51From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 20 February 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
The multiplied sollicitations to interest myself with you for applicants for office have been uniformly refused by me . in a few cases only where facts have been within my knolege, I have not been able to refuse stating them as a witness, which I have made a point to do so drily as that you might understand that I took no particular interest in the case. in a conversation with you however, at...
52From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 February 1824 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Jany. 26. came duly to hand. The information I wish to be obtained from Genl. Jackson is 1st. What was the form & dates of the appointments of Brigadier, and of Brevet Major General, accepted by him in his letter of June 8th. 1814. to the Secy. of war; and what the date of the Secretary’s letter inclosing the appointments. The term “form” refers to the distinction between...
53From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 5 February 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter is from a person entirely unknown to me; yet it seems to expect a confidence which prudence could give to a stranger. and as he seems to write under your authority, I take the liberty of confiding my answer to yourself directly, and of returning his paper to you. I do not know that the publication of the papers of the old Congress could be objected to, except such as might...
54From James Madison to James Monroe, 3 February 1824 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a few days ago a letter from Mr. Mclean P. M. G. inclosing an application from Mr. Wagner for permission to publish the Archives of the Revolutionary Congress: and conveying “your request of my advice” on the subject; it being supposed “that my acquaintance with Mr. W. would enable me to judge of his ability & integrity.[”] As I felt much respect for Mr. Mclean, and as he spoke...
55From James Madison to James Monroe, 31 January 1824 (Madison Papers)
Col: Armstead Hoomes is on a visit to Washington with views which will be best explained by himself. As a mark of my respect, I can not withold a line which he will hand to you, altho’ I am aware that I can add nothing to your knowledge of his public and private worth, or to your disposition to befriend him in any way that may be permitted by other obligations. Should these be found no bar to...
56From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 20th. was duly received. The external affairs of our Country are I perceive, assuming a character more & more delicate & important. The ground on which the Russian communications were met, was certainly well chosen. It is evident that an alienation is going on between G. Britain & the ruling powers on the Continent, & that the former is turning her views to such a connection with...
57From James Madison to James Monroe, 23 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
A most distressing picture has been presented to me of the condition of Mr. Cathcart and his numerous family, in the hope that as his official services which have had such a termination, were rendered whilst the Executive administration was in my hands, I might be induced to say something in his behalf. It is impossible to learn his actual distress and alarming prospects without sympathy; but...
58From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 19 December 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Girardin, president of the college of Baltimore understanding that the office of librarian to Congress is expected to become vacant by resignn, and desirous of being placed in it, has requestd me to state to you what I know of his qualifns. he lived at Milton in this nbhood 2 or 3. y. while writing his hist. of Virga, and was during that time in great intercourse and intimacy, with my...
59From James Madison to James Monroe, 6 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by yesterdays Mail your favour of the 4th. covering a copy of the Message, and another copy under a blank cover. It presents a most interesting view of the topics selected for it. The observations on the foreign ones are well moulded for the occasion, which is rendered the more delicate and serious by the equivocal indications from the British Cabinet. The reserve of Canning, after his...
60From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
In the hurry of acknowledging yours of Ocr. 17. recd. at the last moment of the opportunity for the post office, I did not advert to the passage relating to enquiries to be made of Genl. Jackson. I hope you have not delayed your intended letter to him on that account. I should suppose it might be quite proper to ask from him copies of the documents appointing him Brigadier or Majr. General by...
61From James Madison to James Monroe, 31 October 1823 (Madison Papers)
I this moment only receive your letter of the 17th. Mine by this mail renders nothing more necessary in answer to it. I understand Mr. Crawford is so far recovered that he hopes to be on the road for Washington in a few days. His weakness I presume will make his journey very slow. Sending this with some other letters by an extra messenger who will hardly reach the P. Office in time I add only...
62From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 October 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. Jefferson your letter to him, with the correspondence between Mr. Canning & Mr. Rush, sent for his and my perusal, and our opinions on the subject of it. From the disclosures of Mr. Canning it appears, as was otherwise to be inferred, that the success of France agst. Spain would be followed by attempts of the Holy Alliance to reduce the revolutionized colonies of the...
63From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 24 October 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
The question presented by the letters you have sent me is the most momentous which has ever been offered to my contemplation since that of independance that made us a nation; this sets our compass, and points the course which we are to steer thro’ the ocean of time opening on our view. and never could we embark on it under circumstances more auspicious. our first and fundamental maxim should...
64From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 October 1823 (Madison Papers)
The friends of Mr. Geo: Conway now of Alabama, who are among my near & much respected Neighbours, understanding that an Office of Register of land is become vacant by the election of its holder to Congress, are anxious that I should name him for consideration in appointing a successor. Notwithstanding the claim they think they have to my favorable attention, I yield to their wishes with a...
65From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 19 October 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I forward to you the inclosed letter on the same ground on which it is addressed to me, and not that Duane has any Moral claims on us. his defection from the republican ranks, his transition to the Federalists, and giving triumph, in an important state, to wrong over right, have dissolved, of his own seeking, his connection with us. yet the energy of his press, when our cause was laboring, and...
66From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 August 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the inclosing papers from the war office. The path I am endeavouring to trace is so dark & tortuous and the official lights left by the Ex-functionary behind him so scanty, that I find it difficult to do justice to the subject. It may be of some use perhaps to understand precisely in what cases usage may have sanctioned “letters of appointment,” instead of regular...
67From John Roane to James Monroe, 8 August 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
With M r Tho s J. OFlaherty, who, will forward this introductory note, accompanying his own application to be considered a candidate for the office of professor of languages in the central College of V a I have been several years acquainted—His exhibits will afford, the best testimony of his qualification, & sure I am, all who have witnessed his mode of instruction, will admit his competency...
68From Thomas J. O’Flaherty to James Monroe, 3 August 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
The Institutions which flourish under the arch of our Constitution strike the scholar with fond surprise. The liberal management held out to Literature shews its importance, and how keenly it is relished by American Freemen. In this State we see an Edifice, which when in operation, will scatter the salutary light of mind throughout “the Old Dominion,” and enable the rising sons of Virginia to...
69From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 July 1823 (Madison Papers)
I am giving you more trouble & of a more disagreeable sort than I could wish: but an enquiry into the case of General Jackson’s appointment in May 1814 involves circumstances not to be fully elucidated without a resort which you have kindly permitted. On the 14th. of May 1814. The Secy. of War proposed to me, then here, to make Jackson a Brigadier with a brevet commission of Majr. General till...
70From James Madison to James Monroe, 22 July 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 14th. The inclosures leave no desideratum at present observed but the date of the Commission sent to Jackson with the letter of May 28 from the S. War. The date of the Comn. to Jackson inclosed by you, refers to the appt. after ratification by the Senate. May I avail of your kindness to forward the date of the first Comn. from the Authy. of the Presidt. alone. A...
71From James Madison to James Monroe, 6 July 1823 (Madison Papers)
Tho’ sorry to trouble you so often I must ask the further favor of you to let me have from the War Dept. a copy of Genl. Harrison’s letter of Resignation. It bears date the eleventh of May 1814. Also a copy of the letter of the Secy. of war acknowledging its receipt; date May 24. Also copy of the Secy’ letter to Harrison of May 28. accepting the Resignation of Harrison. Yrs. always RC ( DLC :...
72From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 July 1823 (Madison Papers)
To my requests the day before yesterday I forgot to add that of a Copy of As letter to Harrison acknowledging the receipt of his Resignation; the date only being formerly asked for & sent in your last. Yours RC ( DLC : Monroe Papers); draft ( DLC ). RC docketed by Monroe. Minor differences between the copies have not been noted.
73From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 July 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of June 28 covering the papers from the War office, for which I return my thanks. I observe that the letter from A. inclosing the commission of Majr. Genl. to Jackson is dated May 21. This is manifestly an error, because the letter refers to one preceding of May 24. If the error be in the copyist be so good as to obtain for me the true date. Let me have also the date of...
74From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 23 June 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been lately visited by a mr Miralla, a native of Buenes Ayres, but resident in Cuba for the last 7. or 8. years, a person of intelligence, of much information, and frankly communicative. I believe indeed he is known to you. I availed myself of the opportunity of learning what was the state of public sentiment in Cuba as to their future course. he says they would be satisfied to remain...
75From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 14 June 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
The reasons assigned in your favor of the 7 th for preferring to retain Loudon instead of Albemarle are such as cannot be controverted. the society of our children is the sovereign balm of life, and the older we grow the more we need it, to fill up the void made by the daily losses of the companions and friends of our youth. nor ought we of this neighborhood to regret a preference so conducive...
76From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 11 June 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Considering that I had not been to Bedford for a twelve month before, I thought myself singularly unfortunate in so timing my journey as to have been absent exactly at the moment of your visit to our neighborhood. the loss indeed was all my own; for in these short interviews with you, I generally get my political compass rectified, learn from you whereabouts we are, and correct my course...
77From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Morris who was employed for several years on a confidential Mission to Spain, observes to me that in executing the trust, he incurred expences, particularly in being transferred from Cadiz to Madrid, and during his residence at the latter place, which in the then circumstances of Spain were great beyond foresight, and moreover in providing a Clerk for whose services he had occasion: and he...
78From James Madison to James Monroe, 16 April 1823 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. did not come to hand till the evening before the last. From a communication just had with my nephew, I find that he is anxious not to lose the chance of the Secretariship to the Board under the Treaty, and seems to be encouraged in his hopes by his friend Col: Barbour. It will be agreeable to him therefore, if not objectionable, that his appt. to the other place you...
79From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 29 March 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
In answering a letter from mr Short I indulged myself in some off-hand speculations on the present lowering state of Europe, random enough to be sure; yet, on revising them, I thought I would hazard a copy to you, on the bare possibility that, out of them, you might, as we sometimes do from dreams, pick up some hint worth improving by your own reflection. at any rate the whole reverie will...
80From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 21 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed answers your favor of the 29 th Ult. on the value of your lands. I had had great hopes that while in your present office you would break up the degrading practice of considering the President’s house as a general tavern, and economise sufficiently to come out of it clear of difficulties. I learn the contrary with great regret. your society during the little time I have left would...
81From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 21 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 29. did not get to hand till a few days past, and as I could not answer it without some information and the weather severe, I had to wait till it became a little milder, so that I could ride to the Highlands to make my enquiries. I recieved the information I asked from mr Landrum yesterday. I learn that within your lines are about 2000 acres of Carter’s antient patent,...
82From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 February 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have rcd. your favor of the 3d. I am much obliged by the kind manner in which you speak of my Nephew. I hope you will always consider expressions of my good will in such cases as perfectly subordinate to public considerations, and superi[o]r pretensions. In the present case I am not sure that the appt. of my nephew to the place in question ought to be desired even by himself, unless Col:...
83From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 February 1823 (Madison Papers)
Having just recd. a letter stating the circumstances in the extract enclosed, I have thought it not amiss, that they should be known to you. You will be able, or can be enabled to judge how far they merit attention. Some of them, if there be no error in the statement, seem to require & admit of correction. You will observe that the information is from a source professing & I believe truly to...
84From James Madison to James Monroe, 27 January 1823 (Madison Papers)
The Speaker of the H. of R. the particular friend of my nephew Edgar Macon has intimated to him that a Clerk will soon be wanted for a Board for executing the late award of the Emp: of Russia, and has advised him to be a candidate. Of his qualifications for such a service Col: Barbour can speak with much more knowlege than I can, having been the patron of his professional studies, and...
85From James Madison to James Monroe, 20 December 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. Lear engaged in settling the accounts of General Hull, a request of what I may recollect on the question, whether there was a stipulation or understanding, that the General was to receive his salary as Governour, as well as his military pay. I have simply answered that my memory does not furnish any evidence which ought to influence the decision of the question. As the...
86From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 1 December 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you, Dear Sir, for the opportunity of reading mr Taylor’s letter, which I now return. news that one can rely on from a country with which we have so little intercourse, and so much mutual interest is doubly grateful. I rejoice to learn that Iturbide’s is a mere usurpation and slenderly supported. altho we have no right to intermeddle with the form of government of other nations yet it...
87From James Madison to [James Monroe?], 3 November 1822 (Madison Papers)
My neighbour & your Acquaintance Mr Richard Taliaferro is desirous that one of his sons should receive a military education at West Point. His progress in the preparatory studies is certified by his present Tutor, and I have myself had a slight opportunity of witnessing that he has some knowledge of Latin. Of his general character I know nothing which is not favorable. If there be no bar to...
88From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 September 1822 (Madison Papers)
The mail of saturday brought me your favour of the 16th. The letters inclosed in it are returned. Accept my thanks for the odd vol: Congl. Journals. As I understand the case presented in the other paper inclosed, it turns on the simple question, whether the Senate have a right, in their advice & consent, to vary the date at which, according to the nomination of the President an appointment to...
89Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 5 September 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I have made it a rule, and have pretty steadfa stly ob served it, not to permit myself to be used as an instrument to trouble and embarras the government with sollicitations for office. now & then however a case occurs which from pecu lia r circumstances, cannot be declined. still I wish it always to be understood that I ask no departure from what justice, or the necessary rules of government...
90From James Madison to James Monroe, 18 May 1822 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 12th. in which you ask whether I recollect “any case of a nomination of an officer of the Army to a particular office to take rank from a certain date” in which the Senate have interposed to give rank from another date, and again whether I recollect “any instances of filling original vacances in civil or military offices in the recess of the Senate when an...
91From James Madison to James Monroe, 6 May 1822 (Madison Papers)
This will probably arrive at the Moment for congratulating you on the close of the scene in which your labours are blended with those of Congress. When will your recess from those which succeed, commence; and when & how much of it will be passed in Albemarle? We hope for the pleasure of halts with us, and that Mrs. M. and the others of your family will be with you. Mr. Anduaga I observe casts...
92Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 19 March 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Mar. 14. has been duly recieved. in that you ask if my letter to mr Morse may be communicated to the gentlemen of the administration and other friends. in the first place the former are entitled to it’s communication from mr Morse as named members of his society . but independantly of that, a letter addressed to a society of 6. or 8000 people is de facto made public. I had...
93Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 6 March 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not know by what individuals the association was formed which is the subject of the inclosed letter to mr Morse . I suppose them to have been few and private, and that the undertaking must have been on too partial a view of the subject. I observe your name not on the roll, and for a reason too light to have been the true one: and I suspect therefore it has been refused for good reasons....
94Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, [23 February 1822] (Jefferson Papers)
D r Wallis of Fauquier with whom I think you are acquainted seems desirous as his years advan c e to associate with his medical pursuits or perhaps substitute for them some employment which might relieve or lessen their labors. in what character of business his choice or opportunity might lead him to engage I do not know; but his talents & informn admit qualify him for a large range and his...
95From James Madison to James Monroe, 16 February 1822 (Madison Papers)
A letter from Mrs. Dallas has just come under my eye, by which I find she is subsisting on very scanty resources, and is under impressions that two of her sons particularly, are not as well off as the public services of their father, and their own personal worth had promised. The elder one belonging to the Navy has, it seems, been a considerabl⟨e⟩ time without a ship. The other, George, tho’...
96Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 27 September 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved your letter at dusk, when no candle was lighted, & not suspecting your so sudden departure told the servant not to wait for an answer, & that I would send it. I hope I shall be able to send the papers in the morning before you will have departed. The letter of Lewis shews that Barron is a most unprincipled man, and the sentence of the court shews him unworthy of any military trust....
97Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 13 August 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
You have seen announced in several of our papers an intention of the Polonese nation to erect a monument near Cracow to the memory of Gen l Koscuzko , and their wish that England and the US. by joining in contributions, might give a proof of the interest they take in his character; that for this purpose, they had addressed a letter to L d Holland in Engl d
98From John Adams to James Monroe, 31 July 1821 (Adams Papers)
Had I not been poisoned by the mephytic iffluvia of blossoms and roses to such a degree as to deprive me of the right of letters and the feeling of a pen: I should have long since acknowledged the honour of your obliging letter of the 13th of the month. it is perfectly satisfactory to me and it ought to be so and I presume will be so to Dr Waterhouse. I am happy to hear that your health is...
99From John Adams to James Monroe, 6 June 1821 (Adams Papers)
Of the multitude of applications to me for Letters of Introduction and recommendation to the President and Heads of departments, in favour of candidates for Office, I have for a long time Sternly, and Sometimes almost cinically refused them all. But the enclosed letter from Dr Waterhouse has so tenderly affected me that I cannot resist my feelings and Inclination to transmit it to you. I...
100From James Madison to James Monroe, 16 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
I am just informed by Mr. F. Corbin, that E. Randolph, who held a Commission in the late Army, is desirous of the Collectorship at Pensacola, at which place he had established himself, in anticipation of its becoming a port of the U.S. As his military appointment originated in my nomination, and it was so well justified by his distinguished gallantry on several important occasions, it seems to...