51To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 24 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I reached this place last Week after a fatigueing journey through the Mud almost impassible. My return was very opportune for never were there such exertions by the Federalists to elect their candidates in all the districts round me, & particularly in my own. I believe however the majority will not be diminished in this district, but I am sure that if I had not opposed the unfortunate...
52To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I inclose you several letters which must have been intended for the office, & not the person named on the back. They belong therefore to your files, and I will pray you particularly as to those asking office on this & all other occasions to consider me merely as the channel of conveyance, & not as meaning to add an atom of weight to the sollicitations they convey—unless indeed I know any thing...
53To James Madison from William Cooke, 24 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
If ever the human heart, was compleatly gratified, in the accomplishment of an event, in which it had no individual interest; I can with great truth say that mine is, in seeing the Honorable Elevation, to which the United voices of the American people have raised you. We have precedents from ancient nations of their national affairs being retrieved from anarchy and confusion; and brought to...
54Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you several letters which must have been intended for the office, & not the person named on the back. they belong therefore to your files, and I will pray you particularly as to those asking office on this & all other occasions to consider me merely as the channel of conveyance, & not as meaning to add an atom of weight to the sollicitations they convey. unless indeed I know any...
55To James Madison from Paul Verdier, 25 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am sorrey to give you the trouble of so Small a matter, Knowing you have much buisiness of importance to attend to. Having no acquaintance with any person in the City or Should not have given you the troble. I understand the Cross post from the City to orange Court house & Charlotsvill is to be Continued which is now Carried by Mr Samuel McIntire and that his Contract is nearly out. Should...
56To James Madison from Mordecai Barbour, 26 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Being disappointed in my expectations in this quarter of the World and having no prospect here of doing anything beneficial for my family, I have deemd it advisable to remove to some situation in the Western Country. And in order to make the most advantageous selection I intend in the course of this Spring and ensuing Summer to travel through Kentucky Tennessee & the Mississippi Country, in...
57To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 26 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am honored, dear Sir, by your letter of the 14th. instant in answer to mine of the 20th of february, stating, that “tho you do not enter into the aptitude of all my observations, you perceive in them a very interesting veiw of our public affairs.” Since the adoption of those measures, the relaxation of Government, in regard to the embargo, has happily changed the phrenzy, excited by the last...
58To James Madison from Francis Kinloch, 27 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I trust & believe, that the distance which your merit & your long services have placed between us will not render an address from me in so familiar a style improper, & that I may yet, though probably for the last time, avail myself of my having been once of your acquaintance. It seems right & proper, that I, who live almost exclusively with fœderalists, who feel in common with them a strong...
59To James Madison from Anthony Fothergill, 28 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Being just recovered from a long indisposition, permit me now to tender you my sincere congratulations on your elevation to a station of the highest dignity your Country could confer. A station however, at this juncture, as arduous as it is honorable, & which will call forth all your Virtues & Magnanimity to adorn. May your Administration be crowned with the happy adjustment of the existing...
60To James Madison from Gideon Granger, 28 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
G. Granger presents his compliments to the President, and informs him that it is not contemplated to continue the route mentiond by Mr Verdier after the 1st of next month. Expresses will be sent when the president wishes it; but it will be much the most convenient to have the Agent here. G. Granger has written to Mr Verdier to this effect, and he returns the letter. RC ( DLC ). See Paul...
61To James Madison from Benjamin Rush and Others, 29 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Medical Professors of the University of Pennsylvania beg leave to address you upon a Subject highly interesting to the honor, and interest of the United States. It has been the practice of the Professors, ever since the establishment of the University, to give Certificates to the Students who have required them, of their having attended their respective lectures. These Certificates are not...
62To James Madison from William Short, 29 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Madn. P.—March 29. [1809, Paris]—make use of occasion announced by Gel. A though precarious—catarrh—& pain of writing—do not address Sec. of S—he not known yet—state of information here—zero—his nomination only known. Anxious to write so as to explain the cause of my delay here—my letters by Union sent by A —Wait on Ct. R. —postpone details for another occasion—the advantage of first seeing...
63To James Madison from John Armstrong, 30 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
We are often as much injured by our friends, in this world, as by our enemeies [ sic ]. The circumstance that immediately occasions this remark, is the effect produced here by the Speech of M. Whitbread, (who is, no doubt, well disposed towards the U. S.) no less than by that of M. Canning, who, as certainly, has no great partiality for us. The one, (as you know), declared, that we had made an...
64To James Madison from Isaac Ball, 30 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Directed by a Respectful Consideration, for the President of the United States—Permit me Sir—with deference to present this small product in the field of literature. If to diffuse happiness to mankind, and a knowledge of the human character, may be considered worthy of every rational mind—Indulge me to hope, the few pages submitted are calculated to inspire—an elevated view of the faculties of...
65To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 19th. came to hand by the last post; but that allows us so little time that I could not answer by it’s return. I had not before heard of mr. Latrobe’s claim of Lenthall’s salary in addition to his own. That some of Lenthall’s duties must have fallen on him I have no doubt; but that he could have performed them all in addition to his own so as to entitle himself to his whole...
66To James Madison from Napoleon, 30 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1809, Paris. Announces the birth of Princess Hortense-Eugénie-Napoléon [daughter of Eugène and Auguste-Amélie de Beauharnais, viceroy and vicereine of Italy] on 23 Dec. 1808. RC ( DNA : RG 59, Communications from Heads of Foreign States, 1778–1903). 1 p. Written in French. Docketed by a clerk: “Recd. Augt 28th.”
67Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 19 th came to hand by the last post; but that allows us so little time that I could not answer by it’s return. I had not before heard of mr Latrobe’s claim of Lenthall’s salary in addition to his own. that some of Lenthall’s duties must have fallen on him I have no doubt; but that he could have performed them all in addition to his own so as to entitle himself to his whole salary,...
68To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Since my letter of yesterday I have recieved yours of the 27th. & 28th. and in the former the 500. D. for mrs. Trist. The bronze time piece mentioned will run a fortnight, but I found it better to wind it up once a week, as during the 2d. week the greater expansion of the spring occasioned her to lose time. With respect to newspapers, none can now come to Washington for me. Of those which,...
69Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 31 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of yesterday I have recieved yours of the 27 th & 28 th and in the former the 500.D. for mrs Trist . the bronze time piece mentioned will run a fortnight, but I found it better to wind it up once a week, as during the 2 d week the greater expansion of the spring occasioned her to lose time. with respect to newspapers , none can now come to Washington for me. of those which,...
70To James Madison from Joel Barlow, April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
April 1809. Sends on letter “from Mr. Lee” recommending William Bass for the consulate at Antwerp and mentions that Walter Livingston, Jr., may deserve consideration for the secretary’s post at the Paris legation, if a vacancy occurs. “I dont know but I ought to make an apology once for all for consenting sometimes to be the organ of such applications. It is a business I very much dislike but...
71To James Madison from William Canby, April? 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
April? 1809. Canby [a Quaker who may have been acquainted with JM’s wife] expresses concern over the godless ways of the American people and fears divine vengeance. He takes consolation from the fact JM is a leader attempting “to govern among a tumultuous & Unholy generation.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Undated. Probably written shortly after JM’s inauguration.
72To James Madison from James Taylor, 2 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
We have just rec[e]ived your Speech here and I assure you it appears to be much admired even by the Federalist of Cincinnati. Mr Rowan passed this about 10 days ago he spoke of it & your self in respectful terms, which was more than I expected from his opposition to the late Administration generally. He observed & it appeared to be assented to by several of the highest Federal characters in...
73To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 4 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a proclamation for the sale of the public lands in the Bend of Tenessee river Miss. tery., together with the recommendations for the two offices therewith connected. The memorandum will explain all I can say on the subject. P. Manning collector of Perth Amboy continues to act in a manner which renders his removal necessary. He had after improperly clearing the cotton vessels, refused...
74To James Madison from Caesar A. Rodney, [4 April] 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will observe by the enclosed letter, that Mr. Dallas wishes to know, what he is to do with the indictment against Bartholemew White, one of Burr’s men. The fact is, that Genl. Wilkinson had left Washington for New-Orleans sometime before I recd. the letter enclosing a commission to take his deposition. I agree pretty much with Mr. Dallas in opinion that White is too small game for us to...
75To James Madison from Jacob McKinney, 5 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having Occasion Last Winter to pursue a Man, who ran away in my debt, into Canada, I found that the natives of Canada are disposed to think well of their country, on account of their Priests instilling into their minds that in case the Americans, should come to Revolution in their Country, that the Americans would Rob their Churches, prostitute their Religion, and Rob them of their property....
76To James Madison from John Boyle, 6 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I owe to you an apology for the resignation of the office of Governor of the Illinois Territory which you so lately had honoured me with & I had agreed to accept —When I reached this State a vacancy had taken place in the court of appeals the spring term of which was immediately to commence—Owing to the unexpected absence of another of the judges an apprehension was entertained unless the...
77To James Madison from Simon Snyder, 6 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
In discharge of a Legislative injunction, I transmit to you the proceedings of the General Assembly, on the long litigated cause of Gideon Olmstead and others, versus Elizabeth Sergeant and Esther Waters, executrixes of David Rittenhouse, deceased, late Treasurer of Pennsylvania. Believing it will tend to a more perfect understanding of the subject, I take the liberty to add a copy of an Act...
78To James Madison from Philip Freneau, 8 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the pleasure to enclose to You a copy of Proposals for the publication of a couple of Volumes of Poems shortly to be put to the Press in this city. Perhaps some of Your particular friends in Virginia may be induced, from a view of the Proposals in your hands to subscribe their names. If so, please to have them forwarded to this place by Post, addressed to the Publisher at No. 10....
79To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 8 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your favor with the accompanying papers by the last mail reached this place before my return on yesterday from the Ohio, whither I had gone to attend the Elections—those of Wood & Ohio Counties are over, & the result has been as favorable as was expected. Never were so many voters polled in W & O for never were the exertions of My friends & those of Mr. Lindsley my opponent half so great. At...
80To James Madison from Henry Clay, 10 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Mr Boyle haveing accepted the office of Judge of the court of Appeals of this state, I presume it will become necessary immediately to appoint Govr of the Illenois Territory in his stead. N Edwards Esqr Cheif Justice of our court of appeals is desirous of filling this vacancy, and it is with pleasure that I bestow my suffrage on his recommendation. The Honorable appointments which this...
81To James Madison from Willem Frederik Röell, 10 April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1809, Amsterdam. An official representative from the kingdom of Holland to the U.S. was sent in 1807 to procure goods for the several Dutch colonies, but the Embargo prevented his carrying out the mission. King Louis Bonaparte is concerned and has instructed Baron Röell as foreign minister to ask the president to permit the dispatch to the Dutch West Indies of three or four vessels...
82To James Madison from the Chiefs and Headmen of the Shawnee Indians, [10 April 1809] (Madison Papers)
It has been three years since we met together at the seat of Government, you then told us that we ought to take care of our women and children and provide well for them, we took your [a]dvice, at that time you told us you wished to help our poor women and Children you told us you would send a man to help us and that man a Quaker went by us comeing from you, you thought him a good man in...
83To James Madison from William Eustis, 11 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of proposing for your approbation, Asa Payne and Joel Johnson, of Kentucky, to be appointed Cadets in the Regiment of Artillerists, in the service of the United States. Accept Sir assurances of my high respect and consideration RC ( PHi ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, Letters Sent to the President). On the recto of the RC , JM wrote “Approved” and his initials. This appears...
84To James Madison from Isaac Ball, 11 April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1809, New York. Thanks JM for his letter of 4 Apr. that authorized Ball to list JM “in the Catalogue of Respectable patrons” if a new edition of his book on “Animal Œconomy” is published. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Docketed by JM.
85To James Madison from John Drayton, 12 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Through the politeness of my friend Paul Hamilton, Secretary of the Navy, I have the honor of presenting you, a copy of my View of So: Carolina; which, You will do me a favor, by accepting. It, was published, during my former administration; and, is not without many errors. But, still I hope, it contains information, not unworthy of your attention. I avail myself sir, of this opportunity, to...
86To James Madison from William Short, 12 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Madn. P. Ap. 12. [1809, Paris]—Wrote him 29h. ulto. (private)—first occasion—Armstrong’s [ illegible ] did not know—anxious he shd. know cause of delay as soon as the fact—disagreeable personally (on acct. of uncertainty) & particul[arl]y since mild weather & departure of Romf—Fortunate to find Romff. here & why —first interview—wishes me to see him often—acquaintance to ripen into friendp &...
87To James Madison from Benjamin Walton, 12 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour of writing you not long Since, requesting you to reinstate me if a trancefur cold not be had, not having had the pleasure of hearing from you Since Wish to know if it is not incompatible With the regulations of the Army, permit me Sir, to request of you, liberty to go and join my company, now—at fort columbus, New York harber. With Sentements of high respect I am Sir, Your...
88To 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...
We your memoralists, Citizens of Champaign County, State of Ohio, most of us being early settlers in the County, having viewed with great sattisfaction the rapid progress of civilization among the Indian Tribes under the Auspices of the late administration, & under the immediate agency of Mr: William Kirk, whose wisdom & moderation (we beleive) has been greatly conducive to the desireable...
90To 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...
91To 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...
92To 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...
93To 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...
94To James Madison from Isaac Briggs and Thomas Moore, 16 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Bearer, Thomas Robertson, we understand is an Applicant for the place of Agent of the United States with the Chickasaw Indians, and has applied to us for our recommendation. He was born and educated in the neighbourhood of Georgetown and has been known to us from his infancy. He has sustained a fair reputation for honesty and handsome talents and we believe deserves it. As far as we...
95To 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 &...
96To 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...
97To 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...
98To 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...
99To 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...
100To 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...