331From James Madison to William S. Cardell, 19 January 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your letter of the 12th. inclosing a copy of your Circular one, on the subject of the “American Academy of Language & Belles Lettres.” It informs me at the same time that the Society has been pleased to put [me] on the list of its honorary members. I request Sir, that they may be assured of the respectful impressions with which I receive this mark of distinction. Having heretofore...
332From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 21 February 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the copy of the “Appeal to common sense and common Justice” which you were so good as to send me. And I have since received one of your letters inviting observations on it. It would be impossible for me to do justice, even to my own view of the subject within the time limited, were the attempt permitted by engagements of other sorts. It is I believe not unknown to you that I...
333From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 7 December 1827 (Madison Papers)
Since the receipt of your two letters of the 5 & 6th. of Ocr. a third with additional proofs in the manufacturing cause, has called for my acknowledgts. I now pray you to accept them for the whole. Your second letter arrived in time, for the destruction of the documents accompanying the first; and I have disposed of the corrected ones as occasions offered, & shall do the same with those last...
334From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 12 May 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 22. Ult: with the several printed Sheets sent with it. It is very gratifying to observe the prospect of internal improvements expanding as it is under the emulating auspices of the several States, and the co-operating patriotism of enlightened Citizens. No Country more than ours admits of improvement by artificial roads & Canals; nor can it be doubted either that...
335From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 11 March 1824 (Madison Papers)
Yours of Feby. 28. was duly recd. with the pamphlet referred to; and I add to my thanks for it, those due for the several previous communications with which you favored me. They afford continued proofs of the ability & public spirit which you have exerted on the subject them and I can not be insensible to the friendly & flattering terms in which you invite a public exposition of my views of...
336From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 11 June 1824 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of June 5th. in behalf of Mr. Saunderson came duly to hand. I have so much confidence in your judgment of his character & scholarship, that I should feel a pleasure in forwarding his views of turning them more to his own account as well as that of others. But I know too little of the condition or wants of the Seminaries in this State, other than its Embryo University, to venture on...
337From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 12 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 1st. inst. and am sorry that neither my memory, nor my knowledge goes far enough back to furnish the desirable answers to your questions, whether and to what amount, the balance in the trade with G. Britain was against the colonies, particularly Virginia previous to the Revolution. That the ordinary balance was unfavorable cannot be doubted, and the limit to...
338James Madison to Mathew Carey, 1 November 1829 (Madison Papers)
I recd. the pamphlet with which you lately favored me whilst I was in Richmond where the attention due to it was prevented by that demanded by my public situation. I can not now return my thanks without alluding to the impression made by the ability which pervades the several articles composing the publication. The views presented in som of them cannot fail to have a favorably effect in the...
339From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 29 September 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 21st. inclosing two numbers of your new Series of papers; & I wish I could in return furnish the desired information on the subject of Tobo. planting in Virga. The labour & land employed on the culture of Tobo. are so blended with what are employed on other crops, and the cultivated land moreover bears such various proportions of quantity & value, to the...
340From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 11 February 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of Jany. 26. with copies of the addresses of the Philada Societies for the protection of the National Industry; for which I return my thanks. Such a mass of valuable information on a subject deeply interesting to the public must be acceptable even to those whose opinions would qualify some of the inferences deduced from it. The occasion reminds me of the...
341From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 25 October 1822 (Madison Papers)
An absence from home with some pressing avocations since my return have delayd. thus long my acknowledgment of your’s of the 3d. inst; and of the pamphlet on our commercial policy, which is another proof of your disinterested zeal on an important subject. You have placed in a strong light the evils necessarily resulting from the excess of our importations over our exportations, and the...
342James Madison to Mathew Carey, 27 July 1831 (Madison Papers)
private I have recd. your favour of the 21st. with your commencing address to the Citizens of S. Carolina. The strange doctrines and misconceptions prevailing in that quarter are much to be deplored; and the tendency of them the more to be dreaded, as they are patronized by Statesmen of shining talents, and patriotic reputations. To trace the great causes of the State of things out of which...
343James Madison to Mathew Carey, 3 May 1828 (Madison Papers)
Your favr. of Apl. 12 came duly to hand, with the little pamphlets accompanying it: for which I return my thanks with the arrears due for those formerly sent me. Having never read the Memorial of the Boston Merchants, and may not be an admitted Judge of the performance your facts, & the remarks founded on them certainly press very hard on the authors. Your letter just recd. recommending Mr....
344From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 26 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16th. inst: which was followed by the printed Sheets to which it referred. Of these I can not say less than that they exhibit the same extent of statistic research, the same condensation of ideas, and the same tone of disinterested patriotism, which have been remarked in other publications from the same pen. The subject which they discuss has been so ably...
345James Madison to Frank Carr, 12 July 1831 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison returns his best thanks to Dr Carr for the remedy kindly sent for the Rheumatism; but not witht. a regret that he took the trouble of making his son a special bearer of it He has already commenced the experiment, & with sufficient faith he hopes—in the effect of the Charity FC (DLC) .
346James Madison to Frank Carr, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your draft of the Rept. of the Visitors for the Genl. Assembly, was duly recd. & I thank you for it. You will see by the return of it, that I made a few alterations, perhaps not all of them for the better. I was afraid that the draft, expressed too strongly the certainty that Mr. Lomax would be continued on the Bench, under the New Constn. That he will be there can be little doubt; but the...
347James Madison to Frank Carr, 23 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. Peers President of the Transylvania University, a request of such information concerning the University of Virga as might be useful to him in revising the code of the former, a task committed to him by its Trustees. I am unwilling to decline altogether a compliance with an application which has so laudable an object; and as doing the best I can in my decrepit condition, I...
348James Madison to Frank Carr, 11 August 1831 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 9th. was handed to me by Mr. Jacobs. I could give him no direct information on the subject of his enquiries; but referred him to sources, on his route which may perhaps be of some avail to him. I have continued the use of the medicine, which I owe to your friendly attention. But if it has had any effect it has been merely to slacken the increase of my Rheumatic complaints which...
349From James Madison to Charles Carroll, 4 April 1817 (Madison Papers)
Yours on the subject of Mr. Brewer was duly received, and would alone have been a sufficient evidence of his worth. It would have been very agreeable, if it could have been rewarded by such an appointment as he wished, consistently with the pretensions of others, & with the collateral considerations which necessarily turn the scale, where there may be an equilibrium of qualifications. Had the...
350From James Madison to Henry Carroll, 11 March 1818 (Madison Papers)
I recd. in due time yours of the 5th. and took occasion in a letter to the President, tho’ in deviation from my general wish, to express my favorable sentiments towards you, and my respect for the worth & wishes of your father. I am persuaded however that the personal dispositions of the President, are a better resource, than any thing I could say; if he shd. find himself at liberty to indulge...
351James Madison to James Carroll and Others, 23 February 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have received, young gentlemen, your letter of the 16th. inst: informing me that I have been elected an honorary member of the Franklin Literary Society of Randolph Macon College. My respect for the object of the Society, and the motives for associating my name with it, do not permit me to decline the distinction, however sensible I am of the little value that can be attached to its...
352James Madison to Samuel J. Carr, 25 July 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 19th. In reply to your enquiries concerning my health, prompted by such kind feelings, I cannot speak favorably. It continues to be very feeble, and with a Rheumatic Affection in my hands & fingers makes the use of the pen very awkward, as is shewn by this specimen. Mrs Madison to whom your enquiries are kindly extended, enjoys her usual health, and desires to...
353From James Madison to Nathaniel H. Carter, 22 December 1824 (Madison Papers)
the copy of “Pains of the Imagination,” for […]ness. It is so long since I ceased to indulge […] the period when the imagination is most […] less pretend to decide on the merit of […] that on a cursory perusal my eye was […] inspiration; […] ⟨h⟩armony […] inclosed to me is addressed on the […] ⟨m⟩ention the mistake merely as proper […]ks Sir for the favor I have received Draft ( DLC )....
354From James Madison to John Cartwright, [post–23 September 1824] (Madison Papers)
It is so long since I recd. your Volume on the English Constitution with the letter accompanying it that I must add to my thanks for the favors, an apology for the delay in returning them. I perceived at once that to do justice to such a work, it ought to be read with a continued attention which happened to be impossible till within a short time past. I am now able to say that I have found in...
355From James Madison to George and Charles Carvill, 12 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. with the last No. of the U.S. Review &c an account for $5. which I inclose, returning the rect. for your signature. Finding that my advanced stage of life disqualifies me from giving a due attention to such publications, I must request of you, as I am doing in other cases, that my name be discontinued on the list to which the Review is sent. Be pleased to accept at the same time...
356James Madison to Lewis Cass, 3 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his respects to Govr. Cass, offers him many thanks for the copy of his late discourse before the American Historical Society at Washington. He has read it with great pleasure, the greater, from its favorable bearing on the literary reputation of our Country—"If History be Philosophy teaching by example," it will itself be instructed by the Philosophy of such discourses. FC (DLC) .
357James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, September 1834 (Madison Papers)
I recd. in the due time your letter of Aug. 11. But in my present condition I have been obliged to spare the use of the pen as much as possible, especially when an answer was not pressing, and I could give none that could be of much importance. It may well be supposed that at my age, and after a lapse of nearly 30 years, my memory must be a very fallible resort for information as to...
358From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 30 January 1827 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To James Leander Cathcart. Letter not found. 30 January 1827. Calendared in the lists probably made by Peter Force ( DLC , series 7, box 2).
359From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 23 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I received yesterday your letter and communications of the 18th. instant. I have read them with a sincere sympathy for the situation in which you find yourself; and with regret that a more fortunate one has not followed your long continuance in the public service. I shall of course feel much pleasure at any occurrence which would brighten your prospects for the time to come. I know not however...
360From James Madison to James H. Causten, 9 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 1st. inst: relating to the claims on the U.S. founded on their release of France from claims on her with the several documents to which it refers. Having long withdrawn my attention from such subjects, I should under any circumstances feel a reluctance in recurring to them. At my very advanced period of life, with other demands on its scanty remnant...
361From James Madison to Anthony Charles Cazenove, 18 April 1821 (Madison Papers)
If you have any remains of the Lisbon Wine I had from you a year ago, or any of similar quality & price viz 125 Cents per Gallon, be so good as to send me a pipe or Hhd. well cased by the first opportunity to Fredericksburg addressed to the care of Messrs. Mackay & Campbell: also a twenty Gallon Keg of best Cognac brandy, and a like keg of best West India Spirits, both cased also. If I do not...
362From James Madison to Anthony Charles Cazenove, 13 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have been favd. with yours of the 7. and am giving orders for getting up the articles you have forwarded as soon as they arrive at Fredg. I am taking measures also for having the amt. due remitted. Should they not have immediate effect, others will be adopted. Draft ( DLC : Dolley Madison Papers). Year not indicated; conjectural year based on the fact that the letter is written at the foot...
363From James Madison to Anthony Charles Cazenove, 30 April 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 25th. As the injury to your eye was slight, I hope it has been of short continuance. My want of Lisbon wine not being urgent, I prefer waiting till you can supply such as I formerly recd.; if the prospect of it be not remote or uncertain. In either of these cases be so good as to give the order you suggest on Baltimore or Philada. enjoining particularly the...
364James Madison to Charles Chalamet, 22 February 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your letter; with its poetic accompaniment; in which I must be permitted to say that the Poet rises far above his subject. For the very kind sentiments expressed in your letter, I tender my acknowledgements; with an assurance that as a Guest at Montpellier, you left impressions which will always prompt our best wishes for your success, whatever the pursuits to which you...
365James Madison to John G. Chapman, 15 July 1834 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Chapman and has received the excellent Engravings which he kindly forwarded on the 9th. and assures him that Mrs Madison is highly pleased with the likeness as well as the execution of the Engraver, and desires to be included in this offer of acknowledgments. RC (MiU-C) .
366James Madison to John G. Chapman, 23 December 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 23d. inst: No apology was necessary for the request it makes, which will be complied with by the subjoined signature Be pleased to accept, with my cordial respects, my good wishes for a prosperous career professional & personal RC (owned by Chuck Rogers, Irvine, Calif., ).
367James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, 23 October 1831 (Madison Papers)
I return the papers accompanying yours of yesterday. I have run over tho’ very hastily, the prepared decree other objects happening to press on my attentions. As it presents the view taken of the case by Mr. Barbour & Mr. Patton, with your accordance, I should very reluctantly suggest changes if any occurred. I have taken for granted that my account must be settled with the Commisioners. But...
368James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, 22 December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Yours enclosing the paper of Mr Patton was duly recd. Fearing that the delay in hearing from me may be misunderstood, I think it not amiss to mention that I have been prevented from giving it the proper attention by several jobs of the pen, & especially by a painful Rhumatic attack not yet abated. It will give me pleasure to comply with the request you communicated as soon as I can: though it...
369James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, 6 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of inclosing the manuscript of J. M. Patton on the subjects of which it is intimated that my opinion would be acceptable. The paper afford sufficient indication of the talents ascribed to the Author. Of his honorable principles, I believe no one doubts. And with these qualifications for serving his Country, it may be well for it that he is making its Institutions &...
370From James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, 25 January 1821 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yours of the 16th. some days ago. Particular engagements have prevented an earlier answer. Different plans for reading history have been recommended. What occurs as most simple & suitable, where the object is such as you point out, is to begin with some abridgement of Genl. History. I am not sure that I am acquainted with the best; late ones having been published wch. I have not seen....
371From James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, 24 July 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 20th. I shall be content with whatever arrangements may be made with Ambrose Madison on the subject of Milly. Yrs Affe. Draft ( ViU : Special Collections). Reynolds Chapman (1778–1844) was clerk of the Hustings and Superior courts of Orange County, Virginia. He married JM’s niece, Rebecca Conway Madison, the daughter of William Madison and Frances Throckmorton...
372James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, April 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your letter, in which you say that according to information, to be relied on, one of the Candidates for the Senatorial District, had publickly asserted that I favoured his Election; and that it was doing injury to the other Candidate. Having declined interfering in the existing political contests, and elections, for reasons sufficiently obvious, in my aged and decrepid...
373James Madison to Reynolds Chapman and Others, 27 June 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. gentlemen, your note of the 23. inst. in which I am invited in such terms to partake with a portion of fellow Citizens of this County of a dinner on the approaching 4th. of July. The pleasure I should feel in meeting them on such an occasion, wd. be more than sufficient inducement to avail myself of the invitation but several circumstances will concur, at that time, in putting it...
374James Madison to Le Ray de Chaumont, 9 June 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have received and thank you for your favor of the 2d. instant, with the edifying pamphlet proceeding from the Agricultural Convention lately held at Albany; and the paper describing the festive welcome given to the return of Mr. Irving. The distinguished honour done him was due to his genius, and the literary fruits of it, which his Country may well be proud of. I thank you also for your...
375From James Madison to Peter Stephen Chazotte, 30 January 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd & thank you for your little tract on the culture of vines Olives &c. Its practical views of the several articles derived from long personal experience, with the apparent aptitude for them of soils & climates in a certain portion of the U. States justly claim the attention of those particularly living within its limits. Experiments for introducing these valuable productions are...
376From James Madison to Langdon Cheves, 20 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
I learn that a Ticket for Directors of the Branch Bank at Richmond has been sent on to Pha. in which Mr. F Corbin, is first named as a mark it is presumed, of his claim to favorable attention. I know not the other names and am aware that I owe an apology for troubling you at all on the subject. But a very long & personal acquaintance with Mr. C. and the opinion of him to which it has led, do...
377From James Madison to Langdon Cheves, 4 February 1820 (Madison Papers)
Having in so recent an instance troubled you with a deviation from my general wish to decline recommendatory letters, I feel the greater awkwardness in now yielding to the request of another friend, who overrating my testimony is desirous of adding it to that of others, in making you acquainted with his standing both personally and in relation to the probable extent of his property. F. Preston...
378James Madison to G. C--k, 3 August 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir your letter of the 10th. ult. The ardour it manifests for distinction in useful services to your Country, is praiseworthy, and I wish you success in the attainments qualifying you for it. But were I ever so capable of aiding you, the remnant of life at my very advanced age, could spare no portion of it, for the task you request of me. In your native powers, in your industrious...
379James Madison to Henry Clagett, 27 September 1831 (Madison Papers)
I recd. several days ago your letter of the 20th. Not hearing from Mr. Randolph, on the subject of it I infer some obstacle on his part, or mistake on yours; and have forwarded your letter to him & Genl. Cocke. They will doubtless feel every readines to gratify the wishes of Mrs. Mason, unless the case be found beyond the discretion of the Ex Comee. respects & good wishes (DLC) .
380James Madison to Bushrod W. Clark and G. D. L. Parks, 7 December 1833 (Madison Papers)
The friendly spirit in which your letter of the 22d Ult is written makes me regret that I can not comply with the object of it. The infirmities of my great age, increased by the effect of an enfeebling malady, wd. alone forbid the attempt. Nor can I refer you to any accounts which have been published, for information as to incidents of my private life. For my public career the information is...