1301From James Madison to Congress, 1 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress certain Documents, being a continuation of those heretofore laid before them, on the subject of our Affairs with Great Britain. Without going back beyond the renewal in 1803, of the war in which Great Britain is eng[a]ged, and omitting unrepaired wrongs of inferior magnitude; the conduct of her Government presents a series of acts, hostile to the United States, as an...
1302From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 13 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 13 March 1809. Acknowledged in Cathcart to JM, 12 May 1809 . Orders wines.
1303For 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...
1304From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to Report to the President in conformity to the resolution of the House of Representatives, of the 30th. of March, that the only information which has been received respecting the letter from which the extract inserted in Gen. Armstrong’s letter to the Secretary of State, of January the 22nd. 1808, was taken, in the extract itself, to which no date is...
1305James Madison to Howard Malcom, 18 June 1830 (Madison Papers)
The 2 Copies of the "Reports on Prison discipline" referred to in your letter of the 3d. inst: were recd. some days ago. The letter itself was brought by the last mail with the post mark of Charleston S.C. to which it had been missent. The duplicate for a friend I have sent to Mr. Howard as one to both of us. I have not yet been able to give an entire reading to the little volume, but have...
1306James Madison to James Monroe, 20 March 1828 (Madison Papers)
Yours of Feby. 23. was not recd. before the last mail tho’ having the Aldie post mark on the day of its date. Whether it was not duly forwarded, or was so long overlooked at the office here is not known. The latter was probably the case. We hope the agreeable information you gave of Mrs. Monroe’s convalescence has been justified by, her entire recovery. I need not now say that I recd. at the...
1307Inquiry into General St. Clair’s Defeat, [26 February] 1793 (Madison Papers)
The House defeated Hartley’s motion “that the House should go into a committee of the whole on the report of the committee appointed to enquire into the causes of the failure of the expedition under Gen. St. Clair” and approved Livermore’s motion “that the committee of the whole should be discharged from the consideration of said report.” Mr. Madison then moved the following in substance, viz....
1308From James Madison to John Armstrong, 30 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Before my return hither I recd. yours of the 8th. inst: and have since recd. those of the 11th. 13. 17. & 20: The order relating to a discharge of Militia from Norfolk referred to in the first was not inclosed in it, and has not come otherwise to hand. There can be no question, under existing circumstances, but as to the degree in which the force at that place, may be prudently reduced. The...
1309James Madison to Thomas Maxwell, 21 December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your letter inclosing one from Mr. Sloan accompanied by his little pamphlet on Priestcraft, was duly recd. As he wishes you to be the medium of an answer I must ask the favor of you to convey my congratulations on the health and other consolations he enjoys at so advanced a stage of life, and my thanks also for all the kind feelings he expresses towards me. Notwithstanding the lapse of time, I...
1310From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I inclose for your perusal 2 letters from Mr. Jefferson. I apprehend that his idea of recoining for circulation the Exposè, would be more tardy as well as difficult than he calculates. His letters however are interesting; and may be communicated in such parts as you think proper to Mr. Dallas. I wish them of course to be returned. I see by several papers that a very unfair play is going on,...
1311From James Madison to Henry Hill Jr., 19 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 4th inst, has been duly received and in consequence of its suggestions, I inclose a letter to the Governor of Cuba informing him of your appointment and touching the subject of captures. Your Commission, superseding that of Mr Josiah Blakely at St Jago, you will intimate it to him on your arrival, giving him at the same time to understand, that his removal was the result of...
1312Changes Suggested in Ordinance on Captures at Sea, [ca. 28 August–4 December] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MSS ( NA : PCC , No. 59, III, 280–82, 295) and excerpts from texts of ordinance printed in JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXI, 961–68, 1153–58. The proper sequence of the PCC folios is 280½, 295, 280, an unnumbered quarter-sheet adjacent to 280½, and 281 and 282. JM’s connection with this ordinance...
1313To George Washington from James Madison, 18 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
Recollecting to have heard you mention a plan formed by the Empress of Russia for a comparative view of the aborigines of the New Continent, and of the N.E. parts of the old, through the medium of their respective tongues, and that her wishes had been conveyed to you for your aid in obtaining the American vocabularies, I have availed myself of an opportunity offered by the Kindness of Mr...
1314James Madison to Hubbard Taylor, 15 August 1835 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of July was duly recd. The recollections it so kindly expresses are very gratifying coming from one whose friendship I have always valued, & to whom I have been often indebted for attentions useful to me. I join in all your good wishes, for more tranquility & harmony in our public affairs: which will always be best promoted by a course avoiding the extremes to which party...
1315From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 14 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed Letter was brought to me by the young gentleman in whose behalf it was written. He had other respectable recommendations addressed to you, which he has doubtless forwarded: His personal appearance does not make against him. He therefore stands in fair comparison with the other candidates to be taken into view, and who are better known to you than to me. The accounts by the Jno....
1316From James Madison to Congress, 26 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. It is found that the existing laws have not the efficacy necessary to prevent violations of the obligations of the United States, as a nation at peace towards belligerent parties, and other unlawful acts on the high Seas, by armed vessels equipped within the waters of the United States. With a view to maintain more effectually...
1317From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 14 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
To avoid the expence to which we are exposed for the rent of Houses for the messengers of the Departments of State, War and navy, General post office and of the accountants of the War and navy Departments, & to provide against accidents of fire to the Buildings occupied by these Departments we conceive that it would be expedient for Congress to make provision for building six small brick...
1318From James Madison to John Nicholas, 4 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a few days ago a copy of your agricultural address under a blank Cover. Presuming that I am indebted for it to your kind attention I offer you my thanks for the favor. I have read your observations with pleasure & not without instruction. Whatever differences of opinion may exist on particular points; the substance and scope of the address, can not fail to be acceptable & useful to...
1319James Madison to Charles Eaton Hayne, 27 August 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. In the very crippled & feeble state of my health I cannot undertake an extended answer to your enquiries, nor should I suppose it necessary if you have seen my letter to Mr. Everett in August 1830, in which the proceedings of Virginia in 98-99 were explained, and the novel doctrine of nullification adverted to. The distinction is obvious between 1st. such...
1320From James Madison to James Francis Madison Shepherd, 8 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. Ult. was not recd. till yesterday afternoon. I find on recurring to my files and my memory, that I can afford no evidence of the fact in question. I have nothing from the pen of Docr. Shepherd that alludes to it. In a letter of april 7th 1821. He says “A family of the negroes that belonged to my brothers Estate have been taken back for the benefit of Betsy Shepherd: if...
1321To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 February 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
After several little turns in the mode of conveying you notice of your election, recurrence was had to the precedent of leaving the matter to the Senate, where on the casting vote of Mr. Adams, the notification was referred to the President of the U. States, in preference of the President of the Senate. You will see in the papers the state of the votes, and the manner of counting and...
1322From James Madison to Francis Preston, 2 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by the last Mail yours of May 15: and I can not but express my regret that any controversy should have arisen as to the distribution of the laurels gained in the memorable battle of Kings Mountain, where enough were gained for all the heroes of the achievement. I was not what you suppose I was, a member of the Council of State, either at the date of the battle, or when the vote of the...
1323From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 28 May 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 May 1811, Washington. Acknowledges receiving the several parcels of wine sent to him; has found them “very satisfactory.” Those from the vault of Mr. Carvalhal seem to be “unusually fine & well flavored,” and “a couple of pipes more … would be extremely acceptable.” Also requests three pipes of the St. Roque to be forwarded. Mr. Monroe requests two pipes of the St. Roque, and Mrs. Lucy...
1324From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 6 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
Your last letter not already acknowledged is that of August 2d continued on August 30th. The Senate having resumed at the present Session the Convention with Spain, postponed at the last, have thought proper to ratify it; and the President has completed the act on the part of the United States. The instrument is now returned to you with these sanctions, in order to be exchanged for the...
1325From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 October 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison jr. Oct: 15. 1782.” Probably many years later, after this letter was returned to him, JM wrote below Randolph’s docket, “contains Lovell’s cypher.” Words or parts of words which JM encoded in that or the official cipher have been italicized in the present copy. The third paragraph of the...
1326From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
Hoping that a post note on Norfolk will be cash in Richmond, I enclose one for $300, instead of committing bank notes to the mail. Nothing has occurred since you left us worth detailing to you. We are still uninformed of the precise circumstances which have detained Mr. Rose on board the frigate. There is a report that he will either pass up the bay to Annapolis, or possibly engage a vessel to...
1327Notes on Navigation and Trade, [ca. 13 May] 1790 (Madison Papers)
Molasses Massts. has 60 distilleries. (Sheffd. p. 108) In 1769.—3,580,144. galls. of French & Surinam,—and only 299,678 of British Molasses were imported into N. America—(Id. 109) The Quantity of foreign Molasses imported into America, prior to the war, appears by the Custom house books to be greater than the quantity of rum imported there, altho’ the latter free from duty and molasses subject...
1328Toasts for Lafayette’s Dinner, [ante–5 November 1824] (Madison Papers)
Toasts suggested for the dinner to Genl: Lafayette + The Guest of the Nation: no where more welcome than in Virginia. She received his best services. He enjoys her best affections. “To love liberty a nation need but know it: to possess it, but to will it.” *La Fayette —The Rights of man, the Gift of God: The powers of Government the Grant of the people. The President of the U.S. (Monroe) the...
1329Resolutions on Western Law Enforcement and Mississippi Navigation, 3 November 1784 (Madison Papers)
Indian unrest and rumors of Spanish intrigue on the western frontier cast a shadow over the General Assembly sessions late in 1784. Virginians were moving into areas roamed by peaceable tribes and committing depredations that could only lead to retaliation, while word drifted eastward of provocative moves in the Ohio Valley that might bring an open clash between Virginians and Spaniards. JM...
1330From James Madison to William Eustis, 15 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 11th. inclosing a letter from Mr. Jones acting as Judge Advocate at Frederick Town. As the case of Genl. Wilkinson is in possession of the Court Martial, who will judge of the extent of their own jurisdiction, as well as decide on the merits of the questions within it, no instructions seem to be requisite, in the present stage of the proceeding; unless it be in...
1331IV. James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. was received last evening. To my thanks for the several inclosures I must add a request that the letter to Baynton which came in one of them may be handed to him by one of your servants. The directory will point out his habitation. I had seen Payne’s pamphlet with the preface of the Philada. Editor. It immediately occurred that you were brought into the Frontispiece in...
1332From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 January 1796 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have had the pleasure of your two favors of Ocr. 23 & 24. The business of the Treaty with G. B. remains as it stood. A copy of the British ratification has arrived; but the Executive wait, it seems, for the original as alone proper for communication. In the mean time, altho’ it is probable that the house if brought to say yea or nay directly on the merits of the treaty will...
1333Presidential Proclamation, [6 February 1815] (Madison Papers)
Among the many evils produced by the wars, which, with little intermission, have afflicted Europe, and extended their ravages into other quarters of the globe, for a period exceeding twenty years, the dispersion of a considerable portion of the inhabitants of different countries, in sorrow and in want, has not been the least injurious to human happiness, nor the least severe in the trial of...
1334From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
A counter post to Kingston if it can be made sufficiently safe, seems to be a natural provision for the case. But ought not the State of N. Y. to turn its attention to such a call from its exposed Citizens, & to co-operate at least in arming them? Few States are probably more able to do it. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1335Resolution for Printing and Distributing Session Laws, [18 January] 1786 (Madison Papers)
Resolved , That so soon as the copies of the laws allotted to the several counties, other than the counties in Kentucky, shall be printed, the same be distributed under the order of the Executive, by expresses, who shall be paid out of the contingent fund. Printed Copy ( JHDV Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia; Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of...
1336James Madison to Robley Dunglison, 12 March 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. I cannot think it will be amiss, scanty as our funds are, to make the small draft on them for the pertinent object you suggest. I have made the use of your friendly communication relating to young Willis that was proper without disclosing the source of it. I recd. some days ago a letter from L. P. Perry, seeking an exemption from the enactment on the...
1337From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 25 December 1796 (Madison Papers)
Your two letters of the 12 & 11. came duly to hand since my last. The power of Atty sent me proves sufficient. It will be necessary for you to have a proper one at Richmond to prevent another transfer hither. The weather has been so intensely cold that I have not yet gone out to the proper office with Saml. French’s Certificate. I am at a loss to account for Mr. Noe’s draught. I know of no...
1338From James Madison to the Senate, 21 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, Emanuel Wambersie of Georgia, to be consul at Ostend, in the Low Countries. Henry Wilson, of Maryland, to be consul at L’Orient in France. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A1). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . The Senate approved the nominations on 1 Apr. 1816 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings, Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the...
1339From James Madison to Thomas Todd, 6 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
A letter just recd. from Mrs. Todd has given us very great pleasure first because it assures us of the progressive restoration of your health, and secondly because it pledges anew the visit so long & as anxiously wished by us. I hope your health will continue to improve and that nothing will interfere to keep our families apart the ensuing fall & winter. I have recd. a letter from R. B. Lee...
1340Circular Letter to Newspaper Publishers, 19 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 19 January 1802. Acknowledged in Alexander Martin to JM, 27 Jan. 1802 , among others (see DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters Received Regarding Publishers of the Laws). Encloses a copy of the first law passed in the current session of Congress and a page of the octavo edition of laws printed in Washington; offers a contract to print the federal laws of the present session in...
1341Commission for James Monroe, 1 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
The office of Secretary of State being now vacant, I do, in pursuance of the act passed on the 13th of February 1795, entitled “An act to amend the act entitled An act making alterations in the Treasury and War Departments,” authorize and appoint you to discharge the duties thereof, until a regular appointment be made. Given under my hand at the City of Washington the first day of October...
1342To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 4 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd by the last Mail your note fixing the time for your return. The Wash has put herself into a situation denoting a departure, but it is probable that a further delay is convenient for her compleat preparation. The dispatches will have made ready for her some time since, but the lights thrown on the Treaty by the gentlemen consulted, and the flaws which have successively disclosed...
1343From James Madison to Tobias Lear, 11 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Tobias Lear. 11 July 1806, Department of State. “Mr. George Davis, who has been appointed Consul for Tripoli, and is about to embark for Norfolk, has been charged to call upon the Bashaw to fulfill the article of the treaty providing for the delivery of the family of Hamet Caramally. The enclosed extract from his instructions will explain the manner in which he is to proceed. He has been...
1344From James Madison to James Monroe, 22 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
Being advised that the Board of Commissioners under the 7th article of the British Treaty, when they were about to make a final adjournment found that the United States were in advance the sum of five hundred and twenty six pounds four shillings and nine pence, and that they ordered it to be paid to you, I request you to be pleased to pay it over to Sir Francis Baring & Co to be applied by...
1345To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 November 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your two favors of Ocr. 30 and Novr. 6, the former not in time to be answered on Monday last. Mazzei’s claim on Dorhman is £2000 N.Y. Currency, with interest at 7 perCt. from Novr. 1788. It is secured by a Deed of Trust empowering me to sell a tract of land granted to Mr. D. by an Act of Congress of Octr. 1. 1787. (see Journals of that date). Mr. Randolph thinks that a Court of...
1346From James Madison to Robert Lewis, 10 November 1824 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Myers duly delivered your letter of the 8th. conveying to me the invitation of the Joint Committee of the Common Hall & Citizens of Fredericksburg to be with them at a dinner to be given to General La Fayette. Uniting with the Common Hall & Citizens in all their grateful sentiments towards General La Fayette, it would afford me much pleasure to unite also, in the proposed festive...
1347Import Duties, [14 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The Committee of the Whole proceeded to set the amount of duty on each of the enumerated articles, beginning with rum. Sherman proposed fifteen cents per gallon; Laurance preferred twelve cents. Mr. Madison . I would tax this article with as high a duty as can be collected, and I am sure if we judge from what we have heard and seen in the several parts of the union; that it is the sense of the...
1348From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two favors of the 8 & 21. Ult. The conduct & character of the late Commander at Niagara, as pourtrayed in the narrative inclosed in the first, had been before sufficiently brought to our knowledge. Some of his disqualifications for such a trust were indeed understood when he was appointed Inspector General . General Dearborn seems not to have been apprized of some of the...
1349From James Madison to George W. Erving, 27 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed statement contains the case of Mr. Hunter of Philadelphia, whose Vessel, called the Mary Ann, being on a voyage from Cape Francois to Havana, was captured by the Lark British Sloop of War, carried to Jamaica and there acquitted. On her clearing from the latter place, she was provided with a passport by Capt. Loring of the capturing Vessel, notwithstanding which she was again...
1350From James Madison to Thomas Macon, 8 June 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 June 1810. Acknowledged in Macon to JM, 13 June 1810 . Suggests two cities other than New York where Madison Macon could gain commercial experience.