2651James Madison to Thomas Maxwell, 21 December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your letter inclosing one from Mr. Sloan accompanied by his little pamphlet on Priestcraft, was duly recd. As he wishes you to be the medium of an answer I must ask the favor of you to convey my congratulations on the health and other consolations he enjoys at so advanced a stage of life, and my thanks also for all the kind feelings he expresses towards me. Notwithstanding the lapse of time, I...
2652James Madison to Hubbard Taylor, 15 August 1835 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of July was duly recd. The recollections it so kindly expresses are very gratifying coming from one whose friendship I have always valued, & to whom I have been often indebted for attentions useful to me. I join in all your good wishes, for more tranquility & harmony in our public affairs: which will always be best promoted by a course avoiding the extremes to which party...
2653From James Madison to Congress, 26 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. It is found that the existing laws have not the efficacy necessary to prevent violations of the obligations of the United States, as a nation at peace towards belligerent parties, and other unlawful acts on the high Seas, by armed vessels equipped within the waters of the United States. With a view to maintain more effectually...
2654From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 14 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
To avoid the expence to which we are exposed for the rent of Houses for the messengers of the Departments of State, War and navy, General post office and of the accountants of the War and navy Departments, & to provide against accidents of fire to the Buildings occupied by these Departments we conceive that it would be expedient for Congress to make provision for building six small brick...
2655From James Madison to John Nicholas, 4 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a few days ago a copy of your agricultural address under a blank Cover. Presuming that I am indebted for it to your kind attention I offer you my thanks for the favor. I have read your observations with pleasure & not without instruction. Whatever differences of opinion may exist on particular points; the substance and scope of the address, can not fail to be acceptable & useful to...
2656James Madison to Charles Eaton Hayne, 27 August 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. In the very crippled & feeble state of my health I cannot undertake an extended answer to your enquiries, nor should I suppose it necessary if you have seen my letter to Mr. Everett in August 1830, in which the proceedings of Virginia in 98-99 were explained, and the novel doctrine of nullification adverted to. The distinction is obvious between 1st. such...
2657To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 February 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
After several little turns in the mode of conveying you notice of your election, recurrence was had to the precedent of leaving the matter to the Senate, where on the casting vote of Mr. Adams, the notification was referred to the President of the U. States, in preference of the President of the Senate. You will see in the papers the state of the votes, and the manner of counting and...
2658From James Madison to Francis Preston, 2 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by the last Mail yours of May 15: and I can not but express my regret that any controversy should have arisen as to the distribution of the laurels gained in the memorable battle of Kings Mountain, where enough were gained for all the heroes of the achievement. I was not what you suppose I was, a member of the Council of State, either at the date of the battle, or when the vote of the...
2659From James Madison to William Eustis, 15 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 11th. inclosing a letter from Mr. Jones acting as Judge Advocate at Frederick Town. As the case of Genl. Wilkinson is in possession of the Court Martial, who will judge of the extent of their own jurisdiction, as well as decide on the merits of the questions within it, no instructions seem to be requisite, in the present stage of the proceeding; unless it be in...
2660IV. James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. was received last evening. To my thanks for the several inclosures I must add a request that the letter to Baynton which came in one of them may be handed to him by one of your servants. The directory will point out his habitation. I had seen Payne’s pamphlet with the preface of the Philada. Editor. It immediately occurred that you were brought into the Frontispiece in...
2661James Madison to Robley Dunglison, 12 March 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. I cannot think it will be amiss, scanty as our funds are, to make the small draft on them for the pertinent object you suggest. I have made the use of your friendly communication relating to young Willis that was proper without disclosing the source of it. I recd. some days ago a letter from L. P. Perry, seeking an exemption from the enactment on the...
2662From James Madison to Thomas Todd, 6 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
A letter just recd. from Mrs. Todd has given us very great pleasure first because it assures us of the progressive restoration of your health, and secondly because it pledges anew the visit so long & as anxiously wished by us. I hope your health will continue to improve and that nothing will interfere to keep our families apart the ensuing fall & winter. I have recd. a letter from R. B. Lee...
2663To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 4 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd by the last Mail your note fixing the time for your return. The Wash has put herself into a situation denoting a departure, but it is probable that a further delay is convenient for her compleat preparation. The dispatches will have made ready for her some time since, but the lights thrown on the Treaty by the gentlemen consulted, and the flaws which have successively disclosed...
2664From James Madison to Tobias Lear, 11 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Tobias Lear. 11 July 1806, Department of State. “Mr. George Davis, who has been appointed Consul for Tripoli, and is about to embark for Norfolk, has been charged to call upon the Bashaw to fulfill the article of the treaty providing for the delivery of the family of Hamet Caramally. The enclosed extract from his instructions will explain the manner in which he is to proceed. He has been...
2665From James Madison to Robert Lewis, 10 November 1824 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Myers duly delivered your letter of the 8th. conveying to me the invitation of the Joint Committee of the Common Hall & Citizens of Fredericksburg to be with them at a dinner to be given to General La Fayette. Uniting with the Common Hall & Citizens in all their grateful sentiments towards General La Fayette, it would afford me much pleasure to unite also, in the proposed festive...
2666From 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...
2667From 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. ☞...
2668From 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...
2669From 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...
2670From 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...
2671To 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...
2672From 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...
2673From 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...
2674To 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...
2675Indenture. Sale of land in Orange County by Dolley and James Madison to John H. Lee and John Willis, 5 June 1832 (Madison Papers)
This Indenture made the fifth day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty two between James Madison of the County of Orange and Dolly P. Madison, his wife of the one part, and John H. Lee and John Willis of the said County of the other part; Witnesseth, that the said James Madison, and Dolly P., his wife in consideration of three thousand seven hundred and twenty two Dollars and fifty...
2676From 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...
2677From 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...
2678From 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...
2679From 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...
2680From 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...
2681From 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...
2682From 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...
2683From 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...
2684From 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...
2685From 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...
2686James 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...
2687From 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,...
2688From 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...
2689From 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...
2690From 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...
2691From 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,...
2692From 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.],...
2693From 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...
2694From James Madison to William Short, 16 May 1787 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter came to my hands a few days ago from Mr. W. Nelson, with a request that I would forward it. Being apprehensive that no opportunity may soon offer, of sending it by a French packet, I make use of a private conveyance which I hope will be equally safe and more expeditious. By the same conveyance you will I understand be furnished with a commission for taking depositions in a...
2695From James Madison to Congress, 20 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
Confidential There being sufficient ground to infer, that it is the purpose of the Enemy to combine with the Blockade of our Ports, special licences to neutral vessels, or to British vessels in neutral disguises, whereby they may draw from our Country the precise kind and quantity of Exports essential to their wants, whilst its general commerce remains obstructed; keeping in view also the...
2696From James Madison to John Breckinridge, 15 June 1806 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by the last mail yours of the 24th. may. Black Sultan will not be farmed, after the present Season, but sold for the best price that can be had. It is supposed that the race fields this fall will present the best Markets; and that in the neighbourhood of this City will probably the one entitled to preference. Our last letters from Armstrong & Bowdoin, were of the 9th. of March. They...
2697James Madison to Robert Lee, 22 February 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 12th. The motive & the matter of it, might claim for the request it makes to a degree of attention from which my age, now approaching the 80th. year, may not only excuse but properly restrain me. Under any circumstances I ought not to offer opinions on such subjects, without the reasonings on which they rest; and this under existing circumstances, is a task...
2698From James Madison to Stephen Van Rensselaer, 6 May 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd your favor of Apl. 19. accompanied by the Geological Survey, and followed by the two Profile plates appurtenant to it. These fruits of your Munificent patronage give you a just title to the thanks of all who take an interest in such researches, & the proper share of merit will not be refused to the intelligence & care with which your plan appears to have been executed. The...
2699From James Madison to Richard Harrison, 3 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 May 1802, Department of State. “The Secretary of State informs the Auditor of the Treasury, that the services stated in the enclosed account were performed by Mr Otis, in behalf of the United States, and that the Government is justly chargeable with reasonable fees for the same. The Attorney General will say whether those made are reasonable, or not, if the Auditor should be at a loss on the...
2700From James Madison to Levett Harris, 8 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your letters not already acknowledged bear dates March 4. April 1. & 24. 1808. In the two last were received the communications from the Russian Government of its declarations relative to Sweden, and of its ordinance against a neutral trade between British & Russian Ports. The President having deemed it expedient in the present state of things, to appoint a Minister Plenipotentiary to the...