6001From James Madison to James Barbour, 13 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. a letter from Mr. Byrd Willis manifesting great anxiety to obtain a Cadet appt. for his son George, who he says has long been on the list of Candidates. The father derives encouragement from the descent of consanguinity of the son, connecting him with the Military merit of the revolution. Notwithstanding my general forbearance to intermeddle in such cases, I cannot well...
6002From James Madison to Joseph C. Cabell, 13 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 6th. from Bremo. Judge Carr had long before occurred for the Chair we find so much difficulty in filling; and I had accordingly suggested him to Mr. Jefferson. From the silent reception given to my letter, and the value of the place now held by the Judge, I inferred that my idea was a vain one. With the encouragement of your letter I write immediately to Mr....
6003From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
When I suggested, some time ago, Judge Carr for the Law Chair in the University, I did not know that he had been taken into view by any other member of our Board; and inferring from the silent reception given to my letter, and the attractions of the place he now holds, that I ought not to persist in the idea of his appointment, my thoughts were turned altogether to other chances. By a letter...
6004From James Madison to John W. Williams, 13 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by the last mail your favor of the 5th. A newspaper had apprized me a few days before of the afflicting event which it confirms. I had always abundant reason to be assured that I enjoyed the cordial regard of my departed friend, as a [ sic ] I was conscious of an entire reciprocity in that respect; as well as sensible of what was due in every respect, both to his public & private work....
6005From James Madison to Byrd C. Willis, 13 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I did not receive your letter of the 6th till yesterday. Altho’ I have been for a considerable time retiring from such interpositions as it requests, I have so far departed from the general rule, as to drop a few lines to the Secretary of War, which you will forward from Fredericksbg. I wish there may be a proper opening for success of your son; but it is very questionable whether, an...
6006From James Madison to Nicholas Biddle, 16 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
Such has been of late years the unfavourableness of the Seasons for the staple productions in this quarter, and of the markets also for the main one; and such the disappointment in collecting debts on which I counted, that I find it necessary to resort either to a moderate loan, or to a sale of property, which at the present juncture would be made to great disadvantage. The first alternative...
6007From James Madison to Richard Bland Lee, 20 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 15th. Having ever entertained for you the respect & friendly wishes to which it recurs, I shall not fail to drop a few lines to Judges Duvall & Todd on the subject of it; tho’ in so doing, I make an exception to the rule I am anxious to maintain, of retiring altogether from such interpositions, and can probably add little to their knowledge of the grounds on...
6008From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of the 15th. relating to a purchase of the parcels of land offered for sale by Mr. Perry, and very cheerfully concur in your proposition for making it. The advantage of thus connecting the separate parcels of the University, and securing the sources and ducts which are to supply it with water, seems well to justify the measure on the terms & in the mode explained by you. Even...
6009From James Madison to Edward Everett, 22 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter informing me that I have been elected an honorary member of the Bunker Hill Monument Association. The Event which is to receive the Monumental commemoration, holds so distinguished a place in our Revolutionary History, itself so distinguished in the Annals of Liberty, that the Object of the Association can not be too highly commended; nor the honorary relation to it...
6010From James Madison to James M. Hite, 23 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 5th. having made a circuit, thro’ Montpellier in Hanover County, has but just come to hand. If the grazing of Cattle has ceased to be profitable, it is well to look out for a substitute; but how far the raising of sheep will answer the purpose, depends on so many circumstances, some of them contingences, that I feel myself little competent to give advice on the subject. To...
6011From James Madison to John Henry Sherburne, 28 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 23d. inclosing a copy of your prospectus of a biography of J. P. Jones. The subject you have chosen for your pen, gives you an opportunity of doing justice to an individual, whose heroism will fill a very brilliant page in the history of the American Revolution. I am sorry it is not in my power to add to the Materials you have derived from other sources. I must...
6012From James Madison to Nicholas Biddle, 2 May 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the letter with which you favored me on the 26th. Ult. In the application made in that to which it is an answer, I was misled by what I understood to be occasionally done by Banks possessing affluent funds, and apprehending neither ultimate loss, nor an early pressure. Of the System adopted by the Bank of the U.S. as explained by you, I can not speak but with entire approbation;...
6013From James Madison to Thomas L. McKenney, 2 May 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor inclosing the printed animadversions on an Article in the English “Quarterly Review.” Whatever may be the difficulty or the result of efforts to empart to the Indians the blessings of civilized life, as it is due to humanity to make them, it is due also to our Govt. to repel the unfounded charges brought agst. it. For this purpose, your publication is well adapted, its...
6014From James Madison to George Ticknor, 2 May 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. the copy of the “Life of General Lafayette” kindly supplying the miscarriage of that first sent, of which nothing has been heard. I return my thanks, Sir, for this valuable and seasonable tribute to illustrious merit. I have read it with great pleasure, & with a wish that it could be universally read by our fellow Citizens. It could not but strengthen by enlightening their...
6015From James Madison to William Johnson, 6 May 1825 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a few days ago from Richmond thro’ Mr. Stephenson, the copy of your “Life of Majr. Gen: Greene &c.” for which I perceive that I am indebted to your friendly politeness. I had previously availed myself of an opportunity of glancing over the Work; and hope, late in the day as it is with me, that I may be able to do it more justice by a more adequate perusal. The mass of information which...
6016From 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...
6017From James Madison to Thomas L. McKenney, 14 May 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. yours of the 10th. instant. Altho’ the Talk to the Indians was sent with a view only to its being officially filed, not to its publication, the tone of it in relation to a foreign power being better suited to the then state of war than to the present state of amity, no sufficient objection can lie against the use made of it in vindicating our Govt. from charges as unprovoked...
6018From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 19 May 1825 (Madison Papers)
I did not receive yours of the 12th. in time to be answered by the last mail. My thoughts, as heretofore intimated, had been turned to Judge Dade for the Law Chair; and with the recommendatory opinions which you enumerate, I cannot hesitate to concur in the offer of it as proposed. I concur also in the issuing of a Commission on the written sanction of the Visitors without the formality of a...
6019From James Madison to Jacob Brown, 10 June 1825 (Madison Papers)
Captain Glassel heretofore of my neighbourhood, supposing that a trip to Scotland may aid an object in which he has an eventual interest, wishes me to drop you a line on the occasion. Of his present standing personal & official, you have or can readily obtain a sufficient knowledge; and it does not belong to me to estimate the considerations on which a grant of absence must depend. What alone...
6020From James Madison to George Thompson, 30 June 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. my dear Sir, your very friendly letter of the 3d. instant. It has afforded me much pleasure, both as an expression of your continued regard for your old friends in your native State, and as a proof of the blessings you enjoy in your adopted one. You are particularly happy in combining with the ample gifts of fortune, what is but too rare, a grateful acquiescence in their...
6021From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 1 July 1825 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Fowler of Allen’s Lot. & Exc: office holds a note of mine for $500 payable on the 10th. instant. From his letter to me on the subject I infer that the enclosed Check will be a payment not inconvenient to him; and I prefer it to the risk & trouble of remitting bank notes by the Mail. On substituting the check for the promisory note, be so good as to send me the latter in a cancelled State....
6022From James Madison to Elisha Callender, 6 July 1825 (Madison Papers)
The last of yr. letters dated June 12. came to hand but a few days ago. You are very kind in taking so indulgent a view of my neglect, to answer preceding ones; for which I could offer several excuses which imply no want of due respect for the friendliness of your communications. In truth I have advanced to a period of life which obliges me to practice much economy in the use of the pen, and...
6023From James Madison to Rufus King, 6 July 1825 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Morton of my neighbourhood will pass through London on a trip to Scotland with an object which he will explain to you. The esteem in which he is held by those best acquainted with him, induces me to introduce him to an opportunity of paying his respects to you, and of asking whatever friendly suggestions may be useful to him. He is accompanied by Capt: Glassel of the army of the U. States,...
6024From James Madison to John H. Smith, 7 July 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of June 27th with a copy of Proposals, for publishing a Weekly agricultural paper at Richd. The object you have in view is so laudable, that I can not refuse to be a subscriber. It is so much my wish however to reduce rather than multiply engagements of that sort, which require attentions becoming every day more & more inconvenient, that you must excuse me for desiring it to...
6025From James Madison to Benjamin Waterhouse, 13 July 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your friendly letter of June 30. and congratulate you on your safe return from so long a journey. The fact you confirm with respect to Genl. Hull furnishes the best apology for the imbecility which occasioned his downfal[l]; and his friends would shew more discretion in availing themselves of it, than in attempts to decorate him with artificial laurels. I am truly sorry for the...
6026From James Madison to Richard Bache, 16 July 1825 (Madison Papers)
Mrs. Madison unites in the request that you will so obliging, in case J. P. Todd should not be in Philada. as to forward to him the inclosed letter (with the 2 others lately addressed to your care) by the most suitable conveyance; unless it be presumed that the letters will be sooner received by awaiting his return to Philada. When last heard from he was at N. York. Draft ( DLC ). JM...
6027From James Madison to Asbury Dickins, 19 July 1825 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Dickins, and thanks him for the copy of his oration of the 4th. of July last. J. M. had previously an opportunity of reading it in the Newspapers: But it well deserves a place among the select discourses on that anniversary, in the more conservative form now given to it. RC ( NN : Ford Collection); draft ( ViU : Special Collections). Minor differences...
6028From James Madison to Edward Everett, 19 July 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received the copy of your Oration at Concord on the 19th. of April last; and have derived much pleasure from the excellent ideas with which it abounds, & the elegant language in which they are conveyed. You have given it particular value, by making it a record of interesting details which might otherwise have passed into oblivion. With great esteem & cordial respects RC ( MHi :...
6029From James Madison to Charles Caldwell, 22 July 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your letter from Charlottesville came duly to hand, and an earlier answer would have been given to it; but for a hope, which has not been fulfilled that a little delay might enlarge the compliance with its request. The instances of longevity which you wish me to repeat on paper as within the limits of my farm, on which there are about 70 persons of every age & description and among my...
6030From James Madison to Horatio Gates Spafford, 22 July 1825 (Madison Papers)
I delayed answering your[s] of May 10. in the hope of finding a private conveyance; having experienced in several instances a miscarriage of such remittances by the mail. Seeing now little chance of any other opportunity I commit to that hazard a bank note of $10.* which will discharge the debt, and make up for the delay. With friendly respects *of Bank of Virga No. 8428 date June 9. 1821 [...
6031From James Madison to Richard Rush, 1 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
The Mail of yesterday brought us the first information of your having reached Washington, where alone a letter would be sure of finding you; and I avail myself of the first moment to congratulate you on your safe return to your country; as I do your Country on your acceptance of a new & more important career in its service. Mrs. Madison joins me in these congratulations, as I do her in those...
6032From James Madison to Albert G. Slaughter, 1 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
I recd. Sir, some time ago, your favour of June 7. inclosing a sample of the Vicuña wool, and I must ask you to excuse an unintentional delay in thanking you for it. I am not sure that I had before seen the article in its unwrought State: I have often seen the delicate fabric made of it, which is understood to have been a monopoly of the Spanish Court, and obtained thence as a special favor...
6033From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
Having but little hope that Judge Dade will accept the place offered him, and having occasionally heard Mr. Lomax of Fredericksbg. spoken of favorably, I sought an occasion, yesterday, without disclosing my object, of learning more of him, from Judge Barbour, who has long been at the same Bar with him, and is otherwise well acquainted with his character. The Judge considers him as a man of...
6034From James Madison to Ralph Randolph Gurley, 6 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison, with his respects to Mr. Gurley, thanks him for the Copy of his Oration delivered on the 4th. of July last. He has read it with a due sense of the importance of the well handled topics introduced on the occasion. RC ( NjP : Jasper E. Crane Collection of James and Dolley Madison); FC ( DLC ). RC cover addressed and franked by JM . Minor differences between the copies have not been...
6035From James Madison to John O. Lay, 6 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of the 2d. inst: stating the proceeds of the two last Hhds of my Tobo. and enclosing a Certificate of their deposit in Bank. I do not doubt that the sales were made to the best advantage, nor are they short of what was looked for. I was not unaware of the objection to which very light Hhds were subject, & had given warning of it. The error has been occasioned by the...
6036From James Madison to John Henry Sherburne and Nicholas B. Van Zandt, 6 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
J M. presents his respects to Mr Sherburne & Mr. Van Zant, and thanks them for the copy of the “Life of P. Jones” politely sent him. A hasty glance sufficiently shews, that the Vol: contains much well deserving preservation & publication: and he wishes that the result may in every respect prove satisfactory to the Author. Draft ( DLC ). John Henry Sherburne, Life and Character of the Chevalier...
6037From James Madison to William F. Gray, 8 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have the Ed: Rev. No. 82. forwd. by you. I recd. at the same time from Mr. Green the inclosed acct. & order from Mr. Withers. There is no date, you will observe, to the Acct. and I do not find that I have recd. all the Nos. of either the N.A. or Edinbg. Review preceding the last from yourself. No. 78. of Edinbg. Revw. particularly is wanting. Whilst the business was in the hands of Mr....
6038From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your Circular of the 4th. instant did not come to hand till yesterday. In the present attitude of things the reappointment of Mr. Gilmer to the Law professorship seems a matter of course; though I am sorry to learn that there is some ground to apprehend that his qualifications are not as well understood & as highly estimated as they deserve to RC ( DLC ). Fragment. Remainder of text, closure,...
6039From James Madison to Daniel Webster, 12 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have received the copy of your Oration delivered at Bunker’s Hill on the occasion presented by the 17th. of June last. It merits all the praise which has been bestowed on it: And I tender you many thanks for the pleasure it has afforded me. With assurances of my distinguished esteem & cordial respects RC ( NhHi : Webster Collection); draft ( PHi ). RC addressed and franked by JM to Webster...
6040From James Madison to Horatio Gates Spafford, 21 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. with your friendly letter of the 29th ult: the little volume now returned to which it refers; and I thank you for the kind feelings with which you recommend the perusal of it. I am too old to enter the wide field which the subject of the work opens for investigation. Mr. Jefferson is still older, and very infirm also. You have time enough before you to re-examine adopted opinions,...
6041From James Madison to William F. Gray, 24 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 12. came safe to hand with the receipt & Books it refers to. No. 78. compleats my set of the Edinbg Revw. No. 45. for Ocr. 24 of the N.A. Revw: I return, that havg been previously recd. But I find that No. 43. & 44 for the same year are not among the recd. numbers. Be so good as to advert to this circumstance. I thank you for yr attention in sendg the several books with an...
6042From James Madison to Henry Clay, 27 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
I was lately called on by Docr. Waugh a physician in this quarter esteemed for his professional skill, with a request that I would name his son to the proper Dept. as an applicant for bearing public dispatches abroad, should there be occasion for such a service. The youth is represented as of promising talents & character. The wish to procure for him some employment, which will carry him...
6043From James Madison to Robley Dunglison, 27 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of June 30. came duly to hand, with the vial of tincture you obligingly sent, for the Servant with a swelled neck. The vial being now exhausted I obey your request, in observing that the patient has been much benefited by the medicine. The tumor tho’ not entirely removed is greatly abated; and the eyes which for some time, during the use of the tincture, became more inflamed with a...
6044From James Madison to Hugh Mercer, 27 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
I cannot acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 23. without a return of many thanks in which Mrs. M. unites, for the kind sentiments it expresses towards us; and without adding that no apology was required for the hasty departure of yourself and the estimable friend with you. The stay of both, had circumstances permitted, would certainly have given us great pleasure, the greater as I well...
6045From James Madison to Frances Wright, 1 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your letter to Mrs. Madison containing observations addressed to my attention also, came duly to hand, as you will learn from her, with a printed copy of your plan for the gradual abolition of slavery in the U. States. The magnitude of this evil among us is so deeply felt, and so universally acknowledged, that no merit could be greater than that of devising a satisfactory remedy for it....
6046From James Madison to John Brennan, 7 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir your letter of Aug. 31. communicating your intention to publish a translation of the travels of the Marquis de Cha[s]tellux in the U. States during several years of the Revolutionary war. You are welcome to my name on the list of your subscribers which I wish may become sufficit for your object. I can not venture to promise much addition to it in this particular quarter. My...
6047From James Madison to Gurdon Saltonstall Mumford, 10 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
I did not receive till yesterday, your favor of Aug 23: or I sd. sooner have made my acknowledgments for the two pamphlets inclosed in it. The honors conferred on Gen. Lafayette are honorable to our natl. character & to the genius of our Republican system, and I hope will do good both abroad & at home. The object to which you endeavour to make them particularly conducive is much to be...
6048From James Madison to Alexander Scott, 15 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
I wish my memory could furnish more light on the subject of your letter of the 10th. than is found in the two documents inclosed in it. But this happens not to be the case, owing not only to the great lapse of time, but to the more particular agency of the Heads of Depts. in such cases, than that of the Presidt. What alone I can say is that I have no recollections adverse to those of Mr....
6049From James Madison to John H. I. Browere, 17 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir, your letter of the 12th. desiring my consent to be a subject for your professional Art. Having in several instances, her[e]tofore yielded it, and considering myself now at a period of life when such a task would be more inconvenient, to myself; as well as less eligible to an Artist, I had meant to decline any future repetition. I find it difficult however to separate myself...
6050From James Madison to Timothy Pickering, 17 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir, your letter of the 7th. instant, inclosing Nos. 5 & 6. of the New England Farmer. I have not now the title which you supposed, to this mark of attention. Finding that I could not attend the Meetings of the Agricultural Society of Albemarle, held at a considerable distance from me, I made way, by resignation, for a successor to the presiding office who might do more justice to...