1To John Adams from James Madison, 3 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
I have been induced to this delay in acknowledging your letter of the 23d, inclosing one to you from Mr. Belknap of the 2d. Ulto. by a desire to obtain from my memory all the information it might have ever possessed in relation to the error in Docr. Kippis’ life of Capt: Cook. I was not a member of Congress till March 1780. It is probable therefore that, if his directions to American...
2From James Madison to John Adams, 3 February 1795 (Madison Papers)
I have been induced to this delay in acknowledging your letter of the 23d, inclosing one to you from Mr. Belknap of the 2d. Ulto. by a desire to obtain from my memory all the information it might have ever possessed in relation to the error in Docr. Kippis’ life of Capt: Cook. I was not a member of Congress till March 1780. It is probable therefore that, if his directions to American...
3From James Madison to Alexander Balmain, 23 November 1794 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 23 November 1794. Acknowledged in Balmain to JM, 8 Dec. 1794 . Encloses a copy of Washington’s 19 Nov. annual address to Congress denouncing “certain self-created societies.”
4From James Madison to Joshua Barney and Others, 1 May 1794 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with your letter of Mar: 13. from Jamaica with its inclosure, in which the American Masters of Vessels detained in that Island have been pleased to express their sentiments on the Resolutions proposed by me in the House of Representatives on the 3d. of January last. Having long regarded the principles on which those Resolutions were founded, as the basis of a policy most...
5From James Madison to Peter Baynton, 31 March 1791 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison has just recd. the inclosed letter under cover of one from Virginia. If Mr. Baynton wishes to have an answer conveyed, Mr. Madison offers his service for the purpose. He will have an opportunity in two or three days, probably on sunday or monday. RC ( WHi ). Addressed by JM. A clipped signature has been attached at some later time. Peter Baynton (1754–1821), a former postmaster of...
6From James Madison to John Beckley, 1 October 1796 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 1 October 1796. Acknowledged in Beckley to JM, 15 Oct. 1796 . Encloses a letter for Beckley to forward to James Monroe. Apparently discusses Monroe’s recall as U.S. minister to France and the impending presidential election. Asks Beckley to find a house in Philadelphia for JM to rent during the next session of Congress.
7From James Madison to William Bingham, [ca. August] 1791 (Madison Papers)
The Legislature of Virginia chuse their Senators for Congs. as they do their State officers, by joint ballot of the two Houses. The ballots are first separately collected in each House & then brought together & counted by Committees from each in presence of such other members as think fit to attend, the election being decided by the major vote without regard to a distinction of Houses. It is a...
8From James Madison to James Blair, ca. 20 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 20 February 1796. Mentioned in JM to James Madison, Sr., 21 Feb. 1796 . Orders clover seed for Montpelier.
9From James Madison to John Breckinridge, 19 November 1793 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of making known to you the Revd. Mr. Toulmin who visits Kentucky with a view to transmit its character to a body of his friends in England who wish to exchange their native Country for some part of ours. He has a secondary view of trying whether he can be engaged on acceptable conditions as an Instructor of youth in classical and other liberal branches of education. At...
10From James Madison to Arthur Breese, 13 May 1796 (Madison Papers)
Since I last communicated with you on the subject of the lot of land on the Mohawk, I have disposed of it to Mr. Bailey & Mr. Vanwyk; and have made it a part of the bargain that the lot shall be resurveyed at the joint expence of the parties, in order that the price may be adjusted to the quantity. The estimated quantity (nine hundred acres) was brought into doubt, by finding that the given...
11From James Madison to Arthur Breese, 22 March 1794 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 22 March 1794. Acknowledged in Breese to JM, 11 and 16 Apr. 1794 . Inquires about value and prospects for sale of JM’s Mohawk Valley land.
12From James Madison to Pierce Butler, ca. 1 May 1795 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 1 May 1795. Acknowledged in Butler to JM, 12 June 1795 . Concerns Robert Goodloe Harper.
13From James Madison to William Overton Callis, 27 November 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 November 1792. Acknowledged in Callis to JM, 9 Dec. 1792 . Requests vouchers needed for Callis’s Revolutionary War claim and comments on the state of the army account books.
14From James Madison to William Overton Callis, 10 November 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 November 1791. Acknowledged in Callis to JM, 18 Nov. 1791 . Concerns sale of Callis’s land warrant and settlement of a Revolutionary War claim.
15From James Madison to William Overton Callis, 25 November 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 25 November 1792. Acknowledged in Callis to JM, 2 Dec. 1792 . Concerns Callis’s Revolutionary War claim. Recommends voting for Clinton over Adams for vice-president, as antirepublicanism is now a greater danger than anti-federalism.
16From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 12 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am just favd. with yours of the 30th. inst: and am glad to find your sentiments so decided as to the power of removal by the Presidt. Every letter to me, and as far as I know to others here, from Virga. ratifies the propriety of the decision of Congress. Our last discussions of moment have turned on the Compensations. The bill as gone to the Senate, allows Six dollars a day to the members of...
17From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 2 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 2 January 1791. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 2 Feb. 1791 . Discusses the excise and militia bills. Requests Carrington’s ideas on a national bank.
18From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 27 February 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 February 1791. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 20 Apr. 1791 (DLC). Concerns JM’s views of the legislation chartering the Bank of the United States, and the constitutional questions raised by a charter proposal. JM apparently suggests that the federal government lacks the power to establish banks.
19From James Madison to Edward Carrington, ca. 10 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 January 1791. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 2 Feb. 1791 . Encloses Attorney General Randolph’s report on the judiciary.
20From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 28 August 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 28 August 1791, Philadelphia. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 21 Sept. 1791 . Encloses note of Tench Coxe and concerns related business to which JM attended for Carrington.
21From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 14 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. inst: came to hand two days ago. Though I can not yield to the remarks on my proposition in the House of Reps. I am not the less indebted for the candor which dictated them. The nature of the domestic debt will account for the diversity of opinions among those who examine it. Those who are disinterested or being interested are superior to that biass, will be mutually...
22From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 14 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 February 1790. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 2 Mar. 1790 . Explains his motion in Congress to discriminate between the original and present holders of public securities.
23From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 24 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 January 1790. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 5 Feb. 1790 , and mentioned in JM to Carrington, 2 Feb. 1790 . Discusses Carrington’s appointment as federal marshal for the Virginia district.
24From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 2 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
I sent to Col: Innis a few days ago Copies of the Reports of Mr. Hamilton & Mr. Knox, with a request that in case you should be in Town you might have a perusal of them. It was not then in my power to send separate Copies; besides that they are too voluminous to be multiplied without exceeding the due share of room in the conveyance. The former Report is to be considered on monday next. Amidst...
25From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 27 January 1793 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 January 1793. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 11 Feb. 1793 . Comments on congressional proceedings and European events.
26From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 25 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 25 December 1791. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 30 Dec. 1791 . Informs Carroll that apportionment is to be reconsidered.
27From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 11 December 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 11 December 1792. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 13 Jan. 1793 . Reiterates request for information about the Potomac navigation. Comments on the tax on horses as a direct tax and its unequal effect between North and South. Gives news concerning France and Browse Trist.
28From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 16 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 16 February 1792. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 23 Feb. 1792 . Reports on congressional business and politics—the prospects of the apportionment bill and the candidates (including John Jay) for the governorship of New York.
29From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 24 July 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 July 1792. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 17 Aug. 1792 . Indicates that support in Virginia for promoting the development of the federal district is “languishing.” Solicits Carroll’s opinion on politics in America in general and in Maryland in particular. Urges Carroll to run for legislative office. Declines Carroll’s invitation to spend some time with him in Maryland in...
30From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 6 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 6 April 1792. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 9 Apr. 1792 . Reports the president’s veto of the apportionment bill.
31From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 10 April 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 April 1791. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 23 Apr. 1791 . JM apparently sought details of the land acquisitions within the area set aside for the federal district on the Potomac.
32From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 20 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 December 1791. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 26 and 30 Dec. 1791 . Reports on the failure of the apportionment bill and the likelihood of the residence act coming under attack.
33From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 1 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 1 January 1792. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 5 and 8 Jan. 1792 . Discusses pending action in Congress on the questions of representation and the residence act.
34From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 1 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 1 April 1792. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 9 Apr. 1792 . Reports on the debate over further assumption of state debts, which if rejected would be “mere ceremony.”
35From James Madison to Charles Carter, 4 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 4 December 1791. Acknowledged in Carter to JM, 16 Dec. 1791 . Reports that Carter’s son is well situated as an apprentice.
36From James Madison to Joseph Chew, 28 February 1797 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 28 February 1797. Acknowledged in Chew to JM, 31 Mar. 1797 (DLC). Encloses a letter to Chew from James Madison, Sr. Also discusses disposal of Chew’s Kentucky lands.
37From James Madison to Joseph Chew, 29 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. instant came duly to hand a few days ago: Your preceding one of the 13th. July to my father was recd. by him whilst I was in Virginia last fall. I know it was his intention to answer it, and if I can trust my memory, think he did so. Sure I am that if he did not the omission was not occasioned by any decay of his friendship & affection to you. I recollect also that he...
38From James Madison to Francis Corbin, ca. 10 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 10 December 1791. Alluded to in Corbin to JM, 15 Dec. 1791 . Informs Corbin that the Senate has amended the apportionment bill, lowering the ratio of representation from 1:30,000 to 1:33,000.
39From James Madison to Tench Coxe, [29 December] 1793 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Coxe. He wishes to have a little conversation with him this forenoon or tomorrow if convenient, and will thank Mr C. to name by the bearer an hour at which Mr. M. may wait on him. RC ( PHi : Tench Coxe Papers). Addressed by JM. Docketed, probably by Coxe: “recd. in the Morning of Sunday 29 Decr. 1793—appointed Mr. M. to call at his (Mr. C’s) house this...
40From James Madison to Tench Coxe, [ca. 13 January] 1794 (Madison Papers)
… 1. Of the grain & flour of late years exported to G. B. what proportion was probably consumed there. 2. Is rice or tobo. sent from Portugal or Spain at all to the French or Dutch markets, where no discrimination exists in favor of the American? 3. How far is the British discrimn. in favor of our woods really operative ? 4. In estimating reexports which make a part of any manufactured...
41From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 28 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have been some days in debt for your favor of the 21st instant. Accept my thanks for the Medal and copy of your new Constitution inclosed in it. I have delivered to Mr. Jefferson the remarks on a standard of measures, and communicated to him the several other interesting matters which you mention. The former will be disclosed to no one else, but remain in his hands for the purpose intended....
42From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 18 September 1789 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. was not received till it was too late to be answered by the last mail. I now beg you to accept my acknowledgments for it. The Newspaper paragraph to which it alludes discoloured much the remarks which it puts in my mouth. It not only omits the occasion which produced them, but interpolates personal reflections which I never meant, wch. could not properly be expressed,...
43From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 24 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Accept my acknowledgments for your favor of the 18th. instant. The printed remarks inclosed in it are already I find in the Gazettes here. It is much to be wished that the discon[ten]ted part of our fellow Citizens could be reconciled to the Government they have opposed, and by means as little as possible unacceptable to those who approve the Constitution in its present form. The amendments...
44From James Madison to Tench Coxe, [ca. 13 January 1794] (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison presents his thanks to Mr. Coxe for the paper sent him a few days ago on the subject of sugar, tob. whale oil and rice. Mr. M will be further obliged to him for any aids he may possess toward an elucidation of the amt. of re-exports from G. B. If Mr. Coxe can add brief & early answer to the following queries, Mr. M. will also be sensible of the favor. 1. Of the grain & flour of...
45From James Madison to John Dawson, 24 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 June 1790. Acknowledged in Dawson to JM, 4 July 1790 . JM has attended to Dawson’s business with Nathaniel Twining.
46From James Madison to John Dawson, 15 January 1794 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 January 1794. Acknowledged in Dawson to JM, 23 Jan. 1794 . Mentions two causes of opposition to JM’s resolutions on commercial discrimination.
47From James Madison to John Dawson, ca. 16 February 1794 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 16 February 1794. Acknowledged in Dawson to JM, 25 Feb. 1794 . Reports that the House of Representatives on 5 Feb. postponed consideration of JM’s commercial discrimination resolutions until the first Monday in March.
48From James Madison to John Dawson, 7 April 1794 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 7 April 1794. Acknowledged in Dawson to JM, 14 Apr. 1794 ; mentioned in JM to Jefferson, 14 Apr. 1794 . Encloses newspapers with accounts of the diplomatic correspondence that Washington submitted to Congress on 4 Apr. Asks Dawson to have JM’s letters to Jefferson taken out of the Richmond post office and forwarded privately to Monticello, since the mail has ceased to move...
49From James Madison to John Dawson, 31 December 1793 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 31 December 1793. Acknowledged in Dawson to JM, 20 Jan. 1794 . Discusses the proposed naval force against Algerine corsairs and probably mentions the resolutions on commercial discrimination that JM plans to present to the House of Representatives.
50From James Madison to John Dawson, 31 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 31 January 1790. Acknowledged in Dawson to JM, 26 Feb. and 14 Mar. 1790 . Says the official reports of Hamilton and Knox have led to a variety of reactions.