15151To James Madison from David R. Williams, 29 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I am like to suffer unreasonably, because prematurely, by certain officers of the U. States; being loath so to suffer without first informing you of it, thereby to enable you to prevent it, alone enduces me to trespass on your notice. If I am not wholy mistaken in the estimate I have formed of you, you will readily pardon the intrusion. It has been my misfortune to act the friend to two men...
15152To James Madison from David R. Williams, 13 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
The favour you have granted me, is not more agreeable than the manner in which it has been done and both deserve & have my sincerest thanks. I am fully sensible how precious all your moments are to the public interest: it was not my intention on the late occasion, nor is it now, to abstract you from that interest a single instant; yet, this is so fair an opportunity, having presented you my...
15153To James Madison from David R. Williams, 6 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The bearer the Hon.ble Wm Smith has been elected a Senator in Congress from this State vice Jno Taylor Esq resigned. Mr Smith has been an uniform politician & carries with him the best dispositions towardes the administration of the General Government. Most respectfully your’s RC ( DLC ). William Smith was a judge of the South Carolina circuit court 1808–16, when he was elected to the U.S....
15154To James Madison from David R. Williams, 28 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
Having maturely deliberated on the propriety of accepting the appointment which, you have been pleased to offer me, it is with reluctance & distress, I find myself constrained to decline it. The situation which I have occupied, during the present session, together with the evident anxiety, I have discovered, concerning the success of the military bills, among which, was not least distinguished...
15155To James Madison from David R. Williams, 22 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed extract from the proceedings of the Legislature of this State, explain fully the cause of my now addressing you. The veneration I feel for the source from whence they proceed, qualifies the discharge of the duty enjoined on me, & to which I am eaqually quickened by a sense of the correctness of the course taken & the vital importance of the object in view. The adversity which has...
15156To James Madison from James Williams, 2 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
The only apology that I make in again Addressing you is That The United States, from the joint operations of a number of Causes, aided by an Extensive Geographical Situation, appear to be destined to become One of the most populous, most prosperous, powerfull and Splendid Empires. It is Therefore of the greatest Importance To Establish their fiscal Concerns on Unchangeable Principles, and To...
15157John Williams to Thomas Jefferson, 23 April 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days since a small package of Coffee, directed to you, came into my hands; the package has been lying in this City for more than a twelvemonth—but from whence it came I am unable to ascertain —I shall be happy to follow any instructions you may give respecting it & am RC ( MoSHi : TJC-BC ); dateline at foot of text; at head of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esq r ”; endorsed by TJ as received...
15158To James Madison from John Williams, 3 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
Late intelegence shews a want of troops in East Florida to check the hostile savages. A considerable part of the Georgia Militia it is said have refused to afford relief to the troops of the United States Stationed at St. Johns from a fatal exposition of the constitution relative to the militia. And believing from the course of political events that the Government of the United States will...
15159John Williams to Thomas Jefferson, 14 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I last wrote you I have ascertained that the package of coffee then mentioned, came from a M r Fellows of Havanna , to the care of Ingraham Phoenix & C o of this city—but in consequence of their embarrassments was forgotten. Supposing this information would be acceptable I have taken the liberty to communicate it to you. Agreeably to your request I have forwarded the package to Mess rs...
15160To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 9 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
The object of this is to complain to the Chief magistrate of my Country, of the many outrageous sceenes of robery which are committing upon the high seas by American Citizens and in some measure under the cognizance of the American Government. Seven vessels have already been fitted out in the port of Baltimore, manned & commanded almost entirely by American Citizens and owned by American...
15161To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 10 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Since my Letter to you of the 21 June, Brigre General Bloomfield communicated to me an order from the Secretary of War, which in substance agreed with the request, I had the honour to make to you, and of which you have a Copy inclosed. After compleating some official duties at Philadelphia I returned to New-York and reported myself ready to take such command as might “comport with my rank.”...
15162To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 19 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received the Letter you did me the honour to write on the 15th Inst. and immediately paid the $25 it contained to the Treasurer of the USMP Society: I beg leave to thank you in their name for the authority you grant to consider you their Patron, and in my own for the permission you give me of laying before you a Representation relative to the military Academy, to be disposed of as...
15163To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 17 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for you favour of the 11th Instant although my object in writing appears to have failed. The Letter I alluded to was written by John Paul Jones and was addressed to yourself alone, he shewed it to me and asked my advice whether to forward it or not: I did advise him not to forward it, but I did not think that he would agree with me in that opinion: As the case may amuse you I will...
15164To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 27 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
The momentary, although faint, hope that the Military Academy Bill will be called up, induces me to attend in the House all day, and prevents me from stating to you verbally its almost forlorn situation. I am convinced that there is a sufficient Majority in the House to pass the Bill without Amendment, which is now the only way it can pass, for should it go back to the Senate the session would...
15165To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 17 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
Perceiving by your Message at the opening of the present Session of Congress that you entertain the same favourable Sentiments relative to military Seminaries, which you expressed to me last February, I feel emboldened to transmit a Copy of the form of a Bill drawn in consequence of a Council of Field Officers of my Corps, which I called for the purpose. The Bill, except in one Section, is...
15166To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 21 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
By the 27th Section of the Act of 16 March 1802 it is declared that the Engineers “shall be subject at all times to do duty in such places and on such Service as the President of the United States shall direct,” and By the 63d Article of War “the Engineers are not to assume nor are subject to be ordered on any duty beyond the Line of their profession, except by the special order of the...
15167Jonathan Williams to Thomas Jefferson, 21 October 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
After the Society was adjourned a number of members (all your particular Friends) were conversing on various subjects when the proposed sale of your Library to Congress was mentioned. It can hardly be supposed, that in this Room surrounded by a Library consisting almost wholly of donations, with your almost animated Bust looking full in our faces, we could avoid expressing our regret that the...
15168Jonathan Williams to Thomas Jefferson, 17 September 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I could not deny myself showing you another Instance of the usefulness of the thermometer in navigation : When science comes in aid of humanity it must be particularly pleasing to you.— Having this occasion to write to you, I will take the liberty of intimating that a kind, although monitory Letter might be of service to young Randolph . He is a very fine youth, of very good natural talents, &...
15169To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 13 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
Mr. D. Masson professor at the Military Accademy has presented to our Society a manuscript copy of his lectures on fortification. This work when compleated will be a transmission of all that is known in the french language into our own, in that condensed and simple shape which is best calculated for the Rudiments of instruction. I think it my duty towards you, as patron of the society, to...
15170To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 6 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
As I believe there is no man in America who was more intimately acquainted with the late Capt John Paul Jones while he was in Europe than myself, I have thoughts of doing justice to the injured Character of that gallant Officer. There are two papers which would be of great use to my object, one of which is a letter written to you from Nantes by Capt Jones, stating the circumstances of an...
15171To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 13 June 1810 (Madison Papers)
I took the liberty last fall of submitting to your inspection, as our Patron, Mr Massons Lectures on Fortification which he had presented to the U. S. Mily. Philo: Society. Besides the satisfaction of producing in our own Language the french improvements in this art, I was desirous of knowing whether you thought the Subject worthy of publication and dissemination. Brigadier General Morton of...
15172To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 5 June 1809 (Adams Papers)
WITH a view to collect and preserve the Military Science, which must still exist among the Veterans of our revolutionary contest, and those of our Fellow-Citizens, who may have gathered scientific fruits in the course of their travels, the Corps of Engineers have, under the auspices of the President of the United States , commenced an Institution for the purpose of establishing and...
15173To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 29 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Honourable Saml L Mitchill of the House of Representatives of the United States having transmitted to the State Committee of fortifications a printed Letter addressed to you signed Edward Clark containing a project of fortification for this Harbour, I think it my duty as chief Engineer of the United States, and author of the plans of fortification lately compleated & now progressing under...
15174To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 10 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
The annual meeting of the United States’ Military Philosophical Society will be held in the City of New York on Monday the first day of November next: The time of the day and place of meeting will be made known through the daily papers of the preceding week. The business which will then come before the Society will be 1. To receive Reports relative to the affairs of the Society since the last...
15175To James Madison from Jotham M. Williams, 16 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
Your Excelency I presume will pardon the fredom of our Request, but we hope Your Excelency has not Yet forgot, that you have a great Number of good & worthy Citizans of the United States of America, to the Number of 2000, to the best of my calculation, in these prisons of England, now Wronfully detained as prisoners of War, Contriary from the Laws of all Nations, that after being drag’ed like...
15176To James Madison from Nathan Williams, 2 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
Being informed by Lieut. Col. Malcolm of the late 13th. Regt. of the U. S. army; that he is solicitous to enter into some civil foreign department of our Govt., I take the liberty of recommending him to the particular notice of your Exy. His object at present is, an appoint. as consul in some country in Europe—prefering France, for which he is well fitted, on account of speaking the french...
15177To James Madison from Nathan Williams, 26 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 November 1812, Utica, New York. Introduces Alexander Johnson, “a respectable young merchant of this place, who will spend a few days in Washington City, for the sake of amusement & information.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; docketed by JM. Nathan Williams (1773–1835), a prominent Utica attorney and civic leader, was president of the village corporation and president of the Manhattan Bank. He also...
15178George Williamson to Thomas Jefferson, 10 October 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
No ordinary occasion should induce me to intrude on your leisure hours. you will perceive that the prosp work, the prospectus of which I send you, has more than ordinary claims on the literati of this Country. I regreat that I have not an acquaintance in your State whom I can interest, and through whom this might have been presented to you. had my honorable friend Doctor Mitchill still...
15179To James Madison from Hugh Williamson, 20 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Not having the pleasure of any acquaintance with the present secretary at war, I take the liberty of addressing you on a subject that comes within his department. The propriety of the measure I am about to recommend, will, as I hope, make my apologie. Mr M: Bell, by whom this will be handed you, is the owner of a Furnace in the state of Tenessee, near Cumberland river, and a few miles West...
15180To James Madison from Thomas Williamson, 15 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
The very polite attention of Mr Jackson, Your Envoy at this Court, and the highly liberal manner wherein he has been pleased to afford me information, relative to a variety of matters interesting to those purposing to settle in the United States, induce me to take advantage of his kind offer to transmit this address. I was intended for the Engineer Branch of the Army, but prefer’d the...
15181Thomas Williamson to Thomas Jefferson, 19 December 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
The above certificate was obtained from M r Hay for the purpose of deciding a Bet between M r M c Intosh and myself but not proving satisfactory to him, I must beg the favour of you to say whether you have not been in London —or whether you have even ever seen the present King of Great Britain —If the above information could have been got here, I should not have taken the liberty (which I beg...
15182To John Adams from William D. Williamson, 1812 (Adams Papers)
About a year since, I received from under your hand, a very obliging letter, which was full of information as to the several inquiries I had previously taken the liberty to propose. While I would express my grateful acknowledgements, for that valuable communication; I have to regret my necessity of troubling you again with Still further enquiries. I would here promiss an assurance, that,...
15183To John Adams from William D. Williamson, 12 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
Acquainted with your ready disposition to communicate information, tho unacquainted with you personally, I would, with due deference, beg leave to make of you a few enquiries. Previously, however, I would give assurance, that all means, within my power, have been used to get the wished-for information, without encroaching, in this way, upon your moments: I have consulted the different...
15184Robert Williams to William Eustis, 12 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 May 1809, Boston. Asks the secretary of war to intercede with JM on behalf of William Stanwood, who has been arrested “for allowing goods to be landed from his Vessell prior to entry at the Custom House.” This was Stanwood’s first voyage as master of a ship, and he was not only inexperienced but also sick “in body and Mind, being just on the recovery from the Yallow feaver.” Clemency from...
15185To James Madison from Robert Williams, 29 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 January 1810, Lenox Castle, North Carolina. Seeks appointment for his brother, Marmaduke Williams, who has moved to Madison County, Mississippi Territory. Since Congress is considering a new federal judgeship in that territory, hopes his brother can be considered. “Permit me the liberty to say that his family consists of a wife whom you know, five small children, and about 12 Slaves Clear...
15186To James Madison from Robert Williams, 2 November 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 November 1811, Washington, Mississippi Territory. Offers to fill a judicial vacancy in the Orleans Territory occasioned by the death of Judge Mathews. States that he is making this application because some of his “most respectable neighbours & acquaintances” are about to relocate in the Opelousas and Attakapas, and they wish that he “should make one of their number, & fill this appointment”;...
15187To James Madison from Robert Williams, 11 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I took the liberty of addressing you, ⅌ last Mail, in the event of the death of Judge Matthews, which was at that time, reported here to be a fact, but which report I am happy to inform you has been Since Contradicted. I am with great & usual respect yrs RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Williams to JM, 2 Nov. 1811 ( PJM-PS Robert A. Rutland et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Presidential...
15188Thomas D. Williams to Thomas Jefferson, 8 August 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho’ you are retired from the noise & bustle of public business, still I presume you behold with anxious eye the laudable exertions of every class of Citizens, to render their domestic commerce & manufactures more extensive; & you look forward in anxious expectation of that glorious time when we shall be able to defy the belligerent nations of the Europe , & to declare ourselves totally...
15189Thomas H. Williams to Thomas Jefferson, 12 October 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have enquired at M r Magruder’s office with respect to the Batture Pamphlet destined for M r Poydras . M r Magruder was not in the office, but the Door Keeper who was s charged with the distribution of the Pamphlets informed me that there were not enough by 20. or 30. for the members present—. so that it is clear M r Poydras
15190To James Madison from Thomas H. Williams, 14 June 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 June 1809, Washington, Mississippi Territory. Forwards petition from Seth Lewis and twelve other attorneys who recommend Drury W. Breazeale for the vacancy in Madison County, Mississippi Territory, if Congress will pass a law establishing a judicial district there. Takes this action as acting territorial governor and suggests the petition should go to the secretary of state, but “in giving...
15191To James Madison from Perrin Willis, 13 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
Having heard that Mr Lee has declined accepting the appointment of accountant to the War Department; I beg leave to renew my application for that situation. And to assure you, Sir, that my zeal for the publick good will in case of your pleasure to appoint me, prompt me to discharge with punctuality and fidelity the duties of the station. I have recently discovered that the vacancy supposed to...
15192To James Madison from Perrin Willis, 11 September 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 September 1813, Orange Court House. “As I am now about to leave for ever my native Country (of which you are the head) I can see no crime in submiting to you a few of my thoughts in the way of my profession. “It is generally acknowledged War is the most necessary and useful of all the sciences. The various kinds of knowledge which ought to furnish the soldiers mind, are not without great...
15193To James Madison from Perrin Willis, 12 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have been informed that the Government intend building an observatory in this place. Though the commission on the Sum to erect such a building would be nec[e]ssarily Small, I am desirous to be appointed agent to purchase the ground and erect the building. The performance of the duty with that fidelity which I purpose will develop to the Government my talent for business and thereby render me...
15194To James Madison from Perrin Willis, 30 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
It is with the utmost diffidence that I again appeal to your generosity for an office under the government and could only be urged to the act by the most pressing necessity. I have discovered by experience, the unpleasant fact that my present avocation is not to be conducted but with an adequate capital. And not possessing that requisite I shall very soon be compel’d to discontinue it; When I...
15195To James Madison from Perrin Willis, 4 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
As circumstances rendered it necessary for you to appoint Mr Hagner Accountant of the War Department, I hope and trust some other vacancy will occur which you may deem proper to confer on me. My devotion to the interest of my Country during the many years I was in her service very much strengthens my claim to her patronage. I do not choose to follow the example set by most applicants, of...
15196To James Madison from William Willis, 27 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
Your Enemies and the Enemies of the Republican party calculate much on the success that Otis, and the Other agents from this State will meet with in their Mission to Washington. I must beg pardon Sir for the suggestion I am about to make Viz. that it would be a great mortification to your friends as well as a detriment to the cause for it to be believed that their mission has had the least...
15197To James Madison from William Willis, 11 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have had considerable oppertunities since the declaration of the present war, of finding the sentiments of the people respecting that measure; both on the Atlantic, and in the interior. And if some fortunate event dous [ sic ] not present itself soon to reconcile the Citizens of these States to the war, the ensuing elections will be much affected, And I fear that if many disastrous...
15198Matthew Wills to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Ashlin handed me your letter of the 20 th instant wherein you exp r essed a desire to get Some live Carp and I having the Seine that is halled at M r Ashlins &
15199To John Adams from James R. Willson, 25 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
An offective son, & one of the children of the church presumes to address you an epistle. I long admired your measures in preparing to expend this nation in time of peace, & thus prevent war from spreding ruin over the land. Now all the nation is convinced of the propriety of your measures respecting the navy & impropriety of the measures of your successors. Our navy has done wonders. God...
15200To 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...