1To James Madison from William Tatham, 26 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have had repeated conferences with the honl. the Secretaries, heads of departments aiding the Executive of the United States, on the subjects communicated in my letter to you dated the 11th. instant; and find, in reference to my propositions No. 1. 2. & 3. exclusive of any other subject matter claim or proposal, that we have the same view of the great importance of the British and other...
2To James Madison from William Tatham, 1 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have written to Genl. Armstrong, as you instructed, concerning my account & standing with the department of War; but his answer is not yet recieved; to day is quarter day, my Landlord Butcher &c expecting their money impatiently. I percieve a great difficulty arising from intercourse with several Secretaries in succession, for a number of years; and each has pursued his own course. The...
3To James Madison from William Tatham, 1 January 1811 (Madison Papers)
Observing that Government are now occupied on the claim of the United States to West Florida, & having some idea of that subject through my researches in London, at the instance of our late Minister Mr. Monroe, I shall be pardoned for offering to the executive aid certain evidences tending to strengthen our pretensions—viz. 1st. An old Map (heretofore mentioned to you) procured by me at the...
4To James Madison from William Tatham, 7 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 December 1812. “Last evening I recieved information, accidentally, that the Committee had acted on my Memorial concerning the subject of topographical documents, without investigating the vouchers or surveys prepared in support of my statement. This being a matter of surprize to myself,… I have this day applied to the Chairman for information. “I learn … that the Committee (being persuaded...
5To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 May 1810, Norfolk. The same mail that brought JM’s letter [not found] also carried one from London, telling of the death of Miss Tatham, the writer’s cousin, at Hornby Castle, the seat of John Marsden. “As sole heir on my Mothers side,” he may inherit an annual income of £5,000 and from Miss Tatham “the Peerages of Morville, L’Engleys, and Barony of Askham,” to which the duke of Norfolk...
6To James Madison from William Tatham, 11 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have come up from Norfolk prepared to offer proofs to government of that unabating zeal for the public safety & prosperity which your late proclamation recommends; and to demonstrate to Administration that I am in a condition to be useful at the present crisis in many particulars resulting from singular pursuits, exclusive knowledge of our military & maritime topography, and many years...
7To James Madison from William Tatham, 30 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
The justice which is due to creditors who contribute to support me in an extensive and an accumulating topographical establishment (my own private property) devoted, with all my time, to the public service, through an assiduous personal exertion by day & by night, urges me to call your attention to my last letter, & to the one inclosed; though with great reluctance, on account of the important...
8To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed offer to the people of Norfolk, in whom I have not yet found those boasted patriotic virtues which I have too often felt their deficiency in, will shew you how my time has been occupied since I had last the pleasure of seeing you in Washington. Twelve months ago I left Harbour Island with a view to be with you before the meeting of Congress (I mean the last of October 1810), but...
9To James Madison from William Tatham, 26 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
To the President of the United States; the honorable the Vice President and President of the Senate; the honorable the Speaker of the House of Representatives; each and every member of Congress; the honorable Secretaries, heads of departments, their respective clerks, the post-master general, every general and other officer in the army, every intelligent citizen in the United States: High...
10To James Madison from William Tatham, 26 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 June 1812, Norfolk. “I am making the last effort which seems to be left in my power to return to You in Washington with accumulated military & topographical documents &c. The official plans, Manuscript Charts, & minute topographic & Ichnographic Surveys, of Canada, Nova Scotia, & Florida, are vastly important in our Military & Maritime Archieves [ sic ].” Offers them “for a fair...
11To James Madison from William Tatham, 16 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
The conspiracy which has transpired northwardly, as just announced in the public prints, calls on every citizen to lend a helping hand towards defeating such plots, or repelling their evil consequences: I am stimulated by this consideration to mutilate my private collection of scarce and valuable documents, in favor of government; believing that, in the event of an explanation which is...
12To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1813. “I presume the late measures concerning the increase of the Navy will require wet and dry Docks for Seventy fours: Believing my experience in this branch to be at least at par with any other person, and my economical methods superior, I beg it may be understood that I offer my services as chief Engineer ⟨or?⟩ Supervisor.” Describes the process by which the engineers or...
13To James Madison from William Tatham, 16 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have this morning carefully traced on a copy of Mitchells Map of America (my own property, from the same plates from which the impression whereon the original boundary of the United States was traced, as testified by President Adams Mr. Jay and Doctor Franklin,) the boundary of the United States as it seems to have been settled by the discussion of our former Commissioners; Copies whereof,...
14To James Madison from William Tatham, 10 July 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1810, Norfolk. Believes it is important to add to his former communications the enclosed statement of facts concerning the legal right of the public to “the Desart” at Cape Henry. Is continuing his topographical work. Relates that his family is in distressed circumstances. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 2 pp. Printed in McPherson, “Letters of William Tatham,” WMQ William and Mary...
15To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The case called Charles Gobert’s is so very extraordinary that it cannot possibly be “ neuteral! ” Two years ago, I told you “I would be the last man to desert the President of the U. States;[”] and, if any yet live who really know me, they will testify that the word of my conscience, and the obligation of my legal responsibility, have been synonymous in my intentions through life; and that my...
16To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1809, Washington. Relates his financial losses suffered during and after the Revolution. Proposes a survey which would be sponsored by the federal government to create military maps of U.S. territories. RC ( DLC ). 8 pp. Docketed by JM.
17To James Madison from William Tatham, 4 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1811, Norfolk. “Perhaps there never was a period when speedy communication was more important to the safety and prosperity of the United states than the present; especially when we consider how difficult it must be to manage a population so far and widely expanding itself.” Encloses a sketch to demonstrate a method of telegraphic communication “whereby I deem it practicable to pass a...
18To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 May 1810, Norfolk. Gratefully acknowledges receipt of JM’s friendly reply to his 10 Mar. letter . He is recuperating from a long illness. Since last seeing JM in Washington, has never heard from Gallatin concerning his ideas on “the Coastwise improvement of the revenue powers.” About 10 Mar. he also wrote to the secretary of the navy regarding “Maritime improvements … far superior to the...
19To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1813. Suggests the “propriety of an immediate application to the State Sovereignties of Delaware Maryland Virginia and North Carolina (perhaps Circular to all the States might be well) for Acts authorizing the President of the United States to provide for the public safety, by causing surveys to be made of the inland hydrography of the Maritime frontier, by the construction of such...
20To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have faithfully attended to the two bills before Congress for authorizing the President to cause a survey of the inland coastwise navigation, and for authorising the Secretary at War to contract with me for my military models and apparatus and topographical charts, as instructed by the Honl. Secretary at War; but, unfortunately, both are laid over till December next, on the last day of the...
21To James Madison from William Tatham, 10 March 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1810, Norfolk. Transmits enclosures for JM’s perusal but reminds him that “these uncountenanced pursuits” cannot continue “unless some respectable appointment in the power and inclination of the executive can afford me means wherewith my leisure hours may be thus employed.” A plan to present JM with “some very extensive results of my topographical researches” is in abeyance for lack...
22To James Madison from William Tatham, 25 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 May 1810, Norfolk. Sends JM papers “on the defence of Lynnhaven Bay, the Chesapeake, Norfolk, &c,” including a paper “which contemplates a co-operation by Fire rafts.” Lists seven more communications he will complete “if encouraged to do so,” ranging from field fortifications to an inland canal system. Asks for JM’s assistance, as he is without income and the administration has neglected...
23To James Madison from William Tatham, 6 October 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 October 1812, Washington. Expresses his concern that “the Administration is exposed to considerable danger of being suddenly siezed by the enemy, without any efficient, and reasonably practical, means having been hitherto thought of as a precaution for their information and safety.” Believes that “this danger is threatened from the following considerations: 1st. there are many disaffected...