us with almost a famine. I am glad to hear that the Neptune has enterd the Delaware. Of the Passengers we shall be better informd tomorrow. I send every paper back to the depts. lately receivd except that...
18To James Madison from James Monroe, 22 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
Mr Serurier presented to me yesterday a copy of his letter of credence from the Emperor reappointing him Minister to the ustates. He read me at the same time the letter accompanying it from the minister of his govt., by which he was instructed to state that his govt. was resolvd to cultivate the most friendly relations with the UStates: that in case they engaged in war, they would respect our...
19To James Madison from James Monroe, 21 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I quartered last night near charlotte Hall, and took a view this morning at 8 oClock, from a commanding height, below Benedict Creek, of all the enemy’s shipping near the town and down the river, to the distance at least, of 8 or 10 miles. I counted 23 Square rigged vessels. Few others were to be seen, and very few barges. I inferred from the latter circumstance that the enemy had moved up the...
20To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 13th inst, requesting the President to lay before the House such documents relative to the Russian mediation, as in his opinion it may not be improper to communicate, has the honor to transmit to the President, for the information of the House, the following letters in relation to that subject...
21To James Madison from James Monroe, 1 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Undersigned acting as Secretary of State to whom was referred the Resolution of the Senate, requesting the President to cause to be laid before the Senate such information in his possession, respecting the existing state of the Relations between the United States and the Continental powers of Europe as he may deem not improper to be communicated, has the honor to report: That the Relations...
22To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Finding that my arrangments in Loudoun might be completed on the day I arriv’d there, I came down on the following day, monday. Altho the upper road is bad, I still think it will be found better than either of the others. Some letters are recd. from Mr Crawford, the most important of wh. are in cypher. They shall be forwarded without delay we have nothing from our comrs. Chauncey’s fate is...
23To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 November 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Monroe. 8 November 1814, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to submit for your approbation the following list of appointments in the Army of the United States. “I have also to request that the enclosed list of promotions may be substituted for the list of promotions in the Light Artillery and Riflemen now before the Senate, and that the name of Garret E. Pendergrast...
24To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 26 August] 1811 (Madison Papers)
Some very interesting domestick concerns which could not well be postponed, seconded by the state of the wound on my leg, prevented my having the pleasure of waiting on you in the last week, but I shall be with you to morrow if no accident presents an obstacle to it. I shall bring all the papers with me which it will be necessary to submit to your view at this time. Indeed many things have...
25To James Madison from James Monroe, 9 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have nothing from you to day. Col Cass has arrivd & gives the same acct. heretofore recd. from others of the surrender of Detroit. Genl Cushing thinks that a power to grant a volunteer comn., to give effect to the law, is a necessary construction of it. I shall, unless some other view be taken in the course of the day, accept such a comn. & set out in discharge of it, in a few days. A short...
26To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you a copy of a letter sent yesterday to genl. winder, relating to the communication between Col. P. & Col: Baynes, which were forwarded to you a day or two before. A stronger paper was authorised by the heads of depts., but I afterwards moderated the terms, retaining the sense. The distinction in it, is so obvious, between the passage which expresses, the sense of the govt. on...
27To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
I send you letters from General Jackson which give an account of a victory truly glorious. It will be well to send them to Gales, except that which I have marked to be retained—unless indeed so much of the letter of the 9th. as relates to the conduct of the Kentuckey militia should also be retaind, tho I do not see how it can be, as similar statments will soon force themselves on the public RC...
28To James Madison from James Monroe, 25 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 23 d. Col: Aspinwall is desirous of obtaining the appointment to London as you were apprizd before you left us. The principal competitors are Col: Drayton & Com: Barney. The loss of his arm gives him I think a stronger claim than either of the others, and will perhaps reconcile both of them to his appointment. His appointment would open a place in the army for some other...
29To James Madison from James Monroe, 13 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have been much engaged in my private concerns, tho’ rather indisposed, since my return home, so that I have not been able to enter on any serious business. I shall begin to day to take up the most pressing. I retain for the present Sodestroms comns., believing that their effect will be to license a trade with the enemy. I return the letters of the Secry at war and of the navy. Respectfully &...
30To James Madison from James Monroe, 31 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Owing to some accident I did not receive your letter of the 28. untill after Mr Rush left me, which I much regret, as it deprivd me of the opportunity, of conferring with him, on the answers to be given to those of the French & Russian ministers, which accompanied it. I am astonished at the contents of both, as they put us to trials, which, if either of them had good sense or moderation would...
31To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
My affairs in Loudoun requiring in an urgent manner my presence, I shall go up to day & return on monday or tuesday next. A passport from the British Commander to take dispatches to Ghent being as I presume necessary, I have arrang’d in the dept. a letter to him for the purpose. I know of nothing that will suffer in my short absence. Respectfully your friend RC ( DLC : Rives Collection,...
32To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
We came here on sunday & shall proceed to Richmond the day after to morrow. We left washington on saturday. We concurr’d in the opinion suggested in your letter that it would be proper to execute the law for reducing the army, and to permit the squadron to sail for the mediteranean, with instructions to keep a look out as to events, & the mov’ment of the fleets of other powers. These measures...
33To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 21 April 1816] (Madison Papers)
The Revd. John H. Rice called on me today, with a view that I might present him to you. He is on his way to New York, to attend a general meeting of the bible societies of the UStates, and the object of his call was, to solicit such countenance to them, as yourself & the others, in the principal offices of the govt., might be disposed to give, not as members of the govt., but individuals...
34To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Finding by your letter recd yesterday that you would set out on that or this day, & probably be here to morrow, I resolved to await your arrival, & make a visit in the mean time to Loudoun, rather than take Loudoun in my route to Albemarle. I shall be back to morrow. 6. 24 pounders, 10. 18s. 10. 12s. 6. 6s. & 4. 8 Inch Howitzrs. are orderd to fort Pitt. They are necessary to batter & take...
35To James Madison from James Monroe, 5 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here late yesterday eving. having taken Richmond in my route. I had the great satisfaction to find Mrs. Monroe & our youngest daughter in better health than I had anticipated, as I had to find Mr Hay & our eldest. The early hour at which the post rider has called renders it impossible for me to say any thing on publick affrs. by this opportunity. I shall immediately turn my attention...
36To James Madison from James Monroe, 4 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
I send you a Sketch of a reply to the French minister, subject to your correction, to be forwarded afterwards to Mr Graham. If the affr. is discussd with him, there will be no end to it, & we shall lose ground in every step. He must I think be a little alarm’d by adverting to the fate of Jackson, and Genet. Unless some tone is taken, all hope of indemnity is lost. I infer from yours, that this...
37To James Madison from James Monroe, 11 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
The incapacity for business produc’d by so long an application to it at Washington, has been increasd since my return home by a fall from my horse, being taken off by a limb of a tree under which he passed. My head, & left shoulder were bruis’d, & my leg cut a little by the stirrup, but I have almost recover’d from these injuries. I have walk’d about to day, & expect to be able to ride...
38To James Madison from James Monroe, 21 February 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Monroe. 21 February 1815, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the enclosed appointments in the Army of the United States.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3); letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Monroe. Letterbook copy dated...
39To James Madison from James Monroe, 26 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have not yet heard from Mr Crowninshield, and I begin to fear that Mr Bagot’s power relative to the arming on the lakes is of a very limited nature. Finding many admonitions that my constitution does not accord with this climate, I must move to a higher surface. I shall therefore go to Loudoun, transacting by letter thence, all that can be managed in that way, as indeed most of the business...
40To James Madison from James Monroe, 17 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
You will have received thro’ the war dept., intelligence of the success against Proctor by the troops under Genl. Harrison, and of the change produc’d by it, and the preceding events on the lakes on the Indians. I send you a paper communicated to me in great confidence by the Gentleman whose name is written on the back. He has made other communications, of a still more interesting nature,...
41To James Madison from James Monroe, [11 March] 1812 (Madison Papers)
I recd. the enclosed on my return home. Be so good as read it, & return it by the bearer. I am convinc’d that it would be impolitick to raise difficulties at this time. I expect to see Ct. Crillon in a few minutes, having written to him to call. RC and enclosure ( DLC : John Henry Papers). Undated; date assigned here on the basis of the enclosure (see n. 1). Monroe’s enclosure was very likely...
42To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I returnd last night and receivd your letters of 7th & 8th. The letter of the Dey of Algiers, is sent to Mr Crowninshield at Salem, for an experiment, to obtain a translation of it, there, & at Boston, to be made under his auspices. It could not be translated at New York, or Phila., and I fear, that we shall have no better success, to the East. I have recd. no answer to the enquiry respecting...
43To James Madison from James Monroe, 24 January 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Monroe. 24 January 1815, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation, the following promotions in the Army of the United States.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Monroe. The enclosure (11 pp.; printed in Senate Exec. Proceedings, Journal of the Executive...
44To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The business with Mr Bagot being suspended, & that with Algiers on acct of the Deys letter which I have sent first to New York, & in case of failure there, to Mr Crowninshield for translation, & that with Russia in the same state, till I get an answer from Mr Ingersol, I shall take a trip for a few days to Loudoun, to look to my harvest, & to my health. Mr Hughes has returnd. His communication...
45To James Madison from James Monroe, 7 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
It is necessary that I should distinctly understand my own situation to give to it the greatest effect. In the absence of the secry of war, on your arrival here, and of genl winder, the duties of both devolv’d on me. It was your desire that I should act in both places, and the desire of the officers & citizens concurr’d. The duties of the military commander, were undertaken not on the...
46To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I am much gratified to hear that mr Crawford has consented to take the dept. of war. I think he will render useful service, & gain credit by it. My family are very anxious that I should visit the sulphur springs, thinking that the use of the waters is necessary to the complete restoration of my health. In this they are supported, by the advice of the phisicians, particularly dr Everett, in...
47To James Madison from James Monroe, [29 September] 1812 (Madison Papers)
I set out today, but being forc’d thro Caroline by some private concerns with the family of my late sister, shall not be able to reach Washington till the last of the week. I shall hurry on as fast as possible. The enclosed from Mr Crawford, it is proper that you should see. In its relation to two gentlemen, of real virtue (in my judgment) however they may stand with the public, or fit they...
48To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State to whom was referred the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 13th. Instant, requesting information touching our relations with France, has the honor to submit to the President an extract of the Letter from the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at Paris, which contains the latest, and the only material, information received by this Department on...
49To James Madison from James Monroe, 9 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
Mr Shaler intimates that the commanders of the squadrons about to sail for the medeteranean, expect some additional allowance to their pay in the navy, on account of their new office as commissioners to treat for peace, and that it may be made by a sum in gross for the expences of their table. I have conferrd with Com: Rodgers on the subject, who thinks that the claim is reasonable, and is...
50To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
I send you several interesting letters from Bal: particularly one from Genl winder to which I will prepare an answer & submit it to you early this morning. The report from Commodores Rodgers, Porter and Perry ought not to be publishd, till I get one from Genl. Hungerford & also from Stuart. It is I rather think an anomaly, for naval commanders, on land, to report at all, to the Secry of the...