11Benjamin King to James Madison, 22 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
I hope you will not deem my addressing you an intrusion; but I am compelled by my necessities to do so. I am at present receiving but one dollar per day—in the Navy Yard at this place, which is not sufficient to supply myself and family with the necessaries of life. I am now eighty & odd years of age, and having filled the station which I did for thirty & odd years, I think it a great hardship...
12John C. Payne (for JM) to Robert Walsh, 19 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison being entirely disqualified by present indisposition to reply to your letter of the 22d ulto., he desires me to do it for him. I therefore enclose a brief note of the characteristic events of his life, and a list of his printed works now recollected. The list does not of course include his share in the printed proceedings of the old and new Congress & the Convention & Legislature...
13John C. Payne (for JM) to Charles J. Ingersoll, 14 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
Mr. M. being at present too much indisposed to use his own pen desires me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th. instant, and to thank you for your friendly solicitude on the subject of his health. I am sorry to say that the change in it since you left Montpellier has not been favorable. You need not be assured of the pleasure he always feels in the society of his friends...
14James Madison to C. Fenimore Williston, 13 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. sir your letter of the 6th. I know of no propositions to codify the laws of the United States, or of any particular state on the plan of Mr. Bentham other than those made by Mr B himself. Most of the states have doubtless revised their laws, with a view to their general improvement, and adaptation of them to the change of Government by the Declaration of Independence—such were the...
15James Madison to Edward Coles, 10 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
At the request of Mr. Madison who is too feeble to write, I subjoin a copy of the reply he dictated to an application renewed by C. S. Todd, thro’ my sisters, for the same object with that lately addressed to yourself. He adds his thanks for the copy you forwarded him of Armstrong, and his cordial respects. Allow us all to unite in the same tender to Mrs. Coles & yourself. "I have recd....
16[JM] to Bernard Peyton, 10 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
My wagon which is setting out to day will deliver two Hhds of tobacco. They were made from fresh mountain land and cured without smoke, as indeed was the rest of my crop, and I understand were neatly put up. You will best judge of the most favorable moment for selling them & let me know the proceeds. 2 Please forward by return of the wagon the following articles. P. S Your letter informing me...
17Charles J. Ingersoll to James Madison, 9 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
I feel it to be my first and most grateful duty on my return from the delightful pilgrimage to the shrine of Montpelier to enquire after your health & welfare which I hope Mrs. Madison or Miss Payne may be good enough to write a line to inform me of without troubling you. It has given no little poignancy to the great regret I experienced at being obliged to leave your residence to attend to...
18Virgil David to James Madison, 6 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
’L’amitié d’un grand homme est un bienfait des dieux’--Voltaire I am not certain that I have transmitted to you the following resolution unanimously adopted before the Institution of Laurenceville—If I have please pardon the freedom I have taken— "Resolved—That this Society, view with emotions of gratitude, the high regard entertained for its members by the Hon James Madison. John Q Adams....
19C. Fenimore Williston to James Madison, 6 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to receive your favour respecting the correspondence between yourself and Mr. Jeremy Bentham—in reply to some enquiries which I took the liberty of proposing to you. Will you excuse me when I further ask you to inform whether there have been any other proposals to codify your Law: who were the individuals proposing it and if their works were ever published to the world. I hope...
20James Madison to Benjamin W. Leigh, 1 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
I Have received a copy of your speech on the 4th. & 5th. April, and on the supposition that I may be indebted for it, to your politeness, I tender my acknowledgments accordingly. The increasing pressure of my infirmities has of late, rendered my attention to the public proceedings very superficial. To the expunging question I have paid very little. The views taken in your speech of some at...
21James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, April 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your letter, in which you say that according to information, to be relied on, one of the Candidates for the Senatorial District, had publickly asserted that I favoured his Election; and that it was doing injury to the other Candidate. Having declined interfering in the existing political contests, and elections, for reasons sufficiently obvious, in my aged and decrepid...
22Martin Van Buren to James Madison, 30 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
Allow me to present to you my Son Mr. Smith T. Van Buren—who is desirous of paying his respects to you. Wishing to be affectionately remembered to Mrs. Madison I am Dear, [Sir] very truly yours RC (University of Pennsylvania Library).
23Charles J. Ingersoll to James Madison, 28 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have come thus far with a design long cherished to afford myself the gratification of paying you and Mrs. Madison a visit at Montpellier. Our friend Gov. Coles on whom I called for the purpose before leaving Philadelphia has apprised me of the way. I find here that the steamboat for Fredericksburg leaves Washington every morning at six oclock which will enable me I understand to reach Orange...
24James Madison to Charles Tudor Stewart, 22 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
Your letter was not recd. till yesterday. I would cheerfully gratify you in the object of your pursuit, but like applications have already exhausted my files, and obliged me to give that answer. The autographs of Mr. Hamilton & Mr. Jay, two names you seem particularly to desire, I have no doubt can be easily obtained from public offices, or their family connexions. Accept my respects & good...
25Robert Walsh to James Madison, 22 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
It is probable that I shall go abroad about the end of next month to divide a twelvemonth between France & England. From patriotic motives & personal attachments I intend to publish in Paris or London from time to time Sketches Biographical & Bibliographical, of the most eminent among the living writers & intelligences of our country. I wish to obtain now, accordingly, suitable memoranda—mere...
26Edward Coles to James Madison, 20 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
A few days after the date of my late letter to you, I heard that Gen: Armstrongs Book was in the press at NewYork, & would soon be published. I heard to day that it had been received here, & went immediately in pursuit of it. I have just procured it & hasten to forward it to you, not having taken time to look into it I have only time to return you my thanks for your letter of April 10. and to...
27James Madison to William Cabell Rives, 19 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the copy of your speech on the 28th. of March. It is the only one I have read on the subject. It contains strong points, strongly sustained. I cannot but think however that the preservation of the original journals of the Legislature is undervalued; printed copies of transitory proceedings being generally neglected by the possessors, the more so, the greater the number of them...
28James Madison to Bernard Peyton, 16 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
The Bull-calf so unpromising at first has turned out a fine one, so that I can spare one of the grown bulls, at a price which I leave to any one of your judicious friends—observing only that he was 6 or 8 months old when he came to my hands, and besides pasturage with occasional grain in the summer he has been now kept thro’ three winters, well housed & lodged, and with as much good hay and...
29James Madison to George Bancroft, 13 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. with your letter of the 8th. the first Vol: of Genl: Armstrong’s "notices of the War of 1812" and offer my thanks for the politeness to which I owe it. It cannot but be agreeable to know that you were pleased with your short visit at Montpellier, where the impression it left will always ensure you a sincere welcome. Mrs Madison is very thankful for your kind sentiments addressed...
30James Madison to Edward Coles, 10 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of April 2d. It gives us great pleasure to learn that Mrs. Coles has recovered her health, and that the appearance of your little daughter continues to promise every thing her Parents could wish. I return the letter you enclosed, leaving it to be answered by your imperfect recollection. I make no comment, for which, indeed I am, and have been for some days past, too...
31James Madison to John K. Kane, 10 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
J. M. thanks Mr. Kane for his friendly communication of the 28th. March. Although in his present condition he cannot enter into an examination of the topics involved in the pamphlet, they suggest their own importance, and will doubtless receive from others the attention they deserve. He begs Mr. Kane to be assured of his respect and good wishes. FC (DLC) .
32George Bancroft to James Madison, 8 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
I hardly know how sufficiently to express the very great delight and instruction I derived from the days your hospitality permitted me to spend under your roof. They will ever be remembered as among the happiest of my life. Mr Van Buren has this moment put into my hands the first volume of Armstrong’s work on the late war. I remember you expressed a curiosity to see it, & I beg leave to...
33James Madison to Lewis Cass, 3 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his respects to Govr. Cass, offers him many thanks for the copy of his late discourse before the American Historical Society at Washington. He has read it with great pleasure, the greater, from its favorable bearing on the literary reputation of our Country—"If History be Philosophy teaching by example," it will itself be instructed by the Philosophy of such discourses. FC (DLC) .
34Reynolds Chapman to James Madison, 3 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
I am about to trouble you in a matter of delicacy and of interest. I do so, not without great reluctance: indeed nothing could impel me to it, but what I consider an imperious duty to a friend, and to truth. Mr. Smith, the competitor of Mr. Slaughter, in the Senatorial Canvass, asserted on thursday last, at a publick meeting, in the upper part of this county, as a gentleman of intelligence and...
35Charles Tudor Stewart to James Madison, 3 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
Having made a partial collection of the autographs of distinguished individuals, the undersigned would feel extremely gratified, if he could add yours to the number. Also, if it would not be asking too great a favor, the undersigned would feel exceedingly happy, if you would at the same time enclose the autographs of Jay and Hamilton , or whatever other distinguished contemporary and friend of...
36James Madison to Andrew Bigelow, 2 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have received, with your letter of the 15th. inst: a copy of your "Election Sermon on the 6th of Jany.," and thank you for the pleasure afforded by the able, and instructive, lessons which it so impressively adapted to the occasion. I cannot conceal from myself that your letter has indulged a partiality, which greatly overrates my public services: I may say nevertheless, that I am among...
37Edward Coles to James Madison, 2 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter from Col: Ch: Todd was recd. to day. I have an imperfect recollection of the conversation as well as of the subject alluded to. I have however of certain remarks made by you at the time, & repeated frequently since, respecting Genl. Armstrong’s conduct on recieving the resignation of Gen’l Harrison, and as I have an impression on my mind that you noted the circumstances at...
38George Tucker to James Madison, 2 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
Professor Palfrey of Harvard College being desirous of paying his respects to you on his return to Boston from Louisiana, I take great pleasure in introducing him to your personal acquaintance—His character is no doubt already well known to you. I beg leave to present my respects to Mrs. Madison & to subscribe myself your respectful & obed. Servt. RC (DLC) .
39James Madison to Benjamin W. Leigh, March 1836 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison, with his best respects to Mr. Leigh, thanks him for the Copy of his interesting letter of March 2d. to the General Assembly; interesting both from the importance of its subject, and the ability with which it is treated. FC (DLC) .
40James Madison to Unknown, March 1836 (Madison Papers)
The precise obligation imposed on a representative, by instructions of his constituents, still divides the opinions, of distinguished statesmen. This is the case in Great Britain, where such topics have been most discussed. It is also now the case, more or less < >d was so, at the first Congress under the present Constitution, as appears from the Register of Debates, imperfectly as they were...
41John K. Kane to James Madison, 28 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honour of sending you a pamphlet explanatory of the proceedings of the late commission under the treaty with France, of which I have printed a few copies for distribution. I have no hope that your leisure will permit you to examine it; but I offer it to your acceptance as a testimonial of the profound respect with which I am, Your very obedient and faithful servant, RC (DLC) .
42Fragment in his writing re book for Lawrenceville Lyceum (filed with 17827), 25 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
Front March 27 1836. Forwarded for the Lawrville Lyceum at the request in its name, of a Book from my library, and as a token of the respect I feel for an Institute patronizing youthful talent Back to the youth of a free country < >, on a subject particularly adap< > Fragment (NjMoHP) .
43James Madison to Virgil David, 25 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have received Sir, your letter of the 18. of Feby., and in compliance with its request, have addressed to Mr. Denny a Volume, for the LawrenceVille Lyceum. Accept my respects and good wishes. RC (University of Chicago Library); FC (DLC) .
44James Madison to [Harmar] Denny, 25 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
J. M. presents his respects to Mr Denny, and as desired by Mr. V. David commits to his care a Book for Lawrenceville Lyceum. FC (DLC) ; RC (?) owned in November 1970 by Kenneth W. Rendell, Inc., 62 Bristol Road, Somerville, Massachusetts
45James Madison to Daniel G. Hickey, 24 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the lst. and would gladly furnish the information you wish, but I have no recollection myself, nor can I learn, from those who have long lived on the spot that your Father was ever employed by me in digging a well, nor do I believe there was any even dug within his period. FC (DLC) .
46James Madison to Thomas Shankland, 24 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir, your letter of the 18th. Having declined such interpositions as you request of me, which would have been required even by the numerous applications for them, I can only tender you my respects & good wishes with the expression of my confidence that the recommendation of your highly respectable friends on the spot, who are personally acquainted with you will have more weight in...
47James Madison to William Zollickoffer, 24 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 17th. The best answer I can give, will be found in the enclosed paper containing the last proceedings of the Historical Society in this State. With respect, FC and enclosure (PHi) . Enclosure is William Zollickoffer to Socrates Maupin, 27 Aug. 1837, re proceedings of Virginia Historical Society.
48James Madison to the Editor of the Farmers’ Register, 22 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
You expressed a wish (page -- vol. III,) to obtain information in relation to the history of the emancipated people of color in Prince Edward; I presume those emancipated by the late Richard Randolph more especially. More than twenty-five years ago, I think, they were liberated, at which time they numbered about one hundred, and were settled upon small parcels of land, of perhaps 10 to...
49James Madison to C. Fenimore Williston, 19 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir your letter of the 9th. and am sorry that I cannot give you the information it requests; nor can I refer to the source from which it may be most conveniently & successfully sought. I do not possess a Copy of the printed Correspondence between Mr. B* & myself on the subject of his proposed "Codification for the U. S." nor even the original manuscript of my part of it for which...
50Andrew Bigelow to James Madison, 15 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
As a Stranger, I ought not, by the laws of courtesy, to intrude myself on your notice. But in offering for your acceptance a copy of a Discourse delivered before the Government of this State on the day of Annual Election last past, I cherish the hope that you will permit me to accompany it, with an expression of my grateful admiration of the illustrious services, which you have rendered to our...
51William C. Rives to James Madison, 10 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
I desired very much to have had the pleasure of paying my respects to yourself & Mrs. Madison on my way to Washington, but the necessity of my being there with as little delay as possible & the almost impassable state of the roads, (which has compelled me to leave Mrs. Rives behind, to follow me when she can), have deprived me of that satisfaction. It has given me great pleasure to learn that...
52C. Fenimore Williston to James Madison, 9 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
Will you do me the favour of informing me whether or not the correspondence between yourself & my illustrious fellow country man Jeremy Bentham on the codification of American laws was ever published. If so when, where, and under what title it was given to the world. An answer will oblige. Your Excellency’s hle Sert. RC (DLC) .
53James Madison to Darius Darling, 4 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
I did not recieve until last evening your letter of the 22d. Feby. communicating the late proceedings of the "American Historical Society of Military & Naval Events", and "asking leave to present my name as an honorary Member". I have too much respect for the object of the society, and for the names composing it, to be insensible to the honor of an association of mine, with them. I must not...
54Daniel G. Hickey to James Madison, 1 March 1836 (Madison Papers)
While I feel that, as an utter stranger, I am taking a very great liberty with you when I address you upon a subject in which you cannot be supposed to feel the smallest interest yet am I assured that if it be in your power to serve me you will take pleasure in doing it. The object of this is to learn from you if you can give me any information respecting an individual who was employed by you...
55James Madison to Martin Van Buren, February 1836 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his thanks to Mr Van Buren for the Copy of the Presidents Message of the 22d. reciprocates his congratulations on the event, which terminates the difficulties with France. It is a happy denouement of an embarrassing controversy, apparently working itself into a knot, for which the sword alone might be a match. The following ommitted [None perhaps, rejoice on this occasion, more...
56James Madison to Joseph Wood, 27 February 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir your letter of the 16. inst. requesting such information as I might be able to give pertaining to a Biography of your father in Law the late Chief Justice Ellsworth. My acquaintance with him was limited to the periods of our cotemporary services in public life, and to the occasional intercourse, incident to it. As we happened to be thrown but little into the familiar...
57James Madison to William B. Rogers, 26 February 1836 (Madison Papers)
J. M. with his respects to Professor Rogers, returns many thanks for the Copy of his Report on the "Geological Reconnaissance of the State of Virginia." Unskilled as he is in the subject; he cannot but regard the Report as an able & instructive commencement of a task, which if duly prosecuted under the auspices it merits, cannot fail to amplify greatly the resources of the state, & to afford...
58James Madison to Samuel L. Southard, 26 February 1836 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with friendly salutations to Mr Southard thanks him for the copy of his speech on the 25th of Jany. In his present condition he can read but little. He has however borrowed from other claims on his attention, the time required for a perusal of the Speech. Whether regarded as a test of debating powers, or as a material for the political history of our Country, it is a Document, that...
59James Madison to Frederick Freeman, 22 February 1836 (Madison Papers)
James Madison having reason to believe, that in the Autograph lately furnished to Mr. Freeman, there was a lapsus of attention, in the reference to the year of his age, which instead of 84th. ought to have been 85th. which will soon be completed from the date of his birth in March 1751. Mr. Freeman will be so good as to alter the figure 4 into 5, after which this note may be destroyed. RC...
60James Madison to William C. Preston, 22 February 1836 (Madison Papers)
Your letter introducing the Earl of Selkirk was duly delivered and I soon found that his intelligence, and social merits—justified the reception asked for him. Mrs. Madison and myself cannot forego the occasion to thank you for the kind & friendly terms in which you express your sentiments towards us, & to assure you that there are affectionate reminiscences between the two families which will...