1From Benjamin Franklin to ———, [February 1746?]. (Franklin Papers)
Draft (fragment): American Philosophical Society has been blown off that Coast. Our Governor thinks they contain the Commissions for the Officers, and Orders to draw for the Pay of the Troops &c. and therefore directs me to forward them per Express to N. York, that they may overtake the Post. In haste I am &c. [ On back ] { One Month at £45 per Ann. is 3. 15. 0 Hire of Horse 2 Trips at 25 s....
2[Benjamin Franklin?] to ——, 25 December 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , January 1, 1756. Governor Morris and the commissioners appointed in the £60,000 money act worked diligently to organize more effective measures against the continuing Indian attacks. By December 4 they had decided to rely chiefly upon a fort to be erected at Shamokin (at the forks of the Susquehanna; now Sunbury) from which ranging parties would be...
3[Benjamin Franklin?] to ——, 6 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , January 8, 1756. Jacob Levan, Esq; was sent by us to hear the Particulars of the Affair at Gnadenhutten, and fearing to go alone, sent Fifty-six Men over the Mountains on Saturday Evening, and on Sunday followed them with seventeen more. As soon as they got to the Top of the Hill, they saw all the white People running up, and the Indians running on...
4[Benjamin Franklin?] to ——, 8 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , January 15, 1756. I arrived here last Night. We met a Number of Waggons on the Road, moving off with the Effects of the People of Lehi Township. All the Women and Children are sent off out of that Township; and many of them have taken Refuge here; all in great Confusion. The Substance of the Action at Gnadenhutten, as we have received it from...
5[Benjamin Franklin?] to ——, 20 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , January 29, 1756. We have been here since Sunday Afternoon: That Day we had only Time to get up some Shelter from the Weather and the Enemy. Yesterday all Day it rained, with so thick a Fog, that we could not see round us, so as either to chuse a Place for a Fort, or find Materials to build it. In the Night it cleared up, and this Morning we...
6From Benjamin Franklin to ——, 25 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission We got to Hays’s the same Evening we left you and reviewed Craig’s Company by the Way. Much of the next morning was spent in exchanging the bad Arms for good, Wayne’s Company having joined us. We reachd however that night to Uplinger’s, where we got into good Quarters. Saturday morning we began to march towards Gnadenhutten and proceeded near...
7[Benjamin Franklin?] to ———, 26 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , January 29, 1756. Wednesday we were hinder’d almost all Day by Rain. Thursday most of the Stockades were set up. Friday all inclosed to the Gate, and Part of the Platform round the Inside made. Saturday the Platform was finished, and two Swivels mounted. Sunday had a Thanksgiving Sermon, hoisted the British Flag, fired three Vollies, and the...
8Thomas Lloyd to ———, 30 [31?] January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society I now sit down to give you an Account of Part of the Operations of our Campaign. It will hardly be more difficult for you to understand it than for me in our present Situation to transmit it to you. We marched on Wednesday Jan. 15 from Bethlehem for Gnadenhutten beyond the Mountains in Order to erect a Fort there with Seven Waggons and a Cart escorted by...
9Lewis Ourry to ———, 26 December 1756 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By visiting the Quarters of the Men belonging to the first Battallion of the Royal American Regiment with the Mayor, Sheriff, and other Magistrates I found that — — 94 Men laid on Straw And that — — 73 had nothing to lay on and not Sufficient quantity of Covering, the Houses on which they are quarter’d not being capable of containing near the number...
10From Benjamin Franklin to ———, [13 December 1757] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Library of Congress; also copy: Yale University Library; and French translation: The Rosenbach Foundation Both the date and the addressee of this letter have been subjects of much difference of opinion. Each of the three surviving manuscript versions bears a different date line. That on the draft, in Franklin’s hand, has been heavily scratched out, probably long after the letter was...
11From Benjamin Franklin to ———, [1757–1775] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society I have perus’d the Letters and Papers you put into my Hands, and shall, as you desire, say what occurs to me on the considering them. I do not know Mr. Murdoch personally, but have heard that he is a Person of Credit and some Note in that Country, and esteemed by the People there. I imagine that little is to be expected from a Suit of Law, to be carried on...
12From Benjamin Franklin to ——, 8 April 1760 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society I received your Favour of the 31st of last Month, the answering of which I delayed and [I] should be glad to accompany you from London, in your next Return to Derbyshire; but doubt it will not be in my Power. I am sorry I cannot be certain as to the time of my going into Derbyshire. For on the very day you purpose coming to Town, viz. the 18th of this...
13From Benjamin Franklin to ——, [1760?] (Franklin Papers)
Draft (fragment): Library of Congress This fragment in Franklin’s hand is written on what appears to be the top segment of a page of letter paper; a caret in the margin of the first line seems to indicate that it was intended, according to his usual method, as an insertion in the body of what he had drafted on the opposite page. Neither the addressee nor the date is known. The wording suggests...
14From Benjamin Franklin to ——, [11 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in The Pennsylvania Chronicle , June 1–8, 1767. We have been very busy about the Paper Money Affair. The Merchants are to wait on Lord Clare with their Opinion in Favour of it in a Day or two. After receiving Dr. F’s Remarks on the Report of the Board of Trade, they have drawn up a new Representation on the Subject, which they have signed, and Dr. F’s Paper...
15From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 28 November 1768 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in part in The Gentleman’s Magazine , XLIX (supplement, 1779), pp. 647–8; printed in full in William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D., F.R.S., &c. (quarto edition, 3 vols., London, 1817–18), II , 169–70. I received your obliging favour of the 12th instant. Your sentiments of the importance of the present dispute between Great-Britain...
16From Benjamin Franklin to ——, 3 April 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society Yesterday we tapp’d the Porter, and found it excellent. To prevent its being wasted, we have bottled it off, having a safer Place for Bottles, and imagining that in our slow Draught it might not keep so fresh. So we are enabled Herewith to return the Cask. How bountiful a Gratuity for half a Sheet of Paper! I can only say, that ’tis pity you are not...
17From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 10 February 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Henry E. Huntington Library In Compliance with your Request I this Morning applied to a Virginia Merchant for Information, Whether the Courts of Virginia are now shut? and if so, from what Causes? particularly whether from any Resolutions of the People there to avoid Payment of their English Debts, as you told me had been insinuated by a Person in Administration. Inclos’d I send you the...
18From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 15 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Library of Congress We are much oblig’d to M. De la Haye and his Friends for their Offer of Supplying the Americans with Merchandize, and we desire them to accept our Thanks; But it does not suit us to enter into any Engagements of the kind; We as Commissioners from the Congress have no Orders for purchasing other Goods than what are necessary for the Arming and Clothing of the...
19From Benjamin Franklin to ―――, 15 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received last Night yours of the 7th. Instant. From what I know of Capt. Wickes and his Carracter, I am persuaded he is not capable of the Injustice you mention, and that the Matter must have been misrepresented to you. However, being desirous not only to procure Justice, but if possible to give Satisfaction to all of this much respected Nation, who...
20From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 2 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am exceedingly oblig’d by the exact Plan and Profile you have been so kind as to send me, of the hydraulic Machine at Chatou. Be pleased to accept my thankful Acknowledgments of the Favour, and be assured that I am, with great Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant A virtually indecipherable notation on the verso, which may have no relation to the...
21From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 26 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society Les affaires dont je suis chargé, Monsieur, ne me permettent pas de quitter paris et par consequent d’accepter vostre invitation; je vous prie de croire cependant que j’y suis tres sensible, et que c’est avéc reconnoissance que je suis, Monsieur, vostre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur. Notation: Le Veillard Possibly to Richelet who had invited BF...
22From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 26 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, avec ma petite Dialogue, votre charmante Epitre & Puisque je trouve que Madame la Goutte est de votre Connoissance, ma tres chere Amie je vous prie de grace que quand elle me fait une autre Visite, vous voudriez bien l’accompagner. Votre Présence me dedommagera de la sienne. Avec une telle Garde, la Peine deviendra Plaisir. We can identify...
23Board of Visitors, University of Virginia, 10 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, held at the University on the tenth day of July 1828, at which were present, James Madison, rector, James Monroe, James Breckenridge, Chapman Johnson, John H. Cocke and William C. Rives. Various letters from, and recommendations of, candidates for the Professorships of Antient Languages and of Natural Philosophy, were taken...
24Board of Visitors, University of Virginia, 11 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Friday, July 11. The Board met, present the same as yesterday, with the addition of Joseph C. Cabell. The forenoon was employed in attending the examination, and in reading various communications & testimonials concerning applicants for the Professorships of Antient Languages & Natural Philosophy. Agreeably to the resolution to that effect, passed at the meeting in July 1827, Joseph C. Cabell,...
25Board of Visitors, University of Virginia, 12 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Saturday, July 12. The Board met, present the same as yesterday. Resolved That James Monroe & John H. Cocke compose a committee for the purpose of examining & reporting on, the minutes of the Faculty proceedings. Resolved That Chapman Johnson & W. C. Rives compose a committee for the purpose of enquiring into & reporting on the state of the Funds. Resolved as follows: Professor Long having...
26Board of Visitors, University of Virginia, 14 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Monday, July 14. The Board met, present the same as on Saturday. After reading some communications addressed to them, the Board took into consideration the question of attending the Convention to be held this day in Charlottesville, on the subject of the Internal Improvement of the State; and having decided on being present at the organization of the Body, they proceeded to Charlottesville for...
27Board of Visitors, University of Virginia, 15 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Tuesday, July 15. In the intervals of their attendance as members of the Convention in Charlottesville, the Board met, and attended occasionally on the examination. Ms ( ViU ).
28Board of Visitors, University of Virginia, 16 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Wednesday, July 16. This day was spent in a similar manner to the preceding. Ms ( ViU ).
29Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 17 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Thursday, July 17. The same remark applies to this. Ms ( ViU ).
30Board of Visitors, University of Virginia, 18 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Friday, July 18. In the intervals of the meetings of the Convention, the Board met and passed the following resolutions. Resolved That Mr Monroe & Mr Johnson be a committee charged with the duty of preparing during the recess of the Board of Visitors, and of reporting to them at their next meeting, a plan of Executive government for the University. After the expiration of the term of Service...
31Board of Visitors, University of Virginia, 19 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Saturday, July 19. The Board attended the Convention, and no business was done by them in relation to the University. Ms ( ViU ).
32Board of Visitors, University of Virginia, 21 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Monday, July 21. The Board met, present James Madison, rector, James Monroe, James Breckenridge, Chapman Johnson, Joseph C. Cabell, John H. Cocke and William C. Rives. Resolved as follows: The recess of all the Schools commencing on the 15th and terminating on the 31st of December, in each year, as provided for by the enactment of October 1826, having been found injurious in practice;...
33Report on the University of Virginia, 21 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Report on the University of Virginia We lay before our readers the following interesting View of the condition of the University of Virginia, submitted to the Legislature on Monday last: I have the honor to lay before the General Assembly, the report adopted by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, at their meeting in July last, and received by me as President of the Literary...
34Board of Visitors, University of Virginia, 22 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Tuesday, July 22. The Board met, present the Same as yesterday. Resolved That if Dr Patterson should decline the appointment of Professor of Natural Philosophy, the Rector shall be authorised to offer it to William Ritchie, rector of the Academy of Tain in Scotland; that in making this offer, he be required not to annex the duties of the Observatory, and the compensation provided therefor,...
35Board of Visitors, University of Virginia, 23 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Wednesday, July 23. The Board met, present the Same as yesterday. Resolved That the Sum of Two hundred and twenty five dollars be appropriated for the purpose of repairing the exterior coverings of the dormitories of the University. Resolved That the Executive committee be authorized to take off a part of the exterior covering from the lower range of dormitories, to ascertain experimentally...
36Board of Visitors, University of Virginia, 24 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Thursday, July 24. The Board met, present the same as yesterday. Resolved as follows: When the Professor of Law shall establish a class for the study of Government and General Politics, every student paying to him his full fee, shall be entitled to the benefit of all his classes; and those desirous of attending the class of government and general politics alone, shall be allowed to attend...
37James Madison: Memorandum on the Cutts House, 01 September 1828 (Madison Papers)
Mr. M. agreed to purchase the House & lotts of Mr. Cutts in the City of Washington under the following circumstances. A considerable sum had been left under the controul of Mr. Cutts subject to the call of Mr. M. which it was expected would be delayed for a very short time. Before the call was made Mr. Cutts yielding to sanguine calculations both as to profit and the prompt means of replacing...
38Board of Visitors, University of Virginia, 1 October 1828 (Madison Papers)
University of Virginia Wednesday, October 1st. 1828. Agreeably to the adjournment at the meeting in July last, four members of the Board of Visitors made their appearance—Chapman Johnson, Joseph C. Cabell, William C. Rives, and J. H. Cocke—who were informed by a letter to the secretary from the Rector, that, owing to his very feeble state of body, he found himself unable to attend. In the...
39James Madison: Notes on foreign commerce and constitutionality of the tariff (Madison Papers)
(Those who deny that the power of Congs to regulate foreign commerce includes a protective power, yet contend that the power grantable to the States to impose duties on, it was intended to provide for a protection or substitute, and who rely for a proof on the testimonies of L. Martin, must yield to the inference that the protection is a branch of the comercial [expansion sign] power, distinct...
40James Madison’s List of Autographs, beginning 1828 (Madison Papers)
List of autographs [by James Madison:] Autographs sent [by Dolley Payne Madison:] G. Washington John Adams Thomas Jefferson James Monroe John Quincy Adams A. Hamilton Robert R. Livingston Albert Gallatin Edw. Livingston Richard Peters John Page Edmd. Pendleton Wm. Pinkney Timothy Pickering Lafayette Le Baron de Humboldt Du pont de Nemours Peter S. Du Ponceau. 18—
41James Madison: Answer to Bill of Complaint of Charles Edmonston, 31 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
The Answer of James Madison of Orange County Virginia, to the Bill of Complaint of Charles Edmonston against him & others, in the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia, for the County of Washington, on the Chancery Side. This Respondent, now and at all times, reserving to himself all & all manner of right, advantage, & benefit of plea, demurrer or exception to the errors, inaccuracies &...
42James Madison: Memorandum on the Tariff, 31 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
To the effect of <the> changes intellectual, moral and social, the institutions laws of the Country must be adapted, and it will require for the task all the wisdom of the wisest patriots. *How far this view of the subject will be affected by the Republican laws of descent & distribution in equalizing the property of the citizens and in reducing mutual supplies cannot be inferred from any any...
43James Madison: Indenture between James Madison & Dolley Payne Madison & William Smith, 13 July 1829 (Madison Papers)
This Indenture made this Henshaw day of July one thousand eight hundred and A Madison nine, between James Madison and Dolley P. his wi[fe] the county of Orange, of the one part, and William Smith, of the same county, of the other part— Witnesseth, that the said James Madison and Dolly P. his wife for and in consideration of the sum of eight hundred dollars to the said James by the said William...
44Outline on the Federal Constitution, 1 September 1829 (Madison Papers)
The compound Govt. of U. S is without a model, and to be explained by itself; not by similitudes or analogies. The terms, union Federal, national not to be applied to it without the qualifications peculiar to the System: The English Govt. in a great measure sui generis and the terms monarchy used by those who look at the Executive head only, and Commonwealth, by those looking only at the...
45Notes for Virginia Constitutional Convention, 1 October 1829 (Madison Papers)
Divn. of powers to weaken each br. & to balance the whole [ ] Hence Leg. Ex. & Judy. The 2 houses, the veto of Ex & indepce of Judges, liable however to impt. & removal &c Case of negroes--persons as well as property. the sympathy of white population in one branch of Legisl: protect ym agst. masters—the interest of masters protect ym agst. disproportionate taxation. Charters of incorpn....
The plan proposed by the gentleman from Northampton, freed as it has been from one of its Elements, (taxation), appears to be entitled to a favorable consideration: It is not liable to objections which are so decisive with those, who oppose the rival plan. The original and real ground of opposition between the two parties, is that one basis of representation for both Houses of the Legislature,...
47JM says that he wrote No. 54 of The Federalist, 14 November 1829 (Madison Papers)
INTERESTING FACT. A reference having been made by Mr. Leigh and Mr. Mercer to the 54th number of the Federalist, Mr. Madison yesterday, on a question being put by Mr. Leigh to Mr. Mercer, "who was the author of that paper?" rose and said, that although he was not desirous of saying any thing on the subject, yet, under these circumstances, he thought himself justified in stating that neither...
48James Madison: Notes for Richmond Constitutional Convention of 1829, December 1829 (Madison Papers)
The plan proposed by the gentleman from Northampton, freed as it has been from one of its Elements, [taxation], appears to be entitled to a favorable consideration: It is not liable to objections which are so decisive with those, who oppose the rival plan. The original and real ground of opposition between the two parties, is that one basis of representation for both Houses of the Legislature,...
49James Madison: Notes on suffrage, December 1829 (Madison Papers)
*["Written during the session of the Virginia Convention of 1829-’30. -- Ed.", in Writings of James Madison (Congressional edition), vol. 4, page 28] III.* The right of suffrage being of vital importance, and approving an extension of it to housekeepers and heads of families, I will suggest a few considerations which govern my judgment on the subject. Were the Constitution on hand to be...
50Speech in Virginia Convention, 2 December 1829 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison now rose and addressed the Committee in a speech of which the following is the outline & substance. Altho the actual posture of the subject before the Committee might admite a full survey of it, it is not my purpose in rising to enter into the wide field of discussion, which has called forth a display of intellectual resources and varied powers of eloquence that any country might...