301Proportional Representation, [19 December] 1791 (Madison Papers)
On 9 December 1791 the Senate approved the apportionment bill but amended the ratio of representation from 1:30,000 to 1:33,000. When the House considered the Senate amendments on 12 December, “Mr. Madison observed, that the idea of diminishing the fractional parts appears to be the only reason for the alteration proposed by the Senate. The aggregate of these fractions only has been taken into...
302From 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.
303Bill for Pennsylvania Land Contract, [21 December] 1791 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison, from the committee appointed, presented a bill for carrying into effect a contract between the United States and the State of Pennsylvania … Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States, 1789–1824 (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). , 2d Cong., 1st sess., 277. During the final session of the Continental Congress in 1788 JM served on a committee...
304From 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.
305For the National Gazette, 31 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
In monarchies there is a two fold danger—1st, That the eyes of a good prince cannot see all that he ought to know—2d, That the hands of a bad one will not be tied by the fear of combinations against him. Both these evils increase with the extent of dominion; and prove, contrary to the received opinion, that monarchy is even more unfit for a great state, than for a small one, notwithstanding...
306From James Madison to Henry Lee, 1 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have received your’s of the 22d Dec, and am sincerely sorry that I cannot be as instrumental on the occasion stated in it as My respect for the wishes of the Mr. Marshall’s and particularly for your’s, by which they are seconded, would make me anxious to be. The truth is I am not on any footing of personal acquaintance with Mr. Hammond which would justify me in asking the favor of him in his...
307From 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.
308From James Madison to Henry Lee, 8 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 January 1792. Acknowledged in Lee to JM, 17 Jan. 1792 . Discusses pending legislation in Congress related to the debt funding system.
309Low Postage for Newspapers, [9 January] 1792 (Madison Papers)
On 9 January the post office bill was read a third time. Murray moved to recommit and amend it by reducing the postage on newspapers from one to one-half cent. It was objected that a motion to recommit the entire bill for the purpose of amending a particular section was out of order. Mr. Madison supposed that so small an amend⟨ment⟩ might be made by the genera! consent of the House; ⟨but⟩ he...
310Memorandum on Specie, post 12 January 1792 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Abstract. Post 12 January 1792. Calculates the standard alloy and pure silver content of the dollar as proposed by the Senate and incorporated in the Mint Act of 1792. “The vote of the Senate reduces the dollar from 375.64 gs pure metal to 371.25.” Ms ( DLC ). A one-page document in JM’s hand. Conjectured date assigned on the basis of circumstances described in n. 1. On 12 Jan. the Senate...
311For the National Gazette, 18 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
In Europe, charters of liberty have been granted by power. America has set the example and France has followed it, of charters of power granted by liberty. This revolution in the practice of the world, may, with an honest praise, be pronounced the most triumphant epoch of its history, and the most consoling presage of its happiness. We look back, already, with astonishment, at the daring...
312From James Madison to Henry Lee, 21 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
On the receipt of your favour of the 9th. I communicated to Mr. Freneau the complaint of his subscribers. He answers me that the papers have been punctually sent under the best precautions allowed by the present mode of conveyance. The post Office bill now depending aims at an admission of newspapers into the mail, which will increase the expense somewhat of the subscribers, but will alone...
313From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 21 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have delayed for some time writing in the daily expectation that I should be able to resume the subject of the Representation-bill the progress & fate of which were mentioned in my last. A motion for reviving it in another form has been some days on the table and is now the order of the day, but has been kept back partly by a general torpor resulting from the critical loss of the bill and...
314For the National Gazette, [ca. 23 January] 1792 (Madison Papers)
In every political society, parties are unavoidable. A difference of interests, real or supposed, is the most natural and fruitful source of them. The great object should be to combat the evil: 1. By establishing a political equality among all. 2. By withholding unnecessary opportunities from a few, to increase the inequality of property, by an immoderate, and especially an unmerited,...
315Proportional Representation, [24 January] 1792 (Madison Papers)
The Committee of the Whole considered a resolution to break the impasse with the Senate over apportionment by providing for a second census and reapportioning the House in 1797. An amendment was proposed allowing no lower ratio of representation than 1:30,000. “Mr. Madison observed, that as the final decision of the question must be made by a majority of the house, it was immaterial, whether...
316Bill for Protection of the Frontiers, [25 January] 1792 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison, from the committee appointed, presented a bill for making further and more effectual provision for the protection of the frontiers of the United States … Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States, 1789–1824 (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). , 2d Cong., 1st sess., 337. Proposed in the aftermath of Gen. Arthur St. Clair’s defeat (4 Nov. 1791),...
317For the National Gazette, 28 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
The boasted equilibrium of this government, (so far as it is a reality) is maintained less by the distribution of its powers, than by the force of public opinion. If the nation were in favour of absolute monarchy, the public liberty would soon be surrendered by their representatives. If a republican form of government were preferred, how could the monarch resist the national will? Were the...
318From James Madison to Henry Lee, 29 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Marshall called last evening with your favor of the 17th. but not being at home, I have not yet seen him. Our weather here corresponds with that you describe, except perhaps we have less snow and more cold. The snow is 7 or 8 Inches only. Farther North, as well as South, it is said to be much deeper. The Subject of Western defence is not yet over. In relation to it, I have nothing to add...
319From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 29 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 29 January 1792. Acknowledged in Jones to JM, 10 Feb. 1792 . Requests information concerning the current postmaster, William Wiatt, and buildings occupied by him, at Fredericksburg.
320For the National Gazette, 31 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
Among the various reforms which have been offered to the world, the projects for universal peace have done the greatest honor to the hearts, though they seem to have done very little to the heads of their authors. Rousseau, the most distinguished of these philanthropists, has recommended a confederation of sovereigns, under a council of deputies, for the double purpose of arbitrating external...
321From James Madison to John Moore, ca. 1 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 1 February 1792. Acknowledged in Moore to JM, 27 Mar. 1792 . Encloses thirty-two dollars for Moore’s expenses at Dickinson College.
322For the National Gazette, 4 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Power being found by universal experience liable to abuses, a distribution of it into separate departments, has become a first principle of free governments. By this contrivance, the portion entrusted to the same hands being less, there is less room to abuse what is granted; and the different hands being interested, each in maintaining its own, there is less opportunity to usurp what is not...
323Bounty Payments for Cod Fisheries, [6 February] 1792 (Madison Papers)
On 3 February 1792 the Committee of the Whole began consideration of the bill for encouragement of the cod fisheries. As passed by the Senate, the first section of the bill replaced the existing drawback (of the import duty on salt) to exporters of salted fish with a new one based on tonnage to owners of fishing vessels. Debate on 6 February centered on the advantage which the bill bestowed on...
324From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 9 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are three numbers of the National Gazette to which I refer for the proceedings of Congress. The British packet just arrived at N. York brings accounts that Lord Cornwallis tho’ successful in a general action with Tippoo Saib has found the latter so formidable an Enemy especially with the aid of the rainy season, that a retreat became necessary to his safety, in which his cannon was...
325From James Madison to Henry Lee, 12 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have your favor of the 29th Ultmo. The Senate have disagreed to that part of the Military Bill which augmented the regular establishment to about 5000 Men—and will probably send it back with that alteration. They prefer a completion only of the old Regiments & a liberal provision for temporary forces. Nothing has passed from which I can conjecture in the most remote degree whether you may...
326From 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.
327For the National Gazette, 18 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
No Government is perhaps reducible to a sole principle of operation. Where the theory approaches nearest to this character, different and often heterogeneous principles mingle their influence in the administration. It is useful nevertheless to analyse the several kinds of government, and to characterize them by the spirit which predominates in each. Montesquieu has resolved the great operative...
328From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
J. M. returns Mr. J. his note endorsed for negociation at the Bank, but recommends in preference a use of about 300 dollars of J. M. which will not be wanted till the time proposed for the redemption of the note. A Check for 150 dollars is inclosed. As much or a little more can be added as soon as an order from the Speaker can be got which will be tomorrow or next day. J. M. insists that Mr....
329From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 21 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 8th. did not come to hand till this afternoon. I thank you for the very just & interesting observations contained in it. I have not yet met with an oppy. of forwarding the Report on Manufactures; nor has that subject been yet regularly taken up. The constitutional doctrine however advanced in the Report has been anticipated on another occasion, by its zealous friends; and I...
330Account with the United States, [21 February] 1792 (Madison Papers)
1792 The United States to James Madison Jr. Drs. Feb 21 To attendance in Congress from Jany 16 Inclusive. 216 Dollars. E. Excd. Ms ( CtHi ). In JM’s hand. Docketed by a clerk.
331From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 21 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 21 February 1792. Acknowledged in Jones to JM, 2 Mar. 1792 . Concerns the terms of the Presidential Succession Act of 1792.
332From James Madison to Hubbard Taylor, 22 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 22 February 1792. Acknowledged in Taylor to JM, 16 Apr. 1792 . Contains observations concerning Kentucky. Reports on the favorable prospects of negotiations with Spain for the navigation of the Mississippi and on the opposition to the apportionment bill.
333Memorandum on New Orleans, [ca. 1 March] 1792 (Madison Papers)
Information of Phil. Barbour, who resided long in West Florida After N. Orleans fell into the hands of Spain her Govr. forbade all British vessels navigating under the Treaty of Paris to fasten to the Shore, and caused such as did so to be cut loose. In consequence of this proceeding a British frigate went up near the Town, fastened to the shore and set out guards with orders to fire on such...
334From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 2 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have for some time past written once a week, inclosing always the Natl Gazettees as they come out. I now do the same now. The River having been all the Winter & still continuing blocked up, I have never executed the several commissions in your last. I have made enquiry as to Clover seed and I find that the white is not to be had, and that the red will cost about 16 dollars a bushel, which is...
335For the National Gazette, 3 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
A perfect theory on this subject would be useful, not because it could be reduced to practice by any plan of legislation, or ought to be attempted by violence on the will or property of individuals: but because it would be a monition against empirical experiments by power, and a model to which the free choice of occupations by the people, might gradually approximate the order of society. The...
336From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed papers which I have got from Mr. Beckleys office furnishes an answer to your letter. There is a Bill depending in favor of claims barred by the limitation of time—which if it passes will provide for those of Owen & Woods as I understand the tenor of the Bill and the nature of their claims. As soon as the fate of the Bill is decided I shall write to the parties. RC ( DLC :...
337Resolution on the French Constitution, [10 March] 1792 (Madison Papers)
The president forwarded to the House a letter from Louis XVI announcing that the French king had accepted the Constitution of 1791. Tucker offered a resolution requesting the president, “in his answer to the said notification, to express the sincere participation of the House in the interests of the French Nation, on this great and important event.” White proposed a conference committee to...
338From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 13 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 13 March 1792. Acknowledged in Jones to JM, 22 Mar. 1792 . Concerns the questions of the appropriate military establishment for prosecution of the war against the Indians, the funding system, and executive influence in legislative matters.
339From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 15 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
The last letter recd. from you was that of Feby. 1. Since my answer to that the state of the roads & rivers has been such as to render the conveyance of letters very tedious if not uncertain, and hence to produce the interval between that date & the present. I now inclose 5 Nos. of the National Gazette which continue the intelligence throughout the period of my silence. You will find noticed...
340Notes for Speech in Congress: The Contested Georgia Election, [ca. 19 March] 1792 (Madison Papers)
The election of General Anthony Wayne to the House of Representatives from a Georgia congressional district was disputed by his opponent, James Jackson, who petitioned the House on 14 November 1791 to declare him the legally elected winner of the election. Jackson’s petition alleged irregularities and also claimed that Wayne was not a legal resident of Georgia at the time of the election and...
341The Contested Georgia Election, [19 March] 1792 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison replied generally to all the reasoning of the gentlemen who had gone before him in this business—he mentioned the general rule, that whoever had a majority of sound votes was the legal representative; he then recited several exceptions to this rule, and expatiated on the lex parliamentaria. In addition to the cases quoted by Mr. Giles and Mr. W. Smith, he mentioned one wherein...
342For the National Gazette, 20 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
An humble address has been lately presented to the Prince of Wales by the buckle manufacturers of Birmingham, Wassal, Wolverhampton, and their environs, stating that the buckle trade gives employment to more than twenty thousand persons, numbers of whom, in consequence of the prevailing fashion of shoestrings & slippers , are at present without employ, almost destitute of bread, and exposed to...
343Proportional Representation, [22 March] 1792 (Madison Papers)
During debate on the apportionment bill in Committee of the Whole on 16 February, JM opposed Vining’s proposition to grant New Hampshire five representatives. “Fractions will exist, said he, on every possible plan; this is to be a permanent law, and in its operation will probably increase those fractions. The Constitution refers to the respective numbers of the States, and not to any aggregate...
344Design of Coinage, [24 March] 1792 (Madison Papers)
The Senate passed a bill establishing the mint which included a provision for displaying an image “of the President of the United States for the time being” on the coinage. This provision touched off one of the most divisive debates of the session. Representatives who favored the Senate version claimed it was an appropriate compliment to Washington, while its opponents argued that the measure...
345From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 25 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 14th. came to hand yesterday. You were right in saying “that the Northern Cocks are true game” but have erred in adding “that they die hard on the Representation bill.” Their perseverance has gained them a final victory. The bill passed on friday last in the form in which it was sent from the Senate; that is with the distribution of 120 members among the States, and the...
346For the National Gazette, 27 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
This term in its particular application means “that dominion which one man claims and exercises over the external things of the world, in exclusion of every other individual.” In its larger and juster meaning, it embraces every thing to which a man may attach a value and have a right; and which leaves to every one else the like advantage . In the former sense, a man’s land, or merchandize, or...
347Inquiry into General St. Clair’s Defeat, [27 March] 1792 (Madison Papers)
Giles moved that the House request the president to conduct an inquiry into the causes of the defeat on 4 November 1791 of the army under Major General Arthur St. Clair. Debate focused on the issue of whether the president or the House should initiate such an inquiry. Mr. Madison started some difficulties in the business—He said the House ought to deliberate well, before they requested the...
348From James Madison to Henry Lee, 28 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
No nomination has yet been made of a new commander for the military establishment, nor of any of the Brigadiers authorised by the supplemental act lately passed. I refer to the News papers for the inferior appointments which have taken place. It is understood that St. Clair is not to remain in service. A proposition was yesterday made in the H. of Reps. desiring the President to institute an...
349Inquiry into General St. Clair’s Defeat, [28 March] 1792 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison moved, “that it be an instruction to the committee of seven, appointed yesterday, to consider the enquiry committed to them, as confined to such circumstances, connected with the late unsuccessful expedition under Major General St. Clair, as may be requisite for the information of the House.” Federal Gazette , 30 Mar. 1792 (reprinted in General Advertiser , 30 Mar. 1792, Gazette of...
350From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 30 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have procured & inclose with the two last Natl. Gazettes, the 1st. No. which compleats your sett. If any that I send from time to time shd. miscarry, I wish you to let me know it and I will supply the loss. The Representation-bill has passed the two Houses, in the unconstitutional form proposed by the Senate, and is now before the Senate. It fixes the number at 120 members & distributes them...