1051From George Washington to James Madison, 12 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
To draw such a line for the conduct of the President as will please every body, I know is impossible; but to mark out and follow one (which by being consonant with reason) will meet general approbation, may be as practicable as it is desireable. The true medium I conceive must lye in pursuing such a course as will allow him time for all the official duties of his station—This should be the...
1052To James Madison from George Washington, [ca. March 1791] (Madison Papers)
If under the existing circumstances of the newly established Bank you can add other & fitter characters than some who are proposed in the enclosed letter, you would oblige me by naming them, & returning the enclosed in an hour or two. Yrs sincerely Tr ( MH : Jared Sparks Collection of American Manuscripts, vol. 24). Undated; conjectural date assigned based on evidence in n. 1. The only...
1053From George Washington to James Madison, 12 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States requests the Pleasure of Mr Madison’s Company to Dine, on Thursday next, at 4 o’Clock. An answer is requested. D (printed with manuscript insertions), DLC:GW . The next Thursday was 19 May. No reply has been found, but see Madison Papers , William T. Hutchinson et al., eds. The Papers of James Madison, Congressional Series . 17 vols. Chicago and...
1054From George Washington to James Madison, 6 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
The papers, of which I was speaking to you on friday evening, are herewith sent. In looking over Sir John Sinclair’s letter (since I spoke to you on this subject) I perceive it is to a Committee I am at liberty to communicate the extracts. This, however, I consider as sufficient authority to give you the perusal of them; as the project, if it can be accomplished, in this country, must be put...
1055From George Washington to James Madison, 5 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I want to communicate two matters to Congress; the substance of which is contained in the enclosed Paper —The first requires to be decided upon before the proposed adjournment shall take place—but my motive for communicating the other, at this time, is only to fix the attention, & to promote enquiry against the next meeting. Whether would an oral or written communication be best? If the first...
1056To James Madison from George Washington, 6 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
As you are knowing to the situation of young Mr. Fayette; to the measures I have adopted in his behalf; to my wishes towards him; and to the restraints under which those wishes have been placed, from considerations of a public nature—And as I am unacquainted with the ground work, or the tendency of the motion made by Mr. Livingston, relative to this young gentleman; I flatter myself, that in...
1057To James Madison from George Washington, 12 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
To draw such a line for the conduct of the President as will please every body, I know is impossible; but to mark out and follow one (which by being consonant with reason) will meet general approbation, may be as practicable as it is desireable. The true medium I conceive must lye in pursuing such a course as will allow him time for all the official duties of his station. This should be the...
1058To James Madison from George Washington, 14 October 1793 (Madison Papers)
The calamitous situation of Philadelphia—and the little prospect from present appearances of its eligibility to receive Congress by the first Monday in Decemb’r involves a serious difficulty. It has been intimated by some, that the President ought, by Proclamation, to convene Congress a few days before the above period, at some other place—and by others, (although in extraordinary cases he has...
1059To James Madison from George Washington, [8 February] 1794 (Madison Papers)
The Agricultural Society of Philadelphia, are preparing the “outlines of a Plan for establishing a state Society of Agriculture in Pennsylvania” to be laid before the Legislature. Mr. Peters to whom sometime ago I mentioned the Pamphlets &ca. which had been sent me by Sir John Sinclair; & who is appointed to prepare the business for the Legislature—wishes to have the perusal of those...
1060To James Madison from George Washington, 5 May 1792 (Madison Papers)
If Mr. Madison can make it convenient to call upon the P—— between eight and nine this forenoon and spend half an hour it would oblige him. If inconvenient, then at Six in the Afternoon. RC ( PPAmP : Feinstone Collection); Tr ( MH : Sparks Transcripts). RC addressed by Washington. See Paltsits, Washington’s Farewell Address , p. 10, for the relationship of this note to the address.
1061To James Madison from George Washington, 10 January 1794 (Madison Papers)
Herewith you will receive sundry Pamphlets &ca. under the patronage of Sir John Sinclair. I send you his letters to me also, that the design may be better understood. From all these, you will be able to decide, whether a plan of enquiry similar to the one set on foot in G. Britn, would be likely to meet legislative or other encouragement, and of what kind, in this Country. These, or any other...
1062From George Washington to James Madison, 2 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
If Mr Madison is at leisure the P. would be glad to see him. AL , NjP : George Washington Collection. GW’s purpose in requesting this meeting is not known. It may have been to discuss his upcoming address to Congress (see GW to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 8 Dec. 1790 ).
1063To James Madison from George Washington, 2 December 1790 (Madison Papers)
If Mr. Madison is at leizure the P. would be glad to see him. RC ( NjP ); Tr ( MH : Sparks Transcripts). RC addressed by Washington.
1064From George Washington to James Madison, 6 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
As you are knowing to the situation of young Mr Fayette; to the measures I have adopted in his behalf; to my wishes towards him; and to the restraints under which those wishes have been placed, from considerations of a public nature. And as I am unacquainted with the ground work, or the tendency of the motion made by Mr Livingston, relative to this young gentleman; I flatter myself, that in...
1065To James Madison from George Washington, [11 December] 1790 (Madison Papers)
Let me entreat you to finish the good Offices you have begun for me, by giving short answers (as can be with propriety) to the enclosed Addresses. I must have them ready by monday. RC ( PPAmP : Feinstone Collection); Tr ( MH : Sparks Transcripts). RC addressed by Washington and docketed by JM, “Decr. 11. 1790.” JM also wrote the date immediately after “monday.” Enclosures not found (see n. 1)....
1066To James Madison from George Washington, 20 May 1792 (Madison Papers)
As there is a possibility if not a probability, that I shall not see you on your return home; or, if I should see you, that it may be on the Road and under circumstances which will prevent my speaking to you on the subject we last conversed upon; I take the liberty of committing to paper the following thoughts, & requests. I have not been unmindful of the sentiments expressed by you in the...
1067To James Madison from George Washington, 9 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
Consequent of the enclosed resolution, I had a conference with the Comee. therein named yesterday, when I expressed the Sentiments which you also have enclosed. I was assured by the Committee, that the only object the Senate had in view was to be informed of the mode of communication which would be most agreeable to the President, and that a perfect acquiescence would be yielded thereto. But I...
1068From George Washington to James Madison, 20 February 1790 (Washington Papers)
I return Mr Jefferson’s letter with thanks for the perusal of it. I am glad he has resolved to accept the appointment of Secretary of State, but sorry it is so repugnant to his own inclinations that it is done. Sincerely & Affectly I am—Yrs ALS , NjP : Straus Autograph Collection. Madison had undoubtedly shown GW the letter Jefferson had written to him from Monticello on 14 Feb. 1790. The...
1069To James Madison from George Washington, 10 October 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 October 1791, Mount Vernon. Listed in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) mentions a letter of this date from Washington to an unspecified correspondent and notes that it “Relates to house repairs.”
1070To James Madison from George Washington, [ca. 12 December] 1790 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed are the last despatches I have received from Mr Govr. Morris. As they unfold pretty evidently, I think, the disposition of the British ministry, I wish you to see them. Pray return them to me in the course of this day. I am, &c. Tr ( MH : Sparks Transcripts). Addressed to JM “(Without date).” The conjectured date is based on the probable delivery to Washington in early December of a...
1071To James Madison from Thomas Wash, 22 February 1791 (Madison Papers)
Altho’ a Stranger I make bold to Write to you, Soliciting you to do me a favour, Which Ignorance and Inconveniance puts it out of my power to do myself. I Served as Clerk to mr. John Cheesborough A Comy of Isues to the North Carolina Brigade of Continental troops to the Northward Under the Command of General Washington from the 3d. of march 1778 to the 15th June 1779 for Which time my name may...
1072To James Madison from John Watts, 16 December 1796 (Madison Papers)
I yesterday recd. a Letter dated Montreal 1 Decr. Inst. from Sir John Johnson enclosing a Power of Attorney from Mr Joseph Chew to him and a Substitution to me for the Sale of 2000 A[c]res of Land in Bourboun County Kentuckey together with the enclosed Letter for you. I am desired to make Application to you on this subject, as they mention That you had a power from Mr. Chew for the Sale and...
1073To James Madison from James Wattson, 10 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
The high Esteem & regard I have for you Makes Me trouble you, with this peice of Information which perhaps you already have Viz: That all Linnen Cloth Cotton Cloth, Tykes, Checks—&c. have a Bounty granted by Government of Britain of one penny half penny ⅌ yard of 36 Inches—they draw back also the Excise for Instance printed Cottons draw back the Excise Duty of 3d ⅌. yd. & also a Bountie of one...
1074To James Madison from Anthony Wayne, 15 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to congratulate you upon the adoption, & organization, of the Federal Constitution, a business in which you took so early—so conspicuous—& so Effectual a part, & altho’ I have not the honor of a seat in the Magnum Concilium of America—I feel myself much interested in her Dignity, wealth, & Power—& therefore take the liberty to suggest a measure which in my humble opinion will have a...
1075To James Madison from William C. Webb, 22 November 1790 (Madison Papers)
You will be pleasd to excuse me in Troubling with my Long unhappey Chase I have had in North Carolina, Respecting the 44 Cattle the Comersary to General Gates’s Armey bought of Anthony Deering Being mine and Conyers Whites, the said purchacer promist to pay for the said Cattle he bought the 10th. August 1780 within three Weeks, at the price of 400 £ pr. head, which amounts too 17600 £, on the...
1076To James Madison from Noah Webster, 30 June 1792 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of requesting you to furnish me with some information on the following particulars: viz I am sorry to trouble you with these queries, but I have no friend in Virginia on whose information & obliging disposition I can rely with so much confidence as on yours; and as I expect, in the course of a few months, to want some facts on the foregoing subjects, it will greatly oblige...
1077To James Madison from Alexander White, 1 March 1794 (Madison Papers)
I am favd. with yours of 17th Ulo. with the enclosures. I have never seen a fair discussion in support of your resolutions—only desultory observations of several Members. Smith’s Speach has arrived I have had a cursory reading of it only. I am not sufficiently informed to give a decided opinion with respect to equipping a Fleet to check the Algerines. I am rather inclined in favor of it—but my...
1078To James Madison from Alexander White, 26 September 1796 (Madison Papers)
I should not have disturbed your repose with anything of a private nature, nor indeed with the affairs of this City, which has more than ever been the object of our joint labours, had I not been assured that you have the inclination, and believed that you have the power further to promote its interest, and with it the interest and honour of the U. States. The establishment of a National...
1079To James Madison from Alexander White, 19 May 1794 (Madison Papers)
I am favd with yours of 12th. instant—since which a Gentleman has arrived from Philadelphia who left it on Wednesday, and says the Embargo is not to be continued. I should myself prefer a direct tax to an extension of the Excise, or to the introduction of any new indirect tax which has yet occurred to my mind. Whether a tax on Carriages (except as an article of manufacture in the hands of the...
1080To James Madison from Alexander White, 17 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you a Line from Philadelphia mentioning such Facts as had come to my knowledge respecting the sentiments of the People on Public Affairs. My Journey was fatiguing, the weather being excessive hot, and the Stages over-burdened with Passengers and Baggage. I reached Baltimore on Tuesday afternoon—and took breakfast before I sat out on Wednesday morning. Several Gentlemen waited on me who...
1081To James Madison from Alexander White, 26 April 1794 (Madison Papers)
Your favr. of 21st instant is come to hand. Your kind attention amidst the multiplicity of business has my most grateful acknowledgements. I am really sorry the appointment of Mr Jay is disapproved of. From what I have observed and heard of his character I confess I was pleased with it. The constitutionality never occurred to me, and I do not recollect any clause in the Constitution, which...
1082To James Madison from Alexander White, 25 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
Yours of Monday Morning (Yesterday Se’night I presume) came to hand in course of Post. I find by the Papers that the Committee has reported the 12th. of Septemr as the proper time for Congress to adjourn—tho’ I do not believe they can adjourn at so early a day, or that they can or indeed ought to discuss all the business mentioned by the Committee, particularly the Act for punishing of Crimes....
1083To James Madison from Alexander White, 5 May 1794 (Madison Papers)
I have to thank you for your favr of 21st. Ulo. I deem it peculiarly unfortunate that any appointment by the President should at this time be considered as exceptionable. With regard to Mr Jay I confess I cannot discover any constitutional ground of objection. Whatever impropriety there may be in his holding two offices at the same time and receiving compensations for each, the constitution...
1084To James Madison from Alexander White, 2 December 1796 (Madison Papers)
The proposed measures for the establishment of a National University which I took the liberty of mentioning as you passed through this City, and which had been the subject of a letter while you were in Virginia, have assumed a form differrent from what they bore at either of those periods. A Copy of that letter is therefore unnecessary. The Commissioners have forwarded to the President a...
1085To James Madison from Alexander White, 30 March 1794 (Madison Papers)
Your favors of 2d. & 17th. instant came to hand together on the 22d. the mail carrying the former not having reached Alexandria when the Winchester Post in course left it. I have had little time to consider the questions you propose, but will hazard an opinion. The laying Embargos is connected with War as well as with commerce, and indeed is more frequently an instrument of the former than the...
1086To James Madison from Alexander White, [ca. 12 May] 1794 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to contradict the report from Kentucky mentioned in my last of General Clarkes having fallen down the Ohio with 600 Men, I have seen the young man alluded to, and others who came with him. A report prevailed that a Mr Montgomery who has a Colonels commission under Clarke had taken Post at the mouth of the Ohio, and stopped all boats going down the river, but of this there...
1087To James Madison from Alexander White, 9 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have not been long enough in this City to pretend to a knowledge of the general Sentiments of its Inhabitants. Those I have seen exclaim against the Salaries allowed our Officers, And make a particular handle of the 730 Dollars to the Door Keeper, they (Miers Fisher excepted) deem our own Wages too high, also the Salaries of the President and Vice President. In other Matters they express...
1088To James Madison from Alexander White, 30 November 1793 (Madison Papers)
Though I no longer hold a seat among you I feel not the less interested in the honor and happiness of my Country, consequently every information respecting the important Scenes foreign and domestic which have opened during the recess of Congress, or which may be developed during the Session would be highly gratifying. I am sensible of the fatigue a correspondence with your numerous connections...
1089To James Madison from Alexander White, 2 November 1794 (Madison Papers)
Your passing through this Country without giving me the pleasure of seeing you was no small disappointment, and having some acquaintance with the amiable Lady to whom you are now united, my disappointment was not lessened from that circumstance. I requested Mr. Balmain not only to make known our wishes, but to let us know when you came to Town, that Mrs. White and myself might have waited on...
1090To James Madison from Alexander White, 17 January 1795 (Madison Papers)
Your favr. of 28 Ulo. would have been sooner acknowledged, had not the winter arrangement of the Post, by which the mail goes only once a fortnight taken place. I flatter myself the result of Jays mission will be favourable, and that the horrible carnage which has so long desolated and disgraced Europe will cease. England cannot wish to encrease her Enemies—and France has it now certainly in...
1091To James Madison from Alexander White, 1 February 1794 (Madison Papers)
I am favored with yours of 20th. Ulo. and shall not only grant the indulgence you ask, but receive communications with gratitude in any manner you may think proper to make them. I may well do so, because in return I can only like common place conversation, speak of the weather. The latter part of December and January, until near the close, have been mild and fair beyond anything remembered at...
1092To James Madison from Alexander White, 28 December 1793 (Madison Papers)
The promptitude with which you answered my letter is very pleasing. I shall not spend time in discussing the comparative advantages of our correspondence. Sensible of my own pleasure arising from it I shall freely express my sentiments or relate facts as they occur to my mind, and memory. The unanimity which appears to prevail in Congress in support of the great interests of our Country is to...
1093To James Madison from Alexander White, 19 January 1794 (Madison Papers)
I cannot dispense with making my acknowledgements for your attention, and the communications you have favd. me with —in return I have little to inform you, the season has been unfavourable to the winter grain, the early fall of snow is nearly gone, and tho’ we have had some moderate weather the frost has at other times been very severe. We are anxious to hear the event of the representation to...
1094To James Madison from Alexander White, 17 February 1794 (Madison Papers)
I have to acknowledge your favr. of 4th instant with the enclosures, and in return as usual can say little except with respect to the weather which has been so mild as to carry of[f] the late snow and leave the grain exposed to the various changes of season which may take place, but for want of more important subjects will enter into a Family detail commencing with an event probably known to...
1095To James Madison from Alexander White, 7 April 1794 (Madison Papers)
When I consider the momentous struggle in which you are acting—I feel a reluctance to intrude, and yet cannot avoid expressing my regret that I had no intelligence from you by last Post. Public Prints however informed me of two important facts which had not before been fully authenticated the resolution of Congress for laying an Embargo, and the British Kings instructions rescinding those of...
1096To James Madison from Alexander White, 14 February 1795 (Madison Papers)
Your favr. of 2d instant came to hand in course of Post. What a man wishes he will readily believe, I feel a confidence that the accounts of Jay’s successful negotiation are well founded, and that a general Peace in Europe is an event not remote. These circumstances I consider as ensuring the prosperity of our own Country, and I flatter myself that the proceedings of the present Session will...
1097To James Madison from John Wilcocks, 28 January 1797 (Madison Papers)
I have occasion to send a commission to Williamsburg Virginia for the examination of a witness (on interrogatories) in a Law suit depending in the courts of this State: you will permit me to ask the favor of you to name two Gentleman to me as Commissioners for that purpose; You will pardon the liberty, with compliments to Mrs. Madison I have the honor to be Sir Your most humble Servt: RC ( DLC...
1098To James Madison from Samuel Wilds, [28 March] 1796 (Madison Papers)
Your Patriotic attempts to arrest & unfold any thing that bears the face of oppression or injustice, has endeared your name to all who are enemies to such practices, & has implanted such a confidence in me of your readiness to support any thing which may clearly appear for the good of your country, that I make bold to throw my sentiments into your hands as if you were an intimate & proven...
1099To James Madison from Hugh Williamson, 24 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
We are told that Genl Person the bell Weather of Opposition in this State continues indefatigable in his Endeavours to preserve the Spirit of Antifederalism in the State. Our Judges, two of them at least, there are three, continue most malignant anti’s. They seem to think that the new Court will cast a Shade on them. Whether the constitution will or will not be adopted by the next Convention...
1100To James Madison from Hugh Williamson, 2 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
The Post Master at Peters burg informed me on this Day Week that a Letter in your Hand for me had but two days before that passed through his Hands. I verily believe that unless you can persuade Congress seriously to take up & agree to some such Amendmts as you have proposed North Carolina will not confederate but of this more particulars when I have the Pleasure of seeing you which I hope...