4451To James Madison from Anthony Charles Cazenove, 31 March 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1812, Alexandria. “I expect in very few days to be able to send you the pipe of Lisbon wine you have been good enough to order. I have now on hand 1 pipe, 2 hhds & 1 qr. cask good market Madeira wine, which am authorised to sell @ $250. p pipe in order to close sales, such as have always sold for $300. Will you give me leave to send you a pipe, being actually a sacrifice? The quarter...
4452To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Portland, District of Maine, 18 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1812. “We the Inhabitants of the town of Portland in the District of Maine legally assembled in town meeting, and deeply impressed with the Melancholy and alarming situation of our beloved Country, have thought it our duty, in the exercise of our Constitutional rights, to present this Memorial to your Excellency, with a hope that we may soon be enabled to realize the blessings for...
4453To James Madison from William Hull, 9 March 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 March 1810, Detroit. Recommends Harris H. Hickman for collectorship at the port of Michilimackinac, to replace the late George Hoffman. “Mr. Hickman’s connection with my family” makes it delicate to mention the gentleman’s abilities, “which peculiarly qualify him for the office,” but he is known personally to Jonathan Robinson and Peter B. Porter in Congress. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17,...
4454To James Madison from John Armstrong, 19 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 19 February 1814, War Department. Proposes that “Daniel Bissell, Colonel of the 5th. Infantry … Edmund P: Gaines, Colonel of the 25th. Infantry,” and “Winfield Scott, Colonel of the 2nd. Artillery” be appointed brigadier generals. RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. Docketed by JM , who submitted the...
4455To James Madison from David Howell, 22 October 1812 (Madison Papers)
To assure you of the steady & persevering adherence of Governor Fenner & all his Friends, who are more than ninetenths of the Republicans in this State, to your person & administration, I have enclosed The Providence Patriot of October 17th Instant containing Resolutions passed at a Republican Convention of Delegates from all the Towns in this County. These Resolutions were written by Governor...
4456To James Madison from Thomas Law, 1 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
In the accompanying Letters I have used my endeavors to be perspicuous, forcible & concise, without omitting any very essential argument to ensure the establishment of a national currency, an all important desideratum which I should rejoice to see effected before you close your political Career. I have never intruded but for public useful purposes. When it was proposed to make Treasury notes...
4457To James Madison from Barent Gardenier, 7 July 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 July 1810, New York. Proposes the establishment of an office in New York City for the collection and securing of moneys owed by traders and others in the country to merchants and others in the city. Establishes a scale of fees for the services offered. RC ( DLC : Madison Collection, Rare Book Division). A three-page printed circular letter. Addressed to JM and signed by Gardenier.
4458To James Madison from William Harris Crawford, [ca. 5 June 1816] (Madison Papers)
Under existing circumstances the call of the militia seems to be warranted. Colo. Clinch seems Not to suspect Hambly of any agency in promoting the hostility of the Seminoles. Gaines does, & I think there is some reason for Keeping a vigilant eye upon him. The measures which are contemplated will bring things to an issue. Under present appearances this is believed to be desirable. Should...
4459To James Madison from George W. Campbell, 22 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter I have the honor to transmit for your consideration. The subject to which it relates may require early attention. Should we find it necessary to resort to Europe for the next loan, there may be little time to spare in authorising the negotiation. The loan we have obtained, supposing no defalcation to take place in paying the instalments, cannot be calculated on to meet our...
4460To James Madison from Peder Isaacksen, 19 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1809, Christiansand. As an addendum to his petition of 11 Aug., communicates a special accommodation issued by His Danish Majesty on 2 Aug. whereby privateering is to be temporarily curtailed. Captains Martin and Ingersoll have been acquitted by the maritime prize court, the confiscation hearing having been appealed to the admiralty court in Christiania. Forwards the enclosed attested...
4461To James Madison from John B. Colvin, 26 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have just seen two letters from gentlemen in Vincennes to Mr. Jennings, the Delegate in congress from that Territory, stating the particulars of a Battle between Gov. Harrison and the party of the Prophet. The Letters from Vincennes are dated the 12th instant, when the news had just arrived there. The United States troops were attacked unexpectedly at night, and maintained a conflict of two...
4462To James Madison from Daniel Parker, 28 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just received the within communication from Major Genl. Gaines. A list of the citizens named has been sent to the Judge Advocate who has orders to summon all such as may be deemed material as well for the prosecution as for the accused. Such of the officers as had not previously been ordered have been written to except Brigr. Genl. Smith & Captain Shipp who are at St. Louis and Colonel...
4463To James Madison from “Cyrus” [Jonathan Dayton], [29 May] 1809 (Madison Papers)
For the President, in the most perfect confidence. Never were any men more completely confounded, than were a certain description of politicians, to whom I have heretofore alluded, upon the appearance of the Proclamation, for restoring the intercourse between the U. States & Territories of Britain. The commerce, the honor, & the prosperity of their country were with them, at best, but...
4464From John Adams to James Madison, 17 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to You Col. William Sumner; and to Mrs Madison, his Sister, Miss Elizabeth Sumner, Children of our late Governor Sumner. They have requested an Introduction from me. And as I think it right that the President should know, and that his Family Should know Something of the Characters who appear at Washington; I beg leave to say, that Mr Sumner has the Advantages of...
4465To James Madison from John Armstrong, 8 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I arrived at this place late last night from the neiborhood of Ogden’sburgh and shall remain here untill the results of our pending operations be known. On the 28th. the troops were prepared for descending the St. Laurens and waited only the arrival of Col. Randolph’s detachment, to begin the movement. On the 30th. Brown’s brigade had reached the mouth of French Creek (opposite to Gananoque...
4466To James Madison from Henry Lee, 27 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I came here to see the S of war on army appointments & was obliged to wait till late in the evening before I could see him which detained me the night. This day I met G. W who urged me to his house & then ask⟨ed⟩ me to deliver the enclosed. On my way just now to do so, I learnt that yr. dinner company had assembled & I of course returned. I will stay this night in town & will wait on you...
4467To James Madison from David Meade Randolph, 26 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
The event which my letter of the 14th June last was designed to anticipate, you will have communicated from the proper source: Whilst my additional appeal to your private or Official character, as your regard to a due consistencey of conduct shall determine, is, for the sole purpose of referring you to my friend John Marshall of Richmond, and such other persons as may be deemed equal to any...
4468To James Madison from John Rhea, 31 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of addressing to You a Letter dated at the United States Factory in the Chactaw Nation—informing that a treaty was concluded by the Commissioners of the US—with the Chiefs of that Indian tribe. I hope that letter was received. The treaty was forwarded to the War office from Nashville by mail—and I am very much Gratifyed to know, by a letter from that office, that the treaty...
4469To James Madison from Officers of the Fifteenth Regiment of Infantry, 24 August 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 August 1813, Fort George, Upper Canada. “We the Subscribers, Officers of the 15th Regiment United States Infantry Being desirous of perpetuating by every laudable means the name of our Late Gallant Chief General Zebulon M Pike, formerly Colonel of the 15th Regiment; beg leave to solicit, should it meet Your approbation, that the 15th. Regiment should in future be called the “ 15th or...
4470Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 17 April 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed papers will explain themselves. their coming to me is the only thing not sufficiently explained. Your favor of the 3 d came duly to hand. altho’ something of the kind had been apprehended, the embargo found the farmers and plinters planters only getting their produce to market and selling as fast as they could get it there. yet I think it caught them in this part of the state with...
4471To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
On opening my letters from France in the moment of my departure from Washington, I found from their signatures that they were all from literary characters except one from mr. Short, which mentioned in the outset that it was private, & that his public communications were in the letter to the Secretary of State, which I sent you. I find however on reading his letter to me (which I did not do...
4472To James Madison from James Monroe, 10 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I return Mr Cutts’s letters. The accounts from France present a gloomy prospect in relation to Bonaparte, under the most favorable view that can be taken of them. The loss of so many cannon, is a strong proof of a retrograde movment, if not defeat. This is stated by Wellington & may therefore be relied on. The last letter, if true, is decisive. I have supposed that his hope of success was...
4473To James Madison from William Cocke, 28 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty to request Doctor Mitchel to introduce Colo Joseph Bernardo to you who Call’d on us on his way from South America the Attact [ sic ] of the Prophet on Governor Harrison on the night of the 7th instant leaves us no hopes that you will Any longer have it in Your power to preserve peace for the Union and I hope Tennessee will prove her Self a worthy Sister I have no doubt...
4474To James Madison from William Jones, 29 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Presuming that it may be acceptable to you to know the progress and prospects of the subscriptions to the Bank of the United States which in the existing state of things so materially involves the financial operations of the government, and the currency and credit of the country; I have the pleasure to communicate to you such information as I possess on the subject either officially or...
4475To James Madison from Jacob Ten Broeck, 13 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
My Father in law—Matthew Watson from the City & County of New York some time before his decease having made a location on Carlton Island—an Island lying not far from our shore in the River St. Lawrence—which said location is regurally entered in the surveyer Generals office & Mr Wm. Cockburn has been employd to make the survey: but being prevented by British soldiers who were stationed there...
4476To James Madison from John Armstrong, 9 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have this evening received the enclosed letters from Gen. W. From the 3d. to the 9th., both days included, the weather has been as good as we could wish. By his calculation, he would, on the 8th., arrive at Hamilton. The 9th. would carry him to the Coteau de lac, where circumstances may, & probably will, render it necessary for him to debark. From this place to the Grand river, the country...
4477To James Madison from Thomas Tudor Tucker, 29 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of sending you herewith, a letter this day received from Thomas Bee Esqr. of Charleston S. C. Having had no opportunity of being much acquainted with him, I can add nothing to what is already known to you. With great respect I am Sir Your most obedt. Servt. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). For enclosure, see n. 1. Tucker enclosed a one-page letter he had received from Thomas Bee,...
4478To James Madison from Benjamin Stephenson and Edward Hempstead, 1 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
A vacancy having been occasioned in the office of Secretary of the Illinois Territory by the resignation of the last incumbent, and Daniel P. Cook Esqr. being a candidate for that appointment, I have thought proper to address you on the subject of his qualifications, and in so doing I feel no hesitation in recommending him as a Gentleman of every necessary qualification to discharge the duties...
4479To James Madison from James J. Wilmer, 16 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honour to enclose you an Epitome of the work contemplated. My Funds will not admit of printing the whole at present. Several writers have undertaken to write, as they call it, “a defence of Mr. Jefferson’s administration”; their mode may be right, but my manner of doing it will be viewed in the present specimen. There is something singular in this humble offering, that the very...
4480To James Madison from William Pinkney and Others, 10 April 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Pinkney and Others. 10 April 1815, Baltimore. “We beg leave to offer you our sincere Congratulations upon the Conclusion of an honorable Peace between the United States and Great Britain; and at the same time to express our unfeigned admiration of the enlightened Wisdom and patriotic Firmness by which your Conduct has been distinguished, during the extraordinary trials to which...
4481To James Madison from Richard Dabbs, 10 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
Tho a Stranger to you, yet feel a wish to be permited to address you. I entertain no doubt Sir but that you will to the utmost of yr. abillity Steer the political ark of our Salvation through the waves & billows of the present Struggle to and honourable peace, while the haughty nation will be taught to regard our rights, but Sir when I recollect the divine hand (when requested) is allways...
4482To James Madison from Jacob Barker, 12 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
By this mail I send the sundry newspapers recd. pr. Ship Pacific from Liverpool by which it may be observed that the non importation Law presses very hard upon Great Britain which with the severe operation of the Embargo on account of the scarcity of Bread and her other difficulties will be likely to increase the Current against the present Ministry of that nation beyond their power to...
4483To James Madison from Thomas Swann, Francis Scott Key, and John Law, [June 1815] (Madison Papers)
We have the honor to enclose to your Excellency a final report in the case of the Claimants under the Upper Mississipi Company, and a report relative to a part of the Claim of Claimants releasing under the Georgia Mississipi Company. Very resply Yr Obt. Servts: Thos Swann } Comson FS Key J Law RC ( DLC ). Undated; docketed “June 1815” by JM . Enclosures not found, but see n. 1. By 18 Nov....
4484To James Madison from John Moore, [ca. 2 May 1816] (Madison Papers)
The petition of John Moore, humbly shews unto your Excellency: That at November Term of 1815 of the Circuit Court of the district of Columbia, held for the County of Alexandria, your petitioner was found guilty of a Misdemeanor, and amerced in the sum of fifty Cents, and ordered to stand committed until payment of the fine and the Costs of prosecution. Your petitioner shews unto your...
4485To James Madison from Alexander von Humboldt, 26 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
Je profite du depart de Madame Barlow dont l’époux m’avait inspiré les sentimens de la plus haute admiration, pour Vous adresser ces lignes et l’expression de la satisfaction qu’à causé à tous les amis de l’humanité la nouvelle de l’heureux retablissement de Votre santé. Au milieu de cette grande lutte des peuples, voyant cette vieille Europe exposée à tous les malheurs de la devastation, de...
4486To James Madison from James Taylor, 10 January 1811 (Madison Papers)
I promised to drop you a line on the subject of the petition &c. I did my self the pleasure to address to you some time since. I am happy to inform you that I am of opin[i]on there is nothing to be apprehended from this association. Indeed I am informed it is very unpopular among the land holders in that quarter of the state where it has met with the most countenance. The Legislature of this...
4487To James Madison from Tench Ringgold, 28 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
Having ascertained from friends on whose superior judgement I have the greatest reliance, that in consequence of the pecuniary misfortunes to which I have lately been exposed, there are well grounded apprehensions, that my appointment to the office of superintendant of indian affairs, for which I have applied might be objected to by the public, I beg leave to withdraw my application. The great...
4488To James Madison from John Taylor, 12 March 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 March 1813, New York. “The Petition of John Taylor of the City of New York Grocer. Respectfully Sheweth “That your Petitioner is a Native of Ireland, but has been long Settled as a resident in New York. “That your Petitioner having determined to become a Citizen of the United States, announced Such his intention & took the Oath declaring the Same as appears by the certificate hereunto...
4489To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 5 April 1811 (Madison Papers)
Judge Nelson has resigned his judicial office & the Executive of Virginia will soon appoint a successor. The Law requires that he shall reside within the Circuit & the probability is that the preference will be given to a Candidate already here rather than incur the risque of offending by sending a stranger to us. My Friends have solicited my consent to be a Candidate & some of them have...
4490To James Madison from James Brown, 18 January 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Brown. 18 January 1816. “Mr Brown” accepts JM ’s “polite invitation for Saturday next.” RC ( PHi ). 1 p. Unsigned; in hand of James Brown, senator from Louisiana.
4491To James Madison from Adams Herbert & Company, 3 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
We had the honor to receive by the mail of this day, your Excellency’s letter of date the 1st Current, and beg you to accept our acknowledgements for your promptitude in forwarding us the check for five hundred fifty three Dollars & 80/100 which it contained, and which is in full for the original cost and subsequent Charges on One pipe wine from Madeira. We shall attend very particularly to...
4492To James Madison from John Morris, 5 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
The tender of voluntary service which I had the honour to offer on behalf of the officers and privates of my company having been invited as well by previous assurances and recommendations communicated by Mr Lacock and others, as by special and peculiar circumstances which recommended that course for the most prompt and efficacious mean of defending their own frontier, those assurances have...
4493To James Madison from J. Aaron Emanuel Vonhalle, 19 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 February 1810, Fort McHenry. Informs JM that in the “greatest Distress” he enlisted five months ago as a soldier in Capt. George Armistead’s company but now seeks a discharge. RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , V-7:5). 1 p. A second letter from Vonhalle to JM, 20 Feb. 1810 (ibid.; 1 p.), adding that his family wished him to return to his native Prussia, is docketed by a War Department clerk as...
4494To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 29 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom the President of the United States referred the Resolution of the 26th. of March, 1816, requesting that information be laid before the Senate, “in relation to such proceedings as have been had for completing an accurate chart of the coast, within the extent of Twenty leagues from any of the shores of the United States; and in relation to such examinations...
4495To James Madison from Aaron Jordan Booge, 1 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I apprehend that it is probable I am the only Chaplain in the Service, who has not done himself the Honour to present a Line to the first Magistrate of the United States. This has not been because I have been wanting of the highest Respect & Veneration for my sincerely beloved President: but because I have supposed your Time & Attention so much taken up with the public Concerns of the Nation...
4496To James Madison from William Eustis, [ca. 3 October] 1812 (Madison Papers)
In making out the order, as the Militia were to rendezvous at Pittsburg, at which place they would of course wait for further orders, it was thought sufficient by this mail to direct detachments on the requisition of Captn. Piatt for the Cannon & Stores, without adding “you will wait further orders”—taking the chance (which is very small) of any part of them proceeding without orders. I...
4497To James Madison from Samuel Carswell, 16 June 1810 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of a conversation that lately passed, betwixt the post-Master of this place, (Mr. Patton) & myself, I take the liberty, of addressing you at the present time. He says he is fearful, that a late Law of Congress, will compel him, to keep the post-Office open, on the Sabbath. The necessity of enforceing the Law, & the consequences that will result therefrom, are what I purpose to...
4498To James Madison from Jonathan Bull and Others, 9 April 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 April 1811, Hartford, Connecticut. “The friends of the government have for some time past, contemplated with deep regret, the unhappy situation of the federal courts in this district”; they believe that some gentlemen, not friendly to the district attorney, have attempted a remedy by seeking his removal. Such a step would cause pain to the friends of Mr. Huntington, especially at a time when...
4499To James Madison from William McConnell, 8 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
Having for some time had a desire of entering into the service of my cuntrey, I have therefore taken the liberty to offer to your excelency this my petition, for a commision in the regular service, as I am now Just in the prime of life I feel myself dispos’d to spend my days during the present war in distroying the ennimy’s of our beloved Cuntrey, which if your excelency will honour your...
4500To James Madison from John Binns and Others, 2 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 January 1813. “At a very numerous and respectable meeting of citizens of the United States, natives of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, held in the city of Philadelphia January 2, 1813, to consider the proclamation of the Prince Regent of the 26th October, 1812 (a copy of which is enclosed), it was resolved to communicate to you, sir, the sentiments of the meeting on this...