51From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 February 1786 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. Feby. is just handed to me. Having but a moment to answer it I confine myself to the Paragraph relating to Mr. Scotts proposition. I thank you most sincerely for the attention you have given to my request on that matter. My opinion is not changed with regard to the policy of some such speculation, and I shall revolve well your communications. The difficulty however of...
52From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 2 March 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The present is merely to inclose to you a letter I have received from a lady who is distressed on account of her son at Elizabeth town, and to pray you to enquire into his situation and either write it to me, or get him to write to his mother and to forward it through you. I wish you happiness at all times being with very sincere esteem Dr. Sir, Your affectionate friend & Servt., RC ( NN );...
53From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 March 1786 (Madison Papers)
I acknowledged some time since your favor of the 9th. of Feby. inclosing the plot and proposition from young Mr. Scott. I have only now to repeat on that subject that I wish him to place no expectation on one that may divert him from other negociations. If I find that my resources will make it worth while to renew the matter on my part, I will trouble you to obtain further explanations, unless...
54From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 March 1786 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 11 & 16. of Feby. A newspaper since the date of the latter has verified to me your inauguration into the mysteries of Wedlock, of which you dropped a previous hint in the former. You will accept my sincerest congratulations on this event, with every wish for the happiness it promises. I join you cheerfully in the purchase from Taylor, as preferable to taking...
55From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 April 1786 (Madison Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 18th. of March. My last answered your preceding one relating to your territorial speculation. I hope it has been reced. I forgot to intimate to you, though I presume it would have been superfluous, that it will be well in every purchase to ascertain by information as far as possible, the proportion of land which lies on the river and comes within the description...
56From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 10 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of Jan. 27. Since that I have received yours of Jan. 19. Information from other quarters gives me reason to suspect you have in negotiation a very important change in your situation. You will carry into the execution all my wishes for your happiness. I hope it will not detach you from a settlement in your own country. I had even entertained hopes of your settling in my...
57From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 May 1786 (Madison Papers)
I was favored a few days ago with yours of the 28th. ult. I am under great obligations for your kindness in the affair with Taylor. My late letters will have informed you of my wishes that you may fully partake of the bargain entered into already, as well as of every future adventure in that quarter. The encouragement you give me to expect your company has in a manner determined me to...
58From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 June 1786 (Madison Papers)
At the date of my last I expected I should by this time have been on the Journey which promises the pleasures of taking you by the hand in New York. Several circumstances have produced a delay, which I did not calculate upon, and which are like to continue it for eight or ten days to come. My journey will also be rendered tedious by the route which I shall pursue. I have some business which...
59From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 June 1786 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 31th. ult. did not come to hand till two days ago. As I expect to see you in a short time, I will suspend the full communication of my ideas on the subject of it till I have that pleasure. I cannot however forbear in the mean time expressing my amazement that a thought should be entertained of surrendering the Missisipi and of guarantying the possessions of Spain in America ....
60From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 9 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last on the 10th. of May, since which your favor of May 11. has come to hand. The political world enjoys great quiet here. The King of Prussia is still living, but like the snuff of a candle which sometimes seems out, and then blazes up again. Some think that his death will not produce any immediate effect in Europe. His kingdom, like a machine will go for some time with the...
61From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 July 1786 (Madison Papers)
I reached this yesterday afternoon, not without sensible effects of the extreme heat of the four last days of my journey. A little repose will I hope soon refit both me & my horses for prosecuting it towards N. York. Before I set out however I wish to know from you, for I have forgotten, the precise sum which you have paid to Taylor, with the residue of the debt & the time at which it is to be...
62From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 [11] August 1786 (Madison Papers)
I called at Hunts at Trenton but he had come a few days before to this City. On my arrival last night I sought him out and find that he has disposed of two of the Horses belonging to the Sett on which you relied. The fourth horse he had never actually procured, but had him within his reach in case a bargain had been concluded with you. One therefore of that Sett only remains. His price would...
63From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 11 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last on the 9th. of July and since that have recieved yours of the 16th. of June with the interesting intelligence it contained. I was entirely in the dark as to the progress of that negociation, and concur entirely in the views you have of it. The difficulty on which it hangs is a sine qua non with us. It would be to deceive them and ourselves to suppose that an amity can be...
64From James Madison to James Monroe, 15 August 1786 (Madison Papers)
I inclose herewith a letter for Mr. Jefferson, in which I have communicated the matter agreed on between us. As I thought it best to put it in cypher, I have not left the letter unsealed as I intended for your perusal, but subjoin an extract of the paragraph relating to that subject “My trip to N. Y. was occasioned cheifly by a plan concerted between Col M. & myself for a purchase of land on...
65From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 August 1786 (Madison Papers)
I have your favor of the 14th. inst. The expedient of which you ask my opinion has recd. as it deserved all the consideration which the time & other circumstances would allow me to give. I think that in the present State of things, such an arrangement would be beneficial & even pleasing to those most concerned in it; and yet I doubt extremely the policy of your proposing it to Congs. The...
66From James Madison to James Monroe, ca. 31 August 1786 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 31 August 1786, Philadelphia. JM expressed his anxiety at being unable to repay Monroe the money he had advanced on their purchase of Mohawk lands. Mentioned in Monroe to JM, 12 and 25 September 1786 .
67From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 September 1786 (Madison Papers)
I have two letters from you not yet acknowledged, one of the 1st the other of the 3d. inst. Nothing could be more distressing than the issue of the business stated in the latter. If the affirmative vote of 7 States sd. be pursued it will add the insult of Trick to the injury of the thing itself. Our prospect here makes no amends for what is done with you. Delaware N. J. & Va. alone are on the...
68From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 October 1786 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday your favour of the 2d. inst: which makes the 3d. for which my acknowledgments are due. The progression which a certain measure seems to be making is an alarming proof of the predominance of temporary and partial interests over those just & extended maxims of policy which have been so much boasted of among us and which alone can effectuate the durable prosperity of the Union....
69From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 October 1786 (Madison Papers)
I drop you a few lines rather as a fulfilment of my promise than for the purpose of information, since they go by Mr. Jones who is much better acquainted with the politics here than myself. I find with pleasure that the navigation of the Misspi. will be defended by the Legislature with as much zeal as could be wished. Indeed the only danger is that too much resentment may be indulged by many...
70From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
The Resolutions on the Misspi. were taken up yesterday & passed unanimously thro’ the H. of D. They are as pointed as the case would admit, tho’ less so than some wished. I have not been able to get a copy for you. As soon as I can I will inclose them to you. Draw on me if you please for 100 dollrs. which I have on hand for you. I am sorry that some disappts. here have disabled me from...
71From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 18 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of Aug. 19. and Oct. 12. have come duly to hand. My last to you was of the 11th. of August. Soon after that date I got my right wrist dislocated, which has till now deprived me of the use of my pen: and even now I can use it but slowly and with pain. The revisal of the Congressional intelligence contained in your letters makes me regret the loss of it on your departure. I feel too...
72From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 December 1786 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 16th. inst: came to hand too late the evening before last to be then answered. The payment of the 100 drs. here was perfectly convenient, and I have put that sum into the hands of Mr. Jones to be applied to the use which you have directed. This payment added to the 100 drs. paid in Philada. leaves still a balance of 137½ according to my memorandm. which is subject to your...
73From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
I got to this place two days ago after a very tedious journey. I had the pleasure to find the family with which you are connected well, but full of complaints agst. your epistolary failures. I became your apologist as far as I could, but have agreed to give you up if you do not give future proofs of repentance & amendment. I have already intimated to you the urgency of Mazzei on the subject of...
74From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 5th. inst. and have attended to the several objects suggested in it. Mordecai having given up all his effects to the Assignees can do nothing for his creditors. He tells me that a dividend will certainly be made in April & not before, and that he shall pay about 15/. in the pound. I have applied also to Crowley, and having little confidence in my own judgment...
75From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
No definitive steps are yet taken for the transportation of your furniture. I fear we shall be obliged to make use of a conveyance to Norfolk as soon as one shall offer. I have examined the workmanship of the man in Chappel Street. The face of it is certainly superior to that of your workman. Whether it may prove much so for substantial purposes, I do not undertake to say. Should Mrs. Monroe...
76From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Seeing little chance of a direct conveyance of your furniture to Fredg. we have availed ourselves of one to Norfolk for which it embarked a few days ago under address to the care of Col. Parker. It was accompanied with a certificate protecting it from the duties. I inclose the charges here, which amount to £89..12. of this currency. I did not add the side board, because I wished not to obtain...
77From James Madison to James Monroe, 10 June 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have been discouraged from answering sooner your favor of by the bar which opposes such communications as I should incline not less to make than you must do to receive. One of the earliest rules established by the Convention restrained the members from any disclosure whatever of its proceedings, a restraint which will not probably be removed for some time. I think the rule was a prudent one...
78From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 5 August 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
A journey of between three and four months into the Southern parts of France and Northern of Italy has prevented my writing to you. In the mean time you have changed your ground, engaged in different occupations, so that I know not whether the news of this side the water will even amuse you. However it is all I have for you. The storm which seemed to be raised suddenly in Brabant will probably...
79From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 9 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last to you I have to thank you for your favors of July 27. 87. and Apr. 10. 88. and the details they contained, and in return will give you now the leading circumstances of this continent. The war between the two empires and the Turks seemed to be in a languid state when Paul Jones was called into the Russian service with the rank of rear admiral and put at the head of their ships of...
80From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 September 1788 . Acknowledged in Monroe to JM, 24 Sept. 1788 . Discusses the act of Congress establishing New York as the first seat of the new government.
81From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have your favor of the 26. Ult. The reflection you make on the Resolutions concerning the Mississipi is not an unnatural one under the impressions left on your mind by the former proceedings on that subject. The Resolutions were certainly & bona fide, meant however to counteract the tendency of those proceedings, and hand over the subject to the new Government under favorable circumstances....
82From George Washington to James Monroe, 23 February 1789 (Washington Papers)
I received by the last Mail your letter dated the 15th of this month, accompanied with your printed observations on the new Constitution, and am much obliged by this token of your polite attention. However I may differ with you in sentiment on some of the points, which are advocated in your Treatise; I am pleased in discovering so much candour and liberality as seem to predominate in your...
83From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with yours of April . The newspapers will have given you some idea of our proceedings, though in a state always mutilated, and often perverted. The Impost is still the subject of deliberation. The general quantum of duties has at some periods been a source of discussion. At others, the ratio of particular duties, have produced still more of it. The proper one between rum &...
84From James Madison to James Monroe, ca. 5 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 5 July 1789. Acknowledged in Monroe to JM, 19 July 1789 . Reports passage of impost and tonnage bills by Congress.
85From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been some days in debt for your favour of the 19th. Ult. Notwithstanding the time I have been here Taylor has never made any application on the subject of our purchase nor have I ever found that he has himself been in the City. Whence his silence has proceeded I am not able to say. It has frequently occurred to me to write to him, and I should probably have done so long since; had I not...
86From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
An answer to your favor of the 5th. has been delayed by my hourly expectation of hearing from Taylor. A few days ago he came to Town and I have had an interview and settlement with him. The balance with the interests at 7 PerCt. was 864 dollars. He has not however executed the conveyance for want of some chart which he could not get here, but has entered into bond to do so by August, with good...
87From James Madison to James Monroe, 1 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 19th. of May has been duly received. The information relating to your little daughter has been communicated as you desired. I hope she is by this time entirely recovered. Your friends in Broad way were well two evenings ago. I have paid the money to Taylor, and hope you will take the time you intimate, for replacing my advances on your account. The assumption has been revived...
88From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 11 June 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by Mr. Garland Jefferson, a relation of mine, not otherwise known to me than by the good account I recieve of him from his uncle Mr. Garland. He goes to study the law in our neighborhood, to have the benefit of my books. Permit me to recommend him to your notice and counsel, which I hope he will endeavor to merit. As soon as he shall be far enough advanced in the...
89From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
You will find in the inclosed papers some account of the proceedings on the question relating to the seat of Government. The Senate have hung up the vote for Baltimore, which, as you may suppose, could not have been seriously meant by many who joined in it. It is not improbable that the permanent seat may be coupled with the temporary one. The Potowmac stands a bad chance, and yet it is not...
90From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 20 June 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
An attack of a periodical head-ach which tho violent for a few days only, yet kept me long in a lingering state, has hitherto prevented my sooner acknoleging the receipt of your favor of May 26. I hope the uneasiness of Mrs. Munroe and yourself has been removed by the reestablishment of your daughter. We have been in hopes of seeing her here, and fear at length some change in her arrangement...
91From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
You will find by one of the Gazettes herewith sent, that the bill fixing the permanent seat of Government on the Potowmac, and the temporary at Philadelphia, has got through the Senate. It passed by a single voice only, Izzard and Few having both voted against it. Its passage through the House of Representatives is probable, but attended with great difficulties. If the Potowmac succeeds, even...
92From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 11 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last on the 20th. of June. The bill for removing the federal government to Philadelphia for 10. years and then to Georgetown has at length past both houses. The offices are to be removed before the 1st. of December. I presume it will be done during the President’s trip to Virginia, which will be in September and October. I hope to set out for Virginia about the 1st. of September...
93From James Madison to James Monroe, [25?] July 1790 (Madison Papers)
After all the vicissitudes through which the assumption has passed, it seems at present in a fair way to succeed as part of the general plan for the public debt. The Senate have included it among their amendments to the funding bill, and a vote of yesterday in the House of Representatives indicates a small majority in favor of the measure. In its present form it will very little affect the...
94From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 7 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Being just on the wing I have only time to acknowledge the reciept of your favors of the 20th. and 22d. and to express a hope of seeing yourself and Mrs. Monroe at Philadelphia where you are wanting. In the event of your election, I beg you to make me useful to you. Will you trust me to search lodgings for you at which you may alight, Mrs. House’s for instance, or in any other quarter you may...
95From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 18 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been constantly afflicted at my inability to acknowledge the reciept of Dr. Mortimer’s letters and of those of my friends Mr. Fitzhugh and Mr. Page: but I have for some weeks past been forced by other business to suspend answering any letters whatever, unless indeed of indispensable magnitude, and even now I must beg you to make the answer for me. When I came into office, I found the...
96From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 April 1791 (Madison Papers)
Your note of the 8th. March left in Philada. was not put into my hands till the 24th. I immediately took the proper steps for complying with the desire of Mr. Brackenridge, and now inclose the information obtained for him. The Books are to be had according to the Editions & prices annexed to his list of Mr. Rice of this City. Should Mr. Brackenridge be satisfied with them, which in most...
97From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 17 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Mar. 29. 1791. came to hand last night. I sincerely sympathize with you on the step which your brother has taken without consulting you, and wonder indeed how it could be done, with any attention in the agents, to the laws of the land. I fear he will hardly persevere in the second plan of life adopted for him, as matrimony illy agrees with study, especially in the first stages of...
98VI. Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 10 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of June 17. has been duly recieved. I am endeavoring to get for you the lodgings Langdon had. But the landlord is doubtful whether he will let them at all. If he will not, I will endeavor to do the best I can. I can accomodate you myself with a stable and coach house without any expence, as I happen to have two on hand: and indeed in my new one I have had stalls enough prepared for...
99Memorandum to James Monroe, [after 21 December 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
I find the calculation of the As of Holland (which is the common measure applied by the Encyclopedie to all coins) will be so difficult to trace through the coins and weights of Holland and Spain, that no public assembly will ever understand them. Consequently it is better to rest the question altogether on the report of the Board of Treasury of Apr. 8. 1786. and the Consequent Final decision...
100Memorandum to James Monroe, 21 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Spanish dollar dwt grs. dwt till 1728. had 11– 4 of pure metal in every 12 of mixed. from 1728. to 1772. 10–21 since 1772 10–17 Extract from the Encyclopedie. The do llar of 1728–1772 being taken as our standard, we have this grs mixed grs alloy