1From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 10 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I had made up a decision on the case of your Nephew, previous to the rect of your favor of the 23d. Ult: and with every disposition to respect the considerations which it suggests. The course which occurred as best calculated to reconcile all proper considerations was that of disapproving the sentence of the Court, so as to restore Col: N. to his stand in the army, and of declining the usual...
2Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 13 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to the Secretary of State on the subject of mr Arm i stead , and have recieved his assurance that if there is a vacancy, or should be one in any of the departments, he will exert himself to procure it. I wrote to him of preference, because more intimate with him than with any other of the heads of departments, and for a reason still more interesting, which I will explain to you as I...
3From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 22 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 18th. inclosing a commission for me, as one of the Visitors of the Central College in Albemarle. With a reservation of the time required by my remaining duties at this place, I shall, with pleasure contribute my services in promoting the welfare of so beneficial an Institution. Accept Sir my esteem & great respect RC ( Vi : Executive Papers).
4Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 16 October 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I learn that you have recieved D r Byrd ’s journal on the survey of our Southern boundary , from mr Harrison of Barclay . it is a work I have wished to see, and if you think yourself at liberty, when done with it, to trust it in my hands for perusal only, it shall be promptly and safely returned by mail. if you do not feel entirely free to do this, I will write to request it of mr Harrison . I...
5Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 9 October 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very happy in any opportunity of endeavorin g to be useful to one of mrs Norton ’s family, with whom I had great intimacy at that period of life when impressions are strongest & longest retained. I fear however that a birth in the offices at Washington will be uncertain. they are rarely vacated but by death. I have written however to the two heads of departments with whom I am more at...
6From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 5 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of the 30th. Ult. It will afford me pleasure to promote your wishes on behalf of Mr. Arm[i]stead; and the pleasure will be increased by my recollections of the period & persons to whom you allude. It is incumbent on me at the same time to remark that it is the usage, to leave to the heads of Depts. the selection of their own Clks, which the law vests in their discretion &...
7From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 31 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
I omitted to forward the inclosed. I know nothing of the writer but from the letter itself; and send it merely that you may have an oppy. of judging whether it be worth your further enquiry thro’ Mr. Adams. Accept my best respects RC ( Vi : Executive Letterbook). Cover addressed and franked by JM ; docketed by Nicholas.
8From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 29 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
I duly received your letter of March 4. inclosing a Resolution of Feby. 22. by the General Assembly of Virginia; and urging the importance of providing for the protection of the Chesapeake Bay, which is the object of that Resolution. Concurring fully in the views you have presented of the extended interests which are connected with the Waters of the Bay, and of the use that can be made of them...
9From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 17 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your letter of May 10. It is true as you have understood, that Mr. Hassler is ingaged [ sic ], under an Act of Congress, to make a survey of the Coasts &c of the U.S. and that he procured for the purpose instruments of peculiar excellence. But the survey is not yet commenced, and it is not probable that it will be extended to Virginia during the ensuing summer. You will...
10From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 2 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 28. Apl. I have always regarded Mr. Latrobe as the first Architect in our Country, and particularly distinguished by his uniting with science & taste, a practical acquaintance with the minutest details of the art. He is considered as also well skilled in what belongs to the profession of a Civil Engineer, and of course with what relates to the improvements under your...