231Motion on Letter of Vermont Agents, [20 April] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 289). Docketed: “Motion of Mr J Jones Seconded by Mr. Madison[.] Negatived April 20h 1782.” This motion, presented by Jones, is in JM’s hand. Jonas Fay. M. R. & I. T. styling themselves Agents and Delegates from the State of Vermont having in a letter dated the 19th. instant informed Congress “that in consequence of the faith of Congress pledged to them, in and by a...
232Report Approving John Jay’s Negotiations with Spain, [22 April] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, III, 263). Written by JM. Docketed: “No 6. Report of the Committee on the Letter of the 3d. of October 1781—from Mr Jay at Madrid—April 22. 1782[.] Referred to the Secy for foreign Affairs to report.” The Committee to whom was referred the letter from Mr Jay of the 3d. of Octr. 1781, recommend the following answer thereto, to be subscribed by the Secy. of F. A. Your...
233From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 23 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (New York Public Library). Addressed to “The Honble Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” Docketed by Pendleton, “James Madison Esqr. April 23d. 1782.” We have had here the same reports of the evacuation of Charleston which your letter of the 15. recites, but the wished for confirmation is still wanting. That it will take place in the course of the Campaign cannot I think be...
234From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 23 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The words written by JM in the official cipher are italicized in the present copy. Although the letter is incomplete, the missing portion apparently contained only a few concluding words and JM’s signature. I am at length assured of your safe arrival at your destination by your favor of the 11 continued on the 13th. The little necessity I understand there was for...
235Motion on Colonel Edward Carrington, [26 April] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, I, 541½). In JM’s hand. Resold That Lt Colo. Carrington be informd that the 7th. Art: of the Confederation having reserved to the States the right of appointing all officers of & under the rank of Colonels for the forces respectively raised by them & of filling up all vacancies of such officers, Congress cannot appoint him to the vacancy in the Command of the 4th. Regt....
236Motion for Financial Reports, [30 April] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 291). Written by JM. Docketed, “Motion of Mr Madison seconded by Mr [Joseph] Montgomery[,] passed April 30h 1782.” Ordered, That the Superintendt of Finance do prepare & lay before Congress a State of the monies borrowed & not repaid by the U. S. prior to the 1st. day of Jany. last and that he also lay before Congress every half year computing from the sd. 1st. day...
237Motion 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...
238Report on Communication from La Luzerne, [1 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 25, II, 95). The manuscript, written by JM, is docketed: “Report of Committee on foreign Communications. Passed May 1st 1782.” The Committee to whom were referred the Communication &c laid before Congress by the Secy. of F. Affairs, submit the following resolutions. Resolved. The Secretary of Fo. Affairs be directed to make a confidential communication to the Several...
239Account with Edmund Randolph, [ca. 1 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). At the top of this undated, torn, and water-stained scrap of paper, Randolph wrote “Madison to Randolph E.” On the reverse of the sheet, “J. Madison” appears twice in Randolph’s hand and also a “32.” What this numeral connotes is unknown. Being sharp in outline, the “3” can hardly be a vestige of an “8” which, in combination with the “2,” might have represented the...
240From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 1 May 178[2] (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 90–93; and Madison, Letters [Cong. ed.] [William C. Rives and Philip R. Fendall, eds.], Letters and Other Writings of James Madison (published by order of Congress; 4 vols.; Philadelphia, 1865). , I, 43). The third paragraph of the letter, as here printed, is taken...
241Observations Relating to the Influence of Vermont and the Territorial Claims on the Politics of Congress, 1 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). Written by JM and docketed by him with the above title, followed by “May 1, 1782.” Why JM prepared this memorandum at this time can only be surmised. Perhaps believing that the Vermont issue, which had been quiescent since 20 April, would come importantly to the fore within a few days, he wished to organize his thoughts about the matter and its complex relationships...
242Motion on Delegates’ Financial Interest in West, [2 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 293). Docketed by JM: “Motion of Mr Bland seconded by Mr Madison[.] May 2d 1782. Rejected as out of order.” Although Bland presented the motion in Congress, the manuscript is in JM’s hand. Also in his hand, on the page containing the docket, appear the words, “assistance from the fleets of his M C or C M as can be afforded for the like purpose.” This passage was...
243Motion on Protection of Commerce, [2 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 28, fol. 241). Written by JM. With a sharper quill than the one he used to draft the motion, JM penned at the top of the page, “Resolved that next be appointed to receive.” Almost certainly he made this note on 2 May, when Congress agreed upon a date for receiving La Luzerne ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34...
244Motion 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...
245Report on Form of Public Audience for La Luzerne, [7–9 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 25, II, 99–103, 105, 105½). In small part, the report is in JM’s hand. Docketed: “Report of Comtee relative to the Ceremonial on admitting the Minister of France to a Public Audience—Pass’d. May 7th 1782.” On 2 May 1782 the secretary for foreign affairs wrote to inform Congress that La Luzerne wished “a public audience” in order to deliver a letter from King Louis XVI...
246Motion on Supplies for Southern Army, [7 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, 244). On motion of Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [Ezekiel] Cornell, Resolved, unanimously , That a committee be appointed to confer with the Superintendant of finance and Secretary at War, on the practicability and means of procuring...
247From James Madison to Arthur Lee, [7] May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Harvard University Library). The cover is missing. JM addressed the letter to “The Hon. A. Lee, Esq.,” according to the version, wrongly dated “May, 1778,” published in Richard Henry Lee, Life of Arthur Lee, LL.D . (2 vols.; Boston, 1829), II, 331–32. In Arthur Lee’s handwriting, in the right-hand margin of the manuscript’s second page, appears a notation, obviously relating to the price...
248From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, [7] May 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 125–26). The enclosed gazette details all the information which we have received relative to the parliamentary advances towards a negotiation with the United States. The first reports which issued from the packet which brought them, were of a very different...
249Revised Reply of President of Congress to La Luzerne, [ca. 8–12] May 1782 (Madison Papers)
Draft ( LC : Papers of Continental Congress Miscellany, Folder 103). Apparently in the hand of a clerk, except for the suggestions of JM. The repeated Instances of Friendship which the United States of America have received from His Most Christian Majesty give him too just a title to their affections to permit them to be indifferent to any event which interests his happiness. Be assured Sir...
250Motion 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,...
251Motion on Promotion of Colonel Otho Holland Williams, [9 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 299). In JM’s hand. Charles Thomson wrote “Madison. Bland.” at the top of the manuscript to signify that JM made the motion and Theodorick Bland seconded it. Docketed, “Motion of Mr Madison seconded by Mr Bland respectg the promotion of Col. O Williams passed May 9th 1782.” General Green commandg. the Army of the U. S. in the S. Department, having represented to...
252Motion To Request France to Protect American Commerce, [14 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 5, II, 652). George Bond, deputy secretary of Congress, preceded the entry of the motion in the secret foreign journal with the words, “on motion of Mr. Madison, seconded by Mr. Ellery.” Resolved. That the Secretary for foreign affairs be and he is hereby directed to transmit the State of Commerce and plan for its protection, reported by the Superintendant of Finance, to...
253From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 14 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Madison Papers). Above the date line of his transcription, the anonymous copyist wrote “To Edmund Randolph.” Someone also unknown, while checking the four pages of copy against the now missing original, interlineated two omissions (see nn. 9 and 10) and then wrote at the top of the first page, “a Duplicate letters both corrected the same Sep 14, ’38.” See Papers of Madison William T....
254Motion To Inform States of Financial Crisis, [20 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 47, fol. 339). Docketed: “Motion of Mr Madison[,] Letter 17th May 1782[, and] do 16. Circular to the States[:] May 20 referred to Mr Madison Mr Root Mr Lowell Mr Rutledge Mr Clymer to confer with the Superintendant of finance.” Whereupon Resolved That the Superintendt of Finance be instructed to transmit to the several Legislatures of the States, a representation of the...
255From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 20 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Col: James Madison Orange County Virginia[.] Favd. by Capt M. Walker.” Probably late in his life, JM, or John C. Payne, whose handwriting greatly resembled JM’s, wrote “(Biographical.)” above the salutation and “Madison, Jr” above the date line on the first page. Having written a letter and inclosed with it a large collection of Newspapers for you which...
256From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 21 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, and the name of the addressee is not shown in the letter. Docketed in Randolph’s hand, “J Madison May 21. 1782.” JM’s autograph list of letters from “JM. to E. Randolph” ( Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (4 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , III, 100–101 , editorial note)...
257Report on Mission To Inform States of Financial Crisis, [22 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 47, fols. 341, 343). Docketed by JM, “Report of The Committee Appointed to confer with the Superintendt of Finance on the subject of his letter of the 17 day of May 1782.” Below this on the docket, the words “Delivered May 21.—Passed.” appear to have been written by Charles Thomson. An incomplete copy of the report, in Thomson’s hand and signed by him, is in the Henry E....
258Motion on Instructions to Francis Dana, [27 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, II, 137). In JM’s hand. Docketed by him: “Motion of Mr. Madison seconded by Mr. Rutledge[.] Passed May 27 1782.” When Robert R. Livingston, secretary for foreign affairs, asked Congress to approve his proposed letter of 10 May to Francis Dana, he suggested the advisability of recommissioning Dana as minister resident rather than as minister plenipotentiary at the court...
259Motion Urging States To Send Delegates to Congress, [27 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 65, II, 166). JM presented the motion, which was drafted and seconded by John Rutledge ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXII, 301). R. That Inasmuch as Bus: of the great. Conseqe is often delayed or retarded for want of sufft. rep. in Cong. it be & it is Earnestly recomdd. to...
260Report on Salaries of Representatives Abroad, [28 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 25, II, 205–6). Written by JM and docketed by him, “Friday May 24 1782 assigned.” There are at least two other copies of this report ( ibid ., II, 109–10, 113–16). The first of these is docketed: “Report of Comtee on Salaries for Ministers of the U.S. at foreign courts. Thursday May 23. 1782 Assign’d for consideration. Aug 23. 1782 Referred to Mr. Madison Mr Lee Mr. Duane.”...
261From James Madison to Joseph Jones, [28] May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. The words written by JM in the official cipher are italicized below. A letter from Docr. Franklin of the 4th. of March informs the Superintendt. of Finance that the court of France had granted an aid of six million of livres to the United States for the [ pres ] ent year . It appears however that this aid has been wholly anticipated as well as the aids...
262From James Madison to Arthur Lee, 28 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed text (Richard Henry Lee, Life of Arthur Lee , II, 328–30), inaccurately dated 1778. Addressed to “The Hon. Arthur Lee, Esq.” An extract, copied from the original and correctly dated, is item No. 1533 in a catalogue of the John Clark Company, Cleveland, Ohio, for January 1916. I received your favour of the 16th inst. between nine and ten o’clock last night, the post having been delayed...
263From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 28 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
Excerpt ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 130–34). The manuscript has not been found. Only the last two paragraphs of the text, probably in cipher in the original, are printed here, because the rest of the letter is identical with the one which JM wrote to Joseph Jones on the same date, except for the personal...
264Report on Count Bieniewsky’s Proposal for a Legionary Corps, [29 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, I, 269). Docketed: “Answer for Ct. Beniouski. Comee. Mr. Madison Mr Scot Mr. Ramsay, Passed May 29. 1782.” The report is in JM’s hand. In the above caption the count’s surname conforms with his signature while he was in the United States. For his variant spellings of the name, see the editorial note. In his two-volume autobiography entitled, Memoirs and Travels of...
265From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 29 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed, “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed, “J. Madison Jr. May 29. 1782.” The inclosed letter was put into my hands several weeks ago. As I found by looking into it that it related to a subject decided on in the case of Col. Carrington, and which wd. be communicated by him to Majr. Pierce, I thought it unnecessary to transmit it by the Post. This is the...
266Report on Fidelity to French Alliance, [31 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, II, 341, 341a, 342–44). In JM’s hand. Docketed: “Report of the Committee on the Letters from Dr. Franklin &c. were referred Passed May 31 1782.” Several actions by Congress, not mentioned in the printed journal, explain the contrast in emphasis between the docket, above, and the prefatory sentence of the report, below. On 27 May Congress had referred to JM, Abraham...
267From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 4 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). In the second volume of this collection, beginning with folio 73, are four pages of a letter written by JM and dated “June 4th. 1782.” Although the cover is missing, the contents permit no doubt that Randolph was the addressee. Folio 42 of the third volume of JM’s manuscripts in the Library of Congress seems to be an additional page containing a postscript to the...
268Report on German Prisoners of War, [5 June] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 28, fols. 67, 75–76). The report and the words, “Rept. of Committee on the German Prisoners,” written parallel with the right-hand margin of the cover, are in JM’s hand. The cover also bears the docket, not by JM: “Report of Comee. respectg. german prisoners Debated May 15. 1782. June 5. 1782. Referred, except the last clause, to the Comr. in chief Secry at War and Super....
269Report on Paying Representatives Abroad, [5 June] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, IV, 357). Docketed: “Report of Mr Madison Mr Ramsay Mr Osgood On a letter of 31st. May 1782 from Supt of Finance passed June 5th 1782.” JM was chairman of the committee, but its report is in Samuel Osgood’s hand. The Committee to whom was referred the Letter from the Supirintendant of Finance of the 31st. of May report the following Resolution Resolved, that the...
270Motion to Request Report from Superintendent of Finance and Secretary at War, [6 June] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 321). This motion was written by JM. At its close, “pass’d” was added, probably by Charles Thomson. Docketed in an unknown hand: “Motion of Mr Madison Seconded by Mr Bland Passed June 6th 1782.” That the Superintendant of Finance & Secretary at War report to Congress the steps taken by them in consequence of the reference made to them on the day of Congress adopted...
271From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 6 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Lacks complimentary close and signature but is in JM’s hand. Docketed, “J. Madison. June 6. 1782.” Addressed: “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond. Favd. by Mr. Webb.” Mr. Webb being detained till this morning I enclose you the gazette of it. You will find a singular extract from Lord North’s Butchet. The Speech was delivered on the 11th. of March. It must have been Mr....
272Barbé-Marbois Letter Written with Jm’s Collaboration, 9 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Pennsylvania Packet , 11 June 1782; also Virginia Gazette Virginia Gazette, or, the American Advertiser (Richmond, James Hayes, 1781–86). , 22 June 1782). David C. Claypoole, editor of the Packet , introduced the letter to his readers with this foreword, probably supplied by JM: “The following Extract of a Letter written from Philadelphia, by a Gentleman in Office to one of the...
273Report on Rations for Prisoners of War, [10–11 June] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 323). In JM’s hand. Docketed: “Motion of Mr Madison seconded by Mr Scott June 10. 1782 Referred to Mr Madison Mr Cornell Mr Boudinot Read June 11. 1782 postponed for the purpose of taking up a motion of Mr Midleton.” Charles Thomson’s “Register of Reports from Boards, Offices, and Committees of Congress, 1781–1785” notes that the report was “filed 8 Aug. 1782” ( NA :...
274From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 11 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed, “J. Madison, Phil: 11. June 1782.” Words written by JM in the official cipher are italicized. I have your favor of the 1st. instant. I hope you received mine altho you do not acknowledge them. My punctuality has not been intermitted more than once or twice since your departure, and in no instance for a considerable time past. I have written so fully...
275Note on Motion To Appoint Examining Committees, 12 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 186, fol. 34). 12 June 1782. In the “Committee Book, 1781–1785,” cited above, an entry by Charles Thomson on 12 June reads, “A motion of Mr Madison for appointg comees. to examine into the Conduct of the Officers in the three executive departments.” Congress accepted this proposal and referred it to a committee consisting of JM, chairman, John Witherspoon, and Ralph Izard....
276Note on Motion of Virginia Delegates To Aid Leonard Cooper, 12 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 186, fol. 34). 12 June 1782. In his “Committee Book 1781–1785,” cited above, Charles Thomson noted that a “Motion of M Bland for providing a cork leg for an Officer” had been offered on 12 June 1782 and referred to Secretary at War Benjamin Lincoln. The motion has not been found. The next day William Jackson, assistant secretary at war, made a report upon this “motion of...
277Note on Motion on Illicit Trade with the Enemy, 17 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 186, fol. 36). 17 June 1782. On 14 June 1782 Congress named eleven of its members, including JM, to be a committee under Samuel Osgood’s chairmanship, “To devise & report ways & means to prevent an illicit trade with the Enemy.” Three days later this committee was “discharged on a Motion of Mr. Madison & the business referred to a comee. of five” (NA: PCC , No. 186, fol....
278Motion concerning Peace Negotiations, [17 June] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 345). In JM’s hand. Docketed: “Motion of Mr Witherspoon Mr Madison. June 17. 1782 passed in the negative 5 ayes 4 noes one divd.” That a Committee be appointed to propose & report to Congress the information & instructions proper to be transmitted to the Ministers Plenipo: for negociating peace, the better to enable them to support the several claims of the U. S. not...
279Report 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...
280From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 18 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing and the letter is not docketed. I recd. no letter from you yesterday nor shall I receive any for that week unless it be through the channel of Rivington’s Gazette, the Post having been robbed of his mail on Saturday eving last in Maryland. I hope your letter did not contain anything not in Cypher which is unfit for the public eye. The policy...