1From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 3 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Having considered the bill, this day, presented to me, entitled “An Act to set apart and pledge certain funds for internal improvements” and which sets apart and pledges funds “for constructing roads and canals, and improving the navigation of water courses, in order to facilitate, promote and give Security to internal commerce among the several States, and to render more easy and less...
2Remission for the Brig Franklin, 3 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Rhode Island, lately held in that District the Brig Franklin and Cargo were condemned for a violation of the law of the United States prohibiting intercourse between the United States and Great Britain & France and their dependencies; and whereas it has been made to appear to me that the...
3Remission for the Mercurius, Christian Bodom, 3 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Massachusetts, held in the year 1816, the Swedish Ship Mercurius and Cargo were condemned for a violation of the Law of the United States interdicting Commercial Intercourse between the United States and Great Britain & France and their dependencies, and whereas it has been made to appear to...
4From James Madison to the Virginia General Assembly, [ca. 1 March 1817] (Madison Papers)
I have recd, fellow Citizens from Governor Preston, your address of the 22d. Ulto: The sentiments which it conveys are particularly endeared to me, as those of a State, with which I am connected by the ties of my birth & of my home; and by the recollections of its confidence & partiality, commencing at an early stage of my life, and continued under different public manifestations, to the...
5From James Madison to James P. Preston, 1 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Having received, through you, the address of the General Assembly of Virginia, of February 10th, I have to request that you will take charge of the enclosed answer to it. I must tender you my acknowledgments at the same time, for the friendly and flattering manner in which you have fulfilled the resolution of the General Assembly. I should express my feelings very imperfectly, if, in recurring...
6Pardon and Remission for John Hugh Reilly, 1 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at the Circuit Court of the United States for the County of Washington, in the District of Columbia, lately held in this City, John Hugh Reilly was convicted of a misdemeanor, in an assault & Battery committed by the said Reilly, whereupon he was sentenced to pay a fine of five Dollars to the United States, to satisfy the costs of prosecution and to...
7Remission for Joseph Osbourn, 28 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that Joseph Osbourn was convicted some time ago before the Circuit Court of the United States for the County of Washington, in the District of Columbia of a misdemeanor, in uttering and passing counterfeited Bank notes, knowing the same to be counterfeited, whereupon he was sentenced by the said Court to be imprisoned for the term of six months, and to pay...
8From James Madison to the Senate, 27 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I Nominate Thomas Wynns, of North Carolina, to be Consul at Turks Island in the West Indies. Henry W. Long, of North Carolina, to be Attorney of the United States for the District of North Carolina in the place of Robert H. Jones. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . The Senate took no action on these nominations before the...
9Remission for Charles Bird and Benjamin Walton, 26 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that Charles Bird and Benjamin Walton, trading under the firm of Bird and Walton, having imported a quantity of Goods, Wares and Merchandize from the Port of Liverpool in England in the ship Tiber, which vessel arrived in the River Delaware in the month of february 1813, and, with the cargo referred to, became liable to forfeiture to the United States, and...
10From James Madison to the Senate, 24 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I Nominate, Claude Crozet, to be professor of Engineering at the Military Academy. William Tell Poussin, to be assistant Topographical Engineer. Adam Lynn, of the County of Alexandria, to be a justice of the peace for the Same County in the place of William Newton deceased. George A Thornton of the County of Alexandria to be a justice of the peace for the same county in the place of John...
11From James Madison to the Senate, 24 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I nominate The Rev. Cheever Felch, Acting Chaplain, to be a Chaplain in the Navy of the United States. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). In a clerk’s hand, signed and dated by JM .
12From James Madison to the Senate, 24 February 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To the Senate. 24 February 1817. Nominates twelve officers and thirty-five midshipmen for promotion in the Navy. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). 2 pp.; in a clerk’s hand, signed and dated by JM (printed in Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, D.C., 1828). , 3:79).
13From James Madison to the Senate, 22 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I transmit to the Senate a Report of the Secretary of State complying ⟨wi⟩th their Resolution of the 20th instant RC ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 14A–E3). On 20 Feb. 1817 the Senate continued discussion of a resolution, offered on 19 Feb. by John Williams of Tennessee, requesting “a copy of the correspondence between the Government of the United States and the...
14From James Madison to James Kidd, 20 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. some months ago your letter of the 29th. of March last, with the Books* which accompanied it. I delayed an acknowledget of these favors, in the hope that I might find time to look into works, the subjects of which are so well calculated to excite attention. In this hope I have been disappointed, by a crowd of public occupations greater than was foreseen. And as the epoch approaches,...
15From James Madison to Mahlon Dickerson, 15 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Objects interesting to the United States requiring that the Senate should be in session on the 4th of March next, to receive such communications as may be made to it on the part of the Executive, your attendance in the Senate Chamber in this City on that day is accordingly requested. RC ( NjHi : Dickerson Papers). In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM . Mahlon Dickerson (1770–1853), a graduate of...
16From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday yours covering the letter of Mr. Spafford, which was forwarded to him as you suggested: His object in communicating it I collect only from its contents. He probably exhibited it as a proof of the spirit and views of the Eastern States during the late war. As with you the weather here has of late been remarkable both for the degree & continuance of Cold, and the winter...
17James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday yours covering the letter of M r Spafford , which was forwarded to him as you suggested: His object in communicating it I collect only from its contents. He probably exhibited it as a proof of the spirit and views of the Eastern States during the late war. As with you the weather here has of late been remarkable both for the degree & continuance of Cold, and the winter...
18From James Madison to the Senate, 13 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I Nominate Jonathan Richmond, of New York to be collector of direct taxes and Internal duties for the 23d District of the same state in the place of Roswell Tousley removed. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . The nomination was confirmed on 24 Feb. 1817 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the...
19Pardon for Clinton Adams and Randall Tarrier, 12 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas at a Circuit Court of the United States for the County of Washington, in the District of Columbia, held in the month of June last, Clinton Adams and Randall Terrier were convicted of a felony, in robbing upon the Public High-Way, whereupon the said Clinton Adams & Randall Terrier were sentenced by the said Court to suffer the punishment of Death, by Hanging, at a day assigned for that...
20From James Madison to James R. Pringle and Thomas Bennett, 10 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your letter of January 25th, with the Resolutions of the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, which it Covered. On retiring from the public Service, I shall count among the circumstances grateful to my recollection, this unanimous expression of approbation and regard from the legislature of South Carolina. The period during which the...
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Massachusetts, held some time ago, the Ship Octavia belonging to Wm. & Charles Nichols and William Boyd junr, all of the said District, was condemned as forfeited to the United States for violating the law of the said United States interdicting commercial intercourse with Great Britain,...
22From James Madison to Peter Hagner, 9 February 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Peter Hagner. 9 February 1817. “J. Madison requests the favor of Mr. Hagner to dine with him on Tuesday next at 4 oclock. The favor of an answer is requested.” RC ( NcU : Peter Hagner Papers, Southern Historical Collection). 1 p.
23Pardon for William Simms Yeatman, [8 February 1817] (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that William Simms Yeatman, at a Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Pennsylvania, lately held in the City of Philadelphia, was convicted of a Criminal offence, in opening a letter with which he was charged, and purloining from it a sum of money, in Bank notes whereupon he was sentenced by the said Court to suffer an Imprisonment in...
24From James Madison to the Senate, 7 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I transmit to the Senate a report of the Secretary of State, complying with their resolution of the 28th of last month. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 14A–E2). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . For the report and its enclosures, see James Monroe to JM , 5 Feb. 1817 , n. 2.
25From James Madison to the Senate, [ca. 7 February 1817] (Madison Papers)
I nominate Henry Wilcox of Ohio, to be surveyor and inspector of the port of Marietta same state in the place of Joseph Wilcox deceased. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . Undated; date assigned based on the date published in Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of...
26From James Madison to the Senate, Ca. 7 February 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To the Senate. Ca. 7 February 1817. Forwards a list of twenty-five people nominated for appointments as army surgeons, surgeons’ mates, engineers, paymasters, and lieutenants in the infantry and rifle regiments. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). 1 p.; in John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . Undated; date assigned based on the date published in Senate Exec....
27From James Madison to Congress, 6 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
On comparing the fourth section of the Act of Congress passed March 31st. 1814 providing for the indemnification of certain claimants of public lands in the Missippi [ sic ] Territory, with the Articles of agreement and cession between the United States and State of Georgia, bearing date April 30th. 1802, it appears that the engagements entered into with the claimants interfere with the rights...
28From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, [4 February 1817] (Madison Papers)
The letter & papers returned Feby. 4 with the following note. The arrangement communicated by the Presidt. of the U.S. Bank is So important an advance towards a universal return of specie circulation, that the Treasury sanction to it render existing circumstances evidently proper. Serious difficulties will notwithstanding remain to be encountered, if the pr[i]ncipal Banks in every State do not...
29From James Madison to Congress, 3 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Government of Great Britain, induced by the posture of the relations with the United States which succeeded the conclusion of the recent commercial convention, issued an order on the 17th day of August 1815, discontinuing the discriminating duties payable in British ports on American vessels and their Cargoes. It was not until the 22d December following, that a corresponding discontinuance...
30From James Madison to Congress, 31 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. The Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of His most Christian Majesty having renewed, under Special instructions from his Government, the claim of the Representative of Caron de Beau Marchais for One million of livres, which were debited to him in the settlement of his accounts with the United States, I lay before...
31From James Madison to the Senate, 29 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I withdraw the nomination of Stephen Bradley, of Vermont, as agent under the 5th. Article of the Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States and His Britannic Majesty signed on the 24th day of December 1814 and nominate William C. Bradley of the same state, for the said Office. I nominate Henry Dodge, of Missouri Territory, to be Marshal for the District of Missouri in the place of A....
32Remission for William Cross, 29 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that William Cross, of the City of Washington, in the District of Columbia, was, at a late session of the Circuit Court of the United States for the County of Washington, in the District of Columbia, aforesaid, convicted of a misdemeanor, in an assault and Battery, whereupon he was fined by the said Court in the sum of forty dollars, including the costs of...
33From James Madison to the Senate, 28 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, Robert Trimble, of Kentucky to be judge of the United States for the District of Kentucky. Benjamen Parke, of Indiana, to be judge of the United States for the District of Indiana Thomas Blake, of Indiana, to be Attorney of the United States for the District of Indiana. John Vawter, of Indiana, to be Marshal for the District of Indiana. Stephen Bradley, of Vermont, to be agent...
34From James Madison to the Senate, 28 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I nominate The Revd Nathaniel Andrews, of Maryland ″ John Ireland New York To be Chaplains in the Navy; and Ashton Y. Humphreys, of Pennsylvania, To be a Purser in the Navy. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). In a clerk’s hand, signed and dated by JM .
35Pardon for Charles Clayton, 27 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that Charles Clayton, a youth of the State of New york, and the son of a respectable Individual of that state, had enlisted, as a Private, during the late war between the United States and Great Britain, in the army of the United States, and that the said Charles Clayton deserted therefrom, and took refuge in the British Province of upper Canada, where he...
36From James Madison to Congress, 25 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. I lay before Congress, copies of ratified Treaties between the United States and the following Indian Tribes. First. The Wea and Kickapoo. Second. The united Tribes of Ottawas, Chipawas, & Potowotomies, residing on the Illinois and Melwakee rivers and their waters, and on the Southwestern parts of lake Michigan Third. That...
37From James Madison to the Senate, 23 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I transmit to the Senate a report of the Acting Secretary of War, in compliance with their resolution of the 8th instant. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 14A–E6). RC in John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . JM enclosed a report from George Graham (see Graham to JM , 21 Jan. 1817 ), providing “the amount of money paid by the government of the...
38Remission for John Bradley, 22 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a late District Court of the United States for the Southern District of Newyork, Sentence of Condemnation was passed upon the Brig Hawk and Cargo, owned by John Bradley, of the Island of St. Bartholomew, for a violation of the Law of the United States, prohibiting Intercourse with Great Britain, France and their Dependencies; and whereas John...
39From James Madison to Charles Jared Ingersoll, 21 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your attentive favor of the 16th. which gave me the first intelligence of the death of Mr. Dallas. The melancholy event was received here with unfeigned grief, and by none more deeply, as you will readily conceive, than by myself. Our Country will rarely lose a Citizen, whose virtues endowments and services will leave a stronger claim to its admiring and grateful recollections,...
40From James Madison to the Senate, 21 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I withdraw the nomination of Joseph H. Hawkins as Surveyor of the Port of New Orleans & also inspector of the Revenue, in the place of Thomas L. Butler resigned. And I nominate William Emerson, for the said Offices. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . The Senate confirmed Emerson’s appointment on 23 Jan. 1817 ( Senate Exec....
41Remission for Jane Dauphin, 19 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a District Court of the United States for the District of Delaware a vessel and Cargo belonging to John Dauphin decd., late of that District, were condemned, as forfeited to the United States, for a breach of the Revenue Laws of the United States, & that Circumstances have now been disclosed on the part of Jane Dauphin, the widow and surviving...
42From James Madison to Congress, 17 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. I transmit to Congress an account of the contingent expences of the Government for the year one thousand eight hundred and sixteen. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 14A–D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 14A–E2). Both RCs in John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM ....
43From James Madison to the Senate, Ca. 16 January 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To the Senate. Ca. 16 January 1817. “Commissions having issued during the recess to the following persons, I now nominate them to the Offices respectively attached to their names.” RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). 4 pp. Undated; conjectural date assigned based on Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of...
44From James Madison to John Graham, [ca. 14 January 1817] (Madison Papers)
If the ports blockaded be not within the possessions of the B. E. I. Company, a representation on the subject to the B. Govt. will be proper thro’ Mr. Adams, or Mr. Bagot. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). Undated; conjectural date assigned based on John Graham to JM , ca. 13 Jan. 1817 , at the bottom of which JM wrote this reply.
45From James Madison to William Darlington, 13 January 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To William Darlington. 13 January 1817. “J. Madison requests the favor of Mr Darlington to dine with him on Thursday next, at 4 o’clock. An answer is requested.” RC ( NHi ). 1 p. Printed invitation, with blank spaces for name and date, filled in John Payne Todd’s hand, and addressed by him. Docketed by Darlington.
46From James Madison to Samuel and Jane Dickens, 11 January 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Samuel and Jane Dickens. 11 January 1817. “Mr. and Mrs. Madison request the favor of Mr & Mrs. Dickins to dine with them on Tuesday at 4 o’clock. An answer is requested.” RC ( NN : James Madison Papers). 1 p. Printed invitation, with blank spaces for name and date, filled in John Payne Todd’s hand, and addressed by him. Samuel Dickens of North Carolina served in the U.S. House of...
47From James Madison to the Senate, 6 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I nominate Shubael Butterfield of New Hampshire Thomas G. Chase ″ Massachusetts Robert Lyman ″ Ditto William Brown ″ New York Edwin B. Newton ″ Ditto John H. Duncan ″ Pennsylvania Elijah J. Weed
48From James Madison to the Senate, 2 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, Valentine Southall, of Virginia to be collector of direct tax and internal duties for the 19th collection district of the same State in the place of Thomas. J. Randolph resigned. Peyton S. Symmes, of Ohio to be register of the land office at Cincinatti in the Same State in the place of Symmes removed. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). In John Payne...
49From James Madison to Carlo Giuseppe Guglielmo Botta, [ca. 1 January 1817] (Madison Papers)
I have been some time in debt for the obliging favor of your “Camillo.[”] Its subject as well as its Author makes me regret more than ever that my knowlege of the Italian does not enable me to do justice to the merits & enjoy the beauties of a poem in that language. A translation into English, well executed may mitigate my disappointment. In G. Britain this may take place. In this Country, the...
50From James Madison to Alexander C. Hanson, 1 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Objects interesting to the United States requiring that the Senate should be in session on the 4th ⟨of⟩ March next, to receive such communications as may be made to it on the part of the ⟨Ex⟩ecutive, your attendance in the Senate Chamber in th⟨is⟩ City on that day is accordingly requested. RC ( MdHi ). In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM . Copies of this letter were sent to all members of the...