1James Madison to Richard Rush, 13 July 1833 (Madison Papers)
The Volume so kindly presented to Mrs. Madison and myself has afforded us great pleasure. Few can read it without receiving information both new and instructive—and none without being gratified on many points interesting to their curiousity. No part of it will probably be more welcome to the public, than that which gives a hope that the work will be followed by other drafts from the same fund...
2James Madison to Richard Rush, December 1831 (Madison Papers)
I thank you my dear Sir for the kindly put under a cover to me. It derives particular interest from the Columns subscribed "Temple". I had seen the preceding publication bearing that fictitious name, with a ready inference of the real one. The general character of the Whig party in England is as eloquently painted, as the position & perplexity of its leaders now in power are accurately...
3James Madison to Richard Rush, 15 March 1831 (Madison Papers)
I thank you, my dear Sir, for the Gazette kindly put under cover to me. It derives particular interest from the Columns subscribed "Temple." I had seen the preceding publication, bearing that fictitious name, with a ready inference of the real one. The general character of the Whig party in England is as eloquently painted as the position & perplexity of its leaders now in power, are...
4James Madison to Richard Rush, 17 January 1829 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your very kind letter of the 12th. The commendations you bestow on those relating to the Tariff belong rather to what so pregnant & important a subject ought to have made them, than to what they are. They were written to a friend who wished to avail himself of the presumed result of my better opportunities of elucidating the question; and whom I considered as needing such an...
5James Madison to Richard Rush, 28 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. my dear Sir your favor of the 21st. and thank you for the 2 pamphlets inclosed with it. Of the one which has for its mark the living Character it may well be said (varying a borrowed phrase), "that the keenness of the shaft is ever more than equalled by the vigor of the bow:" nor is it to be wondered that the portrait in the other, of the Character deceased, should have...
6From James Madison to Richard Rush, 21 December 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the copy of your late Treasury Rept. & return my thanks for the kindness to which I owe it. It is a valuable voucher for the prosperity of our commerce & revenue, and a pleasing specimen of the ability which presides over the Dept. A[l]tho’ I must be presumed to dissent from some of the positions advanced, & allowed to hesitate at some of the deductions from others, there is eno’...
7From James Madison to Richard Rush, 8 May 1827 (Madison Papers)
Among the names which the vacancy in the Collectorship at Norfolk will bring to your view is that of Moses Myers Esqr. of that place. Though my personal knowledge of this Gentleman is very slight I take pleasure in saying that I have been always led to regard him as a highly respectable Merchant, and a patriotic Citizen; and in expressing the belief that if selected for the vacant Office, its...
8From 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.
9From 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...
10From James Madison to Richard Rush, [ca. October 1825] (Madison Papers)
Docr. Js W. Wallace is desirous of exchanging his Residence in Virga. for one in the City of Washington; which wd. be made the more eligible by some official employment there. His thoughts are turned to a Lazaretto established or expected to be established. For the requisites of integrity & fidelity, he can not need my testimony; and his professional qualifications are I presume also not...
11From James Madison to Richard Rush, 1 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
The Mail of yesterday brought us the first information of your having reached Washington, where alone a letter would be sure of finding you; and I avail myself of the first moment to congratulate you on your safe return to your country; as I do your Country on your acceptance of a new & more important career in its service. Mrs. Madison joins me in these congratulations, as I do her in those...
12From James Madison to Richard Rush, 17 April 1824 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Francis W. Gilmer Esqr. The Buildings for our University being now adequately prepared, and the Legislature of the State having given to its funds an extent authorizing the commencement of its operations, the duty of the Visitors is turned to the appointment of Professors. It would certainly be desireable to make the selection altogether at home: But the...
13From James Madison to Richard Rush, 27 February 1824 (Madison Papers)
Almost at the moment of receiving yours of Decr. 28. my hand casually fell on the inclosed scrap, which I must have extracted from the Author (borrowed for the purpose) on some occasion when the right of navigating the Mississippi engaged my attention. I add it to my former enclosures on that subject, merely as pointing to one source of information which may lead to others fuller & better....
14From James Madison to Richard Rush, [post–17] November 1823 (Madison Papers)
The Cheese you were so kind as to order for us having been sent by Mr. Maury to Richmond with which there is little communication from this quarter at this season, it has but just come to hand. The delay has not impaired its excellent quality: and Mrs. M. & myself offer many thanks for such a luxury, with our joint & affectionate respects & good wishes to Mrs. Rush & yourself. RC ( NAlI );...
15From James Madison to Richard Rush, 13 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of Sepr 10. with a Copy of the printed documents on the subject of the slave trade. The mask of humane professions covering an indifference in some & a repugnance in others to its effectual abolition, is as obvious as it is disgusting. G. B. alone, whatever may be her motives, seems to have the object really at heart. It is curious at the same time to observe her...
16From James Madison to Richard Rush, 22 July 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the copy of the papers communicated to the B. Parliament which you were so good as to forward. The enterprize of France agst. the Spanish Constitution, with the grounds avowed for it, has afforded G. Britain a fine opportunity for retrieving the character lost by her abandonment of the people of the Continent on the downfal of Napoleon, and by the apparent sympathies of her Govt....
17From James Madison to Richard Rush, 1 May 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of Mar. 6. accompanied by the English pamphlet on “The State of the Nation.” Keirsall’s [ sic ] “Classical Excursion” had arrived some time before. For these several favours I give you many thanks. Having not recd. at the date of my last, your favour of Sepr. 26. I take this occasion to thank you for that also, and for the accompanying Edinburgh Review. I owe...
18From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 November 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have been for some time a debtor for your favor of June 21. which was accompanied by the “Apochryphal New Testament.” Accept my thanks for both. I have not yet seen any notice in this Country of Godwin’s last work; nor has it been reviewed by any of the English critics which have fallen under my eye. I think with you however that it can scarcely fail to attract public attention. It merits a...
19From James Madison to Richard Rush, 21 April 1821 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Novr. 15. came safe to hand, with Mr. R’s farming Pamphlet, for which I return my thanks. The inflexibility of G.B. on the points in question with the U.S. is a bad omen for the future relations of the parties. The present commercial dispute, tho’ productive of ill humour, will shed no blood. The same cannot be said of Impressments and Blockades. I have lately recd. also Mr....
20From James Madison to Richard Rush, 5 April 1821 (Madison Papers)
This will be presented by John P. Wilson Esqr. of this State. I cannot speak of his worth from personal knowlege, but it is well vouched to me by a friend on whom I can entirely rely. He avails himself of resources & a leisure which enable him to indulge his curiosity in a trip to Europe; and he will be so much gratified by being made known to you that I can not refuse him a line of...
21From James Madison to Richard Rush, 4 December 1820 (Madison Papers)
Since my last which was of Aug: 12. I have been favoured with yours of Aug: 30. with which was returned my letter to Mr Keilsall; whose evanishment is not a little remarkable. Notwithstanding the trouble given you by that letter, I am not deterred from relying on your goodness to have the two now inclosed forwarded to the parties. To one of them the direction is so precise that it will readily...
22From James Madison to Richard Rush, 12 August 1820 (Madison Papers)
In acknowledging your favor of Sepr. last, an interval between that date & this, presents itself which would call for apology, were I less sure that you would put no misconstruction on it. The truth is, I well know your time must be so engrossed with objects more important than my correspondence, that I am unwilling to multiply its interferences; notwithstanding the temptations I feel in the...
23From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 May 1819 (Madison Papers)
Having written to you very lately, I only avail myself of the present opportunity furnished by Mr. Astor, to mention, in case of any delay or miscarriage of the letter, that yours of Decr. 13. was duly received and acknowleged. It was four months on its way, but came at length safely to hand with the books sent with it. Mr. Astor is on a visit to Europe, and will pay his respects to you in...
24From James Madison to Richard Rush, 10 May 1819 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Dcr. 13 came safely to hand; but was four months on its way. I have looked over, with amusement, the two posthumous works of Watson & Walpole. The former has an importance to which the latter can not pretend. But both, in drawing aside the curtain from the secrets of Monarchy, offer at once lessons and eulogies to Republican Government. As you have in hand a remnant of the fund...
25From James Madison to Richard Rush, 24 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
Your two favors of Jany. 14. & May 2. came duly to hand; the former accompanied by 3 Vols. of Malthus, with a No. of the Quarterly Review, & 4 vols. of Eustace. They claim many thanks which I pray you to accept. I have not yet entered on the latter work. I have looked over Malthus, and think the world much indebted to him for the just views he has given of an interesting subject, and for the...
26From James Madison to Richard Rush, 27 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two favors of the 18 & 20 inst. I am promised a visit from Mr. Jefferson, the ensuing month, and shall not fail to communicate to him, the one you note for that purpose. I readily conceive that Mr. Correa, may feel some conflict, in his present position, between his two characters of Philanthropist and Plenipotentiary; and that he may infer some indulgence towards the latter,...
27From James Madison to Richard Rush, 23 April 1817 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. the English papers you were so good as to send me; and which I now return. Altho’ less interesting than they usually are even when the Parliament is not in session, they contain some things which were worth looking at; and I thank you for the opportunity of doing it. We reached our home without accident, and in the computed time. I found the agricul[t]ural prospects in this...
28From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison requests a consultation with The Heads of Depts today at 1 oC. FC ( DLC ). Year not indicated; conjectural year supplied based on the first of two notes written on the verso, in Rush’s hand, perhaps at a later date: “The Cabinet meeting Dec 20. 1816” and “To cure the imperfections in the law of June 1794 so as to prevent vessels fitting out in our ports to cruise agt Spain &ce.”
29From James Madison to Richard Rush, 27 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison requests a consultation with the Heads of Departments today at 12 OC and that they remain to dinner with him. RC ( PHi : Richard Rush Papers). Addressed by JM on verso “The Attorney General” and docketed there by Rush, possibly at a later date: “(And remain to dinner). Mr. Madison Nov: 1816— Cabinet meeting in which the annual message to congress (being his last) was read and...
30From James Madison to Richard Rush, 24 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
You will observe in one of the inclosed letters several legal points stated by Commodore Patterson relating a distribution of property taken in the Fort on Apalachecola. Will you be so good as to examine them, and communicate the result? The report of the Land Commander has not yet come to hand but will probably not be delayed. It may throw light on some of the facts. In consequence of your...
31From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
As I have taken the liberty of throwing on your attention the business of fixing on a Site for an Observatory at Washington, I pass the inclosed to Mr. Dallas thro’ your hands. You will see that the turn which the subject is likely to take, will relieve you from further trouble with respect to it. I have recd. your favor of . We regret that we shall not have the pleasure of seeing you, and we...
32From James Madison to Richard Rush, 12 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Col: Lane informs me that Mr. Hassler has selected for the scite of an Observatory which will have relation to the survey of the Coasts, the square North of the Capitol, which includes the spot on which the House formerly Gen. Washington’s stood; and that Mr. H. considers it necessary that the entire square should be exclusively appropriated to the object. I can have no doubt of the intrinsic...
33From James Madison to Richard Rush, 10 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 29. Ult: with the remarks on Mr. Wirt’s letter came duly to hand. The latter were communicated to Mr. W., with an intimation, that if he had any further observations to make on the subject, they might go in the first instance to the Treasury Dept. It is more than probable that your view of the subject will be satisfactory. I inclose for your perusal a letter from Judge...
34From James Madison to Richard Rush, 26 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
¶ To Richard Rush. Letter not found. 26 June 1816. Acknowledged in Rush to JM , 29 June 1816 , wherein he states, relating to a legal matter described by William Wirt: “I have thrown a few remarks upon the enclosed sheet, to be read as an addendum to Mr. Wirt’s letter […]. This I have done in compliance with the request contained in your favor of the 26th instant.” Cover with JM ’s free frank...
35From James Madison to Richard Rush, 29 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison requests a consultation with the heads of Departments to day at 12 o’clock. RC ( PHi : Richard Rush Papers). Docketed by Rush, with his note on verso: “The Cabinet met accordingly. The deliberation was, relative to some important instructions to be given to Mr Erving, our Minister at Spain. It was determined, (nem con.) that he might offer to the Spanish all the territory that we...
36From James Madison to Richard Rush, 19 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The President, Requests the honor of Mr. Rush’s Company at dinner Tuesday the 19h. inst. at 5 oclock. The favor of an Answer is desired. RC ( PHi : Richard Rush Papers). Printed form with date, name, and time filled in by JM and addressed by him on cover to “Mr. Rush at Genl. Masons.” Year not indicated; conjectural year assigned based on the fact that 19 Mar. fell on a Tuesday in 1816.
37From James Madison to Richard Rush, 24 September 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Richard Rush. 24 September 1815, Montpelier. “I have recd. yours of the 21st with its inclosures. I retain the interesting & well written letter of Mr. Dick, for the perusal of Mr. Monroe, expected here in a day or two on his way to Washington, which with your side of the correspondence will be useful to him, in his communications with Mr. Onis. This Quoad Ambassador is as teazing on all...
38From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Not being possessed of the answer from the War Dept. referred to in the inclosed, I can not compare the grounds of it, with the opinions to which it has given rise. It would seem however that the Soldiers in question must be entitled to such a discharge as will secure to them all the recommenc [ sic ] stipulated for serving during the war. Will you be so good as to take a legal view of the...
39From James Madison to Richard Rush, 17 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I cannot do better with the inclosed communication than to put it into your hands, with a request that you will give effect to the ideas of Mr. Dallas if you concur in them, by a few lines to Mr. Dick, who appears to be well disposed to sustain the interests of the U.S. I see by the newspapers that J. B. had passed thro’ Baltimore for Washington. I have recd yours acknowleging the rect. of...
40From James Madison to Richard Rush, 11 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I am informed thro’ confidential channels, that Joseph Bonaparte is arrived at N.Y. under an assumed name, that he considers it proper to report himself to this Govt—that he would set out from N.Y. on tomorrow (tuesday,) accompanied by Commodore Lewis, for that purpose; and be in Washington on thursday or friday on his way to Montpelier, under cover always of an assumed name. The motive to...
41From James Madison to Richard Rush, 9 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I return you the note of your conversation in the year with Miranda. It presents him in a favorable and interesting point of view, and it can scarcely be doubted that he possessed a mind of more than an ordinary stature, improved by diversified acquirements: I suspect however that his greatest talent lay in giving them a bold relief by a colloquial eloquence. In the single conversation I had...
42From James Madison to Richard Rush, 8 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
The Convention with G.B. the original of which Mr. Brent will shew you, raises the question whether a call of Congs. before the 1st. Monday in Decr. be expedient. The shortness of the period of difference, and the season of the year it embraces, seem to render the measure of so little practical moment as to dissuade from the inconvenience & expence of it. As the question however involves facts...
43From James Madison to Richard Rush, 5 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 2d. inst: with the papers inclosed with it, and thank you for having so comprehensively provided for the objects of mine to which it is an answer. I return the Proclamation, which was properly varied from that of 1806, which had more in view than the one now in hand. To avoid questions or feelings of State Prerogative, I have pencilled for erasure the words specifying...
44From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 [ca. 26] August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I return the Ed: Review with my thanks for the opportunity of perusing the chapter on France, which has all the interest which you attach to it: notwithstanding the occurrences subsequent to its date. On casting an eye over the Chapter on corn laws, I was surprized to see so acute & learned a Critic puzzled in a case which appeared so plain & familiar. I have noted it in the margin of page...
45From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 [ca. 26] August 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter from Commodore Patterson inclosed to me by Mr. Homans, presents several points on which your advice to him may be useful, so far as the instructions already issued from one or other of the Departments be found inadequate. It seems entirely proper that naval protection if it can be spared, should be employed agst. the Carthaginian Corsairs, in pursuance of the rules lately...
46From James Madison to Richard Rush, 15 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
The occasion which led to your favor of this morning merits all our congratulations, and I heartily join in those you have expressed. The terms of the peace will I hope be satisfactory to our Country. With the events of the war, they can not fail to command the respect of every other. … Be so good as to return the two papers after a leisurely perusal. The newspaper is the latest that has...
47From James Madison to Richard Rush, 7 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
J Madison requests a Consultation with the Heads of Depts. tomorrow (tuesday) at one OClock, & that they remain to dinner. RC (offered for sale by The Raab Collection, Ardmore, Pa., Catalog 57 [2009], item 11, ID 7973). Docketed by Rush: “Cabinet meeting, Nov: 7. 1814, and remain to dine.” Year not indicated; conjectural year assigned based on the docket. A nearly identical note in JM ’s hand...