1From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., ca. 23 November 1793 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 23 November 1793. Mentioned in JM to James Madison, Sr., 25 Nov. 1793 : “I wrote from Fredg. by Col: Monroe’s servant & informed you that I had left with Mr. Jones £18–12–5 which would be del[i]vered to your order.”
2From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 23 April 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 23 April 1791. Acknowledged in letter from JM’s father of 11 May 1791 . Recommends sending tobacco to Thomas Leiper of Philadelphia for sale if prices in Virginia do not rise, and probably suggests that a power of attorney be executed to convert loan office certificates held in the father’s name into U.S. treasury notes.
3From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 1 March 1793 (Madison Papers)
I red. yesterday yours inclosing a letter to Mr Chew, which I forward this morning. The one here inclosed from him came to hand a few days ago. For the news I refer to the inclosed papers, having not a moment to spare for adding more than that I remain Yr. Affee. son RC ( NjP ). Letter not found. Probably James Madison, Sr., to Joseph Chew, 19 Feb. 1793 ( ViW ).
4From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 24 March 1794 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 March 1794, Philadelphia. Mentioned in James Madison, Sr., to John Lee, 5 Apr. 1794 (NcD): “he says by the Accts. from France, her affairs were never in so vigorous a situation.”
5From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 2 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
I wrote some days ago to my brother Ambrose since which little has taken place worth adding. The inclosed newspapers contain a sketch of what has been done in the House of Reps. I mentioned to my brother that I thought it better to ship or postpone the sale of Tobo. than to sell at the present price in the Country. I am more & more convinced that this will be prudent. The price has risen...
6From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 21 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have been much disappointed in not hearing from you on the subject of the Chariot; as well as on the enquiries I made respecting my crops of Corn, & the quantity of Wheat sent from my farms to Mr. Dunbar. I have just heard that Mr. Anderson expected to receive a quantity of Clover seed, & have written to Mr. Blair to procure me from 1 to 3 bushls. accordg. to the price, & forward it to...
7From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 15 January 1797 (Madison Papers)
The last post brought me your favor of Jany. 2d. It will be well for you to send on your list of articles wanted as soon as possible. I hope Kyser will not disappoint us in the Clover Seed; and that other chances at Fredg. & elsewhere will be watched: As I shall get some at all events even here, I wish a Box to be made as soon as can be done. It will be the more necessary the more scanty the...
8From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 13 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
My last was to my brother A. and acknowledged ⟨the⟩ receipt of the Diary. I inclose one for the month of April ⟨whi⟩ch you can compare with your own for the same month. I inclose also a few grains of upland rice, brought from Timor by Capt: Bligh lately distinguished by an adventure which you must have seen in the Newspapers. He was returning from a voyage of discovery in the South seas, and...
9From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 25 November 1793 (Madison Papers)
Having procured at this place a substitute for Daman I shall send back Sam, after going a few miles just to try the new arrangement. He will be in Fredg. tonight and will thence make the best of his way home. A letter red. at Fredg. from Mr. Jefferson says that the fever has entirely vanished. Another of the 20th. from a gentleman in Philada confirms it in the most decided terms. And I...
10From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 23 November 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have sent by a Vessel just sailed a small cask of port wine—a few Glass & plate wares with some knives & forks and two or three Books for Fanny. They are addressed to Mr. Anderson. Among the Books are two translations of Telemachus. One was bought before that in 2 vol: which is the proper one for her use could be met with. The supernumerary one which is the best for the English reader may be...
11From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 17 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
Col. Wadsworth of Connecticut wishes to procure a Barrel or half-Barrel of the best Peach Brandy & I have undertaken to use my efforts for the purpose. If it can be got at all it is probably in our Neighbourhood. I recollect particularly that Colo Geo. Taylor had some that we thought good & which is perhaps to be obtained. If that or any better can be had I shall be glad that one of my...
12From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 31 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your’s of the 9th. inclosing a letter for Mr. Chew which I shall forward as you desire. As far as I have had an opportunity of enquiring I do not find that Coffee can be got here on terms that will make it worth while to prefer it to what can be got in Virginia. The price of brown Sugar I have not yet learnt but will attend to your request on that subject. The funding bill has at...
13From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 30 October 1791 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here yesterday morning was a week, having been obliged to push through the bad weather by the discovery first made at Mount Vernon that the meeting of Congress was a week earlier than was calculated at our setting out. The President had been under the same mistake, and had but just been apprized of it. Many others had equally miscalculated. Being obliged to attend immediately on my...
14From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 19 December 1796 (Madison Papers)
We have been concerned as well as disappointed in not having a single line from Orange since we left it. Fanny has written by every post; & has reminded you & complained of it. I have never even heard whether Mordicai got back safe or not. I refer to the letter to my brother William, for the state of things here, the price of wheat &c. You expressed a wish that some articles for Negro’s...
15From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 15 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
The last letter recd. from you was that of Feby. 1. Since my answer to that the state of the roads & rivers has been such as to render the conveyance of letters very tedious if not uncertain, and hence to produce the interval between that date & the present. I now inclose 5 Nos. of the National Gazette which continue the intelligence throughout the period of my silence. You will find noticed...
16From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 25 December 1796 (Madison Papers)
Your two letters of the 12 & 11. came duly to hand since my last. The power of Atty sent me proves sufficient. It will be necessary for you to have a proper one at Richmond to prevent another transfer hither. The weather has been so intensely cold that I have not yet gone out to the proper office with Saml. French’s Certificate. I am at a loss to account for Mr. Noe’s draught. I know of no...
17From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 3 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
The last letter I recd. from you was of Novr. 12. I had previously informed you that your certificates had been funded by Messr. Ashton & Wister. They are now in my hands, with interest due on them from Jany. last, which cannot be drawn without a power of attorney to me for the purpose. My brother William can procure you blank powers at Richmond. It will be proper in filling up the blank to...
18From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 22 January 1797 (Madison Papers)
The last mail brought us the pleasure of yours, of Jany. 8th. Fanny did not bring the letter-types with her, and cannot say with absolute certainty where they are to be found. She is pretty confident however that she put them in the Closet upstairs, on the right hand shelf, among some books. The shortness of the crop of Corn at Black-Meadow is a proof of the ruinous tendency of perpetual...
19From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 6 June 1794 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yours of the 26 Ult: on the subject of the bill of exchange, and at the same time a draught from Mr. Triplet for 200 dollars on a house here which has accepted it. I have not yet fixt on a Forte Piano but have several in my eye; and will make a choice as soon as I can satisfy myself, and will have it forwarded it [ sic ] as soon as an opportunity offers. The adjournment is put off till...
20From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 13 February 1791 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 31. Ult: and am glad to find that my sister Hite has withdrawn herself from the Region of the Small pox. It gives me particular pleasure also to learn that my mother’s health has so far been restored. You will see by one of the inclosed papers that the price of Wheat continues at from 8/4 to 8/6. Whether it will rise or fall or how much, is more than I can say. I...
21From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are three more of the Natl Gazettes. They will give you all the information which is current; as well in relation to the proceedings of Congress, as to other matters. A vote has passed the two Houses fixing the 5th. of next month for the adjournment. It is possible that it may be put off a day or two longer, tho’ it is pro[ba]ble from the impatience of the members that the session...
22From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 6 July 1792 (Madison Papers)
The Iron from Mr. Guinn was delivered this morning. I have noted in the margin its weight at the shop which I suppose comes sufficiently near the quantity charged. The 36/. due for the potts & boxes have been put into the hands of the Waggoner. His own charge for freight was 12 dollars which I have paid, tho’ from the sum you left, it must be more than you had calculated. The family is as you...
23From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 17 November 1794 (Madison Papers)
I now inclose the letter omitted in my last. We have not had the pleasure of a single line from Orange since yours recd. just before leaving Berkeley. I hope it will not be long before our expectation is gratified on this point; and that you will be able to tell us all that we wish in favor of the re-establishment of my mothers health and the continuation of your own. I shall be glad also to...
24From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 17 November 1791 (Madison Papers)
My last informed you of the articles procured & forwardd. in consequence of my several commissions. I now send the key of the trunk in which some of the articles are contained. I forgot to mention that the Tea in the Dressing boxes belongs to my brother Ambrose. You will see by the inclosed papers that the number of future representatives in Congress has been a subject of discussion, and is...
25From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 30 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have procured & inclose with the two last Natl. Gazettes, the 1st. No. which compleats your sett. If any that I send from time to time shd. miscarry, I wish you to let me know it and I will supply the loss. The Representation-bill has passed the two Houses, in the unconstitutional form proposed by the Senate, and is now before the Senate. It fixes the number at 120 members & distributes them...
26From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have not yet recd. a single line from Orange since I left it. The letter from my brother when at Alexa. is the only written information that I have had the pleasure of, A few lines from Mr. Hite excepted. These gave me an account of my sisters marriage, and added that about that period my mother was better. I am anxious to hear more on that subject, and indulge my hopes that her health will...
27From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 8 November 1795 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here on friday and are to go forward this morning. I went yesterday to Mr. Dunbar & had the satisfaction to learn from him that he had applied to the forge for the Mill Irons & that the whole Bill wd. be executed according to your orders. I gave him a memorandum of the articles I wanted for my negroes, which he said should be laid by for the arrival of Collins, with liberty to him...
28From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 21 February 1794 (Madison Papers)
The last I recd. from you was of the 27. Ult. I have not yet had time to examine whether I can draw your interest here by virtue of the power in my hands. It does not seem necessary to decide now on the spot for the Peccan trees, if any should proceed from the Nuts left with you by Mr. Jefferson. They can be easily removed at any time. I have not fixed on any particular no. of Apple Trees. I...
29From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 25 April 1796 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of my brothr. Wms. letter I have written to Hickley to assist in chusing & sending on a pr. Cologne Stones. The Windsor Chairs made here at present are dear & slight, & as they wd. be newly painted would suffer much on the way. I think you had better get them at Fredg. or Richmond where I understand they are cheaper & at least as good as here. I inclose a third No. of the...
30From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 23 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
Since my last to my brother A. I have recd. no letter from Orange, altho yours & his both, preceding left me particularly anxious to know the event of the Influ[e]nza attack on my Mothers health. The peace between G. B. & Spain has been fully authenticated. The English accts. give a sad picture of affairs in France, but there are more direct accts. which are more favorable. The H. of Reps. has...
31From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 10 August 1796 (Madison Papers)
You will learn from Sam that we all continue much as when you left us. I was down at the Mill yesterday & found the work going on properly. It is of importance however that the abutment should be well secured before much rain comes; as it is found that a small swell in the river will accumulate at the dam so as to overflow it; and as the dam is rather higher than the Bank of the river, the...
32From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 7 April 1794 (Madison Papers)
Being reminded by your late letters of your certificates and the power of attorney to draw the interest, I have searched thro’ all my papers without being able to find either of them. I shall make another search, but it occurs to me that I may have carried these papers to Virga. & omitted to bring them back, and I have a faint impression of this sort on my memory. Be so good as to look among...
33From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 2 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have for some time past written once a week, inclosing always the Natl Gazettees as they come out. I now do the same now. The River having been all the Winter & still continuing blocked up, I have never executed the several commissions in your last. I have made enquiry as to Clover seed and I find that the white is not to be had, and that the red will cost about 16 dollars a bushel, which is...
34From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 19 May 1794 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 5th. came to hand a few days ago. I hope you will have secured me the corn & a plenty of it. I am at a loss to give directions concerning the laths & plank. If M. C. can conveniently spare the Horses to bring it from my brothers, it will no doubt be best to get it from him. Otherwise it will cost less in the end to take it of Mr. C. I will attend to the Forte Piano & the...
35From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 23 February 1795 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is the explanation from the offices concerning Mr. L’s claim. The Treaty made by Mr. Jay is not yet come to hand & we know nothing more of its articles than what has been conjectured from the hints in the Newspapers. I have already let you know that if you mean that I shd. sell your paper, you must forward the proper powers. The period is becoming favorable. It can now be sold at par....
36From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 19 February 1797 (Madison Papers)
I recd. your weekly letter by the last Mail. This will shew you that I am equally punctual. Fanny puts one in my hand for my Mother. I acquainted my brother William that I had shipped 5 Bushls. of Clover Seed by a Vessel lately sailed for Fredg. The seed is addressed to the care of Mr. Blair. I hope you will attend as well as he to the getting it up & having it sown on my farms with as little...
37From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 9 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are three numbers of the National Gazette to which I refer for the proceedings of Congress. The British packet just arrived at N. York brings accounts that Lord Cornwallis tho’ successful in a general action with Tippoo Saib has found the latter so formidable an Enemy especially with the aid of the rainy season, that a retreat became necessary to his safety, in which his cannon was...
38From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 21 April 1794 (Madison Papers)
I have at last found your Certificates, but have not yet applied for the Interest. The power of Attorney is probably lying in the office where it was left at the last draught of Interest. You will see that Jay has been appointed to try the effect of a Minister Exty. to G. B. The proposition for enforcing our demand of redress by making our market a condition of it, is not yet come to a final...
39From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 December 1795 (Madison Papers)
I have delayed writing to you hitherto, on the supposition that you might not be returned from Frederick, as well as on acct. of a pressure of other writing on my hands. We had on the whole a convenient journey and arrived safe & in due time. All the articles sent by water have since got safe also, and will fully answer the purpose we had in view. To the articles sent from Orange, was added...
40From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 25 April 1794 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 15th. came to hand yesterday. I am sorry to learn that my crop of Corn proves so deficient. I must get the favor of you to have as much engaged as will do. If my directions for sowing oats have been followed, the less will be wanted. M. C. may fence in part of the meadow as he proposes for a pasture. I leave to your own judgment to decide whether the two mares shall be put to...
41From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 10 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 26 Ult: has just come to hand. I am glad you have put the commission for slitted Iron into the hands of Mr. Dunbar. He will probably be able to get it when to be had on better terms. I find there is some now advertised but there is no more conveyance by water for this season. I am sorry that this circumstance will put it out of my power to forward the article desired by Miss...
42From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 26 January 1795 (Madison Papers)
Your favr. of the 5th. came to hand a few days ago only. I must leave it to your judgment to dispose of my wheat at Sawney’s. If there he any doubt about the fate of the flour to be made from it, I had rather it shd. go to Mr. Dunbar without that risk, or to Mr. Triplet if the conveyance cannot be procured. If it can, I had rather Mr. D. should have it, as my business is with him. I am sorry I...
43From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 15 June 1794 (Madison Papers)
I got here the evening before last, and shall leave this the day after tomorrow in company with Mr. Jones who met Col. Monroe here. I shall probably be three days on the road to Fredg. and must there provide a conveyance home; unless you should have been able to save me from that necessity. If Mr. Blair shd. send this by an immediate opportunity, there may possibly be time after the receipt of...
44From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 11 April 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your’s of the 28th. Ult: At the date of my last I had not finally closed the bargain for the Chariot, wishing to see the manner in which it would be fitted. I have now agreed to take it with some little improvements, with collars instead of Breast plates to the Harness &c, which will render it dearer than was first calculated. The cost however will be less than £80 Va. Curry. I...
45From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 29 January 1797 (Madison Papers)
My last answered yours of the 8th. since which I have recd. no letter from you, nor a single line from my brother William since his return from Richmond; altho’ I have written him several letters. Fanny has a letter from Nelly Madison of the 10th. which gives an unpleasing account of her mother’s health. It mentions that you & my mother were expected at Mr. Macon’s in a few days; but as your’s...
46From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 6 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
In a letter to my brother Wm by last mail I acknowledged yours of the 8th. Feby; previous to which I had written several letters to which I refer on the subject of yours of Jany. 12. I am sorry to find our crops of Wheat falling so much short. The price it is to be hoped will make some amends. Flour is now up at 15 or 15½ dollars & Wheat at 20/. at least. It would have been convenient to me if...
47From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 5 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
The last letter from my brother A. left me in much anxiety for the State of my mother’s health. I have ventured to hope from the silence which has followed, that she has been on the recovery. I wish much to hear oftener from the family than I do and would set the example if other occupations, and particularly a very extensive correspondence would permit. The business goes on still very slowly....
48From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 28 November 1790 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here yesterday was a week without any occurrence on the road worth mentioning. The President arrived yesterday & the members are coming in for Congress. I have made enquiry with regard to the articles you want, and send you the inclosed paper which will give you information not only with respect to them, but all others in the market here. The high price of sugar makes it advisable I...
49From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 7 May 1792 (Madison Papers)
The proposed adjournment on the 5th. has been put off to the 9th. & it is possible tho’ I think rather improbable that a further short procrastination may take place. I am not yet decided as to the route & mode of my return. I still wish to take Frederick in my way if I can make it convenient. Leiper has sold 2 Hhds of your Tobo. at 32/6. I shall endeavor to close the business before I leave...
50From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 2 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 29th. of May never came to hand till yesterday when it fell in with me at this place. My brother’s of nearly the same date had done so a few days before. My answer to his went by the last mail. I refer to it for the information yours requests. I had indeed long before advised you both to ship to Leiper all the good Tobacco of your Crops. It is certainly the best you can do...