51To James Madison from James R. Willson, 1 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
The manuscripts, & pamphlets, which I had the forwardness to offer you will probably be of no use to you. You have perhaps all possible information relative to the western members of this empire. My object, you will doubtless believe, was an honest intention to promote the welfare of the land which gave me birth, where all my friends live—& friendship to yourself. If you have condescended to...
52To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 12 September 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 September 1811, Madeira. Advises that the wines JM ordered are cased and awaiting a vessel for Alexandria or Baltimore. Both JM’s and Monroe’s wines will be forwarded as soon as a ship is available. “I have taken the liberty to include the Pipe of wine for Mrs. Lucy Washington in the bill I have drawn upon you this day in favor of Matthew Cobb Esqr. of Portland for £378. Stg.” Wishes to be...
53To James Madison from William A. Burwell, 1 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
The Sacrifices made to defend Norfolk with Militia are of a Nature & to an extent requiring the most Serious consideration from the Gen’l Gov’t; I am satisfied you cannot know the Sufferings to which Individuals & families are exposed by that policy, & the Serious Diminution of the Physical strength of virginia; to Say nothing of the effect produced on the Spirit, of the people, & their...
54To James Madison from George Joy, 9 January 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George Joy. 9 January 1816, New England Coffee House London. “I have just heard of an opportunity of sending the enclosed Duplicates, by a fast sailing Vessel from Dover. Should both Copies arrive, one will be sufficient to transmit to Mr. Benjn: Joy.” Adds in a postscript: “The 1sts. are in the Nabby: Care of Mr: Gelston.” RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). 1 p. Docketed on...
55To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 23 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
By yesterdays mail, I sent you copies of a corrispondence, which had taken place between the Coms of the Navy Board, & myself, which I thought extraordinary, because, I did not perceive what was the object of it, unless it was, to control the Dept., for I had consulted some one of them, upon every measure that was necessary, in my opinion, to ask their advise, & we was harmonising very...
56To 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...
57To James Madison from William Short, 7 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
The present is merely to acknowlege the reciept & thank you for the kind expressions of your letter of Dec. 3. I shall add nothing more to this letter hoping very soon to have the satisfaction of renewing to you in person the assurance of my sentiments. I informed the sec. of State last summer on receiving his letter that I should return this spring. If there had not been an hope of some...
58To James Madison from Edward W. DuVal, 17 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
A bill now before Congress proposes to allow, to the Representatives of the Officers & Crew of the late Sloop of War Wasp, the sum of 50.000 dollars, to be distributed as prize money; & to authorise the President, of the U. States, to Appoint a prize Agent, for the distribution thereof. Should this bill become a law, may I hope, Sir, to receive from you the Agency it contemplates? It would in...
59To James Madison from John Stricker and Others, 3 August 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Stricker and Others. 3 August 1815, Baltimore. “We the Undersigned Merchants of the City of Baltimore from our long acquaintance with, and personal knowledge of, John G. Johnston do hereby recommend him to the Executive as a Suitable person to be appointed as Consul for the United States to the Island of St. Domingo.” Tr ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Johnston”). 1 p.;...
60Resolution of the Aldermen and Common Council of the City of Washington, 18 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
Resolved unanimously by the board of Aldermen and board of Common Council of the City of Washington in joint meeting met—That the Mayor of the City—Elias B. Caldwell, Daniel Carroll of Dudn. Buller Cocke, Walter Jones Jr. & Thomas Monroe, be a Committee to carry to the President of the U.S. the expression of the Citizens of this City of their unprotected & defenceless state from menaced...
61To James Madison from Samuel Turner, 20 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 September 1812, Hormuz , “ His Majesty’s Ship Salvador del Mundo .” “Presumeing that you are already acquainted with the particulars of my capture, I feel it a duty incumberent on me most respectfully, to acquaint you that I have been kept a close prisoner on board His Majestys Britannic Ship Salvador del Mundo laying as a guard Ship at this Port, since the 29 of June last, never been once...
62To James Madison from Henry Warren, 6 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
Mr: George Morton Junr. of this town is engaged with a company for the errection of salt works have made contracts for the suitable lumber necessary for this purpose at Portland. He wishes to be permitted to proceed to that place for this specific object: I can only say, that I believe his intentions to be pure & correct in this business, & that his gen[e]ral character is that of integrity &...
63To James Madison from David Jones, 28 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
I came here last friday in a Steam Boat from albany. I have been fit for Duty very little of this Campaign my complaints were the Diarrhea & asthma. I went to Ballston & Saratoga Springs. I am releived from the Diarrhea, but still affected with the asthma, I am using medicines, which I hope will finally releive me. I found myself unable to go to general Brown, therefore I came here, if...
64To James Madison from the Citizens of Maury County, Tennessee, 4 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 July 1812. “Whereas the two great contending powers of Europe seem determined to involve the civilized world in their quarrels, and to destroy the peace and prosperity of neutral and independant Nations, and have for years past been practicing upon us a system of rapine and plunder, which according to the common course of human events, ought only to be leveled against each other. “Whereas...
65To James Madison from John R. Bedford, 26 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
Annexed hereto is the copy of another letter from Mr. William Barrow of West Florida. You will remark the frank expression of concern and solicitude and unpleasant suspense about their political situation. And I beleive he expresses genuinely the feelings, in common with his own, of all the most reputable people in West Florida. I inclosed you a copy of his first letter, dated 4th. June, which...
66To James Madison from George Joy, 31 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
It is long since I had the honor of addressing you; much longer since I had that of receiving a Line from you; the last being of the date of Janry 1811. I have very sudden notice of Mr: Carroll’s arrival and Departure; and write this in the Coffee House with him, without any opportunity of referring to or enclosing any papers save the printed section of the Pamphleteer No 8. which, if the...
67To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 17 November 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of sending you some newspapers and two memoirs relating to Prize Causes, and am, Sir, with great respect, Your very obedt and very humble Sert RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Enclosures not found.
68To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Biddeford, District of Maine, 27 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1812. “The Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Biddeford, in the District of Maine, in legal Town Meeting assembled, having seen your Manifesto, the Act of Congress declaring War against the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland, and your Proclamation of the same, feel in Duty bound respectfully to state some of our Ideas respecting this subject; Some of us bore a heavy...
8 February 1810, Philadelphia. Warns JM to expect “ill treatement” after the return of Francis James Jackson to Great Britain. Offers advice on preparations for war. RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , A-22:5). 1 p. Signed “A friend of this country.” Docketed by a War Department clerk as received 12 Feb. 1810.
70To James Madison from Thomas Lawton, 22 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I address you upon a subject, which I claim no right to, except that of humanity and of the public benefice. As our Country is now involved in War and the mite of every one is highly requisite to extirpate that foe who has thought proper to excite our indignation, I think that every means within our limits, to strengthen our Armies; ought to be resorted to. In the US. Army, there are many...
71To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 June 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 1 June 1810. Calendared as a one-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2).
72To James Madison from William Jones, 25 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
Circumstances over which I have no controul having coerced a determination on my part to retire from the honorable station in which your confidence and good will had placed me, it is proper that I should apprise you of my intention in anticipation of that event though I shall not intimate my design to others. I shall endeavour to remain at my post if possible until the next meeting of Congress...
73To James Madison from Anthony Charles Cazenove, 30 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to hand you the check of Jas. L. McKenna Cashr. of Bank of Alexa. on Cashr. of bank of Columbia this date in my favor which I endorse to yours for $428.75 being for the followg. parcels of your Merino Wool 170 lb Full blood $1.25 $212.50 85 . ¾ do $1 — 85— 150 . ½ do .87½ 131.25 100 together $428.75 You will observe that the weights are the same as stated in...
74To James Madison from Richard M. Johnson, 4 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 July 1812, Pittsburgh. Has arrived in Pittsburgh on his way home. “I have this moment understood that Capt. Butler Lnt. McGree, & Ensign Irvine & their volunteer Company had tendered their services to you more than six weeks ago, and that no answer has yet been rcd. I can inform you that this day I have seen the officers & company mustered all in uniform. They are very fine men to look at &...
75To 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...
76To James Madison from Valentin de Foronda, 26 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 26 August 1810. Calendared as a two-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2). Foronda had been chargé d’affaires ad interim for Spain in Philadelphia until September 1809.
77To James Madison from John Sidell, 13 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Office of Marshal of the Southern distt of New York having become vacant, by the much lamented death of Genl John Smith, and having been appointed and discharged the duties of Deputy Marshal under that Gentleman, and which duties being many, and arduous during the late War, there being no regulars deposit for prisoners nearly until the close, recurrence were necessary and frequent to the...
78To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 12 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
My feelings are deeply excited by the Step which I now take in addressing a letter to you, not knowing in what light it may be viewed. But of this I am conscious that I do it with the most respectful motive. I take the liberty of enclosing several letters for Your perusal, and among them One which I had the honor of receiving from you in April 1801, in which you were pleased to say “I shall...
79To James Madison from John Scott and Others, Ca. January 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Scott and Others. Ca. January 1815. “We the undersigned members of the legislative Council and house of Representetives do recommend Bernard pratte Esquire of the Town of St Louis as a proper person to fill the office of Brigadier General of the upper or northern Brigade of the Militia of the Territory of Missouri.” RC ( DNA : RG 94, Letters Received, filed under “Pratte”). Signed...
80To James Madison from Henry Clay, 14 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
The last mail brought me the letter which you did me the honor to write on the 30t. Ulto. stating your expectation of a vacancy in the Department of War, and communicating your wish that I would take upon myself the discharge of the duties of that office. Several considerations appear to me to require that I should decline accepting the honor which your favorable opinion has tendered. I regret...
81To James Madison from Peter Isaacsen, 11 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 August 1809. The war in Europe has disrupted commerce, and twenty-six American ships have been captured by privateers and brought into Christiansand and neighboring Norwegian ports. The captains and supercargoes of those vessels chose Isaacsen to represent them as a de facto consul, although he is a Danish merchant residing in Christiansand. He acted on their behalf, and of the eighteen...
82To James Madison from Irenée Amelot de Lacroix, [3 January 1814] (Madison Papers)
The many distinguished favors which I am proud of having received from your Excellency, embolden me to have recourse to you, in this, the most trying moment of my life, when I stand most in need of your high protection. Mrs. De La Croix, who will have the honor to deliver you this letter, will inform you of the unfortunate circumstances under which I am placed, and of the object of my...
83To James Madison from William Eustis, 15 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 April 1812, War Department. Lists proposed alterations and appointments in the U.S. Army for JM’s approval. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, 12B-A1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 2 pp. Forwarded by JM to the Senate in his 15 Apr. 1812 message ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.;...
84To James Madison from the Pennsylvania Legislature, 10 March 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From the Pennsylvania Legislature. 10 March 1814. “The people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, to promote the general welfare and secure the blessing of Liberty to themselves and to their posterity did ordain and solemnly adopt a constitution for the United States. “‘This government,...
85To James Madison from John Armstrong, 8 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Your last favor of the 29th. of Sept. was received a day or two ago. I am glad to find that the state of the treasury will be such as to enable it to meet our claims upon it. To check the impulse given to the campaign at the present moment would be ruinous. The Dep. paymaster Gen. has been here and distributed the funds (70,000$) of which he was possessed. Our expences at present are great. If...
86To James Madison from William Duane, 3 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Public motives, such as I conceive calculated to render service to the interests and honor of your administration, induce me to take the liberty of addressing you. The unhappy conflict which has arisen out of the case of Olmstead is now quieted so far as the law and the parties in that case are invol⟨ved⟩. The Militia men who under a blind opinion of obedience to their superiors have...
15 October 1809, Urbana. Demands that JM implement the principles of the report on public credit that he signed with Alexander Hamilton and Oliver Ellsworth on 18 Sept. 1783. RC ( NN ). 3 pp. Unsigned. JM’s correspondent was referring to the “Address to the States by the United States in Congress Assembled” of 26 Apr. 1783 (see PJM William T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James...
88To James Madison from William Preston, 25 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 January 1812, Fincastle. Declares that when the councils of the nation have decided on war, “It becomes the duty of each individual in society attached to his Government of every political denomination to yield minor considerations and rally around the national flag that the enemies of our country may be combated with unanimity and certain effect.” Refers to his “more than seven years...
89To 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...
90To James Madison from William Bentley, 16 August 1809 (Madison Papers)
My worthy friend, General Dearborne informed me, that the President of the United States would kindly accept any expression of my sincere confidence in him. The highest esteem & his distinguished reputation & virtues, as well as respect for his high station must oblige me to put all the value of myself, in my own discretion. Permit me, Sir, to say, that during the Administration of President...
91To James Madison from Evan Lewis, 8 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty, of sending thee a copy of the annexed pamphlet as a tribute of respect for our chief-Magistrate in whose talents and integrity, I have placed unlimited confidence, and whose official conduct, in that highly important office has hitherto met my entire approbation, and in this expression of approbation in the measures pursued, or the steps taken by the present...
92To James Madison from David Jones, 4 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have recovered my health in a good Degree. Necessity tryigers me to return to the old way of Living on mush & milk, which suits my Stomach well. I am now astonished that I have been the Dupe of senseless Custom for fifty years. I shall carry the reform further, I am about burning a hommany mortar for the use of my family. Nothing is more agreeable to me, but Pennsylvania is unacquainted with...
93To James Madison from William Blackledge, 16 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 April 1812, Capitol. Recommends Richard B. Jones, an attorney in Philadelphia, for the vacant consulate in Tripoli. Describes Jones as “liberally educated” at Princeton and mentions his service as a midshipman in the U.S. Navy, including his capture on the Philadelphia at Tripoli. After resigning from the navy, Jones studied law, got a license, commenced practice, married, and settled in...
94To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 5 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have received, my dear Sir, your invaluable communication of the 3d. instant. It is not in my power to express the sense, which I entertain of the notice taken of my services in the Treasury. For my own day, it will serve as a shield against the assaults of the envious, malicious, and inimical; and for the days of my Children, it will not be the least precious portion of their inheritance....
95To James Madison from George Joy, 12 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I attended yesterday at the Court of Admiralty rather to hear what could be said than from any doubt of the result of the trial of the Somerset, captured during the war, and recaptured after the period assigned for exemption by the treaty. The Proctor for the Captor, whom I happened to know, assured me that he had not been able to find a case in point; which I did not think it difficult to...
96To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 10 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
A few days ago I received a note from Genl. Armstrong, requesting “to know if the appointment of Professor of Mathematics in the military school at West point would be agreeable to me?” By the Publick papers I understand the Genl. has left Washington, and therefore may not receive my answer, (which is forwarded to the department of war,) for some time. It has always been my opinion, that my...
97To James Madison from John Armstrong, [16 March 1814] (Madison Papers)
In drafting the enclosed letter I have qualified Jackson’s proposals in a way which will spare an unnecessary effusion of blood, without appearing to counteract a policy which may not truly be his, but that of the army he commands &c &c. I am Sir, with the highest respect Your Most ob. servt RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). Undated; docketed by JM : “Mar. 16 1814.” Date assigned based on the docket and...
98To James Madison from José Manuel de Herrera, 1 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
Having been designated by the Mexican Republic to come to the Government of the United States and negotiate affairs of extreme importance, I set out on the 16th of July of last year and after crossing a vast expanse of land in order to reach the Vera Cruz coast and having been detained there over a month on account of the fire which destroyed the vessel which was to bring me, I finally managed...
99To James Madison from Robert Pendegrass, 17 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
I take the Liberty to address myself to your honour with the following Lines as an Unfortunate Soldier though I regret that I am not Sufficient Capable enough to make Use of the Language which a man of your Capacity Ought to be addressed with, I Shall now relate to your honour my Grievances under which I have Laboured for this few years past, I have Enlisted in the regular Service in June 1812...
100To James Madison from William Harris Crawford, 26 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to submit for your consideration, a draft of the instructions prepared to be sent to the Commissioners appointed to treat with the Chickasaw Indians. I have the honor to be, most respectfully, Sir, your Obt. Servant. RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC in a clerk’s hand, signed by Crawford; docketed by JM . The draft has not been found, but for the final...