61To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I leave the letter to Mr Brent open for your inspection. It contains one to Genl Wilkinson to be communicated to Genl. Prevost, if on submitting it to Genl Mason there appears to be no objection to it. If you approve, be so good as to seal it. I will endeavor to forward others by tomorrow’s mail. Very respectfully & sincerely yours RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). Monroe’s letter...
62To James Madison from James Monroe, 20 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
The unceasing fall of rain has so broken in on my proposd visit to, & return from Washington, to take Mrs Monroe there, as connected with the movments of my whole family, that I hardly know how to act in it. Among the papers in the packet addressd to you, is a letter from Beasley, deserving of attention. It shows to what a shameful length the practice of trading by license between France &...
63To James Madison from James Monroe, 2 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
The heavy rains sometime since prevented my setting out for Washington, on the day I had appointed, and the rise of the waters, delay me still longer. I found that if I went to washington & return’d for Mrs Monroe, at the time she was desirous of joining me there, I should be almost continually on the road, and untill my establishment there, be able to pay little attention either to the...
64To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Finding that my arrangments in Loudoun might be completed on the day I arriv’d there, I came down on the following day, monday. Altho the upper road is bad, I still think it will be found better than either of the others. Some letters are recd. from Mr Crawford, the most important of wh. are in cypher. They shall be forwarded without delay we have nothing from our comrs. Chauncey’s fate is...
65To James Madison from James Monroe, 17 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
You will have received thro’ the war dept., intelligence of the success against Proctor by the troops under Genl. Harrison, and of the change produc’d by it, and the preceding events on the lakes on the Indians. I send you a paper communicated to me in great confidence by the Gentleman whose name is written on the back. He has made other communications, of a still more interesting nature,...
66To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have yours by yesterday’s mail. You will have heard of the success agnst Proctor. I hope we shall soon get something from the st Lawrence that will correspond with it. I enclose you a project relative to the southern business, which has become much involved by Genl. Williams’s visit thither. I do not understand, his statment, of the motive, in connection with that given you by Genl....
67To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 1 November 1813] (Madison Papers)
The enclosed were receivd by the northern mail, by which I also recd. a letter from mr Crawford, of the 4th of Sepr. in cypher. As the communications are from France as well as Engld., I conclude they are brought, by Mrs Barlow, which is made more probable by a letter addressd to mr Serurier from the French consul at Boston sent by him to me open, which states, that intelligence is recd. by...
68To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 1 December 1813] (Madison Papers)
It is not known that the British govt. has accepted the mediation of Russia; nothing has been receved from our ministers employed under it; and no intimation to that effect has been communicated to this govt., either from the Emperor of Russia, or from the British govt. Early accounts, after the appointment & departure of our Envoys, indicated the rejection of that friendly overture, & altho...
69To James Madison from James Monroe, 27 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
The following communication from the secry of the navy is the cause of this letter. Just before I left the office he came into it, and informd me that Genl. Armstrong had adopted the idea of a conscription, and was engaged in communications with members of Congress, in which he endeavourd to reconcile them to the measure, stating that the militia could not be relied on, & that regular troops...
70To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the Eleventh inst, requesting the President to communicate to the House any information in his possession and which it may not be improper to divulge in relation to the omission or refusal of the French government to accredit the Minister Plenipotentiary sent by the United States to that Court, or of...
71To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State to whom was referred a Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 12th. Instant, requesting the President to lay before the House any correspondence with or communication in writing from the late Minister of France, on or about the 14th. of June 1809, or by his successor since, prescribing or declaring the conditions on which their sovereign would consent to treat...
72To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 13th inst, requesting the President to lay before the House such documents relative to the Russian mediation, as in his opinion it may not be improper to communicate, has the honor to transmit to the President, for the information of the House, the following letters in relation to that subject...
73Commission of John Quincy Adams, James A. Bayard, Henry Clay, and Jonathan Russell, [18 January 1814] (Madison Papers)
To all whom these Presents shall concern, Greeting. Reposing especial Trust and confidence in the Integrity, Prudence and Ability of John Quincy Adams, at present the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias, James A. Bayard, late a Senator of the United States, Henry Clay Speaker of the House of Representatives of the...
74To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 27 January 1814] (Madison Papers)
The President will be so good as to examine the project of a letter to Mr Serurier, communicating to him, the regulation under consideration, and make such corrections in it, as he thinks proper. It is usual to announce such acts to foreign ministers. In general the letter is made circular. Shall this be made so, or one be written to the Russian minister &ct, in which it may be stated that due...
75Commission of Albert Gallatin, [9 February 1814] (Madison Papers)
To all whom these presents shall concern—Greeting: Reposing special Trust and confidence in the Integrity, prudence and Abilities of Albert Gallatin, late Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate appointed him jointly and severally with John Q Adams, James A Bayard, Henry Clay and Jonathan Russell, Minister...
76To James Madison from James Monroe, 28 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 26 inst, I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of the Commissions heretofore granted by the President of the United States, in the recess of the Senate, to William Paca as Judge of the Maryland District, to William Nelson as Attorney of the Virginia District, to John Rutledge as Chief Justice of the United States, and to Albert...
77To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 2d inst, I have the honor to transmit lists of the Ministers and Consuls of the United States who have been appointed, since the adoption of the Constitution, by the respective President’s of the United States, in the recess of the Senate; distinguishing the cases in which the respective appointments had not been before filled, from those...
78To James Madison from James Monroe, 10 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
Mr Eppes & Genl Ringgold called last night to inquire into the truth of the report respecting the armistice. They stated that the unfavorable impression it had made among our friends was the cause, and promised to see you on it either in the course of the evening or this morning. The repeal of the nonimportation act, is connected with it; it is suspected that that step was taken to remove the...
79To James Madison from James Monroe, 14 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State to whom was referred several Resolutions of the Senate of the 2d Feby and 9 March last, has the honor to submit to the President the following report: Altho’ these resolutions are of different dates, and refer to subjects in some respects distinct in their nature, yet as they are connected in others of considerable importance which bear essentially on the conduct of both...
80To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State to whom was referred the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 13th. Instant, requesting information touching our relations with France, has the honor to submit to the President an extract of the Letter from the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at Paris, which contains the latest, and the only material, information received by this Department on...
81To James Madison from James Monroe, 30 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
I return’d on thursday, and on the next morning recd. the enclosed from Genl. Winder, who had arrived on that, or the day before. You will I think find the result by no means satisfactory. He has it is true preserved the principle, but at a vast expence, leaving in the hands of the enemy the first 23., with an addl. security of 46. commissd. & non commissd. officers, against 23. privates in...
82To James Madison from James Monroe, 9 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have just had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 7th. The convention of Genl. Winder has been submitted to the heads of dept., with whom there seems to be strong doubts respecting its confirmation. Whether it would be better, in case of the acceptance of it, to obtain the release of our 46. officers by the release of the twenty three British soldiers, was a point on which they have...
83To James Madison from James Monroe, 11 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I sent you lately a copy of the instructions that were given to genl. winder relating to the armistice, exchange &ce. The last, has been the most difficult subject to place on a satisfactory footing that has lately occurr’d, under the embarrassment created by the convention, the measures already taken, and the state of public opinion. You seemed by your letter of yesterday, still to rely with...
84To James Madison from James Monroe, 13 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
The affr. of the convention, is the most embarrassing that I have ever known. On further reflection, after the departure of Mr Ganntt, I was apprehensive that I might have expressd myself rather too strongly in my private letter to genl. winder, as to the ratification of the conventn., into which I was of course led by a desire to make a suitable impression on his mind, & in consequence I...
85To James Madison from James Monroe, 14 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you two letters on the subject of finance, one from mr astor, the other from mr Parish, the latter sent me by mr Dallas whose letter is also enclosed. The two last have been shewn to mr Campbell; the first would have been, had mr astor not have written it to Mr. C. himself. On this subject I have put together some few remarks, suggested to me, by what I saw abroad, particularly in...
86To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you a copy of a letter sent yesterday to genl. winder, relating to the communication between Col. P. & Col: Baynes, which were forwarded to you a day or two before. A stronger paper was authorised by the heads of depts., but I afterwards moderated the terms, retaining the sense. The distinction in it, is so obvious, between the passage which expresses, the sense of the govt. on...
87To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 18] May 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed communications are highly interesting. They give a mournful view of the state of things in France. It seems probable that Boniparte’s career is at an end. He may by extraordinary good fortune surmount his difficulties; but with routed armies, an exhausted people (perhaps disaffected) Paris & Bordeaux in the hands of the enemy, his prospects may be considerd almost desperate. The...
88To James Madison from James Monroe, 24 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have received yours of the 21, & 19th. instt. On a closer inspection of the details from France, there is cause to infer, that the situation of Boniparte is not so desperate, as first appearances indicated. It is suspected that Wellington has recd. a check, and beleivd that Graham at Burgen op zoom, has been repulsed. The story of Boniparte having enterd Paris at the head of 200.000. men is...
89To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 25 June 1814] (Madison Papers)
The enclosed give a very unpleasant prospect in regard to our affairs with Engd. The part of Mr G’s & Mr Bayard’s letter in cypher is the most important. The gentlemen are at dinner. It shall be decypherd as soon as they return. I send the whole to communicate what is not in cypher. I shall return from dinner at 4. when I wish to receive the letters. I send you also an important number of...
90To James Madison from James Monroe, 5 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
A great number of small objects with the necessity I was under to answer some letters, prevented my calling on you to day as I intended. I have written to the British commander to ask a passport for mr. Purviance & for a vessel to take him to our comrs., wherever they may be, & instructed mr. Skinner to take it to him without delay. I have also written to mr Pederson, & inclosed him a letter...
91Commission for George W. Campbell, [30 July 1814] (Madison Papers)
Having thought fit to commit to you the charge of borrowing on behalf of the United States, any sum not exceeding twenty-five millions of dollars, pursuant to the act entitled “an act to authorise a loan for a sum not exceeding twenty-five millions of dollars,” passed on the twenty-fourth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fourteen, I do hereby make known to you that in the execution...
92To James Madison from James Monroe, 5 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I send you a letter from our ministers lately in London, and some from mr. Beasly, and a very important one from Mr Gallatin. Two letters from mr Crawford, the last of may 12., will be decypherd, & sent you, as soon as done. From what I see of these communications, we may expect that the British govt. will assume very high pretentions, in the negotiation, & that none of the other powers will...
93To James Madison from James Monroe, 20 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here this morning at 8 OClock, and have been since within 4 miles of Benedict, at Butler’s mill, where it was reported the enemy, on their march, had arrived. The report was unfounded. The enemy landed yesterday at Benedict, and had advanced their pickets, within a mile and a half of that mill, for security only. From a height, between that mill and the Patuxent, I had a view of...
94To James Madison from James Monroe, 21 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I quartered last night near charlotte Hall, and took a view this morning at 8 oClock, from a commanding height, below Benedict Creek, of all the enemy’s shipping near the town and down the river, to the distance at least, of 8 or 10 miles. I counted 23 Square rigged vessels. Few others were to be seen, and very few barges. I inferred from the latter circumstance that the enemy had moved up the...
95To James Madison from James Monroe, [21 August 1814] (Madison Papers)
I have this moment arrivd here from Nottingham, which I left, as the enemy enterd it. Not knowing that there had been a correspondent movment, of troops, by land, with those in the barges, with any degree of certainty, when I wrote you last, and se[e]ing nothing of such a force, as I went on to Nottingham, I had almost discredited the report. Nevertheless we plac’d a guard at some distance in...
96To James Madison from James Monroe, [22 August 1814] (Madison Papers)
The enemy are advanced six miles on the road to the wood Yard, and our troops retiring. Our troops were on the march to meet them, but in too small a body to engage. General W. proposes to retire, till he can collect them in a body. The enemy are in full march for Washington. Have the materials prepared to destroy the bridges. You had better remoove the records. Tr ( DNA : RG 233, Committee...
97James Monroe’s Draft Memoranda on the Events of 24–28 1814 August 1814 at Washington, [post–28 August] (Madison Papers)
The President cross’d the Potowk., after the affair of the 24th, accompanied by the attorney genl., & general mason, and remained on the south side of the river, a few miles above the lower falls, on the following day the secretary of State, likewise crossed the river, shortly after him with Mr Ringgold & rema[i]nd that night, in the same quarter, whence he proceeded & joind genl winder at...
98To James Madison from James Monroe, 31 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Genl. winder will be in town, perhaps at McLeods this morning, if he is not already there. I am perfectly willing to resign to him the command, if the troops will act under him. I am aware that much is due to his feelings, especially after what occurrd at Baltimore. Still I am willing to command, it being understood that it is, at the request of the officers of the district, on the volunteer...
99To James Madison from James Monroe, 7 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
It is necessary that I should distinctly understand my own situation to give to it the greatest effect. In the absence of the secry of war, on your arrival here, and of genl winder, the duties of both devolv’d on me. It was your desire that I should act in both places, and the desire of the officers & citizens concurr’d. The duties of the military commander, were undertaken not on the...
100To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
I send you several interesting letters from Bal: particularly one from Genl winder to which I will prepare an answer & submit it to you early this morning. The report from Commodores Rodgers, Porter and Perry ought not to be publishd, till I get one from Genl. Hungerford & also from Stuart. It is I rather think an anomaly, for naval commanders, on land, to report at all, to the Secry of the...
101To James Madison from James Monroe, 25 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have thought much on the state of the departments at this time, and of the persons whom it may be proper to place in them, and have concluded, that whatever may be the arrangment with respect to other depts, that the dept. of war ought to be immediately filled. I think also, that I ought to take charge of it. I have been twice brought into it by circumstances, by temporary arrangment, in...
102To James Madison from James Monroe, 1 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Undersigned acting as Secretary of State to whom was referred the Resolution of the Senate, requesting the President to cause to be laid before the Senate such information in his possession, respecting the existing state of the Relations between the United States and the Continental powers of Europe as he may deem not improper to be communicated, has the honor to report: That the Relations...
103To James Madison from James Monroe, 10 October 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Monroe. 10 October 1814, War Department. “I have the honor to lay before you a list of appointments in the army of the United States made during the recess of the Senate.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Monroe. The enclosures (57 pp.; printed in Senate Exec....
104To James Madison from James Monroe, [15 October 1814] (Madison Papers)
The enclosed papers will shew you, the state of the business, on the north[e]rn frontier; that is, how I found it, & what I have since done. It occurs that it will be proper to order Izard to repair to Sackets harbour, or to send Brown there, by this night mail, as he thinks most adviseable. RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). Undated; unsigned. In Monroe’s hand; docketed by JM :...
105To James Madison from James Monroe, 27 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
The acting Secretary of State to whom was referred the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 15th inst, has the honor of submitting to the President the accompanying papers marked Nos. 1. 2. 3 and 4. as containing the information which is presumed to be called for by the said Resolution. Respectfully submitted RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 13A–E1). RC in a...
106To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 November 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Monroe. 8 November 1814, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to submit for your approbation the following list of appointments in the Army of the United States. “I have also to request that the enclosed list of promotions may be substituted for the list of promotions in the Light Artillery and Riflemen now before the Senate, and that the name of Garret E. Pendergrast...
107To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
My affairs in Loudoun requiring in an urgent manner my presence, I shall go up to day & return on monday or tuesday next. A passport from the British Commander to take dispatches to Ghent being as I presume necessary, I have arrang’d in the dept. a letter to him for the purpose. I know of nothing that will suffer in my short absence. Respectfully your friend RC ( DLC : Rives Collection,...
108To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 15 December 1814] (Madison Papers)
The enclosed plan for raising 20.000 men in New York, was submitted to my view yesterday by Genl Scott, that I might state, as he passed to day on his way to Baltimore, whether it ought to be carried into effect, as aiding, or declind as interfering with the plans of the genl govt. I will thank you to say what you think of it. From the hasty perusal I have given it, I shod. doubt the propriety...
109To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 December 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Monroe. 16 December 1814, War Department. “The Senate having declined confirming the promotions of Captains Graham & Massias of the 1st. Rifle Regiment, the confirmation of the other promotions in the Rifle Regiment, conformably to the list now before the Senate, would be irregular. I have, therefore, the honor, in lieu of it, to propose the enclosed list.” RC and enclosure ( DNA...
110To James Madison from James Monroe, 10 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have seen Genls Swartwout & Porter, the first last night & both this morning. They express the ideas which prevailed last night with you, of organizing by volunteer & other laws, a force in the East to repell the enemy, & put rebellion down. They will cooperate in the necessary measures with all their means, under Tompkins &ce. I asked them what they thought of Dexter. They said, they...