8551Notes on Debates, [9–10 January] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . Wednesday Jany. 8–Thursday Jany 9th & Friday Jany 10. On the report this proposed to require the States to value the land and return the valuations to...
8552Newspapers for House Members, [9 December] 1790 (Madison Papers)
On 8 December Williamson moved that the clerk of the House furnish each member with three Philadelphia newspapers, to be selected by the representative. Consideration of the motion was postponed until this day ( Gazette of the U.S. , 11 Dec. 1790). Mr. Madison recommended to the house, to take all the papers, or none. As the object of taking them, was to supply the members with all the...
8553Report on David Howell’s Protest, [20 December] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 20, I, 233–34). In JM’s hand. Docketed: “Report of Mr Gilman Mr Madison Mr Hamilton on the Subject of Mr Howell’s motion Passed Decr 20th. 1782. relating to R. Island communications to be made to respecting applications for loans.” This docket through the date was written by George Bond; the remainder, by Benjamin Bankson, Jr., a clerk in the office of the secretary of...
8554Proposal to Renew Nonintercourse, [ca. 5 April] 1810 (Madison Papers)
Re-enact the Non-Intercourse; with a proviso that its operation shall not commence untill the day of Unless in the meantime either G. B. or Fr. shall have repealed &c. its Edicts &c., & the other shall fail to do the same; in which case it shall be lawful for the P. by proclamation, to fix an earlier day on which the Act shall go into operation, towards the Nation so failing to revoke &c. Ms (...
8555Motion Approving John Jay’s Negotiations with Spain, [30 April] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, IV, 7). In JM’s hand. Docketed, “Motion of Mr Madison seconded by Mr Jones. That Congress approved of the Conduct of the Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Madrid.” In view of the Report Approving John Jay’s negotiations with Spain, 22 April 1782 ( q.v. ) and the fact that between that date and 30 April Congress received no dispatches from Jay or William...
8556Removal Power of the President, [17 June] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Debate continued on the clause in the bill establishing a foreign affairs department that declared the secretary could be removed from office by the president. Mr. Madison. However various the opinions which exist upon the point now before us, it seems agreed on all sides, that it demands a careful investigation and full discussion. I feel the importance of the question, and know that our...
8557Indenture, 22 September 1774 (Madison Papers)
This Indenture made the twenty Second day of September in the year of our [Lord] one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy four Between James Madison of the County of Orange and Nelly his wife of the one part and James Madison Junior of the said County of the other part Witnesseth that the said James Madison and Nelly his wife for and in Consideration of the Sum of Thirty pounds Current money of...
8558Notes on Debates, 11 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . This day was spent on discussing the Proclamation which passed. Mr. Wilson proposed an abreviation of it which was disagreed to. The difficultys...
8559Presidential Proclamation, 3 May 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 May 1811. Declares, under the terms of the 30 Apr. 1810 act providing for the sale of certain lands in the Indiana Territory, that the tract of land to which the Indian title was extinguished under the 1809 Treaty of Fort Wayne and which adjoins the boundary line established by the Treaty of Greenville and was made part of the district of Cincinnati, “with the exception of such [lands] as...
8560Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 4 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
The board met pursuant to adjournment: present the same members as yesterday. Resolved that the next session of the University shall commence on the first of February, and terminate on the Fourth of July; and all future sessions shall commence on the 20th. of August in each year, and terminate on the 4th. of July ensuing—but there shall be one recess of all the schools, and no more, during...
8561Notes on Debates, 14 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . The words italicized in the present copy are those which were underlined by JM. The Committee on the report of Secretary of foreign Affrs. reported as...
8562Report on Cornwallis-laurens Exchange, [25 September] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 25, II, 135–36). In JM’s hand. On the docket he wrote, “Report of the Committee to whom was referred the letter of Mr. Laurens & the Act of Dr. Franklin discharging Ld. Cornwallis from his parole.” Below this Charles Thomson added: “Mr Cornell [deleted by an ink line drawn across it] Mr. Madison Mr Rutledge Mr. Montgomery read Septr. 25 1782. 26 recommitted with a Motion of...
8563Bill to Aid Thomas Paine, 28 June 1784 (Madison Papers)
Despite the concern expressed to JM by Jefferson and Washington over the penury afflicting Thomas Paine, all legislative attempts in Virginia to aid the author of Common Sense failed. On 28 June there was appointed a special committee, of which Patrick Henry was chairman and JM a member, to prepare a bill “vesting a certain tract of public land, in Thomas Payne and his heirs” ( JHDV Journal of...
8564Remission for Jesse Cross, 6 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas Jesse Cross, a Private in the Corps of Artillery of the United States, has been convicted before the Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Columbia, now in session in this City, of having stolen a Horse, the Property of one Henry Clarke, in October last, whereupon he was sentenced by the said Court to be whipped with stripes and to pay a fine to the United States; and...
8565Proportional Representation, [24 January] 1792 (Madison Papers)
The Committee of the Whole considered a resolution to break the impasse with the Senate over apportionment by providing for a second census and reapportioning the House in 1797. An amendment was proposed allowing no lower ratio of representation than 1:30,000. “Mr. Madison observed, that as the final decision of the question must be made by a majority of the house, it was immaterial, whether...
8566Report on Congressional Inspection of Departments, [17 June] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 28, fol. 321). In JM’s hand. The docket reads: “Report of Mr Madison Mr Witherspoon Mr Izard On a Motion of Mr. Madison. passed June 17th, 1782. Committees to be appointed to examine into the conduct of Heads of Departments & report.” In the PCC there are at least two other copies of this report. One is apparently in James Duane’s hand (No. 142, II, 5–6) and the other in...
8567Report on Illicit Trade with the Enemy, [19 June] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 24, fols. 53–56). In JM’s hand. Docketed: “recommendation to the States. Report of Committee for suppressing the illicit Trade with the Enemy—Mr Madison Mr Lowell Mr Scot Mr Wharton Mr Witherspon June 19. 1782 Read. June 20. 1782 recomd. Passed June 21.” The Committee to whom was recomitted the Report concerning illicit trade with the Enemy, recommend the following act...
8568Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 18 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
The Board met, present the same as yesterday Resolved that the Professor of Chemistry be requested to prepare and to lay before the Visitors at their next meeting, the plan of a chemical Laboratory and of a Lecture room connected therewith, large enough for the accommodation of a class of 200 Students; & that the proctor be required to present an accompanying estimate of the expense of...
8569For the National Gazette, 19 November 1791 (Madison Papers)
Population and Emigration. Both in the vegetable and animal kingdoms, every species derives from nature, a reproductive faculty beyond the demand for merely keeping up its stock: the seed of a single plant is sufficient to multiply it one hundred or a thousand fold. The animal offspring is never limited to the number of its parents. The multiplying power in some instances, animal as well as...
8570From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 28 March 1818 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 28 March 1818. Described as an autograph letter, signed, in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 975 (8–9 April 1908), item 583.
8571The Federalist Number 54, [12 February] 1788 (Madison Papers)
The next view which I shall take of the house of representatives, relates to the apportionment of its members to the several states, which is to be determined by the same rule with that of direct taxes. It is not contended that the number of people in each state ought not to be the standard for regulating the proportion of those who are to represent the people of each state. The establishment...
8572Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 15 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
The board met: present J. Madison Rector, J. Monroe, J. H. Cocke and J. C. Cabell. A note was received from Mr Johnson, stating that some draughts of enactments which he had been charged with preparing, were not completed; and asking leave of absence until tomorrow. This leave was granted; and the board, after a long conference, adjourned to tomorrow. MS ( ViU : Special Collections).
8573Reply to the New Jersey Plan, [19 June] 1787 (Madison Papers)
On 13 June the Committee of the Whole reported to the convention the amended Virginia Plan. Consideration of that report was postponed on 14 June at the request of Paterson in order that the small states might have time to prepare a plan “purely federal, and contradistinguished from the reported plan” ( Farrand, Records Max Farrand, ed., The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 (4 vols.;...
8574The Federalist No. 50, [5 February 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. IT may be contended perhaps, that instead of occasional appeals to the people, which are liable to the objections urged against them, periodical appeals are the proper and adequate means of preventing and correcting infractions of the Constitution . It will be attended to, that in the examination of these expedients, I confine myself to their aptitude...
8575Notes on Debates, 26 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes on Debates, 4 November 1782 , ed. n. No Congress but a Grand Committee composed of a member from each State. The States of N. H. & Masts. having redeemed more than their quotas of the Emissions prior to the 18th. of March 1780, had called on Congress to be credited for the surplus, on which the Superintendt of Finance reported that they ought to be credited...
8576Naturalization, [1 January] 1795 (Madison Papers)
The House took up the naturalization bill. As to the granting of privileges to aliens, Mr. Madison remarked, that there was no class of emigrants from whom so much was to be apprehended as those who should obtain property in shipping. Much greater mischief was to be feared from them than from any influence in votes, at an election. If he were disposed to make any distinction of one class of...
8577Term of the First Branch of the Legislature, [21 June] 1787 (Madison Papers)
Ellsworth moved to substitute annual for triennial elections in the first branch of the legislature. Mr. Madison was persuaded that annual elections would be extremely inconvenient and apprehensive that biennial would be too much so: he did not mean inconvenient to the electors; but to the representatives. They would have to travel seven or eight hundred miles from the distant parts of the...
8578Notes on Jefferson’s “Statement” on the Batture at New Orleans, [ca. 12 August] 1810 (Madison Papers)
p. 16. form of stating the consultation seems to imply a more elaborate inquiry into the law than was then made: better to give a summary of the grounds; & appeal to the full view of the argts. in support of the opinion given. Id. too unqualified pre-eminence ascribed to Civil Law. 17. quer. the advantage of the note which seems rather erudite & curious, than strictly within the scope of the...
8579Notes on Debates, 27 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes on Debates, 4 November 1782 , ed. n. The report of the Committee on the letter from the Lt. Govr. of R. Island (see Novr. 25) was made & taken into consideration. It was moved by Mr. McKean to insert in the first clause on the Journal, after directing the apprehension by Genl Washington “in order that the sd persons may be brought to trial.” The reason...
8580Committee’s Proposed Article on Religion, [27–28 May 1776] (Madison Papers)
When the committee laid its amended draft of George Mason’s proposed Declaration of Rights before the Convention on 27 May, that body ordered it “to be committed to a committee of the whole Convention” and “ Resolved , that this Convention will on Wednesday next [29 May], resolve itself into a committee on the said declaration; and that, in the mean time, the same be printed, for the perusal...
8581Session of Virginia Council of State, 7 April 1778 (Madison Papers)
present His Excellency Dudley Digges James Madison & David Jameson Bolling Stark Esquires The Board taking into Consideration the Cases of the several Criminals Sentenced by the general court to be executed & it appearing from the unanimous recommendation of the Judges, the grounds of which were explained to the Board by the Honourable John Blair one of the Judges, that Frederick Rampendall &...
8582Report on New Hampshire Requisition, 25 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 20, I, 19–21). Written and docketed by JM: “Report of Committee on the Letter from President Weare of 23d. of Feby. 1782[.] 25th. March 1782. Monday next assigned[.]” Between “Feby. 1782” and “25th. March,” Charles Thomson, secretary of Congress, later inserted “Agreed to May 22d. 1782.” The Committee to whom was referred the letter of the 23d. of Feby last from the...
8583Account with the Commonwealth of Virginia, [ca. December] 1788 (Madison Papers)
1787. The Commonwealth of Virginia to James Madison Jr. Dr. £. S. D To attendance in Convention & Congress from July 20. to Octr. 20. being 92 days at 6 dollars per day 165.12.— Copy sent Aug: 2d. to Auditor 1787. The Commonwealth of Virginia to James Madison Jr. Dr. To attendance as a member of Congress from Octr. 20. to Jany. 20. being 92 days at 6 dollars per day } £165.12 — Credt. By...
8584Treasury Department, [20 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Gerry proposed to place the treasury in the hands of three commissioners. Baldwin preferred a single secretary, with subordinates serving as a check upon his authority. Mr. Madison Had intended to have given his sentiments on this subject; but he was anticipated in some things by the gentleman last up. He wished, in all cases of an executive nature, that the committee should consider the...
8585Notes on Debates, 20 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . On the proposal to discharge the troops who had been enlisted for the war (amounting to ten thousand men) from the want of means to support of them. Mr....
8586Postal Road Survey, [11 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison moved that the resolution laid upon the table, some days ago, be taken up, relative to the survey of the post roads between the province of Maine and Georgia, which being read, he observed that two good effects would arise from carrying this resolution into effect; the shortest rout from one place to another would be determined upon, and persons, having a certainty of the stability...
8587Petition of Joseph-Léonard Poirey, [9 January] 1797 (Madison Papers)
On 5 January JM had called up the report of the secretary of war on Poirey’s petition and moved that a bill be brought in. The House considered the matter in a Committee of the Whole on 9 January, with JM proposing that “provision ought to be made by law for settling the claim of M. Poirey” ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States … (42 vols.;...
8588Additional Memorandums on Ancient and Modern Confederacies, [ante 30 November] 1787 (Madison Papers)
In his advocacy of the Constitution, JM had frequent recourse to his knowledge of history. He used his Notes on Ancient and Modern Confederacies ( PJM William T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (10 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , IX, 4–22 ) extensively in writing The Federalist and apparently sometime during the winter of 1787–1788 decided to supplement those notes with...
8589Commonplace Book, 1759–1772 (Madison Papers)
This manuscript volume is in part a copybook and in part a notebook, all written by JM in his youth with the exception of the final six lines. On the one hand, there are nearly accurate transcriptions of poetry from two magazines, and, on the other, notes upon selections from three fairly difficult books, supplemented by JM’s comments and other interpolations. At the top of the first page of...
8590Pardon of John Mills, 20 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
The President of the United States of America To all who shall see these presents Greeting Whereas at a General Court Martial held at New Orleans on the 20th. day of August 1806 of which Lieut Colonel Constant Freeman was President, Corporal John Mills, of Captain Fergus’ Company, Regiment of Artillerists, was charged with repeated disertion, particularly on or about the 28th. July 1806,...
8591Petition of Joseph-Léonard Poirey, [11 January] 1797 (Madison Papers)
JM called up the bill on the claim of Poirey. The House went into a Committee of the Whole, rose, and reported the bill without amendment ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). , 4th Cong., 2d sess., 1839). Mr. Madison observed, that if he saw any danger from the precedent of making this provision, he should not be...
8592Warrant for James Leander Cathcart, 16 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Warrant for James Leander Cathcart. 16 July 1806. “I certify, That James Leander Cathcart has authority to draw upon the Secretary of State for any sum not exceeding two thousand dollars, which will be paid on presenting with the draft this document. “In faith whereof, I James Madison, Secretary for the Department of State of the United States of America, have signed these presents, and...
8593Resolution 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...
8594Import Duties, [25 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
A fifteen-cent duty on Jamaica rum was approved. The House then took up the twelve-cent duty on other spirits. Smith (Maryland), in order to introduce the principle of discrimination between treaty and nontreaty countries, moved for a six-cent per gallon duty on French brandy ( Gazette of the U.S. , 29 Apr. 1789). Mr. Madison . Discriminations however small may have a good political effect;...
8595Method of Ratifying the Constitution, [31 August] 1787 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison considered it best to require Conventions; Among other reasons, for this, that the powers given to the Genl. Govt. being taken from the State Govts. the Legislatures would be more disinclined than conventions composed in part at least of other men; and if disinclined, they could devise modes apparently promoting, but really, thwarting the ratification. The difficulty in Maryland...
8596Respite for George Adams and Randall Tarrier, [16 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas sentence of death was passed by the Circuit Court of the United States, held for the District of Columbia upon a certain Clinton [i.e., George] Adams and Randal Terrier [ sic ], who were at its last June term duly convicted for the offence of Robbing on the High way, and the President of the United States did respite the execution of the said Sentence until the 16th. day of this...
8597Agreement with Benjamin Grayson Orr, [27 July] 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is agreed by the parties subscribing vizt. James Madison & Benjn G. Orr, that Plato the slave of the said Orr is to serve the said Madison for five years from this date during which time the said Orr nor any other person in his or any other right but his the said Madisons, Shall exercise any Kind of rights ownership or controul over the said Plato, who is to be & remain for the term of...
8598Notes on Debates, 25 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . No Congress till Teusday 25. In favor of the motion of Mr. Gilman [see Journal of this date] to refer the officers of the army for their half pay to...
8599Notes for the National Gazette Essays, [ca. 19 December 1791–3 March 1792] (Madison Papers)
Influence of the size of a nation on Government page. 1. ________ of external danger on Government 10 ________ of the stage of Society on Government 16 ________ of Public opinion on Government 22 ________ of Education on Government 30 ________ of Religion on Government 35 ________ of Domestic slavery on Government 40 ________ of Dependent dominions on Government 46 Checks devised in...
8600Memorandum on Cabinet Meeting, 27 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of the letter from Messrs. Bayard & Gallatin of May 6 or 7. and of other accts. from Europe, as to the ascendancy & views of G.B and the dispositions of the Great Contl. powers, the prec[e]ding Question No. 2. was put to the Cabinet, and agreed to by Monroe Campbell, Armstrong & Jones; Rush being absent: our Ministers to be instructed, besides trying the other conditions to make...