1351From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 21 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
For a week past the subject of amendts. has exclusively occupied the H. of Reps. Its progress has been exceedingly wearisome not only on account of the diversity of opinions that was to be apprehended, but of the apparent views of some to defeat by delaying a plan short of their wishes, but likely to satisfy a great part of their companions in opposition throughout the Union. It has been...
1352From James Madison to Dominick A. Hall, 30 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1804, Virginia. “The President having thought proper to avail the U. States of your services as Judge of the District Court for the Orleans District I have the pleasure of informing you that a Commission for that purpose has been forwarded to N. Orleans under cover to Governour Claiborne.” Draft ( NhHi : Hubbard Manuscripts). 1 p. At the foot of the page, JM wrote: “D. A. Hall. ☞...
1353From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 14 October 1822 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 12th. came to hand this morning. I regret most sincerely, the circumstances which compel you to take the step you meditate, as the only resort under the pressure of your debts. I wish it were more in my power to aid you in your distress. Short crops, low prices, and other causes limit my present means, & suggest caution as to future engagements. I have determined nevertheless to...
1354From James Madison to David Bailie Warden, 1 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Judge Cooper of Pennsylva. a request, which I communicate in an entire copy of the letter containing it; as this will best explain his object and at the same time impress you with the laudable views by which he is actuated. In the uncertainty whether Genl. A. wd. be found at Paris, I have thought it best to address the request immediately to you, & I ca⟨n not doubt⟩ that you...
1355From James Madison to William Overton Callis, 27 November 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 November 1792. Acknowledged in Callis to JM, 9 Dec. 1792 . Requests vouchers needed for Callis’s Revolutionary War claim and comments on the state of the army account books.
1356Nonintercourse with Great Britain, [18 April] 1794 (Madison Papers)
On 2 April Clark moved a resolution calling for nonintercourse with Great Britain, and on 14 April the Committee of the Whole reported the resolution to the House ( Philadelphia Gazette , 3 Apr. 1794; Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). , 3d Cong., 1st sess., 594). JM offered the following amendment on 18 April....
1357From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 20 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have received and forwarded your letter and pamphlet to Mr. King. The latest information from Boston makes it probable that every aid to the fœderal cause will be wanted there. The antifederal party have found such reinfor⟨ce⟩ments in the Insurgents, and the province of Maine which is afraid of creating obstacles to her separation, that there is the most serious reason to apprehend the...
1358To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 January 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have remained here since the adjournment of the Assembly chiefly with a view of gaining from the Office of the Attorney some insight into the juridical course of practice. This has given me an opportunity of forwarding you 6 copies of the revisal with a few of the late newspapers under the cover which incloses this. They will go in a vessel belonging to Mr. Alexander. The gentleman also...
1359From James Madison to Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 10 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The latest information from New Orleans makes it certain that altho’ your letters to the Governor & the Intendant of Louisiana had been received, the Edict of the latter against our right of deposit had not been rescinded. It is even found that this obnoxious measure had been followed by a rigorous prohibition of the ordinary hospitalities between the Citizens of the United States and the...
1360James Madison to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 9 January 1829 (Madison Papers)
Will Mr. R. oblige J.M. by turning to the correspondence of Mr. Jefferson with Mr. Pendleton & als Col. John Taylor & telling me whether any thing & what appears to have passed between them, having relation to the publication of Mr. Pendleton in Octr. 1801. subscribed "The danger not over" FC (DLC) .
1361From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 3 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
The last letter I recd. from you was of Novr. 12. I had previously informed you that your certificates had been funded by Messr. Ashton & Wister. They are now in my hands, with interest due on them from Jany. last, which cannot be drawn without a power of attorney to me for the purpose. My brother William can procure you blank powers at Richmond. It will be proper in filling up the blank to...
1362From James Madison to Bernard Peyton, 27 February 1827 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Anderson gives me notice that a draft accepted by me in favor of Rd. Peters jr for $1048.68. due on the 1st. of Apl, has been placed in the B.B. of the U.S. at Richd. for collection. I had several sources for meeting this & some other demands, which, untill very lately, I thought could not fail me. It has happened otherwise, and I find myself under the necessity of asking the favor of your...
1363To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
J. M. with respectful complts to the Presidt. suggests an attention to the last paragraph in the Rept. to him concerning interpolations, lest it should not square with what was represented in the first Message agst Spanish outrages on the high seas. The report was to go to the Presidt. on saturday or yesterday. A Baltimore paper has published yrujo’s letter to the Dept. of State commenting on...
1364From James Madison to the Senate, 24 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I Nominate, Claude Crozet, to be professor of Engineering at the Military Academy. William Tell Poussin, to be assistant Topographical Engineer. Adam Lynn, of the County of Alexandria, to be a justice of the peace for the Same County in the place of William Newton deceased. George A Thornton of the County of Alexandria to be a justice of the peace for the same county in the place of John...
1365From James Madison to William Short, 21 October 1802 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of state presents his compliments to Mr. Short, and informs him, in answer to his note of the 19th. Inst. that the vouchers to which he alludes are already at the Auditors Office, and that this Department will cheerfully do all that is in its power, towards the putting of Mr. Shorts accounts into a train of settlement. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). Letter not...
1366From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 2 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Docketed, “James Madison. 2d July 1782.” The cover is missing. The italicized words are those that JM wrote in the official cipher. The confidential & circumstancial communications in your favor of the 20th. of June have afforded me much pleasure. Those which relate to the scheme of garbleing the delegatetion were far from surprizing me. In...
1367From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
I recd. last night the inclosed letters from Mr Livingston, which afford another proof that the French Government, however deficient it may be in other attributes is an enlightened one. It would be better no doubt if our objects could be attained by our own means only, but friendly interpositions of other Govts. in such a case ought not only to be accepted but to be acknowledged with respect &...
1368From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 24 October 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have received with your favour of the 11th. a copy of the “Collection of Documents” which you had recently published. The Treaty of Ghent forms a prominent epoch in our National History; and will be a lasting monument of the Ability and patriotism with which it was negociated. Incidents elucidating the transaction, can not therefore but be interesting, and they are made the more so by the...
1369From James Madison to James Fairlie, 19 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
In pursuance of an Act of the last Session of Congress, authorising the President of the United States to appoint Commissioners of Bankruptcy in the several districts composing the United States, he has selected yourself together with John Broome, William Edgar, Jonathan Pearsee junr., Daniel D. Tompkins, Nathan Sandford, Abraham G. Lansing, Nicholas V. Quackenbush and Georg Merchant Esquires...
1370From James Madison to James Monroe, 22 April 1806 (Madison Papers)
Under the same cover with this you will receive a letter for our Consul at St Petersburg committing to his charge a letter from the President to the Emperor Alexander, and inclosing a copy of a letter from this Department to Genl Armstrong. The letter to the Consul is open to your perusal, to be thereafter duly forwarded. It is thought proper that you should be thus put into possession of the...
1371From James Madison to William Hull (Abstract), 22 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
22 March 1805, Department of State . “The President of the United States being desirous of availing the public of your Services as Governor of the Territory of Michigan, I have the pleasure to inclose your Commission.” RC ( MH ); letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Permanent and Temporary Presidential Commissions). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM; docketed by...
1372From James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 26 January 1828 (Madison Papers)
Your favours of the 18th have been duly recd. I am sorry you thought an apology necessary for the delay in sending me the residue of my letters to Mr. Jefferson, and rather surprized that you should be scrupulous of reading them. I took for granted that you would regard them, as on his files equally open tho less entitled to inspection than his to me. In forwarding the parcels, you are so...
1373From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 5 May 1818 (Madison Papers)
Do me the favor to have the inclosed handed to the Editors of the Nal. Messenger in George Town who will return you a small balance & a receipt. Mrs. M. writes to her Sister, I believe. I can add nothing but that we have been for some days again got back to Winter. The mountains before us, as far to the South as they are visible, are covered with snow half way down their sides. Our fruits, the...
1374Motion on Instructions on Treaty of Commerce, [29 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, IV, 359). Moved by JM and seconded by Meriwether Smith. Docketed, “Motion by Mr. Madison postpond, Additional instructions to the Minister plenipotentiary for negotiating a Treaty of Commerce with G Britain.” The motion given below represents a further effort by JM and his Virginia colleagues to have Congress revert to its original instructions, stipulating that the...
1375From James Madison to Albert Gallatin (Abstract), 3 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
3 May 1805, Department of State . “I request you to be pleased to issue a warrant, on the appropriations for the relief of Seamen, for one thousand & eighty nine dollars & seventy seven Cents in favor of James Davidson, the holder of the enclosed bill of Exchange, drawn upon me on the 3d. ult. for the same sum, by Josiah Blakely Esqr. Consul of the U: States at St. Jago of Cuba, who is to be...
1376From James Madison to St. George Tucker, 23 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your very kind communication of Novr. 22. came duly to hand, and I am particularly thankful for your attention to the wish intimated thro’ Mr. Cabell. It was a sight of the Legislative Journals of 1784–5.6.7. that I had occasion for; and unless the Vols. No. 4 or 5, contain extracts for some of those years, the trouble of sending them would be without avail. It is not surprizing, because so...
1377From James Madison to the Senate, 10 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I lay before the Senate for their consideration & advice, as to a ratification Treaties concluded with the Several Indian Tribes according to the following Statement. List of Indian Tribes with whom treaties have been made since the last Session of Congress viz. Weas, and Kickapoos tribes of Indians Treaty concluded at Fort Harrison between Benja. Parke and the Chiefs & Head men of those...
1378From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Madison Jas. Feby. 13. 1783.” The Chevr. de la Luzerne having just given me notice that he shall send an Express to the Romulus in ½ an hour I sieze the opportunity of inclosing a copy of the British Kings Speech which presages a speedy establishment of peace. What effect this circumstance may have on your mission is at present uncertain. For myself...
1379From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 16 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two letters both of the 14th. I know of no objection to your proposed additions to or changes in the list of retained officers, unless it may be in the erasure of B. Peyton. If he be the young gentleman who has been employed at or in the neighbourhood of Charlottesville (Va). I have heard him spoken of as […] ⟨m⟩erit, & much esteemed by some whose esteem would be an […]⟨t⟩. I...
1380Motion on Mission to Portugal, [8 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXII, 250). Thereupon, on motion of Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [Edward] Telfair, Resolved , That it be an instruction to Mr. Jay not to send Mr. Carmichael to the Court of Portugal in pursuance of the resolution of the 11th day of July, 1781,...
1381James Madison to David Hoffman, 13 June 1832 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his respects to Mr. Hoffman thanks him for the copy of his lecture lately delivered in the University of Maryland. In the decrepit & feeble state of the health of J. M. he has not been able to bestow on some parts of the lecture the degree of attention which they merit. He can safely pronounce it to be a happy example in which erudite disquisition is presented in language not...
1382From James Madison to Peter Muhlenberg, 9 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
The Collector of New York has informed me, that the witnesses in Capt. Whitbey’s case are ready to embark at New York. Should you not have provided another preferable passage it might be best to send your Witnesses to New York to embark. I avail myself of the occasion to impress you with the necessity of their promptly proceeding to England, to prevent their testimony becoming useless by being...
1383Presidential Proclamation, [17 June 1814] (Madison Papers)
Whereas, information has been received that a number of individuals, who have deserted from the Army of the United States, have become sensible of their offences, and are desirous of returning to their duty: A full pardon is hereby granted and proclaimed to each and all such individuals as shall within three months from the date hereof, surrender themselves to the commanding officer of any...
1384From James Madison to David Gelston, 23 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
Having received information that the British public armed Brig Busy is now in the port of New York, I take occasion to request you will be pleased to inform me as soon convenient, from such sources of information as you may have access to, what ground there is for a publication lately made in the public papers, that, except two, who were liberated from the Busy since her arrival on the coast,...
1385From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 31 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
The two last letters received from you bear date on the —— and 30th September, so that we have been now four months without hearing from you. The last from me to you was dated on the 16. day of January, giving you information of the transfer of Louisiana on the 20th of December by the French Commissioner Mr Laussat to Governor Claiborne and Genl Wilkinson the Commissioners appointed on the...
1386From James Madison to George Washington, 14 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Daily Advertizer of this date contains several important articles of information, which need only be referred to. I inclose it with a few other late papers. Neither French nor English packet is yet arrived; and the present weather would prevent their getting in if they should be on the Coast. I have heard nothing of Consequence from Massachussetts since my last. The accounts from New...
1387James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 September 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I send herewith a few papers which have come to my hands along with those addressed to myself. Jackson according to a note sent from Annapolis to M r Smith was to be in Washington on friday evening last. The letters from M r Pinkney brought by him, were dated June 23. and merely rehearsed a conversation with
1388From James Madison to Philip Mazzei, 7 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
Draft ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Mazzei, Philip July 7. 1780.” The year should have been 1781. Years later William C. Rives wrote below this note, “Description of military operations, & cruelties of the enemy.” I have received 2 copies of your favor of the 7th. of Decr. last and 3 of that of the 30th. of Novr. preceding Having neglected to bring with me from Virginia the cypher...
1389James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Nov r 29. came to hand a few days ago. The letter from T.C. is returned. I had one from him lately on the same subject; and in consequence reminded the President of his political career; dropping at the same time a few lines in his favor of to our Senator M r Barbour
1390Memorandum of Books, [ca. August] 1790 (Madison Papers)
16 livsons. from 15th. to 30th. inclusive 0 from 23 to 30 inclusive: not charged 0 Memoires concernant impositions et droits (par Moreau) 5 vol: 40. — Encyclop: Britan: (edit: Dobson) 1st. vol. 40 — Chalmers’ Pol: Annals 1 vol: 40. — Ramsay’s acct. of slavery in W. Indies. — Douglas’ Reports Neckar on Religion — Hist: war in America 3 vol: 80. — Cicero’s Epist: to Atticus
1391From James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 27 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
I leave the inclosed open that you may see the papers relating to the Hotel Keepers. Should Genl. Cocke, unexpectedly at this season, be in Charlottesville, be so obliging as to have the letter put into his hands; in the contrary event, into the proper mail. I inclose for you Mr. Brokenboroughs report to be assorted with the other documents accompanying that to go from the Rector; on which I...
1392James Madison to William B. Rogers, 26 February 1836 (Madison Papers)
J. M. with his respects to Professor Rogers, returns many thanks for the Copy of his Report on the "Geological Reconnaissance of the State of Virginia." Unskilled as he is in the subject; he cannot but regard the Report as an able & instructive commencement of a task, which if duly prosecuted under the auspices it merits, cannot fail to amplify greatly the resources of the state, & to afford...
1393From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 December 1795 (Madison Papers)
Mr. R’s pamphlet is out & will be forwarded by the first oppy. Altho’ I have kept up an enquiry, I have not been able to collect the impression it makes. As it relates to the P. nothing seems to be said: and as it relates to parties in general very little. By Fenno’s & Webster’s papers, it appears that an effort will be used to run down Mr. R. & if necessary for the purpose to call in the...
1394James Madison to Jared Sparks, 7 January 1832 (Madison Papers)
Having reason to beleive that several of my letters have miscarried during the casualties of the Season, and having just ascertained, that one written, some time ago to Mr E. Everett of Boston never reached him, it occurs, that my answer to your letter of on the subject of Mr Pinckney may have had a like fate. Say by a line whether it has, or has not. In the former case, I will send you a...
1395From James Madison to Albert Gallatin (Abstract), 15 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
15 June 1805, Department of State. “I request you to be pleased to issue a warrant on the appropriations for the contingent expenses of Government for eight hundred & fifty six dollars, in favor of John Davidson the holder of the three enclosed bills of exchange drawn upon me on the 10th. May last by W. H. Harrison on account of the expenses of the Louisiana Territory, one for 600 dols,...
1396From James Madison to John Borlase Warren, 2 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving in safety your letter of the 23d: of August enclosing two dispatches addressed to me which were found on board a Vessel carried to Halifax, by one of the Cruisers under your command. I avail myself of, with much pleasure of this occasion for offering my acknowledgments for your polite attention, with assurances of the great respect and consideration with which...
1397From James Madison to Nicholas Biddle, 31 May 1827 (Madison Papers)
Finding by your favor of the 27. that the Library of the Philosophical Society does not contain a Copy of the Revised Code as reported by Mr. Jefferson & his Colleagues, I send for it the promised one herewith inclosed. The Copies being now very scarce, I have not been able to furnish one in a less Soiled Condition. With great & very sincere esteem Draft ( DLC ). [Thomas Jefferson et al.],...
1398From James Madison to Anthony Morales, 25 September 1806 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To Anthony Morales. Letter not found. 25 September 1806. Acknowledged in Morales to JM , 24 Oct. 1806 , as enclosing a clipping of a notice published under Morales’s name and requesting that Morales confirm his responsibility for it.
1399From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter of Mazzei, without however having ascertained the fact as to the remittance by the Sculptor. Latrobe I presume, will give the information in his answer to the letter which I have forwarded to him. He is now in Philada. A Secretary of Legation with a sort of Extra establishment has just arrived from England, with despatches for Erskine. I have a private letter only from...
1400From James Madison to Dolley Madison, [19–20] November 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. my dearest yours begun on the 15. & continued on the 16th. The low spirits which pervade it affect mine. I sho⟨uld⟩; be still more affected, if you did not tell me that your knee grew better and stronger. I am much consoled by that information, and think you ought to be also, as your knee has been the source of both our disquietudes. I hope your next will manifest better spirits,...