251To James Madison from Robert Simons, [ca. 1 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
Pardon the liberty I take of sending my petition to you with whom I have never had the pleasure of a personal Acquaintance: In you I have ever found the friend of the People, one whom as long as we Keep propriety on our side, I am convinced from your past conduct will be our sincere friend. I know that it should have been delivered to Mr Wm Smith our Representative, but his well known...
252To James Madison from James Monroe, 19 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 19 May 1790. Acknowledged in JM to Monroe, 1 June 1790 . Reports illness of his daughter.
253To James Madison from Alexander Spotswood, 11 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
I Find that there is something due to me for my Services while in the army. Here Follows—the time I entered the army, the times of my Several promotions, and the time of my resignation. August. 1775. Entered the Army with the rank of Major In the 2d. Virginia regiment under the Command of Woodford the Colo. & Scott Lt. Colo. March 1776. Colo. Henry Commanding the First Regiment resigned. When...
254To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 7 July 1793 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you on the 30th. ult. and shall be uneasy till I have heard you have received it. I have no letter from you this week. You will perceive by the inclosed papers that they are to be discontinued in their present form & a daily paper published in their stead, if subscribers enough can be obtained . I fear they cannot, for nobody here scarcely has ever taken his paper. You will see in...
255To James Madison from William Overton Callis, 9 December 1792 (Madison Papers)
I received your favor 27th last Month in due time: and now inclose you my own affadavit and a certificate from Genl. Wood, who commanded the Regiment at the time of my derangement; which (the Paymaster, Benjn Lawson, being dead) is I conceive the best evidence that the nature of the case will admit of. This compensation having been allowed by congress in lieu of all others subsequent to the...
256To 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...
257To James Madison from Benjamin Hawkins, 27 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive yr. favour of the 24th June. Our Elections ended on saturday last, and appearances as far as I can learn, are decidedly federal, in the County where I live, they were violent in the opposition, and now have changed, I was elected by a large majority, Colo. Davie who attends our court, is in for Halifax, they are all from the town and County federal, Mr....
258To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 9 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am to thank you for several favrs. & inclosures, the last May the 17th. I am much pleased with your new Gazzette, which I think promises to be as respectable as it’s name sake of London. The tardy progress of yr. revenue System, has I imagine produced all the mischief it was capable of, in letting the Spring importations escape it’s operation; however I do not mean to insinu[a]te blame to...
259To James Madison from Joseph Howell, 14 February 1791 (Madison Papers)
Agreeably to your request of the 12t. Inst. I have examd. the Muster Rolls of the late line of Virginia, and find that Robert Tompkins was a Lieutenant in the 5t. Regimt. and is continued on the Musters untill Jany. 1777 when he is omitted, the cause of this Omission is not mentioned. The Name of Henry Tompkins does not appear on any of the Muster Rolls. It being Represented those Gentlemen...
260To James Madison from Henry Lee, [8 December] 1791 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed please to give to our friend Frenau. It contains a list of some subscribers to his gazette. We are all miserable here; the late defeat of our army engrosses every mind; please to tell me of any saving circumstances in this unhappy affair should the act. to the gen govt. possess such wished for differences from the one circulating among us. At the same time let me beg you to recede...
261To James Madison from James Monroe, 15 November 1796 (Madison Papers)
This will pass by the way of Engld. & will therefore most probably arrive safe. It is committed to Mr. Dease lately with Mr. P. in Engld. & who will deliver it to some careful person abt. departing thence for America. I enclose in it two letters from T. Pickering to me, my answer to the first, & a communication wh. finally wound up my discussion with the minister of for: affrs. upon the...
262From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 3 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favours of July 31. and Aug. 1. are recieved, but not that of the 30th. which was trusted to a private hand. Having discovered on Friday evening only that I had not inclosed Coxe’s pamphlet, I sent it off immediately to the post office. However I suppose it did not leave this place till the post of Monday nor get to your hands till Tuesday evening. Colo. Lee is here still, and gives me...
263To James Madison from Robert Murray and Company, 29 December 1795 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed Invo. being put into the hands of our G W Murray by Mr. Munroe with a request that we should forward the Cases to Philadelphia by first conveyance we have to inform you that in consequence of excessive bad weather it is to be feared that some of the Furniture is damaged, & therefore recommend to you to have the cases opened before we send them round, by an upholsterer; by which...
264To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, ca. 20 February 1791 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Abstract. Ca. 20 February 1791, New York. A cover addressed to JM, with Livingston’s article, “Thoughts on Coinage,” clipped from the 19 Feb. 1791 N.Y. Daily Advertiser and pasted on the verso. “Robert R. Livingston” written across top of clipping. Livingston sent the same article to Jefferson on 20 Feb. 1791 and enclosed a letter which, among other matters, deplored “a territorial division of...
265Memorandum from George Turner, 10 December 1791 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Abstract. 10 December 1791. “Distances on the Wabash; with observations on its navigation.” The distances are “computed French Leagues.” Tr ( DLC ). A three-page document, in JM’s hand, dated and headed: “Copy of a paper communicated by Judge Turner.” Turner was a territorial judge ( PJM William T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (vols. 1–10, Chicago, 1962–77; vols. 11—,...
266To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 13 July 1792 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you two days ago but by a bungle of the servant it did not get to the post office in time. This serves to cover another paper. I set out this afternoon. Adieu. Your’s affectionately FC ( MHi ); Tr ( DLC : Jefferson Papers).
267To James Madison from Benjamin Rush, 18 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
I expected that the establishment of the federal Goverment, and the reformation of the Constitution of Pennsylvania would have gratified all my wishes for the prosperity of my Country, and have left me to enjoy in private life the pleasures of science and professional pursuits. But I find I cannot be an indifferent Spectator of the great Question which now agitates your house. It involves in...
268To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your servant now returns with many thanks for the aid of him & your horses. I was disappointed in meeting my family here: however I am told they will arrive today. I wished to have seen mr. Randolph, before the departure of your servant, to know if he had found a horse for me; because if he has not, I should determine to accept the offer of yours. I drove him about eight miles in the Phaeton,...
269To James Madison from Pierce Butler, 23 January 1795 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Harper, a Delligate from this State, desirous of the honor of Your acquaintance, so very earnestly entreated me to give Him a letter to You that I coud not parry it. You will receive at his hand a few lines from me. If it is the means of keeping Him right, it may, in a degree, Apologise for the liberty I took. It is necessary however, that I shoud frankly give to You my opinion of Him. My...
270To James Madison from Pierce Butler, 24 June 1795 (Madison Papers)
I am so much indisposed that I am not well able to write. Inclosed You have a few more Articles. I think the Treaty will pass. I will write You the result. Mr. K has moved to Advise the Presidt. to ratify all but the 12th. Article on which further Negociation is to be recommended. I remain with great Esteem Dear Sir Yr. Obedt. Servt RC ( ScU ); enclosure ( DLC ). Addressee not indicated....
271To James Madison from Francis Taylor, 7 November 1790 (Madison Papers)
You did me the favour on a former occasion, to offer the claim I made for half pay, to Mr Dunscomb Comr of Army accounts in Virginia, when he kept his office at Richmond; and I never could account for his answer, “That he could find no evidence of my having been an officer in the Continental line,” although my Capts commission, signed by the President of Congress, was with the papers I sent...
272To James Madison from William R. Davie, 10 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
My private acquaintance with you would by no means warrant a correspondence of this kind, but the interest we have in your public character and exertions will sufficiently apologise for the freedom. You are well acquainted with the political situation of this State, its unhappy attachment to paper money, and that wild scepticism which has prevailed in it since the publication of the...
273To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 1 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
Colo. Heth has at length brought the Money, and taken up your dr[a]ft for £100. which enables me to transmit your Bond, and the Auditor’s receipt. It will ever give me satisfaction to serve you, being with very great esteem & regard, Dear Sir Your obedt Servt Know all men by these presents that I, James Madison Junior of the County of Orange in Virginia, am held and firmly bound to his...
274To James Madison from George Washington, [12 June?] 1789 (Madison Papers)
As the Communications herewith enclosed will not take much time to Read; As there are matters related which to me are new; and as the information respecting land transactions, and other things in the Western Country will require to be noticed & acted upon in some way or another, I send them to you together with a Gazette with a marked paragraph containing some suggestions that have not, I...
275To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 9 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
I wrote the inclosed letter to you a little before I left Paris, & having no occasion to send it, I brought it with me. I mentioned it to you when I had the happiness of possessing you at Monticello, but still forgot to give it to you. After so long lying by me, and further turning the subject in my mind, I find no occasion to alter my mind. I hazard it therefore to your consideration. I...
276To James Madison from Thomas Leiper, ca. 18 May 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 18 May 1791. Mentioned in JM to Ambrose Madison, 19 May 1791 . Answers JM’s brother’s query of 9 May 1791 regarding the marketing of tobacco in Philadelphia, with an apparent offer to handle consignments from both James Madison, Sr., and Ambrose Madison.
277To James Madison from James Monroe, 2 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 17th. of June I have recd. & am sorry to find the most important measures of congress still remaining unsettled & in a very fluctuating state. The assumption will be dislik’d here from what I can learn, under any shape it can assume. Under the discussion it has recd. the publick mind appears to be made up on the subject, & will not readily yeild to any accommodation...
278To James Madison from Mark Pragers and Company, 3 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
We recd. yesterday a Letter from Mr. Arnold Henry Dohrman a[t] New York, requesting to settle a claim you have against him for Mr. Philip Mazzei, we beg therefore to be informed when you will be at leisure and one of our house will do him self the pleasure to call on you, to converse on the subject. We are respectfully Sir Your most Obedt. Servts. RC ( NN ).
279To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 12 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 8th. Ult. inclosing the application of William Mason. I did transmit to Colo. Merewether certain papers of this Man and long ago informed him that they were insufficient to establish his claim which recd. no aid from the Muster Rolls of the Army. I do not now recollect signing the Rect. of which he sends a Copy, but it is highly probable I did,...
280To James Madison from James Monroe, 25 September 1793 (Madison Papers)
I am still doubtful whether I shall visit Fredericksburg this term—if I do will call on you as I go down perhaps on Monday—but I shall in case I do not sit out on that day for Richmond, so that I shall not have the pleasure of se[e]ing you here till the week after. I found at Staunton impressions had been made by letters from Richmd. Mr. M. had written to Gl. Jones who was there to promote an...
281Power of Attorney from James Monroe, 17 June 1794 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison will be pleased to receive from Genl. Wilkinson, or draw on him for the sum of three hundred dolrs. or thereabouts (due me by him) according as the Genl. shall direct. He will likewise receive whatever is obtained from Genl. Bradley from the sale of our Vermont property, or otherwise from the sale or upon acct. of it. He will likewise be pleased, in case he is applied to, give...
282To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 11 October 1793 (Madison Papers)
It is with pleasure I recollect the few hours in which I was so happy as to enjoy your company though I regret that a little indisposition, which was then beginning, & which terminated in a bilious fever, prevented it me from enjoying it so much as I should otherwise have done. I had then some distant thoughts of extending my little tour to the western country—and you were so obliging as to...
283To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 March 1793 (Madison Papers)
Nothing remarkeable this week. What was mentioned in my last respecting Bache’s paper was on misinformation, there having been no proposition there. Yours of the 24th. from Alexandria is received. I inclose you the rough draught of a letter I wrote on a particular subject on which the person to whom it is addressed desired me to make a statement according to my view of it. He told me his...
284To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 30 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
That several of the Packets you have done me the favor to send have remained so long unacknowledged is owing to my having been engaged in business which took me out of reach of the Post Office. I a few days ago was possessed of the whole together. The papers containing the debates upon the powers of the President to remove Officers of the Executive department, were truly acceptable. This was...
285To James Madison from the Minister of the Interior of the French Republic, 10 October 1792 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Abstract. 10 October 1792, Paris. In accordance with the National Assembly’s decree of 9 Sept. 1792, Jean Marie Roland encloses a copy of the law of 26 Aug. offering French citizenship to seventeen foreigners, including three Americans: “à Georges Washington, à Jean Hamilton, à N. Maddisson.” RC and enclosure ( NjMoHP ). Printed one-page RC , in French, signed by Roland and addressed to JM....
286To James Madison from Henry Lee, 17 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
Snow on the ground for seven days past & now snowing fast. Good weather for wheat. Your letter of the 8h. with its enclosures got here last night, as did the previous one you mention some days past: My reply followed the subsequent post. I thank you for your occasional communications altho I do profess my chagrin & disappointment in the leading principles adopted by the administration of the...
287To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 March 1790. The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that the letter consisted of two pages and calendars it as follows: “Hamilton’s plan. Mr. Pendleton’s criticisms thereon.”
288To James Madison from James Monroe, 23 October 1795 (Madison Papers)
I send you herewith an invoice of the articles purchased for you according to yr request & by wh. the duties will be paid. The price will I fear exceed what you expected, for by Dr. Edwards acct. the reports in America were very erroneous in this respect. It is however in my opinion comparatively with what is usual in America very cheap. In the bed there are abt. 80. French ells of Damask...
289To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1795 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Feb. 15 is duly recieved & I now inclose the letter for mr. Christie, which you will be so kind as to deliver to him open or sealed as you think best, & apologize to him for my availing myself of the opportunity of getting the vetch from England which you say is not to be had in Philadelphia. The universal culture of this plant in Europe establishes it’s value in a farm, & I find...
290To James Madison from Walter Jones, 15 May 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have to thank you for your favours of the 1st. of May, which I r[e]ceived on the 12th.—the printed observations have obtained all the approbation from me, which their Temper & Matter So justly claim. But, my dear Sir, Temper & argument lose much of their Force, amid the Conflicts of party, exasperated by the Spirit of Faction, and to Such I fear, is the fate of these States, at present,...
291To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 21 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
I am sorry to find that the Rhode Island Convention have adjourned without determining in favor of the Constitution. This conduct is however so far favorable as it may be deemed a proof that they are not violently bent against it. The general causes of the conduct of that State are perfectly well understood, but I wish much to know as far as you have collected them and are at liberty to...
292To James Madison from James Monroe, 29 October 1795 (Madison Papers)
To day the members of the Directoire are to be chosen. Yesterday the two houses were organised and the prospect is that the present will be a propitious Era in the history of the revolution. The spirit of dissention seems already to be checked by the seperation of the members into different chambers. If suitable men are put into the Directoire the happiest effects must result from the change,...
293To James Madison from Thomas Pleasants, Jr., 6 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
I again take the Liberty of adressing you at the instance of Mr Thomas Thompson, who is now in Madeira, purposes staying there untill next Spring, & anxiously wishes to make it the place of his future Residence. In a letter that I have just Recieved from him, dated the 3d of Novemr. Last; he thinks that the present American Consul, will shortly leave that Island—says it is a place of more...
294From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 27 April 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Mar. 23. came to hand the 7th. of April, and notwithstanding the urgent reasons for answering a part of it immediately, yet as it mentioned that you would leave Philadelphia within a few days, I feared that the answer might pass you on the road. A letter from Philadelphia by the last post having announced to me your leaving that place the day preceding it’s date, I am in hopes...
295To James Madison from George Nicholas, 29 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter and enclosure not found. 29 June 1789. Calendared in the lists probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany). The two documents were offered for sale in the Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), which listed items from the McGuire collection of JM’s papers.
296To James Madison from Hudson Muse, 8 February 1794 (Madison Papers)
I have acted imprudent in granting indulgences, and by my returns from this office, made myself lyable for m[o]n[e]y in expectation of it’s being ready when call’d for; by which means has lately been presented draughts for three thousand dollars, that I was not prepared to pay, and consequently were returned. And as such is conduct for which I am lyable to censure, shall esteem myself much...
297From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 14 February 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of Jan. 24. the day before yesterday; the President’s of the 21st. was 16 days getting to my hands. I write him by this occasion my acceptance, and shall endeavor to subdue the reluctance I have to that office which has increased so as to oppress me extremely. The President pressed my coming on immediately, and I have only said to him in general that circumstances,...
298To James Madison from the Right Reverend James Madison, 24 December 1794 (Madison Papers)
I confess your Answer, respecting the proposed University, was in a great Measure anticipated. But as Mr Jefferson originated the Idea, or Proposition, & referred me to your Aid, I wished to have your own Declaration upon the Subject. Should any fortunate Circumstances place either yourself or Mr J. in the Legislature, this great & important Object might be, I am persuaded, readily effected;...
299To James Madison from Benjamin Hawkins, 3 [July] 1789 (Madison Papers)
I arrived a few days past from Wilmington, and had an opportunity of hearing the sentiments of a number of people in five counties through which I traveled who were originally opposed to the new government. They have, most of them, changed their opinions, and are now friendly to it. I am anxious to know the fate of your attempt to mend the constitution, and whether anything can, with...
300To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1794 (Madison Papers)
I have kept mr. Joy’s letter a post or two, with an intention of considering attentively the observations it contains: but I have really now so little stomach for any thing of that kind that I have not resolution enough even to endeavor to understand the observations. I therefore return the letter, not to delay your answer to it, and beg you in answering for yourself, to assure him of my...