1351From James Madison to Roger C. Weightman, 21 June 1826 (Madison Papers)
I received by yesterday’s Mail your letter of the 14th. inviting, in the name of the Committee of arrangement, my presence at the celebration in the Metropolis of the U.States, of the fiftieth anniversary of their Independence. I am deeply sensible of what I owe to this manifestation of respect on the part of the Committee; and not less so of the gratifications promised by an opportunity of...
1352From James Madison to John Norvell, 20 June 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 14th. and inclose $15. in discharge of the acct. transmitted. When I became a subscriber for the Franklin Gazette My letter to Mr Bache mentioned that it was a departure from a rule I had found it expedient to lay down, and that my subscription was not a permanent one. As no special request however has been made for a discontinuance of the paper, I very...
1353From James Madison to Churchill C. Cambreleng, 31 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 22. by Mail was duly recd. Mr. Taylor had not till yesterday an opportunity of handing me the article committed to him. I lose no time in making to the Corporation of N.Y. the acknowledgts. due from me. They are in the inclosed letter to which I take the liberty of asking your attention. I regret the circumstance which obliged you to make Mr T. your substitute; wishing you...
1354From James Madison to Richard Riker and Others, 31 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your letter of April 28th. and with it a Medal of Gold, commemorating the completion of the Erie Canal, presented in the name of the City of New York by order of the Common Council; the Medal being accompanied by a box made of Maple brought from the Lake in the first Canal boat the Senaca Chief. I beg the Corporation to be assured that I feel in its full extent, the value...
1355From James Madison to John Payne Todd, [ca. 30 May 1826] (Madison Papers)
yesterdy recd. mdp. yrs. of four […] may closg. df pro. mill. few dys ’fore one from —— shewg. that hd. vaild of that wch for grantd. wd have pd. Taylor, & brougt honor to fact that hve accepd. dft. last relatg to act of c.b. wch. presume is wht. you refd. to as stl deterng. you; & I trust has put an end to that obstacle, tho accd draft at its import […] that furthr. time alowd. If possible...
1356From James Madison to Henry Clay, 16 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
I am very sorry that a lapse of attention on my part, shd. have given you the trouble denoted in yours of the 13th. The communication inadvertently addressed to you was intended for your colleague of the War Department, to whom as existing Presidt. of the Agricultural Society of Albemarle, the Botanical Box ought to have been transmitted. I must ask the favor of you to hand over to him the...
1357From James Madison to Chester Bailey, 12 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 4th. inst. I hope your Guest will very soon set out, if he sd. not already have done so. On the subject of yr. charges agst. him, I must refer to my last, adding only, that speedy attention will be given not only to any necessary advance for his journey, but to what may become due for his ordinary expences, during his detention if that sd. happen. The bill for the...
1358From James Madison to Michel Espérance Hersant, 10 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of Apl. 28. relating to a Box of Seeds sent by the French Consul at New York, and informing me that you had forwarded the Box to Messrs. Mackay & Campbell at Fredericksburg. Be pleased to accept Sir the thanks due for your obliging attention in this case, with the addition of my personal respects. RC ( MWiW-C ). Franked and addressed by JM to “Monsr. Hersant Vice Consul...
1359From James Madison to Richard Smith, 10 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
[Six] months after date I promise to pay to Richard Smith Cashier on order fourteen hundred & thirty Seven dollars 50/100 pr value received—payable at the office of discount & deposit Washington with interest from this date MS ( ViU : Special Collections, Madison Papers). In an unidentified hand, signed by JM . Text loss from tear in upper right corner of note; conjectured text based on...
1360From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
I return the correspondence inclosed in yours of the 3d. inst. The reluctance of Mr. Emmett, & probably of his colleagues, to the enlargement of their duties, is neither to be wondered at, nor yielded to. You have put the matter on a ground to which I can suggest no improvement. It may be well perhaps that what has passed should not be generally known. With some it might produce reflections on...
1361To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 6 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the correspondence enclosed in yours of the 3 d inst. The reluctance of M r Emmett, & probably of his colleagues, to the enlargement of their duties, is neither to be wondered at nor yielded to. You have put the matter on a ground to which I can suggest no improvement. It may be well perhaps that what has passed should not be generally known. With some it might produce reflections on...
1362Appointment of Harrison Blanton and Jacob Swigert as Attorneys for Stock Transfer, 29 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
Know all men by these presents that I James Madison of the County of Orange & State of Virginia, do hereby constitute & appoint Harrison Blanton & Jacob Swigert or either of them, my lawful Attornies for me & in my name to sell assign and transfer to Mrs. Lucy Todd of the Town of Frankfort & State of Kentucky ninety nine shares of the Stock of the Frankfort Bridge Company now standing in my...
1363Notes on Frankfort Bridge Company Stock, [ante 29 April 1826] (Madison Papers)
The D. of Trust—to J. M. witht. nam[in]g Heirs or Exor [Executor]; Can attorney be made to Exec: the instrnts—sue for them—& proceed to enforce the Mortgage. The trust being power to Will can that vary or explain its import. How divided between Wife & Children? if will be in those vague terms! What the character of the assignment of it—according to Statemt. in Mrs. Ts letter if proved—what if...
1364From James Madison to Bernard Peyton, 28 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd yours of the 24. with the articles referred to in it. Subjoined is a list of what you will be kind eno’ to send by the bearer. I am not sure that some of them may not be out of the range of your plan of business. In that case you will not be again troubled with such. I return the rect for the last load of Tobo. and wish you to retain the ensuing rects. I am sorry to find the...
1365From James Madison to Martin Van Buren, 28 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favour of the 22d. and at the same time, under another cover, the paper containing your observations on the depending modification of the federal Courts. The Judicial Department is evidently not a little difficult to be accomodated to the territorial extent to which the Legislative & Executive may be carried, on the federal principle. To prevent the gradual departure from...
1366From James Madison to Chester Bailey, 26 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yr. letr. of 12. postmarked 22. It is proper that I sd acknowledge the friendly views you have mingled with the other considns. which led to the painful communication it makes. I shall write to yr. debtor, & press on him the immediate return you advise & promise to promote. Shd. the want of a sum for his travelling expences be an obstacle, you will oblige me by advanci[n]g as...
1367From James Madison to Robert Y. Hayne, 26 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Hayne with many thanks for his politeness in forwarding the copy of his Speech on the “Mission to Panama.” The subject appears to have been discussed with great ability on both sides; and the Speech is of high rank among the ablest on the side which it espouses. Draft ( DLC ). Robert Young Hayne (1791–1839), a Charleston, South Carolina, lawyer, served...
1368From James Madison to John Payne Todd, 26 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I will not attempt my dear Payne to express what you have added to our preceding distress by disregarding your mother’s last letter inclosing the means for your immediate return. You have not even mitigated her feelings and gloomy conjectures, by acknowledg. the rect. of it. And I now hasten to a subject which if disclosed to her, would but inflict new tortures. I learn that the arrears for...
1369From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 21st. The refusal of the offer to Mr. Wirt, inviting as it was, does not surprize me. It is very gratifying to learn that Mr. Lomax takes so well with everybody. I hope his success will make some amends for the delay in filling the Chair which is to receive him. I have made a beginning with Capt. Peyton as the consignee of my business at Richmond, as recomended in...
1370To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 21 st The refusal of the Offer to M r Wirt. inviting as it was. does not suprize me. It is very gratifying to learn that M r Lomax takes so well with everybody, I hope his success will make some amends. for the delay in filling the Chair which is to receive him. I have made a beginning with Capt. Peyton as the consignee of my business at Richmond, as recommended in...
1371From James Madison to William Shaler, 20 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from the publishers in Boston, a copy of your “Sketches of Algiers”; forwarded as they intimate by your request. The work is welcomed by the public here, as it well deserves to be, as a very valuable addition to what was hitherto known of the singular and interesting quarter of which it treats. Your Country gains credit also from the example of such a publication by one of its...
1372From James Madison to Stephen Pleasonton, 18 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. with a printed Copy of the “Report” on the claim of Mr. Monroe. No one acquainted with his great personal worth, and who reflects on his long and distinguished devotion to the service & welfare of his Country, but must feel a particular interest in the result of the Report. With my thanks for the communication, you will please to accept the expression of...
1373From James Madison to Martin Van Buren, 16 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
J. M. had occasion lately to return his thanks to Mr. Van Buren for a copy of the Executive proceedings of the Senate relating to the Mission to the Congs. at Panama. He has now to add those due for the Copy since recd. of the very able Speech deliverd by him on that subject, repeating at the same time assurances of his high & friendly respects. Draft ( DLC ). See JM to Van Buren, 10 Apr. 1826...
1374From James Madison to Charles Johnston, 11 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 4th. & return the prospectus of your intended publication with my subscription to it. There is at present a more than ordinary desire of information concerning the Indian Tribes, and a just anxiety to save, every interesting peculiarity in their physical, moral & social features from the oblivion threatened by the extinction or transformation which seems to...
1375From James Madison to Martin Van Buren, 10 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison has duly recd. the Copy of the Executive proceedings of the Senate & other documents relating to the Mission to the Congress at Panama forwarded under a Cover of Mr. Van Buren; to whom he returns his thanks for the valuable communication with assurances of his high respect & best wishes. Draft ( NN ). The Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States, on the Subject of...
1376From James Madison to Edward Everett, 9 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your favor of Mar. 29. accompanied by the two copies, one, of your speech on a proposed amendment of the Constitution of the U.S., the other, of a Report on the Mission to Panama. The documents contain very able & interesting views of their respective subjects, and belong to the select class of Materials for an instructive history of the discussions & proceedings of the...
1377Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 7 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of Virginia held at the said University on Monday the 3d. and Tuesday the 4th. of April 1826. at which were present Thomas Jefferson, Joseph C. Cabell, John H. Cocke, Chapman Johnson and James Madison the following proceedings were had. 86. There shall be established in the University a Dispensary which shall be attached to the Medical school, and...
1378From James Madison to Levett Harris, 29 March 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of the 21st. inclosing a copy of your correspondence with J. P. Todd, and referring to expressions in mine of Feby. 24. The correspondence accords pretty much wth. my inferences from your former letters. With respect to the expressions, I must explain them by saying that I regarded the transaction in its origin, unfortunate to both the parties, blameable also in one of them,...
1379From James Madison to Bernard Peyton, 29 March 1826 (Madison Papers)
Waggoner Aleck will deliver 2 Hhs Tobo which will be followed by others as fast as they can be made ready. The quality of the Tobo. is considered as good, tho’ a little pinched in its size by dry weather. This is less the case with a part of the crop. I leave to your own judgmt. as heretofore the times of sale requesting only, at the instance of my 2 Overseers, that the prices, may be...
1380From James Madison to Littleton Dennis Teackle, 29 March 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 22d. inst: inclosing a copy of the Law providing for primary schools throughout your State. I congratulate you on the foundation thus laid for a General System of Education, and hope it presages a superstructure, worthy of the patriotic forecast which has commenced the Work. The best service that can be rendered to a Country, next to that of giving it liberty,...
1381From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 27 March 1826 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison has received, under the President’s name, a copy of the Message and documents transmitted to the House of Representatives, relating to the proposed Congress at Panama: and he ought not to make his acknowledgments for the politeness to which he is indebted, without expressing, at the same time, his sense of the ability and eloquence, as well as of the intrinsic interest by which the...
1382From James Madison to Thomas L. McKenney, 27 March 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 18th., with a supplemental document relating to the Civilization of the Indians; a subject highly interesting under all its aspects. The literary “characters” devised by the Indian “Guess” are the offspring of an ingenious mind. But if I understand them, they are rather stenographic, than “Alphabetic,” a species of writing, facilitated doubtless by the scantiness...
1383From James Madison to Daniel Webster, 27 March 1826 (Madison Papers)
Having to thank you for a copy, just come to hand, of the Exve. Communications to the H. of Reps relating to the Congress at Panama, I take occasion to supply the omission to do so for a former favor of a like sort. I hope you will not doubt the value I set, as well on the motive as the matter for which I am indebted: But as such documents generally reach me thro’ other channels, I feel some...
1384From James Madison to Andrew Stevenson, 25 March 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the copy of your late Speech kindly forwarded by you. I cannot say that I concur in all your views of the subject it discusses. But I take pleasure in doing justice to the ability with which those are maintained in which I do not concur. Will you pardon me for pointing out an error of fact into which you have fallen, as others have done, by supposing that the term national applied...
1385From James Madison to George W. Featherstonhaugh, 11 March 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your Note of the 25 ult: and the Volume of Agricultural Memoirs forwarded with it. You have been very kind in repeating such a favor, notwithstanding the failure on my part of any compensating returns for preceding ones. The Albemarle Society has not yet published any similar collection of papers. And as for myself, time is fast stealing from me what I hope you will long...
1386From James Madison to Sherman Converse, 10 March 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 3d. inst; inclosing a manuscript copy of Mr. Webster’s prospectus of his Dictionary, with a printed specimen of the execution of the work; and I comply with your request of an early answer. The plan embraces so many commendable objects beyond the ordinary Scope of such works that its successful execution must be a substantial improvement on them. The specimen,...
1387From James Madison to Noah Webster, 10 March 1826 (Madison Papers)
In my letter of Ocr. 12. 1804. answering an enquiry in yours of Augst. 20. it was stated that “In 1785 I made a proposition with success, in the Legislature (of Virginia) for the appointment of Commissioners to meet at Annapolis, such Commissioners as might be appointed by other States, in order to form some plan for investing Congress with the regulation & taxation of Commerce.” In looking...
1388From James Madison to Levett Harris, 24 February 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 8th. expressing your solicitude concerning the debt of J. P. Todd, on which I am sorry it is not in my power to make any definite communication. His protracted absence leaves me without such a knowledge of the extent of his situation as might throw light on the suggestions suited to it. It is his wish I trust, to give to the transaction so unfortunate in its...
1389From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1826 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 17th. was duly recd. The awkward state of the Law professorship is truly distressing, but seems to be without immediate remedy. Considering the hopeless condition of Mr. Gilmour, a temporary appointment, if an acceptable successor were at hand, whilst not indelicate towards the worthy moribund incumbent, might be regarded as equivalent to a permanent one. And if the hesitation of...
1390To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 17 th was duly rec d . The awkward state of the Law professorship is truly distressing, but seems to be without immediate remedy. Considering the hopeless condition of M r Gilmour, a temporary appointment, if an acceptable successor were at hand, whilst not indelicate towards the worthy moribund incumbent, might be regarded as equivalent to a permanent one. And if the hesitation...
1391From James Madison to John H. I. Browere, 16 February 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 4th. with the accompanying paper. You are very happy in having a poetical friend so capable of decorating the products of your Art with those of his own. Mrs M. wishes the proper returns to be expressed to Mrs. Browere for all her kind intentions. In reference to your infant daughter, she thinks she cannot do better than leave the baptismal name, to the parental...
1392From James Madison to John Payne Todd, 15 February 1826 (Madison Papers)
(I will not withold the epithet notwithstanding the little regard you seem to pay to the feeling it expresses). I have the mortification & grief of being obliged to recur, by another letter, to the subject of my former one. The 3d month is now wearing away since that was written pressing you in the strongest terms, & for the most cogent reasons to return immediately to your home & yr. parents,...
1393From James Madison to James Barbour, 10 February 1826 (Madison Papers)
Col: McKenney supposing that the favorable opinion I formed of him during my long residence in Washington may corroborate the confidence & friendly dispositions he flatters himself you have derived from a more temporary acquaintance, I can not refuse him the justice of saying that I always regarded him as a very intelligent upright & patriotic Citizen: and that his official conduct was...
1394From James Madison to Thomas L. McKenney, 10 February 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 4th. inst: and in compliance with its request, inclose a few lines to Secretary Barbour. I have declined troubling the President directly on the subject. The Article in the North Amn. Review concerning the Indians, is evidently from one who with opportunities the most favorable for his purpose, has made the best use of them; and who has given moreover, to his...
1395From James Madison to Robert Taylor, 30 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by yesterday’s mail yours of the 26 inst: enclosing a Copy of the amendment to the Constitution of the U.S. proposed in the Senate, and asking my opinion on the subject. It seems to be generally agreed that some change in the mode of electing the Executive Magistrate is desirable, that would produce more uniformity & equality; with a better security for concentrating the Major will of...
1396From James Madison to Thomas Law, 27 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
The copy of your address before the Columbian Institute, kindly sent me, was duly recd. I find that further reflection has confirmed you in your favorite plan of a Paper Currency; and that you have added a corroboration from names of high authority on such subjects. The practicability of a paper emission equal in value to specie, cannot I think be doubted: provided its circulating quantity be...
1397From James Madison to Anthony Morris, 27 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your favour of the 24th and am much obliged by the friendly attention of which it is a proof. There must be some mistake in the case it mentions. No dividend on Stock of the U. S. can belong to me. On my first entrance into public life, I formed a resolution from which I never departed, to abstain, whilst in that situation from dealing in any way, in public property or...
1398From James Madison to Joseph C. Cabell, 25 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. from Mr. Jefferson a letter (Circular) on the foreseen vacancy in the Law Professorship. It is accompanied by a letter from Professor Pictet of Geneva, which I am desired to forward for perusal of the Visitors now at Richmond. Mr. J. wishes the letter, after perusal, to be returned to him from Richmond. I take this occasion to return my thanks, heretofore as well as now due,...
1399From James Madison to Thomas W. Cobb, 25 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 19th. inst. and am very sorry that instead of the pleasure I shd take in satisfying the several enquiries it makes, I find myself unable to do it as to either of them. The great lapse of time, without intervening calls on my memory, has effaced from it every impression that could be of avail to the gentlemen on whose behalf you have written. I cannot even...
1400From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your Circular of the 20. postmark 23. inst. was recd. last evening; and the letter from Mr. Pictet forwarded as desired to our Colleagues at Richmond. I concur in your mode of providing for the foreseen vacancy, which I sincerely lament on every acct; as I should, in any admissible mode, that would avoid the necessity for an extra meeting of the Visitors. I am acquiescent also in your order of...