1301From James Madison to Andrew Parks, 9 November 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 1st. inst: 1826. In the absence of J. P. Todd, who has not it appears, made provision for the debt referred to I should not hesitate to remit you the amount, the principal at least, from my own funds, but I am obliged to say, that such has been the failure for a series of years, of the only sources on which they depend, & such the expences I have found...
1302From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 7 November 1826 (Madison Papers)
I send them immediately to the p. o. that they may go in the mail of tomorrow morning. Friendly respects & good wishes Fragment of RC (owned by Marshall B. Coyne, Washington, D.C., 1980).
1303From James Madison to Samuel H. Smith, 4 November 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of Ocr. 25. requesting from me any information which would assist you in preparing a Memoir of Mr. Jefferson, for the Columbian Institute. Few things would give me more pleasure than to contribute to such a task; and the pleasure would certainly be increased by that of proving my respect for your wishes. I am afraid however, I can do little more than refer you to other...
1304From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 1 November 1826 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours of Ocr. 28. As the intimation to Mr Hilliard will go with more weight from the Executive Committee than from one of its members, I drop a few lines for him to be signed by you also, and duly forwarded. I send it in this form the rather, because of the distinction between the 2 cases of the Periodicals and of the general supply of books; and between both as now...
1305From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 1 November 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. Van Zandt a copy of his Bill in Chancery: of course known to you, and have answered the communicati⟨on⟩ by a letter a copy of which I have thought it proper to inclose you. The errors of fact which it corrects make me hope that I shall be rescued by the explanation from the disagreeable situation in which the Bill places me. With friendly wishes RC ( MHi ); draft ( DLC )....
1306From James Madison to William Hilliard, [ca. 1 November 1826] (Madison Papers)
It being represented to the Executive Comme. of the Board of Visitors of the University that there are delays in furnishing the Periodicals, ordered by the late Rector, very inconvenient to the Faculty, we give this intimation of it, in the hope that it will produce a due punctuality in this respect. It cannot be necessary to remark, that regular supplies of books for the University especially...
1307From James Madison to Richard Rush, 1 November 1826 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To Richard Rush. Letter not found. 1 November 1826. Described as an autograph letter signed in Stan. V Henkels Catalogue No. 934 (19–20 May 1905), item 614.
1308From James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 1 November 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 28th. having met with delay at our post office, I recd. it too late to look into the papers of accts. &c you were so good as to inclose. I can not but think it will be well that a Statement of what relates to the particular work done since the last Report; and yet to be done, should be made out by the Proctor in a simple form; to be referred to in the report, rather than to...
1309Preface to Thomas Jefferson’s Memoir, [ca. October 1826] (Madison Papers)
This had been prepared by J.M. as a preface or prospectus for the “Memoir” when that alone was intended for immediate publication. The opinion universally entertained of the extraordinary abilities of Thos. Jefferson and the signal evidences lately given by his country of a profound sense of his patriotic services, and of veneration for his memory, have induced his Executor, who is also the...
1310From James Madison to Nicholas B. Van Zandt, 31 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just received Sir, your letter of Octr. 28. inclosing a copy of your Bill in Chancery and very sincerely sympathise in the distresses which led to it; the more so, as to other motives, it adds the personal sentements it expressed towards me. I cannot but regret at the same time, that it has been thought advisable to make me, in any manner a party, in the persuit of your claim ⟨on⟩ Mr...
1311From James Madison to Alexander Garrett, 24 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Garrett, and returns the check for $3000, with his signature as requested. RC ( ViU : Special Collections, Madison Papers). Month not indicated; conjectural month assigned based on the docket. Franked and addressed by JM ; cover docketed by Garrett: “7th. Nov. 1826. the within mentioned check of $3000. this day sent to Wm Nekervis Cashier Farmers Bank...
1312From James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 16 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
Since I asked the favor of you to sketch a report from the Visitors of the University such as would embrace the topics and statements which the Board appeared to have in view, it occurred that the occasion required, and the members of the Board would approve, some tribute to the memory of Mr J. With this view I prepared an introductory paragraph, as you will see; and that the Report might be,...
1313From James Madison to Martin Van Buren, 15 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
Since mine of Sepr. 20. answering yours of Aug. 30. I have recd. that of Sepr. 28. with a copy of the Report of the Come. on Roads & canals. I have not been able to read more of it than the part which you notice. The Come. have transcended all preceding Advocates of the doctrine they espouse, in appealing to the old articles of Confederation for its support: Whatever might have been the...
1314From James Madison to James Barbour, 13 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. a letter from Majr Byrd C Willis, of Tallahassee well known to you reminding me that I was the medium of an application for a Cadet Warrant in behalf of his son George, and requesting me to intimate that he has still the same object in view: and that as his son, “is no longer a Citizen of Virga., but hails from Florada,” the former difficulty that the claim of Virginia had no...
1315From James Madison to Byrd C. Willis, 13 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by the last mail, yours of Sepr. 15. and have written as you desired to the Secy. of War, on the subject of your son George. I wish that room may be found for him at West point, and that the result may fulfil all the parental wishes, he will carry with him. It must afford pleasure to all your friends, that the spot you have chosen for your future home has so many fertile charms in it....
1316Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 7 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
The board met pursuant to adjournment: present the same members as yesterday. Resolved that the proctor be directed to refund to the several professors, the advances by them made for venitian blinds; when, in the opinion of the executive committee, such appropriation shall be justified by the state of the funds. Resolved that the communication of the faculty respecting books, be referred to...
1317Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 6 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
The board met pursuant to adjournment: present the same members as yesterday. Resolved that the library of the University shall be under the following regulations: The books shall be kept in the upper room of the rotunda. The library shall be under the care of a librarian appointed by the Visitors, who shall hold his office during their pleasure, and shall receive as a compensation for his...
1318From James Madison to Richard Rush, 5 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
At sight pay to the Order of Arthur S Brockenbrough, Proctor of the University of Virginia three hundred and ninety four Dollars thirty two cents, being the Amt. of duties paid by order of Thomas Jefferson late Rector of the University of Virginia on thirty one cases of Marble, imported into NewYork in the Ship Caroline, for the use of the said University, and the said duties being remitted by...
1319Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 5 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
The board met pursuant to adjournment: present the same members as yesterday. Resolved that a Secretary to the board of Visitors shall be appointed, whose salary shall be two hundred dollars per annum , payable quarterly. Resolved that Nicholas P. Trist is appointed to the office of secretary. The board adjourned to tomorrow. MS ( ViU : Special Collections).
1320From James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, [5] October 1826 (Madison Papers)
The Board of Visitors have decided that a Secretary be appointed to it, and you have been selected for the service. The salary allotted is $200 payable quarterly. If you think proper to accept the place, it will desirable that you be present at the meeting of the Board tomorrow. Friendly respects $50. has been voted in consideration of yr. service in relation to the Catalogue for the Library....
1321Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 4 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
The board met pursuant to adjournment: present the same members as yesterday. Resolved that the next session of the University shall commence on the first of February, and terminate on the Fourth of July; and all future sessions shall commence on the 20th. of August in each year, and terminate on the 4th. of July ensuing—but there shall be one recess of all the schools, and no more, during...
1322Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 3 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
The board met according to adjour[n]ment, present the same members as yesterday. Resolved, that a committee of three members of the board, be appointed to examine & report the state of the funds of the University—that they be required to make their report tomorrow, if practicable, & that all documents touching that subject now before the board, be referred to them. Whereupon Chapman Johnson,...
1323Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 2 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of Virginia, held at the University on Monday, Oct. 2d. 1826, at which were present James Madison, James Breckenridge, Joseph C. Cabell, John H. Cocke, Chapman Johnson, and James Monroe. The board being apprised of the death of Thomas Jefferson Rector, proceeded to fill the vacancy in that office: and James Madison was elected. MS ( ViU : Special...
1324From James Madison to William Taylor, 23 September 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with so many communications from you, that I should take to myself much reproach for not acknowledging them, if I had not apprized you of the one-sided correspondence in which your kindness would involve you. Your last letter was of Aug. 10. from Vera Cruz. That accompanied by the Wax likeness of Iturbide was recd. in due time; as were several others, with one of which came...
1325From James Madison to Charles Caldwell, 20 September 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have been long in debt to your politeness for the copy of your “Elements of phrenology” put into the hands of Mr Slaughter, from whom I have but just learned that he was the channel thro’ which it came. My acknowledgments wd. not have been thus delayed, but from my ignorance, till very lately that your movements had terminated in your return to Lexington. Phrenology is a subject which had...
1326From James Madison to James Monroe, 20 September 1826 (Madison Papers)
Inferring from the silence of the Newspapers, since they announced your appointment as a visitor of the University, that your answer did not require a replacing one, I take for granted that you will be with your colleagues at the legal place & period. Allow me to count on your being thus far on your way in time for us to proceed hence together: I propose to set out on saturday after next: and...
1327From James Madison to Martin Van Buren, 20 September 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 30. has been longer unanswered than I could have wished: but the delay has been unavoidable. And I am sensible now that the subject of it invited more of development, than successive occurrences calling off my attention, have permitted. The brief view taken of it, will at least be a proof of my disposition to comply with your request, which I regard as a private one, as you...
1328From James Madison to Chester Bailey, 19 September 1826 (Madison Papers)
Yrs of the 130. has just been recd. I sincerely regret the occasion for it, & that I can not venture to comply with its request, by fixing a time at wch. your bill agst. Cd. be discharged. When I authorized expectations on that subject, I was aware that circumstances might require this delay then reserved to myself and they have proved even more unfavorable than were anticipated. I must hope...
1329From James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, [ca. 18 September 1826] (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 16th. What relates to the University will be subjects for our conversation. I can not so far avail myself of your liberal dispensation from giving answers to your letters, which I am sure will always merit them as not to make my acknowledgment for the kind indulgence, and to express the pleasure which will be afforded by the promised visit of Mr Terrell &...
1330From James Madison to Ferdinand R. Hassler, [ante 9 September 1826] (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir, your letter of Aug. 31st. with the 2 Copies of your “Elements of Analytic Trigonometry.” For the one to be retained by myself, I tender my thanks: the other will be disposed of as you request. Not pretending to be a competent judge, of the merit of the work, I can only express the confidence in it, derived from the high estimation in which your Scientific character, has been...
1331From James Madison to Thomas H. Key, 9 September 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd from Mr Hassler the accompanying copy of a work he has just published on “analytic Trigonometry”: which he wishes to be submitted to the proper department in the University of Virga. He entertains a hope that it will be found well adapted to the course of study in this Country, & have the advantage of being patronized in its Institutions. That his veiws may fully appear, I enclose...
1332From James Madison to Richard Peters, 8 September 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have received, my dear friend, with great pleasure your letter of the 1st. instant, so full of kind feelings; and with it, a copy of the Agricultural Memoirs for which I return my thanks. I have not lost my relish for the subject of them, but do not retain the activity that could spare from other claims on my time, the portion required for that. Tho’ not counting quite as many years as you...
1333From James Madison to Joseph E. Sprague, 5 September 1826 (Madison Papers)
J. M. presents his respects to Mr. Sprague with many thanks for the “Eulogy on John Adams & Ths. Jefferson” politely sent him. He has read it with the double pleasure afforded by its interesting matter & by the eloquence which makes it the more interesting. Draft ( DLC ). Year not indicated; conjectural year assigned based on the publication of Sprague’s pamphlet (see n. 2 below). Joseph E....
1334From James Madison to Anthony Morris, 31 August 1826 (Madison Papers)
Since I recd. your friendly communications relative to unclaimed dividends on Stock standing in the name of James Madison, I have become pretty well satisfied that the name refers to my father who died in Feby. 1801, which accounts for the date at which interest ceased to be drawn by him. Nor is there any known person of the same name likely to have owned such stock, except the late Bishop...
1335From James Madison to Alexander Scott, 26 August 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have read with a just sympathy the view given of your situation in your letter of the 22 brought by the last mail, and regret that I can not fulfill the wish expressed in it. The command of even small sums is difficult with those whose resources are limited to the fruits of agriculture, which for a series of years; in this quarter, have been reduced to one half in amount by unfavorable...
1336From James Madison to Henry Colman, 25 August 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have read with pleasure the copy of your Oration on the 4th. of July, obligingly sent me, and for which I beg you to accept my thanks. With the merits which I have found in the Oration, may I be permitted to notice a passage, which tho’ according with a language often held on the subject, I can not but regard as at variance with reality. In doing justice to the virtue and valour of the...
1337From James Madison to Henry Wheaton, 10 August 1826 (Madison Papers)
I received some days ago your favor of July 26: and the “Life of Mr. Pinkney” referred to, is now also come to hand: I return without delay, my thanks for the work, well assured that it will be found to merit them. I am not surprized that your known occupations did not permit you to mingle with the biographical topics, more of the historical notice of the period which you had once intended. I...
1338From James Madison to John Tyler, 4 August 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 31. Ult: inclosing a copy of your Oration on the death of Mr. Jefferson, in which you so eloquently express what is felt by all, as a just tribute to his exalted name, and a grateful commemoration of his invaluable services to his country and to his fellow men. Be pleased to accept, Sir my thanks for your polite attention, with assurances of my high & cordial...
1339From James Madison to William Tapscott, 29 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your last letter expressed so much concern for the failure in paying for the land purchased by you and Mr. Bell, and so much anxiety to make [ illegible ] for it, that I have been in constant hopes of hearing from you satisfactorily on the subject. Being wholly disappointed, I am at length obliged by pressing circumstances to renew my earnest application for the discharge of what is due. It is...
1340From James Madison to Hubbard Taylor, 29 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
Since the receit. of your obliging letter of December last, I have continually hoped that I shd. be released from troubling you further on the subject of it: by the conduct of my debtors on Panther’s Creek. I am however disappointed, having not yet recd. a dollar, or even a line from either of them. As a consequence I make another appeal to Tapscott & thro’ him to Bell, and beg the favor of...
1341From James Madison to Robert H. Rose, 27 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of June 21. and am glad to find by it, that mine of May 16. had got safe to hand. The urgency which it explained, makes me lose no time in complying with your wish to be informed of the time within which your intended payment will be particularly requisite, and I can not name a later day than the middle of December. If you shd. be able to come yourself with it, so much the...
1342From James Madison to Simeon Hubbard, 25 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two letters of the 12th. & 15. inclosing cash & communications for Mrs. Randolph, the daughter of Mr Jefferson, which have been duly forwarded. For the copy of the very feeling effusion prompted by the solemn occasion & the kind sentiments expressed for myself, I tender you my thanks & a return of my respects & friendly wishes. Draft ( DLC ).
1343From James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 24 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Trist, and commits to his attention, the inclosed papers for Mrs. Randolph forwarded to J. M. by the unknown author. RC ( DLC : Nicholas P. Trist Papers). Addressed and franked by JM to Trist at Monticello; docketed by Trist. Enclosures not found, but see Simeon Hubbard to JM , 12 July 1826 , and JM ’s reply, 25 July 1826.
1344From James Madison to George Mason, 14 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have received, Sir your letter of the 6th. instant, requesting such information, as I may be able to give, as to the origin of the document a copy of which was inclosed in it. The motive & manner of the request would entitle it to respect, if less easily complied with than by the following statement. During the Session of the General Assembly 1784–5. a Bill was introduced into the House of...
1345From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 14 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
I received by the last mail yours of the 8th. inst: The Article bequeathed to me by your Grandfather, had been delivered by Dr. Dunglison, and received with all the feelings due to such a token of the place I held in the friendship of one, whom I so much revered & loved, when living, and whose memory can never cease to be dear to me. I must beg you, my dear Sir, to assure your excellent and...
1346From James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 6 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 4th. A few lines from Doctr Dunglison had prepared me for such a communication; and I never doubted that the last scene of our illustrious friend would be worthy of the life which it closed. Long as this has been spared to his country and to those who loved him, a few years more were to have been desired for the sake of both. But we are more than consoled for the...
1347From James Madison to Jacob Morton, 1 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have but this moment recd. your letter of June 16. inclosing the invitation from the Committee of the Corporation of the City of N. York. The delay was occasioned by an error in the Mail which carried the letter to an office South of me. The last post mark is “Charlottesville June 29.” To this explanation permit me to add the expression of my personal esteem & respect Draft ( DLC ).
1348From James Madison to Richard Riker and Others, 1 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of June—— inviting me, in behalf of the Corporation of the City of N. York to the celebration of the approaching anniversary of American Independence, having passed on to a post office South of me, has but this moment come to hand on its return. Had the present State of my health therefore which obliged me to decline a previous invitation to a like celebration less distant, not...
1349From James Madison to Richard D. Cutts, [ca. June 1826] (Madison Papers)
Your Unkle has reccd. your Elegant & lerned Epistle, & his finger being a little sore at present, he desires me to answer it for him. He says your crop of Tobaco turned out as well as could be expected considering the dryness of weather—he does not dispare that it will weigh 3 ounces—he wants to know whether you’l have it shiped or sold in the country—every body who has seen it admires it very...
1350From James Madison to Robley Dunglison, 27 June 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 22d. did not come to hand till yesterday afternoon. We are so fortunate with respect to the hooping cough, that it may be safely brought in the case of your little patient who may herself be benefitted by an Excursion. Mrs Madison and myself will, therefore, with much pleasure, receive the fulfilment of the promised visit from yourself and Mrs Dunglison, as soon as your...