101To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1809, Amsterdam. The consul reports that American vessels are now being allowed “to depart in Ballast or with Specified Cargoes at the option of those concerned.” An enclosed newspaper gives the details of a royal decree which lifts the restrictions on U.S. ships “in the Ports of Holland.” Has discussed the situation with the minister of foreign affairs and made assurances that the...
102To James Madison from John Griffin, 14 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having passed three years in this Country, and finding my Health extremely shattered, by the severity of the Climate, if there should be no impropriety in the application, and if the vacancies in the Illinois Territory should not all be filled, may I venture so far to trouble your Excellency, as to propose that I might be transferred to that Territory, upon my resignation of the situation I...
103To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 14 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
After congratulating you on your elevation to the first station in the gift of your country, to which I am persuaded that real merit, the best title to the public favour, has deservedly raised you, permit me to state to you a case in which I have some interest, on which I hope you will find leisure, amidst your many other avocations, to give me your opinion, or decision, in a few words. On the...
104To James Madison from Robert Smith, [15 April] 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed sketch of my proposed answer to Mr Erskine I yesterday morning gave to Mr Gallatin for his consideration—And last Evening I gave him in a short note the intimation which Mr Erskine gave me yesterday at your house. Unexplained there is no understanding it. But I presume he means to say this morning, that he has authority to fix with us the day , when the orders in Council shall...
105To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 15 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Hon’ble John Allen of this State, (not having the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with you) has requested me to make known his willingness to fill the office now vacant by the non-acceptance of the Hon’ble John Boyle for the Illinoise Territory. This Gentleman has served as one of the Judges of the district & Circuit Courts of this State for many years, and a portion of the time in the...
106To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 17 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
The polls are just closed for Harrison, & the result is Jackson 409 Lindsley 219 — last monday Monongalia — Jackson 320 — do — 284 729 503 Wood & Ohio — 274 241 1003 744 Majority 259 the Counties of Brooke & Randolph have 450 votes & will give me 300 of them. The elections have been more warmly contested than ever heretofore & thus far my majority has encreased. In haste yours affectionately &...
107To James Madison from Caesar A. Rodney, 17 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 14th. inst: with its enclosures was received by the mail of this morning. The answer you have given to Governor Snyder is perfectly correct. It is sound, judicious and conciliatory. When I was lately in Philada. which I left on teusday last, I recommended, as I had before advised, the prosecution & conviction of some of the principal offenders, as a safe & effectual mode of...
108To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 17 April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 April 1809, Paris. The acting American consul in Paris congratulates JM on his election as president. Encloses file on the Argus and mentions troop strength of French and their disposition in Spain. Reports figures for various commands and gives separate totals of troops furnished by the “confederation of the Rhine.” This information is reliable as it comes from “an officer who … has pretty...
109To James Madison from Arthur Campbell, 18 April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 April 1809, Kentucky. Seeks the appointment as governor of the Illinois Territory, since “Mr. Boyle has declined accepting the office.” Says he is physically fit and his “mental faculties but little impaired.” The reason for “this abrupt overture” is that “the Illinois is an exposed frontier in the event of War” and a delay in appointing an executive “might be injurious to the public...
110To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 19 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have to acknolege your favor of the 9th. and to thank you for the political information it contained. Reading the newspapers but little & that little but as the romance of the day, a word of truth now & then comes like the drop of water on the tongue of Dives. If the British ministry are changing their policy towards us, it is because their nation, or rather the city of London which is the...
111To James Madison from John Pope, 19 April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 April 1809, Washington. Has heard from Ninian Edwards, chief justice of the Kentucky appeals court, who wishes the appointment as governor of the Illinois Territory. From previous conversations, Pope thought Edwards wanted to serve in the Mississippi Territory. Edwards is a talented former member of the Kentucky legislature, served as a presidential elector, and is capable of observing and...
112To James Madison from James Dinsmore, 20 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Understanding that your waggon is now on its way to washington I take the liberty of encloseing you a Memdm of articles that now are, or Shortly will be wanted here, that you May have an opportunity of Sending them by its return, Should the waggon not be able to fetch all you Can Curtail the quantity; I will also take it as a particular favour if you Can Send Me a Grindstone as those here are...
113To James Madison from Aaron H. Palmer, 20 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I herewith present thee with a Printed copy of the Minutes of the Proceedings of the Twelfth American Convention for promoting the Abolition of Slavery and Improving the condition of the African Race: which may develop to thee the motives and object of this convention. With sentiments of the highest respect and esteem, I remain Thy assured Friend. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Enclosure not...
114To James Madison from Walter Franklin, 21 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 21 April 1809. Mentioned in Robert Smith’s letter to Franklin, 24 Apr. 1809 (DNA: RG 59, Domestic Letters). Relates to the trial in Philadelphia of the state militia involved in the Olmstead case, and Franklin as attorney general of Pennsylvania apparently asked JM to intercede. “The President had decided, that there ought to be no interposition on his part in the prosecution...
115To James Madison from “H.” [John H. Douglass], 22 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
The double conduct of De Witt Clinton has so far weakened the republican party in this State, as to render the election extreemly doubtful. Many of his old friends with Cheetham were so far drawn out of the ranks, that they cannot get in Again & now despise him more than the federal party. The Honble. Mathew Lyon Esqr. is doing us much injury. He is exposing De Witts intrigues relative to the...
116To James Madison from the Tennessee General Assembly, 22 April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 April 1809, Knoxville. A joint resolution notes that the country has long been assailed by the belligerents of Europe, “and we are at length placed in a situation … [where] an appeal to the sword in defence of our rights cannot be much longer deferred.” Within the nation differences of opinion exist, but “the great mass of our fellow citizens in every part of the union are equally devoted...
117To James Madison from John Tyler, 24 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I receiv’d your favor which enclos’d the Correspondence with the Minister of G. B. out of which a full Redress of all our Injuries and Insults may grow, unless public faith, which has been so long the Sport of the old World, shou’d again be violated. I rejoice much at the prospect of a peace with that Nation and all others but I see also a difficulty in going clear of Alliances which may...
118To James Madison from Charles Haumont, 25 April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 April 1809, Sapelo Island, Georgia. Haumont congratulates JM on becoming president. He claims to have served with the French forces during the Yorktown campaign aboard the frigate Concorde . French is now a fashionable language being taught in America, yet the most popular instruction book is defective. Haumont wishes to publish a French grammar that will be useful in American schools, but...
119To James Madison from William Wirt, 26 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I understand that Mr. Boyle has resigned the government of the Illinois territory, and that Ninian Edwards, the President of the court of Appeals of Kentucky, has been thought of and perhaps named to you, as a fit successor. Having known Mr. Edwards, personally, from the time he was fourteen years of age untill he grew up to manhood and having for several years past maintained an intimate...
120To James Madison from Jonathan Bull and Others, ca. 26 April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 26 April 1809. Urges JM to appoint Henry Seymour as federal marshal for Connecticut. His father has been a staunch Republican in the state Senate and was recently defeated by vindictive Federalists. Young Seymour, like his father, is “a firm supporter of the Administration.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, Letters of Application, 1809–17). 2 pp. Signed by Bull and thirteen other Hartford merchants....
121To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 27 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 24th. came to hand last night. The correspondence between mr. Smith & mr. Erskine had been recieved three days before. I sincerely congratulate you on the change it has produced in our situation. It is the source of very general joy here, & could it have arrived one month sooner would have had important effects not only on the elections of other states, but of this also, from...
122To James Madison from Rodolphe Tillier, 27 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
To represent the present situation of these remote parts of the United States Territory may be of public service, to the wise administration of your Excelency; and can give no offence if founded on Fact & real Truth. Two years ago an Expidition has been made here under the command of Lieut. Pryor to take back the Mandan Chief & family, it failed on account of being coupled with a private...
123To James Madison from James Taylor, 29 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am informed by The Honble John Coburn that he has lately rec[e]ived a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury informing him that he must not draw on him for his Sallery until he explanes the Circumstance of his bills being uniformly dated from this state. From the intimacy between us & the connection between our families I think I have a pretty correct Idea of his veiws & intentions and I...
124To James Madison from Cathrine Wolger, 29 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
The humble Petition of the Subscriber to your Excellency begs leave to represent to you that she has been Confined in the City Goal for an Assault and Battery, and still remains Confined for the fines & fees which she [is] unable to discharge, she therefore solicits you will have the goodness to grant her a free Release from her present Confinement & she will be in duty bound ever to pray for...
125To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 30 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
The bearer of this letter, Mr. Pickman, is a Gentleman with whom for many years I have had the pleasure of a very intimate acquaintance, and for whose character I have had every reason to entertain the highest esteem. Being elected a member of the House of Representatives of the United States, to the present Congress, he is desirous of a personal introduction to the President, and in taking...
126To James Madison from Charles Willson Peale, 30 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Museum has increased very importantly since your visit to Philada. and the order and management of it meets with the approbation of all scientific men who have visited it, foreigners as well as Americans, every one agreeing in the sentiment that it ought to be national Property. I feel no trouble or difficulty in maintaining its order and extended usefulness, except what now arises for...
127To James Madison from William George Vidal, 30 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
The question who is to govern the Kingdom of Spain seems now to be decided. It is evident that in this continent the greatest and a very considerable part of the circulating intrinsic value medium came from Spain and its Colonies; that the expences of the coinage thereof are inconsequent, when compared to the deprivation of the intrinsic value itself, out of the orbit it was intended for. The...
128To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 1 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that my calculations as to the vote of Brooke County have been more than realized the Vote in it was Jackson 206—Lindsley 37 making an aggregate majority of 454 votes which is 100 more than at any antecedent election. If the accommodation with England had preceded the election—an accommodation as honorable to the Executive as gratifying to the nation: the...
129To James Madison from Catherine Johnson, 1 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Sir , having Received the enclosed Letter from New Orleans, from the best of Sons, with a Request that I shou’d Present it to you Sir, I am induced, Perhaps beyond the bounds of Strict Propriety, in assuming A liberty, which can only be forgiven, by the Philantrophy and benevolence of your own heart, to the humanity which marks your Private Character, do I Sir make My Appeal, Conscious that...
130To James Madison from William McKinley, 1 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty of enclosing Some addresses &c in order that you may be able to form a corect Idea of your friends & enemies in this part of the U. S. Enclosure A. is a statement of our election. B. Federal resolutions & Address C. Republican Address D. a reply & remarks upon said Address, so far as they relat⟨e⟩ to me personally they are false, I had determined to have Sued the...
131To James Madison from the Republican Meeting of Accomack County, Virginia, [1 May] 1809 (Madison Papers)
At a numerous meeting of the freeholders and other citizens of the county of Accomack convened on monday the first day of May 1809. at the Court-house of said county for the purpose of expressing their opinions upon the subject of the late negotiations at Washington between the Honorable David Montague Erskine, his Britannic Majesty’s Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, and the...
132To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 1 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of lately writing to you to congratulate You on your elevation to the Presidency of the United States. I now take the liberty of addressing you concerning my situation as Consul, and of praying you to continue me in my present office. My knowledge of some of the most useful modern languages, particularly of French, and the acquaintance I have already made with the authorities...
133To James Madison from James Wilkinson, 1 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
The extraordinary nature of the Communication I am about to make, and the Interests of the Person committed to my discretion, will I hope excuse my deviation, from the Ordinary course of my Correspondence, by addressing you directly. I yesterday had a most particular conversation with Governor Folch, & found his Mind decisively made up, as to the course he will pursue should European Spain be...
134To James Madison from Charles W. Goldsborough, 2 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
In the instructions to the several commanding Officers to lay up the gun boats, they were required to report to this Department, their respective opinions of the qualifications of the sailing masters recently appointed to command gun boats, and we are now receiving their reports accordingly. With your approbation I will proceed to dismiss all those of whom unfavorable reports have thus been...
135To James Madison from William Duane, 3 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Public motives, such as I conceive calculated to render service to the interests and honor of your administration, induce me to take the liberty of addressing you. The unhappy conflict which has arisen out of the case of Olmstead is now quieted so far as the law and the parties in that case are invol⟨ved⟩. The Militia men who under a blind opinion of obedience to their superiors have...
136To James Madison from Michael Leib, 3 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday General Bright and those associated with him in resisting the process of the district court, were sentenced to fine and imprisonment, and accordingly committed to prison. The public sensation on this event is considerable, and is transferring itself from the outrage upon the law, to those who are now suffering under it. A distinction is made between the legality and the justice of...
137To James Madison from James Maury, 3 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to present you my congratulations on your becoming president of the United States, hoping you will experience that comfort in the office, which those, who undertake so arduous an one under the influence of such motives as your’s, so highly merit. The partial repeal of the Embargo law was indeed very unexpected in this country; but the late revocation of the orders in council has...
138To James Madison from William Pinkney, 3 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have had the Honour to receive your Letter of the 17h. of March, and thank you sincerely for your kind Wishes. Permit me to offer you my cordial Congratulations upon the Manner in which you have been called to the Presidency. Such a Majority at such a Time is most honourable to our Country and to you. My Trust is that with the progress of your administration your Friends will grow in...
139To James Madison from Larkin Smith, 3 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having at all times felt the most ardent desire to promote the interest and happiness of my Country, and to give my zealous support to a Government which I consider to be entirely calculated to produce these desirable effects; I now take the liberty to suggest to your Excellency the advantages which I believe would result, from the appointment of an officer of intelligence, and correct...
140To James Madison from James Dinsmore, 4 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your favours of the 16th & 24 Ult have been received and Shall be attended to, the articles Sent for by the waggon have Come to hand except the Grindstone which the waggoner Says he forgot to Call for. We are at present engaged in preparing flooring plank for the Colonnade it being the only Stuff we have kiln dryed, or indeed I May Say Sawed, Mr Gooch has engaged Sawyers to Cut by hand, to...
141To James Madison from Charles W. Goldsborough, 4 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
With your approbation the enclosed letter to Comre. Rodgers will be forwarded and a similar proposition will be made, through the commanding officers, to all the supernumerary meritorious sailing masters. I incline to the opinion that the Government can retain the greater portion without any expence; and thus, on emergency, have a corps of valuable men, selected from personal knowledge of...
142To James Madison from William Pinkney, 4 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Will you permit me to make known to you a young Gentleman (Mr. Robert Walsh Junr. of Baltimore) for whom I have a particular Regard and whose extraordinary Merit will I am sure recommend him to your Notice & Esteem? I can truly say of him that he has the best Heart in the World—that he possesses a superiour Mind cultivated with Care, and informed by the most extensive Knowledge, and enriched...
143To James Madison from John Frazer, 4 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 May 1809, Washington. Frazer, a slave dealer, has lost a considerable sum owing to a peculiar circumstance. A cargo of his slaves consigned to the U.S. was forced into St. Kitts on a vessel “found to be unseaworthy.” While the ship was being repaired a U.S. law was passed prohibiting further slave importations. In St. Kitts, all the slaves were sold except four afflicted with leprosy. Frazer...
144To James Madison from John Cox, 5 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will receive by the bearer $727 2/100 as ⅌ statement below. Should Mrs. Madison or yourself have commands either to Philadelphia or Balte. It will give me pleasure to execute them; I set out on Sunday Morning. Most respectfully your Obt. St. Amount of your note 5,000 Discount 47 50 Net amt. of note $4952.50 Your Old note 2384.78 Order on Mr Latrobe 840.70 Amount passed to your Cr....
145To James Madison from George W. Erving, 5 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
With my last dispatches to the department of state I had the honor to address you a private letter dated April 14t; since then the spaniards have been rapidly repairing their military disasters in this quarter, but king Joseph is regulating the affairs of his government at Madrid by the appointment of Tribunals, councils &c as tho he had possession of the whole country; nevertheless his army...
146To James Madison from Thomas Leiper, 5 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
General Michael Bright certainly acted against Law when he obeyed the orders of Governor Snyder but at the same time the General did believe he had no discretionary powers but to act as he was ordered. The Grand Jury to my knowledge sixteen out of the nin[e]teen found the Bill and the sixteen were astonished at the three when they pronunced the Bill not true. Their are none who justify the...
147To James Madison from James Lovell, 5 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
As the fiercest Tyrant and the mildest philosopher possess equally the power of self-examination, so the whole human race may be allowed to search after the source of Life & of Morals. Such search, conducted by Reason, and proceeding downwards from the branching-ends of both those Trees, will assuredly find only the single common tap-root to be Self-Love. As no President of these United States...
148To James Madison from Charles W. Goldsborough, 8 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
In answer to Mr. Macgregor’s letter to you —I have informed him that there is not, at this time, any vacancy. The case of the son of W. G Anderson was attended to a few days since. The son is prodigiously clever—but unhappily for him, by severe exposure in gun boats, he has nearly lost the use of his limbs. I have, in consideration of his merit & sufferings, attached him to the Norfolk...
149To James Madison from Jacob Read, 8 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to offer you my Congratulations on your Election to the Office of the Supreme Executive of the United States, and my Very Sincere Wishes that your Presidency may be happy and honorable to yourself, and peaceful and prosperous to our Country, which has Conferred on you So distinguished a Mark of Confidence and respect. I hope Sir I do not presume too far on our former Acquaintance...
150To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 9 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I observed with pleasure in your inaugural speech that you still keep in view the immense importance of public improvements, the advancement of science, & the general diffusion of information, as essential to the happiness of our country. And I cannot but hope that the time is now approaching when some portion of the attention of Congress may be fixt on these objects. The ample scope of your...