101From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I snatch a moment to intimate that Dr. T. Ewell is under circumstances which induce him to surround himself with respectable names as far as he can. Yours has been already brought into print, and he is availing himself to the utmost of your alledged patronage of him. I think it probable that he will endeavor to draw from you by letter whatever may be yielded by your politeness or benevolence;...
102From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. H. Wheaton who is engaged in a Biography of the late W. Pinkney a letter wch. I inclose with my answer. If your recollection or memoranda can confirm or enlarge the information I have given with respect to the origin of the Embargo, be so good as to return my answer that it may be improved: If otherwise, it may be sealed & forwarded; the letter from Mr. Wheaton to be...
103From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 December 1794 (Madison Papers)
I did not receive your favor of Sepr. 2d. the only one yet come to hand, till yesterday. The account of your arrival and reception had some time ago found its way to us thro’ the English Gazettes. The language of your address to the Convention was certainly very grating to the ears of many here; and would no doubt have employed the tongues and the pens too of some of them, if external as well...
104From James Madison to Richard Rush, 15 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
The occasion which led to your favor of this morning merits all our congratulations, and I heartily join in those you have expressed. The terms of the peace will I hope be satisfactory to our Country. With the events of the war, they can not fail to command the respect of every other. … Be so good as to return the two papers after a leisurely perusal. The newspaper is the latest that has...
105From James Madison to John K. Smith, 12 April 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 12 April 1810. Acknowledged in Smith to JM, 15 May 1810 . Requests information about Lafayette’s Louisiana lands.
106Motion on Point of Order, [3 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 297). The manuscript is in JM’s hand. Charles Thomson entered “Madison, Bland” at the top to signify who made and seconded the motion, and “Madison” at the bottom to indicate that JM demanded a roll call. Below the second “Madison,” Thomson recorded the vote on the motion. On a cover addressed by a clerk of the War Office to “His Excellency, The President of...
107From James Madison to Henry Lee, 21 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
It was fortunate that a duplicate of your letter to Mr. Jefferson went so soon from Alexandria. The copy in My hands did not find a conveyance fit to be trusted for a very long time—it cannot have reached him yet. I was determined to await a secure opportunity, and the intermission of the French Packet left such an one extremely rare. I was compelled at last to put it into the hands of a...
108From James Madison to Congress, 18 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1812. “I transmit … copies of a communication from Mr. Russell to the Secretary of State. It is connected with the correspondence accompanying my Message of the 12th instant, but had not at that date been received.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles,...
109From James Madison to Thomas Farmar, 31 March 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have received the letter which you wrote me on the 11th. inst. by direction of the Committee appointed by a general meeting of the Merchants of New York. The solicitude of those engaged in foreign commerce at the present crisis which led to the application, could not fail to awaken the regret that the course of mercantile operations could not in all cases be regulated by a more precise...
110From James Madison to James Breckinridge, 27 November 1827 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed you by Mr. Jesse B. Harison of Lynchburg. He offers himself as Successor to Mr Long, in the Professorship of Ancient Languages: & if satisfied by the concurring opinions of the Visitors separately expressed, that his appointment will take place, intends to embark immediately at his own expence for Germany, in order to avail himself of the peculiar opportunities there found...
111To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 4 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters from Cathcart & Mellimelli explain the unexpected & perplexing determination of the latter with respect to the Franklin. The least evil left to our choice has been thought to be that of chartering a vessel at Boston. Cathcart has accordingly been instructed to do so. It has been thought proper also to take advantage of a vessel going from Alexa. to Boston, for sending the...
112From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 October 1800 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Mr. Altson [ sic ] of S. Carolina, who proposes to call at Monticello on his return from a Northern tour. He will probably be made known to you by other introductions; but those which he has brought to me, as well as a short acquaintance with him make me feel an obligation to add mine. He appears to be intelligent, sound in his principles, and polished in his...
113From James Madison to the Senate, 26 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate of the United States. The considerations which led to the nomination of a Minister Plenipotentiary to Russia, being strengthened by evidence since received of the earnest desire of the Emperor to establish a diplomatic intercourse between the two Countries, and of a disposition in his Councils favorable to the extension of a commerce mutually advantageous; as will be seen by the...
114From James Madison to William Pinkney, 4 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Aug. 19. came duly to hand, and I tender my thanks for it. I have very little to add in return for your acceptable observations, especially as the opportunity, happens to be reduced to a very few minutes. Mr. Smith will send you the communications to Congs. with whatever else is important. The career of Mr. Jackson, has been equally short & singular. His correspondence as far as...
115Military Establishment, [9 December] 1794 (Madison Papers)
Nicholas called for a committee “to enquire how far the act of Congress for the defence of the frontier had been complied with, and what number of the men ordered to be raised are yet to be enlisted.” JM had reported that act from committee in 1792 ( PJM , 14:199 and n. 1 ). Mr. Madison observed that a gentleman from New-Jersey (Mr. Dayton) had stated three different ways, in which the act was...
116From James Madison to William Bradford, 20 January 1775 (Madison Papers)
Your very acceptable favours by Mr. Rutherford arrived safe but I perceived by the date, had a very tedious passage which perhaps may be attributed to the craziness of the Vessel in which you embarked them. I ought to mention in particular that I did not receive them till after I wrote my last as an apology for my not then acknowledging it I entirely acquiesce in your Opinion of our friend...
117James Madison to Hugh Mercer, 12 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 2d. inst, was duly recd. and I beg you to be assured of my sensibility to the kindness which it breathes. The almost entire failure of my Crop of Wheat on which I relied for certain objects, with that of expected payments, will require a resort to some extra resource, & I am much obliged for that held out by your Board. I shall probably need an aid which will not exceed a...
118From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 22 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 18th. inclosing a commission for me, as one of the Visitors of the Central College in Albemarle. With a reservation of the time required by my remaining duties at this place, I shall, with pleasure contribute my services in promoting the welfare of so beneficial an Institution. Accept Sir my esteem & great respect RC ( Vi : Executive Papers).
119From James Madison to Benjamin Harrison, 1 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Maine Historical Society, Portland). Franked “public Service” and “J. Madison Jr.” Addressed to “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Governor of Virginia.” Docketed, “J Madison Recd. 14h. Febry 1782.” Your Excellency’s favor of the 19th. Ult. notifying to me the desire of the Executive to associate me with the Revd. Mr. Andrews in settling the boundary between Virga. & this State, came...
120James Madison to Ralph Randolph Gurley, 29 December 1831 (Madison Papers)
I received in due time your letter of the 21st Ult. and with due sensibility to the subject of it. Such, however, has been the effect of a painful Rheumatism on my general condition, as well in disqualifying my fingers for the use of the pen that I could not do justice "to the principles and measures of the Colonization Society in all the great and various relations they sustain to our own...
121James Madison to William Allen, 14 April 1829 (Madison Papers)
Finding it convenient to make a draft on you for $150 dollars in favor of Mr. A J. Levy of Philada. I have taken the liberty of forwarding one to him of that amount. It is made payable after 30 days sight previous to which I shall probably make you a remittance to meet it. Should I be disappointed, you will please to sell, if not sold before, the flour necessary for the purpose. Draft (DLC) .
122From James Madison to Edward Livingston, 20 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
Having transmitted to the President your letter of the 6th: I have just received as his decision thereon, that the case of the Batture being now referred to Congress on the Official opinion of the Attorney General that the right is in the United States, it is the duty of the Executive to keep the ground clear of any adversary possession, until they shall have decided on it. The delay in...
123From James Madison to Louis-Marie Turreau, 12 February 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have been just honored with your letter of the 11th. instt. Having already made you acquainted that on the first notice of the expedition from New-York under the apparent superintendance of Mr. Miranda, orders were issued by the President for the immediate & legal steps which the case demanded. I must now repeat the sam⟨e⟩ communication, with the same frankness, adding only that the orders...
124From James Madison to Colin and James Ross, 3 June 1806 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To Colin and James Ross. Letter not found. 3 June 1806. Mentioned in the Rosses’ 5 June 1806 reply as having to do with a payment to Hubbard Taylor of Kentucky.
125From James Madison to Robert Brent, [ca. 11 September] 1813 (Madison Papers)
The mode provided in the letter to General Harrison, for distances in pay-offices, may answer. But blank Appointments would seem a more regular mode. The filling them implies the same confidence only, and in both cases the appts. are equally annullable. As assistant paymasters are not named in the act, it may be better to appt. additional paymasters in the same District with instructions...
126From James Madison to Joseph C. Cabell, 27 May 1827 (Madison Papers)
You already know that Mr Key sent forward his resignation within the prescribed time. I am now to mention to you that I have written to Mr Gallatin a request that he would ascertain and let us know without loss of time, whether a fit Successor could be found in G.B. in case it should be necessary to resort thither. I wrote also, at the suggestion of Gen: Cocke, to Mr Brown, American Minister...
127James Madison to William Henry Harrison, 1 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 22d. Ult: in which you request my opinion of the character & merits of Genl. Pike. Having had but a very slight personal acquaintance with him, I can not say more of his private character, than that every thing I recollect to have heard of it was favorable to it. Of his enterprizing spirit, his distinguished gallantry, and his zealous services in his military...
128Presidential Proclamation, [9 July] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Whereas the Congress of the United States, by a joint Resolution of the two Houses, have signified a request, that a day may be recommended, to be observed by the People of the United States, with religious solemnity, as a day of public Humiliation and Prayer: and whereas such a recommendation will enable the several religious denominations and societies so disposed, to offer, at one and the...
129From James Madison to Thomas Cramer, 13 April 1822 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a few days ago your favor communicatg the resolution of the Agricultural Society of the Valley, placing my name on the list of its honorary members. I feel much indebted to the Society for this flattering mark of their attention, for which I beg that my acknowledgts. may be presented. I wish there were not necessarily mingled with them, a regret that no returns of more value are likely...
130From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 23 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
The letter, of which a copy is inclosed, from Mr. George G Lee, an Officer in the Navy of the U States, discloses a species of forgery, which may be followed by consequences highly injurious to our Mediterranean trade. Capt. Dulton, the bearer, affording a safe and direct conveyance, I have also inclosed the forged passport and Register, alluded to in the letter, and a copy of the genuine...
131James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 8 March 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. a letter from Col. Storrow in answer to an inquiry from me, which shews that he has still in his hands the packet put into them by Mr. Sparks. I am sorry that his inattention caused you & Mr Coolidge the trouble indicated in your favour of Feby. 22. The delinquent is so penitent for not even dropping me a line on the subject, that, in the consciousness of our own...
132From James Madison to the Right Reverend James Madison, 17 July 1806 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To the Right Reverend James Madison. Letter not found. 17 July 1806. Acknowledged in Madison to JM , 26 July 1806 , where it appears to have been a response to the Reverend’s recommendation of someone named “John” for public office.
133From James Madison to Richard Harrison, 10 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
It appearing that William Eaton Esqr. late Consul of the United States at Tunis did on the 9th. of August 1802, in his official capacity, enter into an instrument of writing acknowledging to have received from Sidi Haggi Junis Ben Junis, a Tunisian Merchant, the sum of thirty four thousand Spanish milled dollars, as a loan for the use of his public agency; and Richard V. Morris Esqr. having on...
134James Madison to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 23 October 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. the inclosed letter from a Come of Stud in the University, and must ask the favor of you to communicate it, to the other members of the Executive Committee & let the result be known to the writers I inclose the<ir> letter on the supposition, that copies may not have been circularly sent Draft, with draft of James Madison to University of Virginia Committee of Students, W. H....
135From James Madison to Robert Walsh Jr., 13 December 1817 (Madison Papers)
J. M. has recd. the 2d. Vol. of the Amn. Register wth. which Mr. Walsh has favored him. Regarding the work as a very valuable contribution to the stock of Amn. literature, it has always been his intention to possess it; has taken steps wch. will save the politeness of Mr. W. from being again taxed for the purpose. He is at the same time not the less sensible of the kindness to which he is...
136James Madison to William Buell Sprague, 11 August 1828 (Madison Papers)
I received your letter of July 5. when absent from my papers; and since I had opportunities of looking into them, other circumstances have thus long delayed an answer. I now enclose a few autograph specimens, which are within the scope of your request; not doubting that you will be able to obtain most of the others I could furnish, from other & perhaps more convenient sources. It may be not...
137From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 23 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 20th inst. The claim of W. Knaggs involves an important question; what is the effect produced on the salaries of persons made prisoners by an Enemy, by and during their captivity? Civil officers are of two classes. 1st. Those holding during good behaviour 2dly. Those holding during pleasure. Whilst the offices of the 1st class continue and the officers are not removed...
138General Defense of the Constitution, [6 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
On 5 June, Patrick Henry leveled a lengthy attack on the Constitution. This evoked a Federalist rebuttal in general terms by Governor Randolph and JM’s point-by-point refutation. Mr. Madison then arose—(but he spoke so low that his exordium could not be heard distinctly). I shall not attempt to make impressions by any ardent professions of zeal for the public welfare: we know the principles of...
139From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 20 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
It being understood that Morales means to settle himself at New Orleans, and that his temper and his treasures, his connections and his views, may render him a mischievous member of the society, his removal to some other part of the United States, where he would be unimportant and harmless, would be agreeable to the President. Perhaps it may be in your power to bring this about, without...
140From James Madison to Jean Guillaume Hyde de Neuville, 9 December 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have been duly favd. with your interesting communication of the 3d. instant. The evacuation of France by the occupying armies is a just subject of the joy you express. It is an important event in the affairs of Europe; and an epoch particularly so in those of France. Her recovery of an uncontroulled Will must be gratifying to all who wish to see nations in full possession of the independence...
141James Madison to Louis Serurier, 5 August 1831 (Madison Papers)
We are glad to learn by your kind letter of the 30th. Ult: that you all got safe back to Washington in spite of the scorching heat of the Tavern, and the stewing ordeal of the Steamboat: and are particularly gratified that the temporary exchange, so easily repeated, of the Banks of the Potomac, for our Mountain Climate, proved so agreeable. It is not the less to be understood however, that the...
142From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 21 July 1791. Acknowledged in Jefferson to JM, 24 July 1791 . In his list of letters to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers), JM noted that this letter, like that of 13 July, concerned “Publicola.” Perhaps this was JM’s letter of 21 July to an unspecified correspondent, listed in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), p. 262.
143From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 7 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but the contents of the letter permit no doubt that Pendleton was the recipient. The post has been very irregular for several weeks past & this week the Mail South of Annapolis has failed altogether; by which means I lose the pleasure of your alternate favor. A vessel from France informs us that the frigate freigted with the event at York had...
144To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
(a) after ‘others’—the insertion of “with commissions”—seems necessary, as others refers to the armed vessels—not to commissns. (b) Instead of “under the controul”it may be well to insert some such phrase as “unreached by any controul” in order not to sanction a plea agst. indemnification, drawn from an acknowledgment on our part that the enenormities were uncontroulable. (c) “as unprofitable...
145From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 March 1827 (Madison Papers)
Your two letters of Jany. 17 & 22. were duly recd. I hope your health was restored as soon as was promised by the decrease of your fever, and that it continues to be good. I inclose a Circular required by the resignation of Mr. Key, to which I have nothing to add on that subject. Our Colleagues protest against a “Called Board” on any acct. tho’ I fear the Creditors of the university will be...
146From James Madison to Congress, 26 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress, for their information, copies and extracts from the correspondence of the Secretary of State, and the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at Paris. These Documents will place before Congress the actual posture of our relations with France. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings,...
147From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for the copy of your Message. The moderation it breathes towards Spain will be approved generally at present, & universally hereafter. The time is passed when this policy could be ascribed to any other than its true motive. The present standing of the U.S. will secure to it a just interpretation every where. It is very satisfactory to learn that the greatest powers in Europe are...
148From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 2 August 1797 (Madison Papers)
At the desire of Mr. Bringhurst I forward him to Monticello; and make use of the opportunity, the first that has offered, to return you the pamphlet you were so kind as to leave with me. I add to it a late Fredg. paper which has got hold of some important articles of later date than were brought by the last post, and which may therefore be new to you as they were to me. I have had nothing from...
149From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 29 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
I duly received your letter of March 4. inclosing a Resolution of Feby. 22. by the General Assembly of Virginia; and urging the importance of providing for the protection of the Chesapeake Bay, which is the object of that Resolution. Concurring fully in the views you have presented of the extended interests which are connected with the Waters of the Bay, and of the use that can be made of them...
150From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed papers which I have got from Mr. Beckleys office furnishes an answer to your letter. There is a Bill depending in favor of claims barred by the limitation of time—which if it passes will provide for those of Owen & Woods as I understand the tenor of the Bill and the nature of their claims. As soon as the fate of the Bill is decided I shall write to the parties. RC ( DLC :...