401Repayment of Loan to France, [24 May] 1794 (Madison Papers)
On 18 March Washington transmitted to the House a request from French minister Fauchet for an advance of loan payments due to France. The House referred the president’s message to a select committee chaired by Smith (South Carolina), whose report the House tabled on 17 April ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). ,...
402From James Madison to Robley Dunglison, 14 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
In the uncertain State of the fund lodged with the Barings, I have enclosed to Mr. Gallatin a letter to that House requesting it to pay a draft from the American Minister at Paris not exceeding £100, and another to the Minister authorizing him, to make the draft, and place the same or as much thereof as may be required in the hands of Docr. Miguel, or such other person as you should name,...
403From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 December 1794 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 December 1794, Philadelphia. Introduces Robert S. Van Rensselaer, who “proposes to make a tour through some parts of Europe, and wishes for an opportunity of being made known to you.” RC ( MH ). 1 p. Addressed by JM to Monroe, “Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States / Paris,” and marked “Mr. Van Renselaer.” Calendared as letter not found in PJM Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The...
404From James Madison to the Senate, 22 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 January 1810. Transmits a report of the secretary of the treasury “on the subject of Disbursements in the intercourse with the Barbary Powers” in response to the Senate resolution of 27 Dec. 1809. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E4). RC 1 p. Enclosures are Gallatin to JM, 16 Jan. 1810 (1 p.), transmitting accounts of expenditures, 1805–9 (153 pp.). Printed in...
405From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 17 January 1821 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a few days ago your favor of the 8th. inclosing a paper signed Phocion. Your own papers inclosed in your two preceding letters have been forwarded according to your suggestion. I have looked over the paper of Phocion. It indicates intelligence and acuteness in the writer, and no inconsiderable fairness, in facing, at every point, the subject he discusses. In his charges against me of...
406James Madison to James Maury, 6 February 1829 (Madison Papers)
On the rect. of your letter inclosing a letter to Mr. Walker, I put the latter into the hands of one of my neighbors who married his daughter. It appears that the old Gentleman died a few days after your letter reached him; but that he recollected the debt, referred to, and expressed a confidence that he had never recd. a payment of it. His long inattention to the subject, is explained by a...
407From James Madison to Jedidiah Morse, 28 March 1823 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Docr. Morse with the annexed answers to the Queries accompanying his letter of the 14th. inst: as far as they were applicable to this State. The answers could not be conveniently extended as much as might perhaps be desired. Their brevity & inadequacy will be an apology for requesting that if any use should be made of them, it may be done without reference...
408From James Madison to William Pinkney, 2 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
The papers herewith inclosed will authenticate and explain a very flagrant instance of the lawless proceedings of British Naval Commanders. You will be pleased by a proper representation of it, to afford the British Government another proof of the necessity of an exemplary interposition, if it means to do justice either to the United States, or to itself. I have the Honor to be, with great...
409Outline on the Federal Constitution, 1 September 1829 (Madison Papers)
The compound Govt. of U. S is without a model, and to be explained by itself; not by similitudes or analogies. The terms, union Federal, national not to be applied to it without the qualifications peculiar to the System: The English Govt. in a great measure sui generis and the terms monarchy used by those who look at the Executive head only, and Commonwealth, by those looking only at the...
410Remission for the Mercurius, Christian Bodom, 3 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Massachusetts, held in the year 1816, the Swedish Ship Mercurius and Cargo were condemned for a violation of the Law of the United States interdicting Commercial Intercourse between the United States and Great Britain & France and their dependencies, and whereas it has been made to appear to...
411Virginia Resolutions, 21 December 1798 (Madison Papers)
JM’s writing of the Virginia Resolutions should be seen in the light of a long series of actions JM undertook to stop the progress of what he considered to be the wrongful interpretation of the Constitution he had done so much to create and have adopted. In JM’s mind, the abuse of the “necessary and proper” clause in the Constitution had led to the expansion of federal government power well...
412To George Washington from James Madison, 2 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
The sanction given by your favor of the 12th inst. to my desire of remunerating the genius which produced Common Sense, led to a trial for the purpose. The gift first proposed was a moiety of the tract on the Eastern Shore, known by the name of “the Secretary’s land.” The easy reception it found induced the friends of the measure to add the other moity to the proposition, which would have...
413From James Madison to John Armstrong, 14 March 1806 (Madison Papers)
The rein given by Great Britain thro’ the arbitrary decisions of her Admiralty Courts to the Cruizers against our commerce, has produced already heavy losses to our merchants, and a very general indignation throughout the nation. You will have observed the notice taken of the British conduct in the Message of the President to Congress at the opening of the Session. I now transmit a copy of a...
414From James Madison to Peder Blicherolsen, 1 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have been honoured with Your letter of the 9th. Ulto., accompanied by two letters adressed to the President, by a copy of Yours of July 31st. already acknowledged, and a copy of Your letter of credence. The President not hesitating to yield all the confidence due to the presumptive evidence of Your public character, and disposed to abridge the inconveniences resulting from the circumstance,...
415James Madison: Essay on John Tyler’s attack on Virginia delegates to Constitutional Convention, July 1833 (Madison Papers)
To be revised & follow if necessary the publication of the letters. The public will decide how far it was becoming in Mr T. on the floor of the Senate where he represented the State of Virga. with <...> evidence before him, to Charge G. W. &ca. with a* design &c. *examine the Report in the Newspapers And Mr. T. himself, will decide how far it was just or candid, to disregard the disproofs of...
416From James Madison to Richard Harrison, 14 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 April 1804, Department of State. “The Secretary of State presents his respects to the Auditor and encloses him a letter from Mr. Savage Agent of the U. States at Jamaica, with sundry documents explanitory of his accounts. The Secretary of State will thank the Auditor for an intimation of the result of these explanations in order that may be communicated to Mr. Savage as soon as convenient.”...
417From James Madison to Noah Webster, 28 December 1802 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a certificate, that the first volume of “Elements of useful knowledge” has been deposited in this office. Such certificates in the nature of receipts have sometimes been transmitted, but are not made requisite by law: and it is very doubtful whether, in any form, they would answer the purpose you suggest, on a suit for a breach of copy right. The mistake supposed by you to have been...
418James Madison to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 21 June 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 17th. communicating your obliging views for the accomodation of the Visitors at their meeting next month. As there will be two vacant Pavillions, it may be as well that both be used on the occasion, as more convenient, especially for a full board as may be expected. But I willingly leave the whole arrangement to your own discretion, with such suggestions as may be...
419From James Madison to John Mason, 29 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To John Mason. 29 April 1806, Department of State. “The President of the United States, being desirous of availing the Public of your Services, as Commissioner ‘for laying out and making a road from Cumberland in the State of Maryland to the State of Ohio,’ I have the honor to enclose your Commission.” RC ( MBBS ). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM . Enclosure not found. On the same day...
420James Madison to Ralph Randolph Gurley, April 1834 (Madison Papers)
private Since I recd. your letter of the 31st Ulto: requesting in behalf of the Revd Mr. Brooks now in Europe a letter of introduction to the friends of American Colonization in England & France, I have been more than usually indisposed; and for some days I have been suffering under a new malady which makes the use of the pen very painful. With that apology may I ask the favor of you to comply...
421From James Madison to Fulwar Skipwith (Abstract), 8 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
8 May 1805, Department of State . “The late owners of the Schooner Eliza, Capn Spalding, which, with her cargo, was condemned in the year 1803, at St Domingo, during the administration of Genl Rochambeau, are desirous of obtaining redress, and of availing themselves of your Agency for that purpose. I have therefore to request that you will furnish them such aid in their solicitation as is...
422To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 4 January 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
My last covered a copy of the Report on the Resolutions of last year. I now inclose a copy of certain resolutions moved by Mr. Giles, to which he means to add an instruction on the subject of the intercource law which has been so injurious to the price of our Tobo. It is not improbable that the Resolutions when taken up, may undergo some mollifications in the spirit & air of them. The Report...
423From James Madison to George Washington, 24 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
I was yesterday favored with yours of the 17th. 18th. under the same cover with the papers from Mr. Pleasants. The Circular letter from this State is certainly a matter of as much regret, as the unanimity with which it passed is matter of surprize. I find it is every where, and particularly in Virginia, laid hold of as the signal for united exertions in pursuit of early amendments. In...
424From James Madison to Anthony Merry, 3 July 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your letter of the 28th. Ult with the several papers under the same cover. On a recurrence to mine of the 25 to which it replies you will find that you have erred in supposing me to have said that the Mayor of New York, at the time of the order concerning the Pilots, had neither notice nor knowledge of any intention in the British Commander to proceed...
425Notes on Debates, 4–5 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . The motion of Mr. Hamilton on the Journal relative to abatement of the quotas of distressed States was rejected, partly because the principle was...
426James Madison to Aylett Hawes, 1 March 1832 (Madison Papers)
Your letter from Fredericksburg is just recd. The mony of which you were so good as to take charge could not have been more conveniently lodged than at a Bank there. I offer you sir very sincerely many thanks for the favor you have rendered on this occasion. They are the more due, as your charge was of a nature justly warranting a general disinclination to it. I beg you sir to accept with my...
427To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd. yesterday your two favors of the 15 & 16th. Among those now inclosed is a renewal of Pichon’s complaints which strengthens your observations in the close of yours of the last date . He is well founded in the view he takes of the abuse made by the British ships of their connection with the Harbour of N.Y. He exacts too much however in requiring our effective “ surveillance ” over the...
428Bill for Pennsylvania Land Contract, [21 December] 1791 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison, from the committee appointed, presented a bill for carrying into effect a contract between the United States and the State of Pennsylvania … Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States, 1789–1824 (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). , 2d Cong., 1st sess., 277. During the final session of the Continental Congress in 1788 JM served on a committee...
429From 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...
430From James Madison to Robert Patton, 22 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
Within a few days past Mr. Alexander Cockrane Jnr. of the City of Washington presented to me for acceptance two bills of exchange, amounting together to $2666.37 ½, drawn upon me at thirty days sigh<t> by Colo. John Mercer, in part of his compensation as Commissioner under the Louisiana Convention. As the whole sum appropriated for the payment of these services was remitted to Paris in order...
431From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
Having but little hope that Judge Dade will accept the place offered him, and having occasionally heard Mr. Lomax of Fredericksbg. spoken of favorably, I sought an occasion, yesterday, without disclosing my object, of learning more of him, from Judge Barbour, who has long been at the same Bar with him, and is otherwise well acquainted with his character. The Judge considers him as a man of...
432To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 29 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Dade has just handed me the inclosed which he wishes to support with your; the object it explains. In addition to the testimonies of Mr Taylor &c &c I have a letter from my brother which speaks the same language, as justified by his personal knowledge. I was but slightly acquainted myself, with Mr Dade, but his character as I have always viewed it thro’ his standing in the...
433From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 16 December 1796 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 16 December 1796. Acknowledged in Jones to JM, 8 Jan. 1797 . Encloses part of Thomas Paine’s Letter to George Washington and the first number of “Pelham.”
434From James Madison to James Monroe, ca. 17 September 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 17 September 1792. Acknowledged in Monroe to JM, 18 Sept. 1792 . Encloses a draft of the article that Monroe revised and Dunlap’s Am. Daily Advertiser published on 22 Sept. Also encloses excerpts from Jefferson’s correspondence that were quoted in this article (see Monroe to JM, 9 Oct. 1792 ).
435From James Madison to John R. Livingston, 25 November 1805 (Madison Papers)
An intimation from this Department to Mr. Erving, that from the report of the assessors, it would appear, that you had been overpaid for the 1st. and 2d. installments of the award in the case of the Somerset, Miller, and Mr. Erving’s concurrence in the belief that such an error was committed, were the causes of the partial protest of your bill. The same suggestion having been made to you...
436From James Madison to John Pendleton, 2 August 1787 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is the account on which my claim is founded for another quarters advance; for which I have drawn a bill on the Treasurer in favor of Messrs. Wests Merchts. of this City. I was so unlucky as to make out & dispose of the bill before I adverted to the surplus of £14. advanced for the last quarter by mistake of your Clerk. I could not therefore correct the error at this time. In my next...
437From James Madison to William Allen, 18 December 1827 (Madison Papers)
I just learn that Mr. Eliason owing to some misapprehension has consigned 65 Blbs. of flour on my acct. to Mrs Scott. I enclose an order placing them at yr. disposal. You will be good eno. to make to Mr. Scott, the satisfaction due in the case, And to dispose of the flour together with the load from my waggon, on the best terms to be had. My overseer who sent the Wheat to Mr. Eliason, and on...
438From James Madison to the Committee of the 1776 Association of Charleston, South Carolina, 8 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 August 1817, Montpelier. Offered for sale in Charles Hamilton Catalog No. 77 (2 May 1974), item 255, where it is described as a one-page letter thanking the committee for “an oration delivered by Mr. Elliott on the 4th of July last, which you transmitted by direction of ‘the ’76 Association’ … my thanks for the opportunity of perusing such a specimen of vigorous talents...
439From James Madison to Henry Clay, 30 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Dallas seems to have made up his mind to retire early in October from the Department in his hands; and the event may draw after it a vacancy in the War Department. Will you permit me to avail our Country of your services in the latter? It will be convenient to know your determination, as soon as you have formed it; and it will be particularly gratifying, if it assent to my request. Accept...
440From James Madison to Benjamin Austin and Others, 7 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. fw. Citizs. the address transmitted by you on the 23d. of Feby.; with the attention due to the occasion which gave rise to it, & to the view which it takes of past scenes & events. Whatever difference of opinion may have existed, among good Citizens, all will rejoice in the happy result of the Contest in which we have been engaged. If this has been attended with difficulties &...
441From James Madison to Anthony Morris, 5 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
The decision of Adml. Warren shuts the door to the destination which my proposal to you had in view. I regret it the more, as the other Stations are provided for, and would besides be inelegible probably to yourself. Would a confidential service for a time at Cadiz, in an informal character be acceptable to you? The service is of an important nature, and implies a respectable though...
442From James Madison to Jacob Morton, 1 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have but this moment recd. your letter of June 16. inclosing the invitation from the Committee of the Corporation of the City of N. York. The delay was occasioned by an error in the Mail which carried the letter to an office South of me. The last post mark is “Charlottesville June 29.” To this explanation permit me to add the expression of my personal esteem & respect Draft ( DLC ).
443James Madison to Daniel Newell, 2 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
private I have received your two letters of the 28 & 30 Ulto. and return the paper inclosed in one of them, with a subscription to it as requested*—Should the sum be short of expectations or examples, I am able to say, that the question with myself was whether under the obligations to which my reduced resources are subjected I was justified in subscribing at all. I have not assumed the...
444From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 26th. and have made to the members of the Cabinet the communication you suggest with respect to your printed memoir on the Batture. I learn from the Department of State that some books were recd. for you, and duly forwarded. What they were was not ascertained or remembered. If they do not on their arrival correspond with your expectation, let me know, & further...
445From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 August 1795 (Madison Papers)
I return the paper covered by your favor of the third, which was handed me by a gentleman who picked it up in Charlottesville. I find that the meeting in N. York was not exactly as represented to you. The Republicans were never outnumbered; & the vote of a very full meeting was finally unanimous in remonstrating agst. the Treaty. The Chamber of Commerce has had a separate meeting & has passed...
446From James Madison to James Akin (Abstract), 9 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
9 May 1805, Department of State . “The recommendations, under which you were formerly engaged in this Department, not being found on the files, I regret that I have it not in my power to comply with your request [not found] to have them or copies.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. Engraver James Akin (ca. 1773–1846) had been a clerk in the State Department under Timothy...
447From James Madison to Anthony Merry, [10] January 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the letter in which you have done me the honor to communicate for the information of this Govt that his Britannic Majesty has directed a discontinuance of the Blockade at the entrance of the rivers Elbe & Weser. Considering communications from your Govt. on such occasions, as made with a view to relieve our merchants from the uncertainty they might otherwise be under, whether on...
448From James Madison to Haym M. Salomon, 20 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. thro’ Mr. Wheaton your letter of the 9th. inst: requesting any information I might be able to give relating to your father & his affairs particularly with the persons you have named. I am sorry it is so much out of my power to fulfil your wishes. My first residence in Phila. was in the year 1780. when I became a member of the Revoly. Congress of which I ceased to be a member in...
449James Madison to George Bancroft, 13 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. with your letter of the 8th. the first Vol: of Genl: Armstrong’s "notices of the War of 1812" and offer my thanks for the politeness to which I owe it. It cannot but be agreeable to know that you were pleased with your short visit at Montpellier, where the impression it left will always ensure you a sincere welcome. Mrs Madison is very thankful for your kind sentiments addressed...
450From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have your favor of the 17 Apl. covering two Extracts one from your notes, the other from mine. The latter corresponds with the recollection which myself, & other members had expressed; and the former with that of Majr. Butler, & with the Journals of the Senate. The Report of the Come. to which you refer, can not be found, tho’ Mr. B. says he knows one was made. This enquiry has been set on...