51To James Madison from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 14 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I solicit your directions as to the adaptation of the rooms in the East end of the President’s house to the use of the President and the Secretaries in Cabinet Council. If the first room occupied by Mr Coles as a sitting room be considered as sufficiently large for this use, supposing that used as the bedchamber to contain the Books & papers not in constant use, it would save much delay,...
52To James Madison from the Republican Committee of Talbot County, Maryland, 14 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
At a Period, the most eventful ever witnessed by Man, when the whole civiliz’d World is engag’d in War —a War in which much of the Blood of Europe has fed the arid Lands of the South, or been congeald upon the frozen surface of the North; whilst the British Lion, and the Gallic Cock, emulous for the extent of outrages on the Law of Nations and the Rights of Neutrals, seem determind that the...
53To James Madison from Daniel Buck, 14 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 March 1809, Norwich, Vermont. Buck [a former Federalist representative who had served in the House of Representatives with JM] advises the president to prevent a British incursion into “the Spanish provinces at the south” by sending U.S. troops “and [by] energetic exertions to supplant the British, as well as the French, by the seizure of the Mexicoes.” Suggests that disaffection in “the...
54To James Madison from William Jarvis, 17 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to address you the 25th. Ulto. by the Brig Vestal of Hull, Lennant Jones, Master, acquainting you that in consequence of your instructions, I shipped on board the Brig Hetty Captn Morehouse in Octr. 1807 a pipe of port Wine say Lisbon Wine a pipe of Bucellos & a quarter Cask of port, which vessel being captured carried into England & herself with the rest of the Cargo...
55To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
On opening my letters from France in the moment of my departure from Washington, I found from their signatures that they were all from literary characters except one from mr. Short, which mentioned in the outset that it was private, & that his public communications were in the letter to the Secretary of State, which I sent you. I find however on reading his letter to me (which I did not do...
56To James Madison from James Powell, 17 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The honourable and dignifyed languidge of Your late Inaugural adress, protends a peculiarly pleaseing Guarantee To the future Honour and National Caracture of the United States. For what, but a most pitteyfull Chimera, Is our Vain pompious bumbastick Boasting, of our Liberty and Freedom, of our being, the onely Free and Inlightned Nation on Earth, If such Sacrid princoples as forme the verrey...
57To James Madison from James Purcell, 17 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
As men in public offices are Subject to Recive public addresses and private proposals—I Solicit yr indulgence to Consider of my proposals which may not be the most unworthy of yr Notice. Sr yr Long inguaged attention to the wellfare of yr Country and the Liberty of Mankind in General has proved to the people that you are a Man whoes tried integrity and unblemished Fidelity Deserves yr...
58To James Madison from Thomas E. Birch, 17 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 March 1809, Inglesville, Montgomery County, Virginia. A native of the British West Indies, Birch solicits a naval commission on the basis of his experience under Horatio Nelson and other British commanders and with Stephen Decatur, Sr., aboard the Rising Sun in the Revolution. Since 1793 he has been “engag⟨ed⟩ in the education of the Columbian youth,” while publishing books on elocution....
59To James Madison from William Eustis, 18 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Being absent from town I did not ⟨rec⟩eive untill the evening of the 15th. your Letter of the 7th instant accompanied with a Commission of Secretary to the war department. Impressed with a just sense of the honor conferred on me by this distinguished mark of your confidence, and by the very obliging manner in which it was communicated, I have delayed an answer no longer than was necessary to...
60To James Madison from Thomas Urquhart, 18 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1809, New Orleans. Encloses 7 Mar. proceedings of the territorial House of Representatives related to a vacancy on the Orleans Territory Legislative Council. Urquhart, Speaker of the House, and Martin Duralde are the candidates. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, Territorial Papers, Orleans). RC 1 p.; enclosure 2 pp. Printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Orleans , 9:830.
61To James Madison from John MacGowty, 19 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 March 1809, Windham, Connecticut. Discusses the Embargo, MacGowty’s experience as a seaman, master, and owner of a vessel, and his thoughts on a war with Great Britain. Advises JM “for the last time to offer to that Corrupt nation the last Olive Branch and if Sir they have not good sense enough to come forward and settle with us as an onest nation then Sir My opinion is that our government...
62To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed Letter is from the Lady Abbess of the Ursuline Convent, And in compliance with her particular request, I have the honor to transmit it to you. I avail myself of this occasion to Accompany the expression of my sincere pleasure at your elevation to the Presidential Chair, with my best Wishes for the honor, the happiness and the prosperity of your Administration. I have the honor to...
63To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 20 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have been in the habit of corresponding with Mr. Jefferson during his administration, on subject[s] that my information gave me an Opportunity to be particularly acquainted with—I ask that permission of you at present. In this City there are five Banks. One Bank alone has a Republican President “ The Bank of Baltimore .” In that Bank the Navy Agent did his public Business. He is now, under...
64To James Madison from John Barnes, 21 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I regret exceedingly my Unfortunate situation—will not—at present, permit me the Honor, of paying my Personal respects—to the President of the U States. The inclosed Note of the late President I received on his leaving Town, with directions to Mr Davidson for the sum & date to have the Blanks filled up with—which Mr. Davidson—(have now) adjusted—and wait Only—the endorsemts. to be deposited in...
65To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 22 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your communication under date of the 7th. instt, accompanied by a Commission appointing me Secretary of the Navy, and present you my sincere thanks for this distinguished proof of your confidence. If the apprehensions which I feel that I may fall short of your expectations and my own wishes were allowed to influence my determination, I would be induced...
66To James Madison from William Ray, 22 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Although something of my situation is hinted at in the poem, yet perhaps not sufficient to give satisfaction. I am really in a very distressed condition. My late publication is about to be sacrificed to pay the expenses of printing, and I have no resources left. I had the misfortune, some years since, to commence business with a partner, who, by his imprudent and dishonest conduct involved me...
67To James Madison from Thomas Appleton, 22 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 March 1809, Leghorn. The American consul encloses correspondence with Armstrong in Paris related to schooner John , copies of which he has also sent to U.S. consul William Lee at Bordeaux. These papers prove that the John owner violated the Embargo. His appointment must be sent to the new authorities in Leghorn, but even though his accreditation was to the old regime the local prefect has...
68To James Madison from Maria E. Heineken, 24 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Previous to Mr. Heinekens Decease he wrote Your Excellency requesting to know if Mr G J E Smissaert had received his Exequator from the president for the state of new York, Which not being Answered, & having some unpleasant business With the Agents under Mr. H ⟨I⟩ Presume to request it as A favor, to know wha⟨t⟩ Period Mr. Smissaert received his Exequator, also the difft states included under...
69To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 24 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I reached this place last Week after a fatigueing journey through the Mud almost impassible. My return was very opportune for never were there such exertions by the Federalists to elect their candidates in all the districts round me, & particularly in my own. I believe however the majority will not be diminished in this district, but I am sure that if I had not opposed the unfortunate...
70To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I inclose you several letters which must have been intended for the office, & not the person named on the back. They belong therefore to your files, and I will pray you particularly as to those asking office on this & all other occasions to consider me merely as the channel of conveyance, & not as meaning to add an atom of weight to the sollicitations they convey—unless indeed I know any thing...
71To James Madison from Paul Verdier, 25 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am sorrey to give you the trouble of so Small a matter, Knowing you have much buisiness of importance to attend to. Having no acquaintance with any person in the City or Should not have given you the troble. I understand the Cross post from the City to orange Court house & Charlotsvill is to be Continued which is now Carried by Mr Samuel McIntire and that his Contract is nearly out. Should...
72To James Madison from Mordecai Barbour, 26 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Being disappointed in my expectations in this quarter of the World and having no prospect here of doing anything beneficial for my family, I have deemd it advisable to remove to some situation in the Western Country. And in order to make the most advantageous selection I intend in the course of this Spring and ensuing Summer to travel through Kentucky Tennessee & the Mississippi Country, in...
73To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 26 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am honored, dear Sir, by your letter of the 14th. instant in answer to mine of the 20th of february, stating, that “tho you do not enter into the aptitude of all my observations, you perceive in them a very interesting veiw of our public affairs.” Since the adoption of those measures, the relaxation of Government, in regard to the embargo, has happily changed the phrenzy, excited by the last...
74To James Madison from Francis Kinloch, 27 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I trust & believe, that the distance which your merit & your long services have placed between us will not render an address from me in so familiar a style improper, & that I may yet, though probably for the last time, avail myself of my having been once of your acquaintance. It seems right & proper, that I, who live almost exclusively with fœderalists, who feel in common with them a strong...
75To James Madison from Anthony Fothergill, 28 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Being just recovered from a long indisposition, permit me now to tender you my sincere congratulations on your elevation to a station of the highest dignity your Country could confer. A station however, at this juncture, as arduous as it is honorable, & which will call forth all your Virtues & Magnanimity to adorn. May your Administration be crowned with the happy adjustment of the existing...
76To James Madison from Gideon Granger, 28 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
G. Granger presents his compliments to the President, and informs him that it is not contemplated to continue the route mentiond by Mr Verdier after the 1st of next month. Expresses will be sent when the president wishes it; but it will be much the most convenient to have the Agent here. G. Granger has written to Mr Verdier to this effect, and he returns the letter. RC ( DLC ). See Paul...
77To James Madison from Benjamin Rush and Others, 29 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Medical Professors of the University of Pennsylvania beg leave to address you upon a Subject highly interesting to the honor, and interest of the United States. It has been the practice of the Professors, ever since the establishment of the University, to give Certificates to the Students who have required them, of their having attended their respective lectures. These Certificates are not...
78To James Madison from William Short, 29 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Madn. P.—March 29. [1809, Paris]—make use of occasion announced by Gel. A though precarious—catarrh—& pain of writing—do not address Sec. of S—he not known yet—state of information here—zero—his nomination only known. Anxious to write so as to explain the cause of my delay here—my letters by Union sent by A —Wait on Ct. R. —postpone details for another occasion—the advantage of first seeing...
79To James Madison from John Armstrong, 30 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
We are often as much injured by our friends, in this world, as by our enemeies [ sic ]. The circumstance that immediately occasions this remark, is the effect produced here by the Speech of M. Whitbread, (who is, no doubt, well disposed towards the U. S.) no less than by that of M. Canning, who, as certainly, has no great partiality for us. The one, (as you know), declared, that we had made an...
80To James Madison from Isaac Ball, 30 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Directed by a Respectful Consideration, for the President of the United States—Permit me Sir—with deference to present this small product in the field of literature. If to diffuse happiness to mankind, and a knowledge of the human character, may be considered worthy of every rational mind—Indulge me to hope, the few pages submitted are calculated to inspire—an elevated view of the faculties of...
81To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 19th. came to hand by the last post; but that allows us so little time that I could not answer by it’s return. I had not before heard of mr. Latrobe’s claim of Lenthall’s salary in addition to his own. That some of Lenthall’s duties must have fallen on him I have no doubt; but that he could have performed them all in addition to his own so as to entitle himself to his whole...
82To James Madison from Napoleon, 30 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1809, Paris. Announces the birth of Princess Hortense-Eugénie-Napoléon [daughter of Eugène and Auguste-Amélie de Beauharnais, viceroy and vicereine of Italy] on 23 Dec. 1808. RC ( DNA : RG 59, Communications from Heads of Foreign States, 1778–1903). 1 p. Written in French. Docketed by a clerk: “Recd. Augt 28th.”
83To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Since my letter of yesterday I have recieved yours of the 27th. & 28th. and in the former the 500. D. for mrs. Trist. The bronze time piece mentioned will run a fortnight, but I found it better to wind it up once a week, as during the 2d. week the greater expansion of the spring occasioned her to lose time. With respect to newspapers, none can now come to Washington for me. Of those which,...
84To James Madison from Joel Barlow, April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
April 1809. Sends on letter “from Mr. Lee” recommending William Bass for the consulate at Antwerp and mentions that Walter Livingston, Jr., may deserve consideration for the secretary’s post at the Paris legation, if a vacancy occurs. “I dont know but I ought to make an apology once for all for consenting sometimes to be the organ of such applications. It is a business I very much dislike but...
85To James Madison from William Canby, April? 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
April? 1809. Canby [a Quaker who may have been acquainted with JM’s wife] expresses concern over the godless ways of the American people and fears divine vengeance. He takes consolation from the fact JM is a leader attempting “to govern among a tumultuous & Unholy generation.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Undated. Probably written shortly after JM’s inauguration.
86To James Madison from James Taylor, 2 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
We have just rec[e]ived your Speech here and I assure you it appears to be much admired even by the Federalist of Cincinnati. Mr Rowan passed this about 10 days ago he spoke of it & your self in respectful terms, which was more than I expected from his opposition to the late Administration generally. He observed & it appeared to be assented to by several of the highest Federal characters in...
87To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 4 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a proclamation for the sale of the public lands in the Bend of Tenessee river Miss. tery., together with the recommendations for the two offices therewith connected. The memorandum will explain all I can say on the subject. P. Manning collector of Perth Amboy continues to act in a manner which renders his removal necessary. He had after improperly clearing the cotton vessels, refused...
88To James Madison from Caesar A. Rodney, [4 April] 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will observe by the enclosed letter, that Mr. Dallas wishes to know, what he is to do with the indictment against Bartholemew White, one of Burr’s men. The fact is, that Genl. Wilkinson had left Washington for New-Orleans sometime before I recd. the letter enclosing a commission to take his deposition. I agree pretty much with Mr. Dallas in opinion that White is too small game for us to...
89To James Madison from Jacob McKinney, 5 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having Occasion Last Winter to pursue a Man, who ran away in my debt, into Canada, I found that the natives of Canada are disposed to think well of their country, on account of their Priests instilling into their minds that in case the Americans, should come to Revolution in their Country, that the Americans would Rob their Churches, prostitute their Religion, and Rob them of their property....
90To James Madison from John Boyle, 6 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I owe to you an apology for the resignation of the office of Governor of the Illinois Territory which you so lately had honoured me with & I had agreed to accept —When I reached this State a vacancy had taken place in the court of appeals the spring term of which was immediately to commence—Owing to the unexpected absence of another of the judges an apprehension was entertained unless the...
91To James Madison from Simon Snyder, 6 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
In discharge of a Legislative injunction, I transmit to you the proceedings of the General Assembly, on the long litigated cause of Gideon Olmstead and others, versus Elizabeth Sergeant and Esther Waters, executrixes of David Rittenhouse, deceased, late Treasurer of Pennsylvania. Believing it will tend to a more perfect understanding of the subject, I take the liberty to add a copy of an Act...
92To James Madison from Philip Freneau, 8 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the pleasure to enclose to You a copy of Proposals for the publication of a couple of Volumes of Poems shortly to be put to the Press in this city. Perhaps some of Your particular friends in Virginia may be induced, from a view of the Proposals in your hands to subscribe their names. If so, please to have them forwarded to this place by Post, addressed to the Publisher at No. 10....
93To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 8 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your favor with the accompanying papers by the last mail reached this place before my return on yesterday from the Ohio, whither I had gone to attend the Elections—those of Wood & Ohio Counties are over, & the result has been as favorable as was expected. Never were so many voters polled in W & O for never were the exertions of My friends & those of Mr. Lindsley my opponent half so great. At...
94To James Madison from Henry Clay, 10 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Mr Boyle haveing accepted the office of Judge of the court of Appeals of this state, I presume it will become necessary immediately to appoint Govr of the Illenois Territory in his stead. N Edwards Esqr Cheif Justice of our court of appeals is desirous of filling this vacancy, and it is with pleasure that I bestow my suffrage on his recommendation. The Honorable appointments which this...
95To James Madison from Willem Frederik Röell, 10 April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1809, Amsterdam. An official representative from the kingdom of Holland to the U.S. was sent in 1807 to procure goods for the several Dutch colonies, but the Embargo prevented his carrying out the mission. King Louis Bonaparte is concerned and has instructed Baron Röell as foreign minister to ask the president to permit the dispatch to the Dutch West Indies of three or four vessels...
96To James Madison from William Eustis, 11 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of proposing for your approbation, Asa Payne and Joel Johnson, of Kentucky, to be appointed Cadets in the Regiment of Artillerists, in the service of the United States. Accept Sir assurances of my high respect and consideration RC ( PHi ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, Letters Sent to the President). On the recto of the RC , JM wrote “Approved” and his initials. This appears...
97To James Madison from Isaac Ball, 11 April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1809, New York. Thanks JM for his letter of 4 Apr. that authorized Ball to list JM “in the Catalogue of Respectable patrons” if a new edition of his book on “Animal Œconomy” is published. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Docketed by JM.
98To James Madison from John Drayton, 12 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Through the politeness of my friend Paul Hamilton, Secretary of the Navy, I have the honor of presenting you, a copy of my View of So: Carolina; which, You will do me a favor, by accepting. It, was published, during my former administration; and, is not without many errors. But, still I hope, it contains information, not unworthy of your attention. I avail myself sir, of this opportunity, to...
99To James Madison from William Short, 12 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Madn. P. Ap. 12. [1809, Paris]—Wrote him 29h. ulto. (private)—first occasion—Armstrong’s [ illegible ] did not know—anxious he shd. know cause of delay as soon as the fact—disagreeable personally (on acct. of uncertainty) & particul[arl]y since mild weather & departure of Romf—Fortunate to find Romff. here & why —first interview—wishes me to see him often—acquaintance to ripen into friendp &...
100To James Madison from Benjamin Walton, 12 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour of writing you not long Since, requesting you to reinstate me if a trancefur cold not be had, not having had the pleasure of hearing from you Since Wish to know if it is not incompatible With the regulations of the Army, permit me Sir, to request of you, liberty to go and join my company, now—at fort columbus, New York harber. With Sentements of high respect I am Sir, Your...