351From James Madison to David Gelston, 24 December 1805 (Madison Papers)
¶ To David Gelston. Letter not found. 24 December 1805. Acknowledged in Gelston to JM , 27 Dec. 1805 , as containing two bills of exchange.
352From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 27 March 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 22. referring to my note to the Bank which becomes due early in May. The entire failure of my Wheat, and partial one of my Tobacco Crop last year, after like failures in preceding years with other disappointments have obliged me to apply thro’ Mr. Graham for a further indulgence from the Bank of six months, which I hope may not be refused. But if it should not, I must...
353From James Madison to John Boyle, 17 May 1771 (Madison Papers)
I wrote to you not long since by Mr. Armstrong but as it is uncertain whether you have seen him, I take this opportunity by Mr. Wallace to acquaint you with a mistake you made in a piece of Cloth I bought of you last winter, occasioned I believe by your giving me the remnant accidentantly instead of the measured piece. When I carried it to the Taylors I found it to be one whole yard short of...
354From James Madison to James Maury, 13 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 February 1804, Department of State. “Godsrey Hyer, an American Seamen, impressed some time ago at Liverpool into the British Service, has written a letter to his friends in this Country, a copy of which you will find among the enclosed documents, requesting that you might be furnished with proof of his Citizenship, to be used for effecting his discharge: and I accordingly forward to you...
355From James Madison to Ferdinand R. Hassler, [ante 9 September 1826] (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir, your letter of Aug. 31st. with the 2 Copies of your “Elements of Analytic Trigonometry.” For the one to be retained by myself, I tender my thanks: the other will be disposed of as you request. Not pretending to be a competent judge, of the merit of the work, I can only express the confidence in it, derived from the high estimation in which your Scientific character, has been...
356James Madison to Jared Sparks, 24 April 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have just received your favor of April 16th. There is on my files no letter from me to General Washington dated December 9th. 1786. There is one dated December 7th. 1786 which relates to his appointment to the Philadelphia Convention, and which is acknowledged as of the 7th. in his letter to me of the 16th. Should my letter of the 7th. have been mislaid or lost a copy of it will be furnished...
357From James Madison to Peder Blicherolsen, 18 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1802, Department of State, Washington. “The Secretary of State of the United States presents his respects to Mr. Olsen, and does himself the honor to forward herewith to him Exequators for the Gentlemen whose names are subjoined,… agreeably to Mr. Olsen’s letter of the 29th. of last month to the Secretary of State. The delay unavoidably incurred in procuring the necessary signatures...
358From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 13 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
My last was to my brother A. and acknowledged ⟨the⟩ receipt of the Diary. I inclose one for the month of April ⟨whi⟩ch you can compare with your own for the same month. I inclose also a few grains of upland rice, brought from Timor by Capt: Bligh lately distinguished by an adventure which you must have seen in the Newspapers. He was returning from a voyage of discovery in the South seas, and...
359To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 February 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday your two letters of the 12 & 15 th & return the letter from M r Cabell inclosed in one of them. I approve the course you have in view of obtaining an eventual meeting of the Visitors. The Judicial appointment of M r Barbour will, I understand, be accepted; and as it is in the road to the Court of Appeals, lessens the chance of him for the University. I am sorry you hear...
360From James Madison to Horatio Gates, 10 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. your two kind letters of the 11 & 16. Ult: the former by the mail, the latter by Genl Stephens. I need not assure you that the requests of both have been attended to, but I ought to account for the delay in acknowledging them, by pleading the frailty & fluctuations incident to my health. I learn with much pleasure that you enjoy so comfortable a share of this blessing, and that it...
361From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 November 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed, “Madison Nov. 18. 1781 recd. Jan. 9. 1782.” By the conveyance through which you will receive this the Delegates have communicated to the State the proceedings in Congress to which the territorial cessions have given birth. The complexion of them will I suppose be somewhat unexpected, & produce no small...
362From James Madison to George Joy, 3 April 1795 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of 1st. May 1794 was not received by me till it was too late to answer it last fall. I make use of the earliest Spring oppy. to return you my thanks, particularly for the valuable collection of Treaties which was recd. at the same time. The copy for Mr. Jefferson was duly forwarded, and I am desired to make you his acknowledgments also. I find you were right in supposing him not to...
363From James Madison to Jacob Wagner, 26 August 1805 (Madison Papers)
¶ To Jacob Wagner. Letter not found. 26 August 1805 . Mentioned in Wagner to JM , 5 Sept. 1805 , as suggesting that JM would leave Philadelphia in early September.
364From James Madison to Frederick Beasley, 22 December 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 13th. on its return from Charlottesville, and wish I could gratify you with all the information it asks. In place of it I can only observe that the System of Polity for the University of Virginia, being not yet finally digested & adopted, I can not venture to say what it will be in its precise form & details. It is probable that instead of a President or...
365Loan for the City of Washington, [22 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
In a message of 8 January 1796, Washington urged Congress to provide for the completion of public buildings in the federal city. On 25 January a House committee reported resolutions recommending that the president be authorized to borrow money for that purpose. These resolutions were debated in a Committee of the Whole on 3 and 4 February and reported as a bill on 15 February. This bill was...
366Annotations on Copy of Report on Restoring Public Credit, [ca. 26 March] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Jefferson Papers, IX, fol. 1458). Although it would be reasonable to expect that JM, on the eve of Jefferson’s departure on 12 April from Philadelphia for Virginia, annotated for his friend’s information a printed copy of the original report on restoring public credit so as to indicate the major changes made by Congress in the report before that date, it appears that he either wrote...
367From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 19 October 1805 (Madison Papers)
Doctor Park of this City is setting out with his daughter, on a trip Southwards and proposes to be in Washington before he returns. He is an old acquaintance in the family of Mrs. Madison, and is truly an amiable & respectable man. That he may present his respects with the greater facility I have asked him to accept a few lines making him known to you. With sentiments of respectful attachment...
368From James Madison to Henry Clay, 24 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
Since I took the liberty of mentioning to you the name of young Mr. Waugh who wishes to be a bearer of public despatches, and whom you kindly promised to keep in view for consideration, I have learned that he is younger than I was aware and probly without that sort of knowledge of the world which would be useful at any age, and could alone supply the want of age. It is quite proper that I...
369James Madison to George Tucker, 30 April 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of Mar. 29, in which you intimate your purpose of undertaking a biography of Mr. Jefferson. It will be a good subject in good hands. And I wish you may succeed in procuring the means of doing full justice to both. I know not that I shall be able to make any important contributions. I was a stranger to Mr Jefferson, till he took his seat in 1776 in the first Legislature under...
370From James Madison to Samuel Smith, March 1807 (Madison Papers)
The treaty lately concluded between the American and British Commissioners being in a situation to admit of deliberation on its several articles, it is thought highly advisable to avail the Executive of such observations on those relating to commerce and navigation as your intelligence and experience on those subjects will enable you to afford. You will render an acceptable service therefore...
371From James Madison to the Senate, [4 April 1816] (Madison Papers)
I withdraw the nominations of John Balkam, William Campbell and John Burley, as stated in my message of the 21st March: and I nominate the said John Balkam, of Massachusetts, to be principal assessor for the 1st. Collection district of the same state in the place of Shubael Downes resigned: The Said William Campbell of Virginia, to be principal assessor, for the 10th Collection district of the...
372From James Madison to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 5 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 January 1802, Department of State. In response to the 24 Dec. resolution of the House of Representatives, encloses a table of the comparative duties paid in British ports on goods imported there in American, foreign, and British vessels since 5 Jan. 1798. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 233, Reports and Communications from the Secretary of State, 7A-E1.1); Tr ( DNA : RG 233, Transcribed Reports...
373Address of the President to Congress, [30 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The term had not yet been coined, but JM was ghostwriting speeches for Washington during the earliest stages of the first president’s tenure. Until Washington’s official family had been established by law and the offices filled, JM was the president’s confidential adviser. In his first dealings with Congress, Washington relied on him to give substance and tone to commonly held ideas on...
374From James Madison to George W. Nicholas, 13 July 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. lately a letter from your father, an answer to wch. he desired might be written to you. His letter states that my name is on the list of seasons of Lightfoot’s Horses kept by Kinsolving Albemarle, some years ago for several Mares &c and requests that I would give information on the subject & inclose recepts. I have no personal knowledge of the case, which occurred during my long...
375From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
My last was intended for the Augst. Packet and put into the hands of Commodore Paul Jones. Some disappointments prevented his going, and as he did not know but its contents might be unfit for the ordinary conveyance, he retained it. The precaution was unnecessary. For the same reason the delay has been of little consequence. The rule of secresy in the Convention rendered that as it will this...
376From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 30 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
In pursuance of the act of Congress of the 3d. of March 1807, to prevent settlements "being made on lands ceded to the United States, until authorized by law", the enclosed instructions, which you will please to deliver, have been given to the Marshall of the Orleans Territory, to remove immediately by civil power, from the Batture in front of the suburb St. Mary, any persons who shall be...
377James Madison to John A. G. Davis, 18 November 1830 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday your letter inclosing the Bills of Exchange for Messrs. Nicklin & Johnson, and gave them immediately the proper destination in the compleated form. The approach of the day when the annual Report of the Visitors for the Genl. Assembly is to be made, will apologize for my reminding you of the request that you would soon follow the example of your Predecessor in the...
378From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1793 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you a few lines by the last post from this place just to apprize you of my movement to it. I have since seen the Richmond & the Philada. papers containing, the latter the certificate of Jay & King & the publications relating to the subject of it, the former the proceedings at Richmond dictated no doubt by the Cabal at Philada. It is painful to observe the success of the management for...
379From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 12 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 5th. inclosing one from Mr. Aster. Whatever personal confidence may be due to him, or public advantage promised by his projected arrangement with the Russian Fur Company, there is an obvious difficulty in furnishing the official patronage which he wishes; whether the arrangement be regarded as of a public or of a private character. In the former, it would require...
380To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, [10 December 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
J. M. havg received notice this afternoon of the oppy. by a packet, has hastily written to Mr. King. The President will please to read it & return it as soon as possible, that if approved, it may be got into the mail tonight, witht. which the opportunity will be lost. RC ( DLC ); partially dated; endorsed by TJ as received from the State Department on 10 Dec. and so recorded in SJL with...
381From James Madison to James Monroe, 23 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
I ascribe to the heat of the weather my not having yet had the pleasure of your promised visit. We hope when the obstacle is removed that we shall have the gratification increased by the company of Mrs. Monroe. Among the papers now forwarded is another note from Mr. F. His late ones breathe a spirit which it is difficult to account for without the painful supposition that he believes it not...
382From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 27 January 1793 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 January 1793. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 11 Feb. 1793 . Comments on congressional proceedings and European events.
383From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
a free use of their harbors & waters, the means of refitting & refreshment, of succour to their sick & suffering have at all times and on equal principles, been extended to all; and this too while the officers of one of the belligerents recd. among us were in a continued course of insubordination to the laws, of violence to the persons of our Citizens, and of trespasses on their property....
384Protection of the Frontier, [16 May] 1794 (Madison Papers)
The Committee of the Whole took up the report of a select committee to which had been referred a memorial from the House of Representatives of the Territory South of the River Ohio (which later became Tennessee), requesting a more effective defense against the Indians. Mr. Madison objected to some part of the report. It had been stated by the committee, that the governor of that country should...
385From James Madison to Robert Eaglesfield Griffith, 26 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
There being no witnesses to the execution of the enclosed official bond by Mr. Patterson, it is returned in order that the defect may be supplied. I am &c. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
386From James Madison to George W. Erving, 1 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 November 1803, Department of State. “Enclosed is a deposition [not found] made by Mr: Mc.Elwee of this City, formerly of Philadelphia, respecting the case of his son Alexr: Mc.Elwee, who was impressed into the British service about the year 1799. It was formerly represented to the Admiralty by Major Lenox, but without any successful result. In now committing it to you, I have to request all...
387From James Madison to George Joy, 3 April 1795 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 3 April 1795. Acknowledged in Joy to JM, 10 Aug. 1795 (DLC). Encloses some books, including one by Tench Coxe (probably A View of the United States of America [Philadelphia, 1794; Evans Charles Evans, ed., American Bibliography … 1639 … 1820 (12 vols.; Chicago, 1903–34). Roger P. Bristol, ed., Supplement to Charles Evans’ American Bibliography (Charlottesville, Va., 1970)....
388From James Madison to John Cockle, 8 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 October 1804, Department of State. “The President has referred your letter of the 14th. Ult. to me, and in answer I have to observe, that the subject of the claims to which you refer has been committed to Genl. Armstrong so far as it may be left unfinished by his predecessor, to whom instructions comprehending the sentiments of the President on the subject of the difficulties, which had...
389From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 2 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
Since my last of which Lt. Lewis was the bearer, I have received your several letters of 27 Decr 22. Jany 15th. & 17 February with their respective inclosures. That of the 15th. Jany from Mr. Champagny to you has, as you will see by the papers herewith sent, produced all the sensations here, which the spirit and stile of it were calculated to excite in minds alive to the interests and honor of...
390From James Madison to William Vans Murray, 7 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have presented to the President the subject stated in your Letter of the 3d. instant. He does not view the constitution as admitting the distinction between customary and extraordinary presents from Foreign Governments to persons in the employment of the United States; and consequently decides, that the consent of Congress is prerequisite to the acceptance of either. This construction of the...
391From James Madison to Nelly Conway Madison, 8 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure of hearing by Simon who arrived last Evening, that you had returned from your visit to Mrs. D. well & continued so. I do not find that the waggon met with any accident on the way; the wool only being injured as far as getting very wet may have that effect. I learn both from Simon & Capt: Eddins that much damage has been done in the Neighborhood by the late rain, and that we...
392From James Madison to Virginia Auditors of Public Accounts, 25 September 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC (Mrs. Henry M. Sage, Albany, N.Y., 1958). The inclosed is a state of my receipts and expences from the 20 of March to the 20 of Sepr. being two complete quarters. I am sensible that the law directs that it should have been transmitted at the end of the first quarter, but my account of extra expences, being mixed with that of some Gentlemen of the family who were absent, I could not then do...
393From James Madison to Jared Irwin, 15 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have received a letter from Mr. Foronda the Spanish Chargè des Affaires complaining that a certain Archibald Clarke, of the Town of Newton, in Camden County Georgia, had passed over into the Province of East Florida with armed Men, and taken by force a Negro Woman from the House of David Garvin, an Inhabitant of that Province; and that notwithstanding the immediate application of Governor...
394From James Madison to Frederick C. Schaeffer, 3 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. with your letter of Novr. 19: the copy of your address at the ceremonial of laying the Corner Stone of St. Mathews Church in N. York. It is a pleasing & persuasive example of pious zeal, united with pure benevolence; and of cordial attachment to a particular creed, untinctured with Sectarian illiberality. It illustrates the excellence of a system which, by a due distinction to...
395From James Madison to Archibald Stuart, 1 September 1793 (Madison Papers)
Being well persuaded of your attachment to the public good, I make no apology for mentioning to you a few circumstances which I conceive to be deeply connected with it. It appears by accounts recd. by Col: Monroe & myself from Mr Jefferson, as well as by the face of the late Newspapers that a variance of a very serious nature has taken place between the federal Executive and Mr. Genet the...
396Account of State Department Salaries, 1 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
To the Secretary of State, Clerks & messenger in his Office, for one Quarters Salary, commencing the 1st. of April & ending the 30th. of June 1806, viz: James Madison, Secretary of State Dollars 1250. Jacob Wagner, Chief Clerk, " 562.50 Daniel Brent, Clerk, " 250. Christopher S. Thom, ″ " 231. Stephen Pleasonton, ″ " 231. Bernard Smith, ″ " 200. Richard Forrest, ″
397From James Madison to James Monroe, 22 September 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. a letter from H. Lee dated Nashville Aug. 24. stating that he had corresponded with Genl. Armstrong on the subject of the provisional order to Genl. Jackson of July 18. 1814, authorizing him on certain conditions to take possession of Pensacola; which order was not recd. by the General till on or about the 14th. of March 1815; and then open, and the envelope without post-mark; and...
398From James Madison to Bushrod Washington, 1 December 1822 (Madison Papers)
I return under cover with this the 2d. parcel of my letters to Gl. W. which you were so obliging as to send me. I am sensible of the delay in fulfilling my promise; but it is of late only that I could conven[i]ently have the desired copies taken, and I ventured to suppose that the certainty of the return of the Originals was the only circumstance to wch. any attention wd. be given. Having...
399Motion in re Jurisdiction of Congress over Permanent Site, [22 September] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 23, fol. 161). Undated and unsigned but in JM’s hand. That the district which may be ceded to & accepted by Congress for their permanent residence, ought to be entirely exempted from the authority of the State ceding the same; and the organization & administration of the powers of Govt. within the sd. district concerted between Congress & the inhabitants thereof. For...
400From James Madison to Samuel House, 29 May 1784 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your favor of the 18 inst: inclosing one from my amiable friend Mrs. Trist. I feel pathetically for her in case she should have proceeded down the river before the news of Mr. Trist’s death got to Fort Pitt. The situation in which she will find herself at the end of her voyage bereft of the object of her pursuit, and surrounded wholly by strangers whose very language will be...