11James Madison to William Cabell Rives, 20 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
The last mail brought me your favor of the 17th. accompanied by a copy of the last Southern Review, for which I thank you. The disproportion of polemic politics which distinguishes it, tho’ derogating from the literary character of such works, might, if conducted with ability & good temper, be pardoned, at a moment and on topics peculiarly interesting. I have looked very hastily over the...
12James Madison to William C. Rives, 25 October 1835 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Richard Chapman a son of Reynolds Chapman who married one of my neices. He will communicate the hope of his father and his own, that he may obtain a birth in the Military school at West-point. My esteem and regard for the Father, and good wishes for the son, will apologize for my saying that his success could not but be agreeable to me, if the way for it be...
13James Madison to William C. Rives, 2 August 1833 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 28 ult was, my dear Sir, duly recd. I thank you for Mr. Tylers pamphlet with the accompanying News-paper: and I thank you still more for the friendly disposition you express on the subjects of them, as they relate to me. If I mistake not Mr. T. has omitted in his pamphlet a passage in the Newspaper Edition of his speech, which was levelled agst. the Virginia deputies to the...
14From Thomas Jefferson to William Cabell Rives, 22 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
you mentioned in your last favor that until the term of payment of our bond to the Collectors should be approaching. it would be better to let that subject lie, to come on in it’s proper turn. the bond becomes due in the course of the ensuing month of May, the particular day I do not recollect, but it is after the middle of the month. and I believe I may say for one & all of us that it would...
15James Madison to William Cabell Rives, 22 June 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have received your very friendly favor of the 15th. enclosing the Diploma of Honorary Membership of the United States Naval Lyceum. As I acknowledged through Captain Ridgely, soon after its receipt, the notification transmitted by him, that the Society had conferred on me this distinction, it may suffice to ask the favor of your communicating to Lieut. Hudson the safe receipt of the diploma....
16James Madison to William C. Rives, 12 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your very kind letter of the 6th. from Washington; and by the same mail, a copy of your late speech in the Senate for which I tender my thanks. I have found as I expected, that it takes a very able and enlightening view of its subject. I wish it may have the effect of reclaiming to the doctrine & language held by all from the birth of the Constitution, & till very lately by...
17From Thomas Jefferson to William Cabell Rives, 13 January 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I am rejoiced to see you have taken up the subject of Primary schools. I consider them equally interesting, perhaps more so than the University. it is impossible the legislature can consent longer to throw away the public money on so desperate a plan as the present. I recieved yesterday from Kentucky the most able report on that subject which we have ever seen. I inclose it to you in the hope...
18James Madison to William C. Rives, 21 October 1833 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 4th. was duly recd. I had not forgotton the intimation of which I am reminded by it, but unabating interuptions, added to my crippled health, had produced a delay which I could not avoid; and since I had notice of your return from the springs, the same causes have operated. I found also on the trial, more of tediousness in consulting documents and noting references, than was...
19James Madison to William Cabell Rives, 2 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
On turning to my bundles of Old Pamphlets, I picked out the inclosed duplicate Nos. of Debates in Congress during a period for which copies are now scarce. I am sorry I could not find more. They may perhaps be of some aid in making up complete sets as opportunities occur. We had the pleasure of Mrs. Rives’ company till yesterday morning, when she left us in the good health she brought with...
20From Thomas Jefferson to William Cabell Rives, 29 December 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I was just about acknoleging your favor of the 19 th when I recieved information from mr Cabell that you were absent on a visit to your family; and as the question you proposed to me was of some urgency, I have answered it to him. I borrow the pen of a grandaughter at the same time to send you a copy of that letter which I must pray you to accept as an answer to yours particularly. this hope I...