8451James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 May 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Having particular occasion an d the state of business at Washington not forbidding, I am on a short visit at my farm. M rs M. as well as myself would gladly extend it to Monticello ; but with a certainty that our return to Washington must be very soon. I am obliged moreover to hold myself in readiness to hasten it, at any moment of notice. We must postpone therefore the pleasure of paying our...
8452James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 October 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 24 th ult: came duly to hand. I learn that the Library Com e will report favorably on your proposition to supply the loss of books by Cong s . It will prove a gain to them, if they have the wisdom to replace it by such a Collection as yours. M r Smith will doubtless write you on the subject. I have not yet read your last comunication to M r
8453James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 October 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 15: and attended to your remarks on “ways & means.” I find that the variance in our ideas relates 1. to the probable quantity of circulating medium: 2. to the effect of an annual augmentation of it. I cannot persuade myself that in the present stagnation of private dealings, & the proposed limitation of taxes, the two great absorbents of money, the circulating sum...
8454James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 October 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of Oc r . with that inclosed from Warden . His tale is plausibly told but entitled to little confidence. Be assured he is not the man he passed for with all of us originally. His apparent modesty & suavity cover ambition vanity avidity (from poverty at least) & intrigue. These traits began to betray themselves before he last left the U.S. on his arrival in Paris with his...
8455James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
It was long desireable that an Exposé of the causes and character of the War between the U.S. & G.B. should remedy the mischief produced by the Declaration of the Prince Regent & other mistatements which had poisoned the opinion of the World on the subject. Since the pacification in Europe & the effect of that and other occurrences in turning the attention of that quarter of the World towards...
8456James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Gray , son of M r William Gray so distinguished for his wealth & his patriotism, wishing with his lady to pay their respects at Monticello , I can not do less than favor the opportunity by a line of introduction. I am unacquainted with him, otherwise than by his introduction thro’ a friend here; but doubt not that he will be found worthy of your civilities which will be acceptable to his...
8457James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday yours covering the letter of M r Spafford , which was forwarded to him as you suggested: His object in communicating it I collect only from its contents. He probably exhibited it as a proof of the spirit and views of the Eastern States during the late war. As with you the weather here has of late been remarkable both for the degree & continuance of Cold, and the winter...
8458James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 April 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been detained in Washington untill the 6 th inst. I did not reach home till Tuesday night, and of course too late to comply with the arrangement notified in yours of the 10 th March by Bizet . I take for granted that the other Visitors met, and that for the present at least my attendance will not be needed. As it has always been our purpose to pay a visit to Monticello at no distant day...
8459Minutes of Central College Board of Visitors, 28 July 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
At a called meeting of the Visitors of the Central College , held at the House of M r Madison in Orange , Thomas Jefferson , James Madison , John Hartwell Cocke , and Joseph C. Cabell , being present: The plan of the first Pavilion to be erected, and the proceedings thereupon, having been stated and agreed to It is agreed that application be made to Doctor Knox
8460Minutes of Central College Board of Visitors, 7 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors & c held at Charlottesville 7 Oct: 1817. On information of the amount of the subscriptions to the Central College , known to be made, and others understood to be so, the board resolves, that the Pavilion now erecting be completed as heretofore directed, with the 20. dormitories attached to it, and that two other pavilions be contracted for and executed the next...
8461James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d some days ago yours of the 15 th and shall send my Palladio by the Stage of tuesday. It will probably arrive by the time you get back from Bedford . I send you the inclosed from M r Cooper , that it in case of the supposed miscarriage of his letter to you
8462James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours by the bearer of this was safely delivered last evening. I return the letter to the Gov r which is well adapted to its object. The pencilled marks will merely suggest for your consideration, whether the term Monastic , tho’ the most significant that could be chosen, may not give umbrage to the Institutions to which it is applicable; and whether the idea of seeking professors abroad , may...
8463Central College Board of Visitors to James P. Preston, 6 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The late Governor of the Commonwealth having thought proper to confide to us the office of Visitors of the Central College near Charlottesville , under an act of the legislature , establishing as it’s patron, the Governor for the time being, we deem it our duty to report to you our proceedings under that appointment, with the progress & prospects of that institution. The want of a seminary of...
8464James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 6 th inclosing the letters to & from D r Cooper , and forward the former by this days mail, the first that has offered. The relinquishment of our claim on him was unavoidable, and but reasonable. and it could not have been made known to him in more suitable terms. RC ( DLC : Madison Papers); fragment; endorsed by TJ as received 17 Feb. 1818 and so recorded in SJL .
8465James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The day on which the first instalment for the Central College becomes due, being near at hand, I think it not amiss, as no conveyance of mine offers, to intimate, that it shall be paid on draft, or if requisite sent by a special hand. Y rs affectionately RC ( MoSHi : Lewis Fields Linn Papers, autograph scrapbook of Elizabeth Linn); endorsed by TJ as received 2 Apr. 1818 and so recorded in...
8466James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the opportunity by Judge Holmes of sending my first Instalment for the Central College , which I beg the favor of you to have pai put into the proper hands. The only subscription to the lists I distributed is the inclosed one from Gen A. T. Mason . Is it worth while to avail ourselves of his solitary liberality in that distant quarter , which connects him so little with an institution...
8467James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [16 July 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
I have postponed the return of the two papers, to the present time, in consequence of your intimation , that you would not return from Bedford till about a week before the day of assembling at Rockfish , and I shall note that this letter is not to be forwarded from Monticello . RC ( ViU: TJP ); undated and possibly fragmentary; at foot of text: “M r Jefferson.” Recorded in SJL as a letter of...
8468Rockfish Gap Report of the University of Virginia Commissioners, 4 August 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioners for the University of Virginia having met, as by law required at the tavern in Rockfish gap on the blue ridge , on the 1 st day of August of this present year 1818 , and having formed a board, proceeded on that day to the discharge of the duties assigned to them by the act of the legislature intituled an “act appropriating part of the revenue of the literary fund and for...
8469James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 8 October 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
I was much gratified in learning from the President that you were so well recovering from the attack your health suffered beyond the mountains. I wish I could join you at the meeting of the visitors on monday, & attend also that of the Agricultural Society . But circumstances do not allow me that pleasure. RC ( ViU: TJP ); undated fragment; with a later attached slip in an unidentified hand...
8470James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not been able to learn a tittle of your health since I saw you . It has, I hope, been entirely re-established; I congratulate you on the success of the Report to the Legislature on the subject of the University . It does not yet appear what steps have been taken by the Governor towards giving effect to the law . Will you be so good as to have the inclosed forwarded when convenient to M...
8471James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Mar. 3. came safe to hand, with the seeds you were so kind as to send with it I return M r Cabell’s letter . I hope his fears exaggerate the hostility to the University ; tho’ if there should be a dearth in the Treasury , there may be danger from the predilection in favor of the popular Schools. I begin to be uneasy on the subject of Cooper . It will be a dreadful shock to him if...
8472James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday morning yours of the 8 th and return the several copies of letters enclosed in it. The letter to you from M r Cabell was returned by the mail before the last. I know not any course better to be taken in relation to D r Cooper , than your letters to him &
8473James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday yours of the 11 th . The letter from M r Cabell which I return is of very agreeable import. His other letter was returned several days ago, and probably reached Monticello soon after the date of yours . RC
8474James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 September 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday yours of the 23 d inclosing the draft of a report from the Visitors , in which I see no occasion for addition or alteration, but much for regret at the deficiency of our resources. The subject is presented however to the Legislature , with the most inviting aspect for their attention and assistance. I shall endeavour to be with you about saturday. and M rs Madison will...
8475Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 4 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of Virginia at the sd University on Monday the 4 th of September October 1819. present Thomas Jefferson , Robert Taylor , James Madison , Chapman Johnson
8476University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 4 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
To the President & Directors of the Literary fund . In obedience to the act of the legislature of Virginia , intituled ‘an act establishing an University ’ & enjoining on the Rector & Visitors thereof ‘to make report annually to the President & Directors of the Literary fund (to be laid before the legislature at their next succeeding session) embracing a full account of the disbursements, the...
8477James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 18 th which authenticates your convalescence was most welcome, & I thank you much for your kindness in relieving me from the anxieties which preceded it. Fortunately the first account we had of your illness was accompanied with some encouragement to hope that the crisis had been passed favorably; & this hope was fostered by the information of Col: P. Barbour on his return...
8478James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d a few days ago the two inclosed letters one from M r Hackley , the other from the Botanical professor at Madrid : the latter accompanied by the three little pamphlets also inclosed, and by thirty specimens of wheat, with four of Barley, and between 2 & 300 papers of the seeds referred to as “ rariora Horti Botan: Matritensis .” The Wheats & Barleys
8479James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 December 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
By the return of the ladies who have favored M rs Madison with so agreable a visit, I send back the correspondence with Cooper. It has ended better than I expected. I learn with the greatest pleasure that your health is so well restored. I hope you will be careful of it. above all avoid the fatigues of the pen. FC ( DLC : Madison Papers); in Dolley Madison ’s hand; dateline beneath signature;...
8480James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 31 March 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Judge Todd accompanied by one of his sons being on his return thro’ your neighbourhood will call to pay his respects to you. His great worth justly entitles him to this introduction to your recollections. I propose to be with you tomorrow evening. M rs M. will not lose the opportunity of making a visit to the ladies of Monticello . RC ( NjP : Andre deCoppet Collection); dateline at foot of...
8481Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 3 April 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of Virginia at the said University on monday the 3 d of April 1820 , present Thomas Jefferson , James Madison , James Breckenridge , John H. Cocke , and Joseph C. Cabell .
8482Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 2–3 October 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of Virginia , at the sd University , on monday 2 d of Oct r 1820 , present Thomas Jefferson , James Madison , Robert B. Taylor , John H. Cocke , and Joseph C. Cabell
8483James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Nov r 29. came to hand a few days ago. The letter from T.C. is returned. I had one from him lately on the same subject; and in consequence reminded the President of his political career; dropping at the same time a few lines in his favor of to our Senator M r Barbour
8484James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
In The the inclosed you will see the ground on which I forward it for your perusal. In the late views taken by us, of the Act of Congress , vacating periodically the Executive offices, it was not recollected, in justice to the President , that the measure was not without precedents. I suspect however that these are confined to the Territorial Establishments, where they were introduced by the...
8485Call for Meeting of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 30 January–13 February 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
We the subscribers, visitors of the University of Virginia being of opinion that it will be to the interest of that institution to have an occasional meeting of the visitors , by special call, on the 1 st day of April next , do therefore appoint that day for such meeting, and request the attendance of the sd Visitors accordingly; personal notice being to be given to them respectively one week...
8486Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 1 April [1821] (Jefferson Papers)
1820. 1821 Apr. 1. A special meeting of the Visitors of the University having been called in the month of February to be held on this day Apr. 1. signed by Th: Jefferson , James Madison , Chapman Johnson, Joseph C. Cabell , James Breckenridge
8487Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 2 April 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of Visitors of the University of Virginia at the sa said University on Monday the 2 d of April 1821. present Th: Jefferson Rector, James Breckenridge , Chapman Johnson & James Madison . A
8488Call for Meeting of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 15 August 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
We the subscribers visitors of the University of Virginia being of opinion that it will be to the interest of that institution to have an occasional meeting of the visitors by special call on the thursday preceding the next meeting of the General assembly do therefore appoint that day for such meeting, and request the attendance of the sd visitors accordingly. Witness our hands on the several...
8489James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday yours of the 16 th inclosing the paper from M r Ticknor , on the tax imposed on Books imported. He has taken a very comprehensive and judicious view of the subject. The remark you add to it is a proper one also; that books being a permanent property ought not to be taxed whilst other permanent property is exempt, both in the acquisition and possession. I have always...
8490James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the several papers which accompanied yours of the 30 th Ult: I have interlined with a pencil for your consideration a very slight change in the petition to Congress , and another in the Report to the P. & D. of the Lit: Fund . The first is intended to parry objections from the reprinters of foreign books, by a phraseology not precluding exceptions in their favor. The exceptions can be...
8491Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 29–30 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of Virginia by special call on Thursday the 29 th of November 1821. at the University , two members only attending, towit Thomas Jefferson and Chapman Johnson , they adjourned to the next day. November 30. present Thomas Jefferson ,
8492University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 30 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
To the President & Directors of the Literary fund . In obedience to the act of the General assembly of Virginia , requiring that the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia should make report annually to the President and Directors of the Literary fund (to be laid before the legislature at their next succeeding session) embracing a full account of the disbursements, the funds on...
8493Petition of University of Virginia Board of Visitors to United States Congress, 30 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. The Petition of the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia on behalf of those for whom they are in the office of preparing the means of instruction, as well as of others seeking it elsewhere, Respectfully representeth That the Commonwealth of Virginia has thought proper lately to...
8494James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
This is the first mail since I rec d yours of the 25 Ult: which did not come to hand in time for an earlier answer; having lain a day or two at Or: C t House . Regarding the New Soc y for the benefit of the Indians, as limited to their civilization, an object laudable in itself; and taking for granted, perhaps too hastily, that the plan had not been formed & published without the sanction of...
8495James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [29 March 1822] (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that the approaching meeting of the Visitors will furnish an exception to the punctuality of my attendance … I presume that my failure, even if it prevents a quorum, is rendered of little consequence by the obduracy of the Assembly to the pleas in behalf of the University , whose interests are certainly the best interests of their constituents … Extract, including ellipses, printed...
8496James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I fulfill the request of M r Rush by inclosing the letter in which it is made; and the rather as the letter is of pretty late date and touches on the affairs of Europe . I have heard of your intended visit to Bedford , but count on this reaching Monticello before you leave it. RC ( Heritage Auctions , auction 6182, Dallas, 19 Oct. 2017, lot 47062); endorsed by TJ as received 9 (reworked from...
8497To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 January 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received yours of the 6 th with the letters of M r Cabell, M r Gerry, and Judge Johnson. The letter from M r C. proposing an Extra Meeting of the Visitors, & referred to in yours was not sent, and of course is not among those returned. The friends of the University in the Assembly seem to have a delicate task on their hands. They have the best means of knowing what is best to be...
8498To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters & papers being addressed to you as well as me, I am not at liberty to withhold them. tho’ I know the disrelish you will feel for such appeals. I shall give an answer, in a manner for us both, intimating the propriety of our abstaining from any participation in the electioneering measures on foot. DLC : Papers of James Madison.
8499To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I congratulate you on the loan, scanty as it is, for the University; in the confidence that it is a gift masked under that name; and in the hope that it is a pledge for any remnant of aid the Establishment may need in order to be totus teres atque rotundus . Can you not have the hands Set to work without the formality of a previous meeting of the Visitors? I have rec d no notice from Richmond...
8500To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 21 March 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d your two letters of the 12 & 14. inst: You will have inferred my approbation of the course taken in order to avoid a loss of time in executing the Rotunda. I shall be with you at the Meeting of the Visitors if possible. The letter from O. Flaherty with its companions, are herewith inclosed. It is quite presumable that he possesses the technical qualifications for the professorship...