5201To James Madison from George Graham, 16 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
Beleiving that it would be satisfactory to you to know the local distribution of the amount appropriated for the Pay of the Army & militia; I have fowarded for your information the enclosed statement. The other papers now sent you will retain untill the arrival of Mr. Crawford; he is detained here only for his baggage. Yours very Sincerely RC and enclosure ( DLC ). For enclosure, see n. 1....
5202To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 2 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
On my return here, I found an Edition, in 8vo, of the Essai politique sur La Nouvelle Espagne —of which I have forwarded a copy for your acceptance. Baron Humboldt is, at present, in Germany, and proposes to return soon to Paris. He accuses Major Pike of having copied a part of his map, without even the mention of his Name. A french translation of Pikes’ Journal is in the press. I beg leave,...
5203To James Madison from Robert H. Jones, 1 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Circumstances that apply exclusively to my private affairs and in the U.S. interest induce me to resign ⟨my⟩ Commission as Attorney of the United States for the Distric⟨t⟩ of North Carolina, and to request you to accept this as my resignation. It would afford me Sincere Satisfaction to tender herewith the name of Some Gentleman, as my Successor, of adequate talents to the duties imposed by the...
5204To James Madison from John Armstrong, 5 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
I write this letter under feelings the most unpleasant. You will have seen by my public correspondence, that on the 26th. Ult. I was induced to write a letter to M. Champagny, contradicting the reports which were circulating here of an alledged adjustment of our differences with G. B. and that I had been principally induced to take this step by the silence of M. Pinkney. The journals of to-day...
5205To James Madison from Elijah Mix, ca. 15 April 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 15 April 1813. “The inclosed plan Will be explained to you by the Secretary of the Navy.” RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 1 p. Docketed by JM. Undated; conjectural date assigned based on the assumption that Mix sent this note sometime between 8 Apr. 1813, when he wrote JM requesting support for his torpedo project, and 7 May 1813, when William Jones ordered Capt. Charles Gordon to aid Mix’s...
5206To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 15 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to receive your commission, of the 8th. instant for the office of Collector of the direct tax & internal revenues, thro the hands of the commissioner, to whom, in compliance with his printed circular, I made known my acceptance of that office instantly, by the return of the mail. I also proceeded to prepare & perform such other things, as the laws and instructions pointed out,...
5207To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton Jr., 12 June 1811 (Madison Papers)
If I have not already, too much trespassed upon your attention, permit me to observe, that the commercial Interests of the United States, are now unrepresented in Portugal. The consulate office, in consequence of the absence of Mr Jarvis, has become vacant. If it comports with your feelings & does not interfer, with the arrangements of Government, I should be happy, through your personal...
5208To James Madison from Thomas Gimbrede, 3 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
Having observed with pleasure that the Citizens of the United States of America, always have paid much deference to their first Magistrates! and in a manner that does a great deal of honour to both; I have conceived that a print representing the four Presidents; would be very desirable and pleasing to the dispassionate and true Americans. Having done the best of my abilities in the execution...
5209To James Madison from Thomas Deye Owings and Others, 8 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
To the president of the United States, the undersigned beg leave to represent—That the recent death of the Honble. H. Innes has occasioned a vacancy in the Federal Judiciary in this State. To fill this vacancy we recommend John T. Mason of Lexington as a fit person we consider him well qualified for the station. He has recvd a liberal Education, and spent several years in the Study & practice...
5210To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 14 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter has just been received from Genl. Jackson. Every step will be taken to secure the payment of his Troops. The British Officer commanding at Castine, declines surrendering the post until he receives orders from Halifax; and the Commander at Fort Niagara declines surrendering until he receives orders from General Drummond. Both say, however, that they expect the orders will be...
5211To James Madison from William Lee, 28 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is an Invoice and Bill of Lading of one pipe of Brandy, two cases of wine, two baskets of oil, one box of cordials, one box of Prunes and one box of gloves which I have sent by the Brig Rambler Captain Snow who will enter them at the Custom house where he may arrive and will send you the account of the freight duties and other expences. I have consigned these articles to him in...
5212To James Madison from Joseph Delaplaine, 15 May 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 May 1812, Philadelphia. Solicits JM’s “patronage to the Emporium of Arts & Sciences
not for the pecuniary value of the subscription, but for the honor of [his] name.” “Mr. Jefferson has favoured me with his name,” as have several members of Congress. Requests JM, if he approves, to write his name on the same paper. If JM declines, requests the return of the prospectus. Also asks that...
5213To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 4 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
As Christians you all profess to be upon an equality with all other men, inasmuch as you rest your hopes for eternal life in the world to come, upon the Grace of God revealed in his son Jesus Christ. Therefore, as Christians I presume to address you. God hath given you much, may you be good stewards for the Lord of hosts. War is contrary to the spirit of Christianity, which is universal...
5214To James Madison from Williams Rutherford, 29 August 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 August 1813, “Washington County” [Georgia]. “ Complaint is not so much a mark of disrespect as the manner of making it , and tho, Executive officers may err—from the fallibility of mankind—it is yet a pleasing circumstance that such casual errors, (while the outlines of administration prove good intentions, and, in all superior movements, correct judgement)—fall as far short of...
5215To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 1 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the President, the answer which he proposes to give to the Committee of Foreign relations, on the reference of the Petitions respecting the West-India trade, and the Plaister trade. He thinks, that it would be premature to commence a commercial warfare; but, at all events, the facts, respecting the British regulations, are not sufficiently...
5216To James Madison from Jonathan Roberts, 17 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
In the recent reduction of the Military establishment Major Peter Muhlenberg formerly of sixth since of the thirty second Regiment has been left out of the service. I think this a just cause for regret both from his own & his fathers merits. He is the son of Gen P. Muhlenberg & has been many years in the army having entered it a mere youth. I apprehend there is no want of proof of his having...
5217To James Madison from Peter Carr, 17 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
The news-papers have informed us of the death of Mr. Barlow, late minister to France. We have not yet heard whether any successor has been nominated, but suppose, in the critical state of our affairs with that power, no unnecessary delay will take place in making the appointment. I do not know whether it has been usual to attach to the embassy a Secretary of Legation: I remember in one...
5218To James Madison from George Joy, 8 September 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 September 1810, Gothenburg. Recapitulates his activities in the region as well as the contents of the letters to which he has not yet received a reply. Reminds JM that the last letter he had from him was dated 16 Mar. 1809 [not found]. Discusses his dealings with Count von Bernstorff and the decisions of Danish prize courts. Is convinced that the Danish government is doing its best to...
5219To James Madison from Jared Mansfield, 23 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
Attached to your person from principle, & a grateful sense of the honors, & favours, at different times conferred on me, it is with reluctance, that I venture to intrude for a moment, amidst your more important concerns. My duty however, as a member of the mil. Staff here, appears to require, that I afford information of affairs in my own province, which may be of consequence to Government,...
5220To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 17 January 1811 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to submit to your perusal the papers sent herewith, which detail the loss of the U. S. schooner Revenge, which was on her way from Newport to New London, the harbour chosen for it’s superior security as a Rendezvous, during the winter and equinoctial gales. However unpleasant this occurrence, at first sight may appear, as the crew, the arms and furniture are saved, I do not think...
5221To James Madison from S. Underwood, 2 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have a desire to leave my present situation for America. I was educated under the patronage of the late Countess of Huntington —have been a Dissenting minister for more than thirty years—have also been in the habit of instructing Youth nearly for as long a term—and understanding that ministers, & teachers of Youth are much wanted in America, induces me to turn my thoughts thither. I am fifty...
5222To James Madison from James Monroe, 5 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I send you a letter from our ministers lately in London, and some from mr. Beasly, and a very important one from Mr Gallatin. Two letters from mr Crawford, the last of may 12., will be decypherd, & sent you, as soon as done. From what I see of these communications, we may expect that the British govt. will assume very high pretentions, in the negotiation, & that none of the other powers will...
5223To James Madison from William Duncan, 8 October 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am induced from a sense of duty to our much injured Country, to communicate to your excellency the following information received as matter of fact, from Mr. Tolado a Spanish Gentleman resident in Philadelphia, of whose Character I understand you possess some knowledge. “In pursuance of a communication of an official nature, by Dn. Lewis De Onis, to the Council of Regency in Spain,...
5224To James Madison from Peter Graham, 18 March 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1813, Philadelphia. “The Memorial of Peter Graham respectfully showeth; “That your Memorialist arrived in the United States from Great Britain, the place of his Birth in the Spring of the year eighteen hundred and three, with the intention of permanent residence: That he continued until the year 1810; at which time he applied to Counsel to aid him in effecting his naturalization, and...
5225To James Madison from James G. Forbes, 13 April 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 April 1811, New York. “As the annexation of the hanseatic towns to the French Empire may have given the finishing stroke to the official duties of my Brother John M. Forbes, the Consul at Hamburg during a period of nine fruitless Years of unprecedented interruption to neutral Commerce —may I hope, that the President … will Consider my Brothers Conduct and afford him such continued marks of...
5226To James Madison from Joseph Desha and Others, 12 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
Permit us to call your attention to a worthy officer, who, we will not say has been neglected, but whom we beleive, (from his having signalized himself in all situations in which he has been plased,) deserves promotion. We allude to Col. William Russell of the 7th Infty, Whom we beleive to be the eldest officer of his grade in the army. We have Recd. information of the death of Brigadeer Genl....
5227To James Madison from William Eustis, 19 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
The unusually bad state of the roads with the shortness of time appear to cut me off from the dependence I placed of making to you my personal respects. It is as difficult for me to realize as to reconcile myself to the idea of leaving the country without the satisfaction of seeing you; and yet from all appearances such will be my lot. In such anticipation I have tho’t it prudent and proper to...
5228To James Madison from Alexander Stuart, Shadrach Bond, and Edward Hempstead, 5 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 January 1813, Washington. “The Undersigned beg leave … to State to the President … that they Consider Nathaniel Pope Esqr Secretary of the Illinois Territory as a Gentleman of the first intelligence, talents, work, and integrity. That the office he now holds cannot in our opinion be filled by any One with more ability than by him, and that his reappointment to that office will give general...
5229To James Madison from James Terrell, 10 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 September 1810, Elbert County, Georgia. Listed in Registers of Letters Received by the Secretary of War (DNA: RG 107), which indicates that Terrell requested a pardon for his brother, William Terrell, a deserter from the U.S. Army who was “very penitent” and desired to return to duty. The entry in the register records that the letter was sent to the adjutant and inspector...
5230To James Madison from William Eustis, 21 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed Letters from Governor Harrison create a strong presumption that hostilities will not be commenced by the Indians. The movement with a respectable force up the Wabash proposed by the Governor appears from the light in which things are placed, to be adviseable: and in preference to militia it appears to me that Boyd’s Regt. (who are distant from Newport where they are now halted to...
5231To James Madison from Edward Fitzgerald, 13 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
Owing to many losses, by Failures, Stagnation in Trade, mentaining a large, helpless family, for nearly three years, and last of all, the loss of a Schooner & Cargo on her way from here to Norfolk last week worth upwards of three Thousand Dollars, this has finally reduced me, with a wife, nine Sons, and three daughters, to a State of the utmost distress. This is Sir my present situation, as...
5232To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 25 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
I would hereby take the liberty of introducing to your notice the bearer of this, Mr. Hassler, who has recently returned from Europe, with the apparatus of instruments, which, in execution of his mission for that purpose, he had there procured for the Government of the United States. A descriptive list of these instruments (which are at present in my custody) has lately been transmitted to the...
5233To James Madison from James Monroe, 7 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Nothing new has occurrd since mine of yesterday. I have yours of the 5th. Mr Eustis has been with me, & we have communicated on the subject of yours to him. He expresses a strong desire for me to take the command, & thinks that a volunteer comn., would serve the purpose. We will confer fully on this subject to day, and come to a decision, and by to morrow’s mail you shall have the result. The...
5234To James Madison from James B. Johnson, 17 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty as a free citizen of a free country of addressing thee on one of the most important subjects that ever attracted the attention of a citizen of the United States. And hope that liberty will be excused & that thee may read and consider the contents with that serious consideration for which so weighty a matter loudly calls. The subject is the manumition of the Africans held in...
5235To James Madison from John Rhea, 4 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 May 1810, Washington. Encloses a copy of his circular letter to his constituents. RC ( DLC ); enclosure ( DLC : Madison Collection, Rare Book Division). RC 1 p. Enclosure (3 pp.) is Rhea’s 20 Apr. 1810 printed letter to his constituents (reprinted in Cunningham, Circular Letters of Congressmen , 2:687–93), which quoted extensively from JM’s 29 Nov. 1809 annual message to Congress . Rhea was...
5236To James Madison from Henry Clay, 3 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Knowing that we cannot differ on the question of the object of the Internal Improvement bill, however we may on the Constitutional point, will you excuse me for respectfully suggesting whether you could not leave the bill to your successor? If it receive his approbation, within the ten days, I am inclined to think the law is valid. The notification to the two houses of the passage of any bill,...
5237To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 28 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose two letters from the district attorney of Georgia, respecting the misbehaviour of Benjamin Wall Marshal for that district. The business of the Savannah custom house had been transacted in so improper manner for a great length of time by the successive collectors, that unable to arrange & understand their respective accounts, I was obliged to send there last winter...
5238To James Madison from David Daggett, 26 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have received by the mail of this day a letter inclosing a Petition to the President of the United States in behalf of Aaron West, a sergeant in the 6th: Regiment of United States infantry stationed upon Governors Island near NewYork, stating that the Petitioners are apprehensive that as he has been lately tried by a Court martial for desertion, he may be under sentence of death, & praying...
5239To James Madison from William Eustis, 15 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 February 1812, War Department. Transmits a “general return of the Militia of the United States, taken from the latest returns received by this Department from the several States and Territories” [not found]. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 1 p.
5240To James Madison from William Farquhar, 17 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 July 1812, Natchez. Asks that JM permit him “to remain peacably untill He can dispose of his property lawfully aquired here; Pay his debts which are but few; and retire, to oppose in another land Napoleon the Tyrant the plague of Europe.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, War of 1812 Papers, Letters Received regarding Enemy Aliens). 1 p.; docketed by JM. William Farquhar of Natchez was described on the...
5241To James Madison from Thomas Dixon, 6 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
A man in my Situation is Seldom Ceremoneous and you will be Surpris’d at Seeing a letter from you don’t Know Who. Keen Distress Sir Drives men to do What they never thought of Before. But hear my Tale and I’ll have Done. When I was about Six years old I was bit by A Dog Just above the ankle inside the Leg. It continu’d Sore till last february was a year When Doctor F. May in Nashville cut it...
5242To James Madison from William Crawford, 17 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The aim of the present address, will, I trust, be a sufficient apology for the intrusion. If the scheme it proposes shall be deemed either dangerous or impracticable, it will only subject you to the trouble of perusing it. It has always been the opinion of the subscriber—that the measures of our government should be calculated to afford security to the basis on which it ought to rest—the free...
5243To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 29 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Honourable Saml L Mitchill of the House of Representatives of the United States having transmitted to the State Committee of fortifications a printed Letter addressed to you signed Edward Clark containing a project of fortification for this Harbour, I think it my duty as chief Engineer of the United States, and author of the plans of fortification lately compleated & now progressing under...
5244To James Madison from Adrian Benjamin Bentzon, 20 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
Presuming on the personal acquaintance, you have honor’d me with, I venture to call on your attention for a few moments in order to explain in a private letter my motives for not immediately granting an “exequatur” to Mr Jacques, who has been appointed Consul at Ste. Croix. It is not customary to receive Consuls in Colonies, the trade in nearly all being in ordinary times exclusive with the...
5245To James Madison from Mordecai Barbour, 28 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 June 1812, Petersburg. “In the present crisis … it becomes the duty of every citizen to tender to his Country such services as he is capable to render. Under the influence of such a conviction and believing from the experience I acquired in the revolutionary war that I can render essential services to my Country, I have caused it to be communicated at the War office my willingness to accept...
5246To James Madison from William Thornton, [3 March 1817] (Madison Papers)
To prevent any Suspicion of a deficiency in respect to you and your Lady—whom we have never ceased to more than respect & esteem—I am unwilling to permit you to depart without expressing our sincere regret that when your Departure was made known to all our Friends by her farewell visit to them, and they were thereby enabled to pay their parting respects, we remained ignorant thereof, and were...
5247To James Madison from John P. Van Ness and Richard Bland Lee, 2 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
Having determined to send Mr. Andrei in the Corvette John Adams to the Mediterranean for the purpose of being landed at Barcelona in Spain, to be thence conveyed to Leghorn & for which the necessary orders, pursuant to your instructions have been given by the Secretary of the Navy, it has occurred to us that it might be found practicable consistent with the public service, to send one of the...
5248To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The minister of France intending himself the honor of paying his respects to you at your residence in Virginia, I have taken the liberty to assure him of the pleasure it would afford you to receive him. He expects to set out this evening, & I avail myself of the opportunity of assuring you of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be your very obt servant RC ( DLC : Rives...
5249To James Madison from William Hunter, 29 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce Col. Searle Adjutant General who presents himself to you charged by this State with business peculiarly interesting to its welfare. I understand he is instructed to represent our defenceless and distressed situation, to request of the General Government efficient assistance and to offer the prompt and constitutional co-operation of this State in all necessary measures...
5250To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 27 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Bank subscription is filled. The deficit of the general returns, 3,000,000. Dollars, was taken by Mr. Girard, in a single line, to the great disappointment of the Brokers and Speculators. I congratulate you upon this event. There is little doubt of the organization of the Bank being republican, and friendly to the Government. The Cumberland road presents new embarrassments; and I shall...