151Bill Prohibiting Further Confiscation of British Property, 3 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Whereas by the Definitive treaty of peace as now ratified Between the united States of America and his Britannick majesty it is agreed that there shall be no future Confiscation; to the end that the same may be carried into effect within this Commonwealth Be it enacted by the General Assembly that the future Operation of the Laws concerning Escheats and forfeitures from British Subjects shall...
152Resolution on Pensions for Wounded Veterans, 3 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee , That the Executive ought to be authorised to put on the pension list all officers and soldiers, who have been wounded in the service of their country, and whom they may think entitled to the same, upon application being made to them therefor. Printed copy ( JHDV Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia; Begun and...
153From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
On Saturday last a proposition was agreed to for establishing Circuit Courts throughout this Commonwealth, and yesterday a bill for that purpose was reported. On wednesday next it will undergo a discussion of the Come. of the Whole. The circumstances under which it has passed thus far seem to promise a favorable issue, but the dangers which it is yet to go thro’ are formidable. They proceed...
154From James Madison to Lafayette, 4 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 4 December 1784, Richmond. Lafayette refers to this letter in the 17 December addendum to his 15 December 1784 letter to JM . The lost letter contained news of the resolution passed in the House of Delegates to have two busts of Lafayette made and placed in the Virginia capital and in Paris.
155From James Madison to Richard Henry Lee, 11 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
I was, by Thursday’s post, favoured with your’s of the 26th of November. We had begun to despair of a Congress being made up in time for a decision on the case referred to them by the resolutions of our last session. I now hope that we may yet hear from you, on that subject, before our adjournment. The bill on the resolutions in favour of the treaty of peace, mentioned in my last, is not yet...
156From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Neither of the two last posts brought me a line from you. I find one in the office for Mr. Jones who is absent on a visit to King George. I expect him back on Monday next. Our proceedings throughout this week have turned chiefly on the bill for assize Courts, which yesterday passed the H. of D. after a faint opposition and with very few dissenting voices. It is formed pretty much on the...
157From James Madison to George Washington, 11 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 11 December 1784, Richmond . Washington had traveled to Annapolis to further his favored scheme for an interstate project to build a canal along the Potomac River. He acknowledged the arrival of this letter on 28 December. JM probably told Washington of the main business that had occupied the General Assembly since Washington’s departure from Richmond ca. 20 November.
158Bill Providing Funds for a James River Canal, [18 December] 1784 (Madison Papers)
The distance between Norfolk and Louisville, at the Falls of the Ohio, is about 525 miles; but in the 1780s the question was not how remote the extremes of Virginia were from each other, but whether these distant points even belonged in the same empire. In tidewater Virginia there was much feeling that navigable rivers from the foothills of the Alleghenies would draw western produce to eastern...
159Madison’s Notes for Debates on the General Assessment Bill, [Outline A], [23–24 December 1784] (Madison Papers)
Debate on Bill for Relig. Estabt proposed by Mr. Henry 1. limited 2. in particular 3. What is Christianity? Courts of law to Judge 4. What edition, Hebrew, Septuagint, or vulgate? What copy—what translation? 5. What books canonical, what apochryphal? the papists holding to be the former what protestants the latter, the Lutherans the latter what other protestants & papists the former 6. In What...
160Madison’s Notes for Debates on the General Assessment Bill, [Outline B], [23–24 December 1784] (Madison Papers)
I. Rel: not within purview of Civil Authority. tendency of Estabg. Christianity 1. to project of Uniformity 2. to penal laws for supportg. it. ————— Progres[s] of Gen: Assest. proves this tendency ————— difference between estabg. & tolerating errour— II. True question not—Is Rel: necesy.? are Religs. Estabts. necessy. for Religion? no. 1. propensity of man to Religion.
161From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 14th. instant came to hand on thursday. A proposition was made a few days ago for this State to empower Congs. to carry into effect the imposts as soon as 12 States should make themselves parties to it. It was rejected on the following grounds 1. that it would present a disagreeable aspect of our affairs to Foreign nations. 2 that it might lead to other combinations of lesser...
162From James Madison to Richard Henry Lee, 25 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
“In the course of the last week a proposition was made to empower Congress to collect the Impost within this State [Virginia] as soon as 12 States shd. unite in the Scheme. The argumts. which prevailed agst. it were the unfavorable aspect it wd. present to foreigners, the tendency of the example to inferior combinations—the field it wd. open for contraband trade—its probable affect on the...
163Act concerning the Appointment of Sheriffs, [28 December] 1784 (Madison Papers)
Be it enacted by the General Assembly that if the Justices of the peace for any County within This CommonWealth shall fail to nominate persons for Sheriff according to the periods prescribed by Law every Justice so neglecting his Duty shall forfeit and pay the sum of pounds & more over shall be subject to be displaced by the Governor & Council . If any person hereafter to be appointed Sheriff...
164Resolutions Authorizing an Interstate Compact on Navigation and Jurisdiction of the Potomac, 28 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Resolved that the Commissioners or any two of them appointed on the 28th. day of June last to concert with Commissioners on the part of Maryland, regulations touching the navigation and jurisdiction of the Potowmac, be further authorized ⟨to unite⟩ with the said commissioners in representing to the State of Pennsylvania, that it is in contemplation of the ⟨said⟩ two States to promote the...
165Resolution for Opening Roads to Market Towns, [ca. 30 December] 1784 (Madison Papers)
Whereas the opening & keeping in repair of direct roads from the different parts of this Commonth. to the several marker Towns, and from one market Town to another would greatly encourage agriculture by cheapening the transportation of its productions to the places of consumption & exportation, and would in other respects contribute to the improvement of the Country by facilitating intercourse...
166From James Madison to George Washington, 1 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your favor of the 28 Ult: accompanying the Report of the Conferees &c. &c. The latter have been laid before the H. of Delegates, and a Com[mitte]e app[ointe]d. to report a bill & Resolutions corresponding with those of Maryland. The only danger of miscarriage arises from the impatience of the members to depart, & the bare competency of the present numbers. By great...
167Resolutions Appointing a Western Road Commissioner, 1 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
Resolved that Thomas Massey esquire or in case of his death or failing to act through other cause, such person as shall be appointed by the Executive in his Stead, be authorized in Conjunction with the person appointed or to be appointed on the Part of Maryland, to open and keep in repair a convenient road from such part of the Waters of the Potowmack, to such part of the River Cheat—or of the...
168Resolution Authorizing Payment to Certain French Creditors, 1 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
Resolved that so much of the Petition of Savary De Valcoulon agent for Messrs Coulougnac and Company merchants of France, as sets forth, that in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty one, Mr. Peter Pennet as agent for this State in France, was furnished with goods by the said Messrs Coulougnac & C o at a very low advance to a considerable amount, for which their accounts have been...
169Resolutions Authorizing Surveys for a Western Road and Canal, 1 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
During the last days of the October 1784 session of the General Assembly there was a concerned drive to answer the complaints of isolated citizens in the western counties and the Kentucky district for better roads. Some of the interest undoubtedly stemmed from the attention focused on canal building by Washington’s lobbying activities on behalf of the Potomac and James canals, but JM knew too...
170Act for Clearing and Improving the Navigation of James River, 3 January 1785 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 January 1785 . JM prepared and introduced a James River canal bill on 18 Dec. 1784 , but for reasons explained in the editorial note preceding that measure the bill was withdrawn after a copy of a Maryland canal law reached Richmond. “Good judges” decided JM’s earlier bill provided “an inadequate bait for subscriptions,” so that more liberal terms were offered to prospective investors in the...
171Act Giving Canal Company Shares to General Washington, [4–5 January] 1785 (Madison Papers)
JM was ordered to prepare a bill that would give Washington shares in the budding Potomac and James river navigation companies which the legislature was then creating as entrepreneurial ventures subject to state control. When the General Assembly, after much backing and filling, decided on a way to implement plans for the two major canals, it was thought appropriate that the most influential...
172From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 6 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
This day has put an end to our tedious Session. The principal Acts which have passed since my last, are 1. An Act remitting 1/2 of the Tax for the year 1785 within which was to have been collected that tax, and the tax of 1784 postponed into it. 2. An Act amending the tax on law proceedings &c. 3. An Act for clearing the navigation of Potowmac River. 4 An Act for clearing the navigation of...
173From James Madison to James Monroe, 8 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 18 Ult. came to hand yesterday. The view which it gives of the operations of the Cabinet, portends I fear a revival of those intrigues & contests of ambition which have more than once distracted & dishonoured the national Councils. Foreign appointments have generally been the parents of those mischiefs, and ought for that reason, when no other reasons oppose, to be rendered as...
174From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
My last was dated in Philada. Octr. 17. I reached this place the 14th. day after that fixed for the meeting of the Assembly and was in time for the commencement of business. Yesterday put an end to the tedious Session. According to my promise I subjoin a brief review of its most material proceedings. An act for the establisht of Courts of Assize. This act was carried through the House of...
175From James Madison to George Washington, 9 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
I have now the pleasure of confirming the expectations hinted in my last concerning the result of the measures which have been favoured with your patronage. The Bill for opening the Potowmac has passed precisely on the model transmitted from Maryland, the last conditional clause in the latter being rendered absolute by a clause in the former which engages this State for fifty shares in the...
176From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
I have remained here since the adjournment of the Assembly cheifly with a view of gaining from the Office of the Attorney some insight into the juridical course of practice. This has given me an opportunity of forwarding you 6 copies of the revisal with a few of the late Newspapers under the cover which incloses this. They will go in a vessel belonging to Mr. Alexander the Gentleman who...
177From James Madison to John Francis Mercer, 24 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 January 1785 . Mercer acknowledged on 8 February 1785 receipt of “your favor of the 24. which pursuing me by a circuitous route, did not reach this untill within a few days.” In all likelihood JM reported to the Virginia congressman the legislative situation following adjournment of the October 1784 session of the General Assembly.
178From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 March 1785 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 12 Ulto. came safe to hand through the conveyance of Capt. Barber together with the several articles inclosed. The letter from Mr. Jefferson speaks of the state of things on the 11th. of Novr. on the other side of the Atlantic as follows. “The lamp of war is kindled here not to be extinguished but by torrents of blood. The firing of the Dutch on an Imperial vessel going down...
179From James Madison to Lafayette, 20 March 1785 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 15th. continued on the 17th of December came very slowly but finally safe to hand. The warm expressions of regard which it contains are extremely flattering to me, and the more so as they so entirely correspond with my own wishes for every thing which may enter into your happiness. You have not erred in supposing me out of the number of those who have relaxed their anxiety...
180From James Madison to Richard Henry Lee, 20 March 1785 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 March 1785 . Concerns Virginia and Confederation affairs mentioned in Lee’s letter of 30 May 1785 .
181From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 March 1785 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 1st day of Feby. did not come to hand till a day or two ago, having travelled on to Richmond, remained there during the absence of Mr. Jones, & on his return, been sent to me by the way of Fredg. Before I left Richmond I wrote you that the assembly had adjourned and requested that your subsequent letters might be addressed to Orange, and if I do not forget to care of Mr....
182From James Madison to Patrick Henry, 25 March 1785 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with your Excellency’s letter of the 22 of Jany. the Gentlemen to whom it was addressed excepting Mr. Grimes had a meeting yesterday for the first time, when they took the subject of it into consideration and have directed me to inform you that they recommend for County Lieutenant of Orange John Spotswood Esqr for Lieutenant Colonel Commandant, John Lee Esqr. for first Major...
183From James Madison to Martha Jefferson Carr, ca. 1–17 April 1785 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 1–17 April 1785 . Mentioned in Mrs. Carr’s answer of 18 April . JM apparently inquired about her state of health.
184From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 April 1785 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you not long since, by a young gentleman who proposed to go as far [as] N. Y. acknowledging the rect. of your favor of Feby. 1st. I have since recd. that of March 6 which I meant to have acknowledged through the same hands. But finding that the delays which have hitherto kept back the bearer above referred to, are of uncertain continuance, & having no certain conveyance to Fredg. I...
185From James Madison to James Monroe, [14 April] 1785 (Madison Papers)
By an opportunity to Richd. I wrote to you 2 days ago. Havg. now one to Frebg. I inclose the Cypher then promised. It will probably get to hand at the same with letter via Richd. Adieu. RC ( DLC ). Addressed to Monroe in Congress, “To care of [Mr. Ma]ury Esqr. Fredg.” Docketed by JM, “Mr. Monroe Cypher.” The date is fixed from the message JM sent Monroe on 12 Apr. 1785 . Enclosure ( DLC ).
186From James Madison to George Wythe, 15 April 1785 (Madison Papers)
I have been honoured with yours of February accompanying the Testimony which the University of William & Mary have been pleased to bestow on me. A distinction which is rendered so flattering both by the characters of those from whom it is received, and of those with whom it associates me calls for acknowledgments, which I should feel greater satisfaction in expressing if I had less reason to...
187From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 April 1785 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two favors of Novr. 11 & Decr. 8. Along with the former I recd. the two pamphlets on animal magnetism & the last aeronautic expedition together with the phosphoretic matches. These articles were a great treat to my curiosity. As I had left Richmd. before they were brought thither by Col. le Maire, I had no opportunity of attending myself to your wishes with regard to him; but...
188From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 April 1785 (Madison Papers)
I have written several letters within a little time past which were Sent to you partly by the post, partly by Mr. Burnley, a young Gentleman of this County. In one of the latter I inclosed a Cypher wch. will serve all the purposes of our future Correspondence. This covers a letter for Mr. Jefferson which you will be so good as to forwd. by the first packet or other equally eligible conveyance....
189From James Madison to John Blair Smith, 27 May 1785 (Madison Papers)
I have before me your note requesting my information relative to a fact asserted on your part, and denied on that of Carter H. Harrison Esqr. Your own feelings will suggest to you my motives for wishing not to be made a Witness or Judge in any case where the characters of Gentlemen are concerned. Under the circumstances of the present in which I am only called on by one of the parties, &...
190From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 May 1785 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of May [8] came to hand a few days ago. It is fortunate that the variant ideas have been so easily accomodated touching the mode of surveying & selling the territorial fund. It will be equally so I think if you can dispossess the British of the Western posts, before the land office is opened. On this event and the navigation of the Mississippi will much depend the fiscal importance...
191From James Madison to William Grayson, 29 May 1785 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 29 May 1785. Mentioned by Grayson in his letter to JM, 27 June 1785 . JM to James Monroe, 7 August 1785 , notes that he had answered Grayson’s letter of 1 May 1785 with suggestions concerning the revision of Article IX of the Articles of Confederation.
192Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments, [ca. 20 June] 1785 (Madison Papers)
The most striking element in JM’s authorship of the Memorial and Remonstrance was the pains he took to keep the public ignorant of his heavy involvement in this battle over state-subsidized religion. So successful was he in maintaining anonymity that a few libraries still have a printed version with speculative attributions of the work to other public men. Although in 1786 printer Isaiah...
193From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 June 1785 (Madison Papers)
Finding from a letter of Mr. Mazzei that you have never been furnished with a copy of the Bill for establishing the Christian Religion in this State, I now inclose one, regretting that I had taken it for granted that you must have been supplied thro’ some other channel. A very warm opposition will be made to this innovation by the people of the middle and back Counties, particularly the...
194Copy of a Protestant Episcopal Church Petition to the General Assembly of Virginia, [July?] 1785 (Madison Papers)
Whether JM wrote the petition calling for repeal of the act incorporating the Protestant Episcopal church in Virginia or merely copied the work of another for his own personal use is a matter of speculation, with the latter circumstance appearing the most likely one. Hunt and Brant assumed that JM wrote the petition, although the former assigned a 1786 date to the document despite the internal...
195From James Madison to Richard Henry Lee, 7 July 1785 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 30th. of May came to hand yesterday only, having lain some time in Fredg. and finally reached Orange via Albemarle. I agree with you perfectly in thinking it the interest of this Country to embrace the first decent opportunity of parting with Kentucky, and to refuse firmly to part with any more of our Western settlements. It seems necessary however that this first instance of...
196From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 26 July 1785 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 17th. inst: inclosing a letter from Mr. Jones and a copy of the ecclesiastical Journal, came safe to hand. If I do not dislike the contents of the latter, it is because they furnish as I conceive fresh and forcible arguments against the Genl. Assessment. It may be of little consequence what tribunal is to judge of Clerical misdemesnors or how firmly the incumbent may be...
197From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 July 1785 (Madison Papers)
I received yesterday your favour of the 12th. inst. The date of the preceding one was early in May. From this interval and your not acknowledging some of my letters I suspect that our correspondence suffers from some fault in the post office. This has certainly been the case with letters between Col. Grayson and myself. The part of your letter which has engaged most of my attention is the...
198From James Madison to James Monroe, 7 August 1785 (Madison Papers)
I received the day before yesterday your favour of the 26th July. I had previously recd. the Report on the proposed change of the 9th. art: of the Confederation, transmitted by Col: Grayson, and in my answer to him offered such ideas on the subject as then occurred. I still think the probability of success or failure ought to weigh much with Congress in every recommendation to the States; of...
199From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 August 1785 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 18th. of March never reached me till the 4 inst. It came by post from N. York, which it did not leave till the 21. of July. My last was dated in April, & went by Mr. Mazzei who picked it up at N. York and promised to deliver it with his own hand. The machinations of G. B. with regard to Commerce have produced much distress and noise in the Northern States, particularly in Boston,...
200From James Madison to Caleb Wallace, 23 August 1785 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 12th. of July was safely deliverd to me by Mr. Craig. I accept with pleasure your propos’d exchange of Western for Eastern intelligence and though I am a stranger to parental ties can sufficiently con[c]ieve the happiness of which they are a source to congratulate you on Your possession of two fine sons & a Daughter. I do not smile at the Idea of transplanting myself into...