51To James Madison from John Adams, 14 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
The Revd, Mr Henry Colman of Hingham my Neighbour and Acquaintance, has a Brother, as I am informed, who wishes to be considered as a Candidate for a Commission in the Army. As the Brother is unknown to me, I can Say nothing of his Pretensions. But I can Say of the Minister that in point of Taste and Sense he is fit for a companion of a Jefferson and a Madison; and in point of Learning and...
52From John Adams to James Madison, 23 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have been informed that a number of very respectable Gentlemen are desirous of having the Honourable Richard Cutts Esqr of Biddeford in this State appointed to an Office under the Government of the United States, and wish to recommend him accordingly: but are very apprehensive that your delicacy, and nice sense of honour, or regard to your reputation will be an insuperable Obstacle to their...
53From John Adams to James Madison, 28 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
When my Son departed for Russia, I injoined upon him to write nothing to me, which he was not willing should be published in French and English Newspapers. He has very scrupulously observed the rule.— I have been equally reserved in my letters to him: but the Principle on both sides has been to me a cruel privation, for his correspondence when absent, and his Conversation when present has been...
54To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 8 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour of writing you, on the 7th: of last Month, immediately after I received a letter from the Secretary of State of 15. October, with the letter of leave to His Majesty the Emperor of Russia; and of informing you that I should not deliver that letter, untill the receipt of further Instructions from you. It was not untill last Evening that I had the pleasure of receiving your very...
55To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 7 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of 15. Novr. last—and beg you to accept my acknowledgments for your obliging attention to the Circumstances, which though merely of a private nature, to myself had made it my duty to decline the highly honourable office, to which you had called me, and had prevented my return to the United States, on receiving your permission to that...
56To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 30 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
The bearer of this letter, Mr. Pickman, is a Gentleman with whom for many years I have had the pleasure of a very intimate acquaintance, and for whose character I have had every reason to entertain the highest esteem. Being elected a member of the House of Representatives of the United States, to the present Congress, he is desirous of a personal introduction to the President, and in taking...
57To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 24 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
The Pamphlet which I do myself the honour of transmitting to you with this Letter was some time since sent me by its author, with the request that I would forward it to you. This Gentleman who resides at Berlin and is Librarian to the King of Prussia is by birth a Spaniard. His Father was formerly in high diplomatic Office as Minister of Spain successively at several European Courts. Nearly...
58To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 17 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
The Event, anticipated in the letters which I had the honour of writing you on the 7. Jany: 8. Feby: and 3d: June, has happened at the time when it was expected. On Monday Evening last the 12th. instt: I had a daughter born, the first example I believe of an American, a native of Russia. As it would have been impossible for me to have accomplished since the Commencement of this year’s...
59To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 27 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
The bearer of this Letter, has been made the medium of a communication to the Government of the United States, which may be useful to the important purpose of preserving and rendering permanent the Peace, between them and Great Britain. The British navy is at this moment undergoing the process of reduction to a Peace Establishment. At the same time the army is rather increasing than...
60To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 29 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Frederic Pursh a naturalized citizen of the United States & author of a Flora of North America lately published being upon his return to that Country with the object of contributing further to the improvement of Agriculture & the advancement of science by means which will require the assistance and encouragement of persons of influence in different parts of our country I have taken the...
61To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 19 April 1811 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing you last on the 8th February I have been informed that a commission has been sent to Count Pahlen for a temporary mission to the court of Brazil and that an optional authority is given him to go there immediately if he thinks proper. He is not however recalled from his mission to the United States and during his absence he is to leave Mr. Politico as chargé des...
62To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 7 January 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have received from the Secretary of State a letter, dated 15. October last, enclosing a letter of leave for the Emperor of Russia, with an optional power to me to present it immediately, and suggesting your obliging permission to me to return to the United States, to avoid the ruinous expences to which it had been intimated to you by a person particularly attentive to my interest, a longer...
63To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 28 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have lately had the honour of receiving your favour of 10th May last, accompanied, by Letters for Sir John Sinclair, which I immediately delivered in person, to him for Mr Bentham, which I left at his house; and for Dr Eustis which was forwarded by Post, to the Hague. Sir John Sinclair then put into my hands the printed paper which I now enclose, requesting me to forward it to you; and Mr...
64To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 3 June 1811 (Madison Papers)
I received on the 29th: of last Month, together with some other despatches from the Secretary of State, one, enclosing a Commission to me, as an associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States; a new letter of leave to His Majesty the Emperor of Russia; a blank Commission for a Secretary of Legation, or Chargé d’Affaires, and an Instruction, in consequence of this new appointment...
65To James Madison from Thomas B. Adams, 8 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
The Letter which I have the honour to enclose, being the Original of a private nature, from my Brother, of which it is probable you may, long Since, have received a duplicate, came to my hands, a day or two since, having been rescued from the Register Office, at Bermuda, by an American Gentleman, who has resided in that Island during a great part of the late war. He was captured by a British...
66To James Madison from Thomas Boylston Adams, 18 June 1810 (Madison Papers)
Since the departure of my Brother, Mr. John Q Adams, upon his Mission to Russia, and while he was yet at sea, I had the pleasure to receive from him a list of names, comprizing the circle of his particular friends to whom he requested I would present, in his name, and as a small token of his respect, a set of Lectures on Rhetorick & Oratory, delivered during the period of his Professorship at...
67From Thomas Boylston Adams to James Madison, 18 June 1810 (Adams Papers)
Since the departure of my Brother, Mr: John Q Adams, upon his Mission to Russia, and while he was still yet at sea, I had the pleasure to receive from him a list of names, comprizing the circle of his particular friends to whom he requested I would present, in his name, and as a small token of his respect, a set of Lectures on Rhetorick & Oratory, delivered during the period of his...
68To James Madison from William B. Adams, 18 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Lieut. Reuben Humphrys, late of the 13th. Regt. U. S. Inf. being desirous to be retained in the Service, on the peace establishment—It is with peculiar pleasure that I avail myself of the opportunity to present this open testimonial of the merits of Lieut. Humphreys. I have Known Lt. Humphreys during the greater part of the War, and have ever found him to be the vigilant and attentive officer,...
69To James Madison from Thomas Aderton, [ca. 15 December] 1813 (Madison Papers)
The Petition of Thomas Aderton Commander of the private armed Brig call’d the Saratoga. Your Petitioner for himself and on behalf of the Owners, officers & Crew of the said private armed American Brig Saratoga, respectfully represents, that he arrived at the Port of Wilmington North Carolina on the 26th. day of November 1813. with a quantity of goods &c taken on the high seas from several...
70To James Madison from Robert Ailstock, [ca. 9 April 1815] (Madison Papers)
I have the Honnour in Close you a few lines to inform you Sir that I would be glad to get a discharge from the Servis of the united for I have binn on the lines about two and Six months and in the time my farther is dead Sence I have left home and what little propetty I have is agoing to distrucktion and If you will Gave me a discharge and pay me my monthley pay that is due me I will Gave up...
71To James Madison from Alexander I, 20 July 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 July 1811, St. Petersburg. Announces that he wishes to employ his envoy Count Pahlen elsewhere and assures JM of his goodwill toward both the U.S. and its president. RC ( DLC ). 2 pp. In French.
72To James Madison from William Allan, 21 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
This comes to inform your excellencey of my being a prissner of Warr, on Board H. B. M. Ship Nassau. I sailed from N. York 3 June 1812 in the Ship Alleganey Capt. E. Everlet loaded with tribute stores for the Dee of Algeirs, on our arrival thare they did not think proper to receive them. Colonel Lair had to ransom the Ship by paying Forty two thousand Dollars and only allow’d tree and a half...
73To James Madison from George C. Allen, 15 August 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 August 1811, Cantonment Washington, Mississippi Territory. “I was ordered to Fort Pickering by Genl. Hampton and took command of that Post on the 1st. August 1810. and remained in comd. until the 1st. July 1811 When I was ordered to this place by Colo. Purdy. The paymaster has refused me double rations which has been alowed to every other officer who commanded there before me.” Asks JM to...
74To James Madison from John Allen, 25 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am unknown to you and therefore this address may seem improper. My apology is that several years ago I was among those who forwarded Resolutions pledging ourselves &c to Endeavor to support all lawful measures taken by Govrment to vindicate our rights. I considered it a Solemn promise which aught to be performed But besides that obligation I heartily approve of the measure taken. I only...
75To James Madison from Joseph Allen, 23 [November] 1811 (Madison Papers)
I am instructed by the eig[h]th Regt. of Virginia Militia, which convened in Lexington Rockbridge County on the 14th Inst. to forward to you the enclosed address. I take the liberty of accompanying it with an abstract view of the strength & arms of the Regt which I had the honor on that day to command. In performing this duty sir I am not less obedient to my own feelings than to the wishes and...
76To James Madison from William O. Allen, 4 April 1811 (Madison Papers)
By the last mail, I received a letter, from H. Marshall Esqr. of Kentucky—The following is a Copy Vizt. “ Frankford Feby 27th 1811.” “Sir Having heard that in consequence of your getting into your possession the papers of the late Mr Lockasangne you are possessed of information important to me, as a party to a suit which Harry Innes has brought against me for alledging him to be a party in the...
77To James Madison from Robert Allison and Others, ca. 20 May 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 20 May 1812, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. “The Subscribers … composing a Company of Light Infantry, called the ‘Huntingdon Volunteers’ residing within … the County of Huntingdon … actuated with a spirit of patriotism, and a wish to serve our Country, in case of necessity, beg leave to tender our services, through you, to the Government, agreeably to the existing act of Congress, and in all...
78To James Madison from Joseph Alston, 17 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
On returning, last evening, from the review of my Brigade, I found two letters of the 8th. inst: from gentlemen of much respectability in Charleston, stating that the present Federal Marshal had signified his intention to resign, & requesting that, as there would be several applicants, I would unite, without loss of time, in their recommendation of William S. Bennett Esqre., who is desirous of...
79To James Madison from Willis Alston, 2 March 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1810, Representatives Chamber. Encloses a letter he has detained for some time while waiting to see if the bill for an additional judgeship in the Mississippi Territory would pass. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Alston”). 1 p. Alston served as a Republican congressman from North Carolina between 1799 and 1815 and again from 1825 to 1831. Enclosure was probably Marmaduke...
80To James Madison from Willis Alston, 2 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
Having determined to retire after the termination of the present session, I am desirous of aiding in carrying into execution the treaty lately entered into with the creek Indians, should the bill now before the House be enacted into a law I will with great pleasure accept the appointment of one of the commissioners to assertain & fix the boundery, I think it would be pleasing to many...
81To James Madison from Willis Alston, 5 November 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 November 1811 , “ Representative Chamber .” States that while he was in Petersburg, the collector, Dr. Shore, died, and that he was applied to by almost everyone to recommend Shore’s son, Thomas Shore, as his replacement. The son had been conducting the business of the place for four years during his father’s indisposition. “Coln. Goodwin this moment informed me that he had just received a...
82To James Madison from Ignacio Álvarez Thomas, 9 February 1816 (Madison Papers)
If in the exercise of the powers with which, I am invested, as Supreme Chief of the United Provinces of Río de la Plata, a suitable occasion should present itself of proving to you my high respect for your person, I would eagerly avail myself of it, confident as I am of the great desire of my fellow-Citizens to form a closer connexion with the United States. Permit me therefore, to present to...
83To James Madison from Ignacio Álvarez Thomas, 16 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
The circumstances are well known which have heretofore prevented these Provinces from establishing with the United States of America the relations of amity & strict correspondence which reciprocal Interest and common glory ought to have inspired. At length the obstacles have been overcome which were opposed to our desires and we have the fortune to be able to send near your Exy. a Deputy to...
84To James Madison from Ignacio Álvarez Thomas, 26 May 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Ignacio Álvarez Thomas. 26 May 1815, Buenos Aires. Takes the opportunity offered by Brig. Gen. José Miguel Carrera’s journey to the United States to present to JM his respects and those of the provinces he commands. These have had the misfortune of being unable to strengthen their ties with their brothers to the north owing to the war between the United States and Great Britain, but the...
85To James Madison from American Prisoners of War, 24 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1813 , “ Nassau Prison Ship, Chatham (England) .” “We Conceive ourselves in duty bound (at the present crisis) As a Class of Unfortunate Citizens of the United States of America, to Acquaint your Excellency with the following train of circumstances in regard of themselves that has occurred since surrendering themselves up as Prisoners of War to the respective Commanders of British...
86To James Madison from American Prisoners of War, 20 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 July 1813 , “ On Board H M Prison Ships in Chatham. ” “This comes from prisoner of war that are Subjects of the United States that have been imprest into H B M Service from his country and friends and have been a long time from thear country and have sence the war broke out between amarica and great Briton gave ourselves up as prisoner of war and have had for the same had very bad wage for...
87To James Madison from American Prisoners of War at Nassau, [ca. August– October 1812] (Madison Papers)
The Petition of the undersigned Citizens of the United States of America, in Confinement as Prisoners of War at Nassau in the Island of New Providence, one of the Bahama Islands—Humbly sheweth That your Petitioners comprised the Crew of a certain Private Vessel of War lately fitted out in the Port of Charleston under and by Virtue of a Commission from Your Excellency, and which Vessel sailed...
88To James Madison from American Prisoners of War in Barbados, 25 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
From a long and tedious Imprisonment patience exausted & health Impaird we have taken the liberty to address your Exelency, Concious that you can no other than listen to the complaints of a distress’d Countrymen some of which have been Imprisoned here eight months. We have long been waiteing with a glow of Ambition peculiar to our Countrymen our release and have untill the presant time born it...
89To James Madison from “Americanus,” 10 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
Prompted by an unfeigned desire to promote the welfare of our common country, I presume respectfully to present for your consideration the outlines of a plan of finance, calculated— To relieve the pressure of taxation; To reduce or pay off the public debt; and, To create a navy, sufficient to protect and sustain our maritime rights. A wise administration will not fail to profit by the...
90To James Madison from Americanus, 26 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
“If the system already devised, has not produced all the effects which were expected from it, new experiments ought to be made, when every effort to introduce among them (the Indian savages) ideas of exclusive property in things real as well as personal shall fail, let intermarriages between them and the whites be encouraged by the government. This cannot fail to preserve the race, with the...
91To James Madison from Americanus, 16 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
“If the system already devised, has not produced all the effects which were expected from it, new experiments ought to be made, when every effort to introduce among them (the Indian savages) ideas of exclusive property in things real as well as personal shall fail, let intermarriages between them and the whites be encouraged by the government. This cannot fail to preserve the race, with the...
92To James Madison from Americanus, 30 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
“If the system already devised, has not produced all the effects which were expected from it, new experiments ought to be made, when every effort to introduce among them (the Indian savages) ideas of exclusive property in things real as well as personal shall fail, let intermarriages between them and the white be encouraged by the government. This cannot fail to preserve the race, with the...
93To James Madison from Americanus, 10 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
Sir —When you were first elected president of the union, the republican party had great hopes that under your administration, with the examples of your predecessors before you, as practical beacons to point out the courses to be avoided or pursued, little reason would have been found for republican reprehension. In good truth we have not much to complain of. You have enabled us to answer with...
94To James Madison from Americanus, 13 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
“If the system already devised, has not produced all the effects which were expected from it, new experiments ought to be made, when every effort to introduce among them (the Indian savages) ideas of exclusive property in things real as well as personal shall fail, let intermarriages between them and the whites be encouraged by the government. This cannot fail to preserve the race, with the...
95To James Madison from Philip Ammidon, 1 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
The petition of Philip Ammidon of Boston in the District of Massachusetts Merchant, Respectfully sheweth, That said Ammidon on the sixth day of November in the year Eighteen hundred & nine, became surety in the sum of Three thousand dollars, for One Daniel Herries Junr. for the appraised value of the Ship Argo & appurtenances, which vessel had been seized & libelled for a breach of the laws of...
96To James Madison from Philip Ammidon, 1 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
In the month of September last, I had the honour of enclosing to your Excellency a letter from my Brother in law Mr Jonathan Russell, & also one from George Blake Esqr. which letters were given me with a view to aid me in procuring the appointment of American Consul at the Island of Macao (in China) which I had solicited. I was some time since informed by Thomas Tudor Tucker Esquire (who has...
97To James Madison from Philip Ammidon, 16 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
By the letters I have had the honour of handing you from Jonathan Russell & George Blake Esquires, you will be informed of my desire of obtaining the appointment of Consul for the United States, at the Island of Macao, in the Empire of China. This Island being partly under the authority of the Portuguese (who have a Governour residing there) I have supposed that under existing circumstances, a...
98To James Madison from Juan Pablo Anaya, 18 March 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Juan Pablo Anaya. 18 March 1815, New Orleans. Since beginning to plan revolution for their independence, Mexicans have always considered relations with the United States to be necessary for many reasons. They sought in vain for a way to establish such relations under oppression and surveillance by the Spanish government. Secret revolutionary committees in two principal cities of the...
99To James Madison from G. Anderson, 7 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I hope you will pardon me for soliciting your interposition in favor of the bearer hereof, my son Walter G. Anderson who has been in the Navy of the United States for about six years, which service he did not wish to quit, but from a severe stroke of the paralytic his physicians advise him to do so, and as his narrow circumstances render employment of some kind absolutely necessary, your...
100To James Madison from Jeremiah Anderson, 10 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Since my last address I have been induced to make an observation to your Excellency that an most rigid precaution is necessary to be taken with the Blacks amongst us I beg you will recollect they have an Emperor amongst them—this I pray your Excellency will particularly notice. A further explanation I can give if necessary. I beg your Excellency will recollect that I look up to you as a father...