1From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 9 June 1798 (Madison Papers)
Jacob arrived safe two days ago, and according to the request of your letter Sam sets out with the Horses this morning in order to be with you tomorrow. The family have continued nearly as you left it. Simon has been complaining but is about again. Ralph appeared a day or two ago to have a dysentery but with the assistance of some medicine he also is about again. Joseph has undergone no change...
2From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., [ca. 27 March] 1797 (Madison Papers)
This is committed to M. Collins who will explain to you the time of his arrival, the cause of stay here, and the time of his setting out. We are endeavouring to get away ourselves tomorrow afternoon, and have already seen the greater part of our effects on board the vessels which are to take them to Fredericksburg. The hurry & confusion we are all in, will apologize for no other letters being...
3From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 19 March 1797 (Madison Papers)
I have not had a line from you for several mails. I hope it is ascribable to the oppy. of writing by M. Collins with our horses. As yet we hear nothing of him. I have regretted that I did not direct him to be here a little sooner, as the roads are found to be better than usual at this season. If he arrives in a day or two we shall probably leave this the last of the week. We shd. be ready...
4From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 12 March 1797 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you by the last mail, and add this by Mr. Jefferson. Lest my last should by any possibility have miscarried, I repeat my request that my name may not be suffered to get on the Poll for the County election. If Mr. Jefferson should call & say any thing to counteract my determination, I hope it will be regarded as merely expressive of his own wishes on the subject, & that it will not be...
5From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., ca. 5 March 1797 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 5 March 1797. Referred to in JM to James Madison, Sr., 12 Mar. 1797 . Requests his name not be placed on Orange County ballot for Virginia House of Delegates.
6From 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...
7From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 13 February 1797 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday your’s of the 16th. covering a letter for Mr. Chew, & by the prec[e]ding mail yours of 30th Ult: I shall attend to the objects of both. I am glad you did not retain Js. Coleman’s Ned at the price he demanded. I do not think the profits to me would justify it. I suggested some time since a mode in which I thought you shd. try to get Clover seed, which I hope you have made use...
8From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 5 February 1797 (Madison Papers)
I have red. since my last your two letters of the 10th. & 23d. Ult, which came by the same mail. That referred to as of the 16th. inclosing a letter to Mr. Chew has not yet come to hand. R. Smith’s land would be a very convenient appendix to my farm at Sawney’s; but I find I dare not venture on the purchase particularly at the price stated. What little surplus I may be able to save out of my...
9From 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...
10From 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...
11From 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...
12From 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...
13From 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...
14From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 November 1796 (Madison Papers)
We ended our journey on tuesday afternoon, without any injurious incident on the way. We found the roads better than I ever experienced them, and the weather was equally favorable. Mordecai arrived the day before yesterday, and sets out on his return today. Immediately on my getting here, I called on the man who was to make the hoisting Screw, & had the satisfaction to find that it had been...
15From 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...
16From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 1 May 1796 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Mr. Chew, with the papers to which it refers. I have not yet recd. the subsequent letter promised. I have thought it best to put every thing he has sent into your hands, that you may be the better able to take the steps which his interest requires. The Letter for Z. Taylor, will go with more safety by private hands from Orange, than thro’ the post office from this...
17From 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...
18From 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...
19From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 13 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your’s of Feby 24. I am glad that Majr. Lee has so kindly undertaken to attend to the friendly suit for adjusting the share I have in the lands held in the name of my late brother. I can lay down no rules for him which will not occur to himself. The object being simply to vest in me legally what is mine in equity, he will perceive that a suit in equity is necessary, that a good...
20From 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...
21From 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...
22From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 17 January 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have not had the pleasure of a line from you since we left Orange. A letter from Fanny is the only information we have received. Inclosed is a small pamphlet containing the proceedings of the H. of Reps. in the case of two adventurers in the line of Bribery. This is the only business of consequence that has latterly occupied us. The Treaty has not yet been laid before Congs., & it seems is...
23From 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...
24From 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...
25From 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....
26From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 8 February 1795 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Jany. 28. came to hand two days ago. I have not had time yet to look out for the wire for Sifters, but shall attend to it. I wait to hear from you further on the subject of Bolting cloths &c. before I execute the commissions in your former letter, as my last will have informed you. I am very sorry for the loss of my brother William; hut there is no remedy for such cases, but...
27From 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...
28From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 14 December 1794 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 24th. Ulto: was answered last week. I have since recd. that of the 3d. inst: the cheif object of which is to learn whether I shall be able to contribute an effective proportion to the advances which will be wanted for the Mill. To this enquiry I can only say in general that, tho’ it is possible I may not be able to co-operate as much as might be desireable, I have several...
29From 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...
30From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 10 November 1794 (Madison Papers)
My last was as far back as the return of Sam from Harewood. I have postponed writing untill the Session should commence for two reasons. One you will readily conjecture: The other that I might inclose the introductory proceedings. From the want of a Quorum of Senators, these have not yet taken place. It was expected that the defect would be supplied to day. Whether it will be or not I cannot...
31From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 5 October 1794 (Madison Papers)
I have detained Sam by whom I send this so much longer than I intended & you expected that many apologies are due for the liberty. I hope it will be a sufficient one that I found him indispensable for a variety of little services, which I did not particularly take into view before I left Orange. These he can himself explain, and I therefore leave the task to him; proceeding to the history of...
32From 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...
33From 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...
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., 4 May 1794 (Madison Papers)
By a vessel which sails for Fredg. today, I have sent a small box containing the following articles 6 ps. very coarse muslins, 1 ps. of finer. 2 lb. Tea, 3 Books on Medicine, a few pamphlets & a Sett of marking instruments. The muslins were bought as being extremely cheap, and useful for various purposes. If my mother or sister wants any part of them they will make free with them. If the finer...
36From 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...
37From 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...
38From 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...
39From 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.”
40From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 10 March 1794 (Madison Papers)
Yours of Feby. 17. came to hand some days ago. I have applied to Carr, and obtained the inclosed account of his Forte-Piano’s. The grand ones are as large as a Harpsichord & of the same form. The small ones would not occupy more room than a common square dining table with the leaves down. The advantage of the large ones consists in the superior swell of the Notes. But on this point Fanny can...
41From 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...
42From 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...
43From 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.”
44From 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 ).
45From 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...
46From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 6 November 1792 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here safe on thursday last. On enquiry I could learn nothing of Majr. Hite or Mr. Beale. I have since found that the latter was here; but he went off before I had an opportunity of seeing him. This failure makes me at a loss whether I shd. pursue the attempt to convey the articles you wished to go with Majr. Hite’s goods; look out for another conveyance; or postpone the sending them...
47From 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...
48From 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...
49From 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...
50From 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...