91Motion on Impost, [3 February] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, IV, 263). In JM’s hand. Endorsed “Motion for Amendment.” That it be earnestly recommended to the States, as indispensably necessary to the support of public credit and the prosecution of the war, immediately to pass laws laying an impost of 5 PerCt. ad valorem on all goods wares & merchandises imported into them respectively after the 1st. day of May next from any...
92Committee Report on Tax Status of Friendly Aliens, [5 February] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 20, I, 9–10). Report entirely in JM’s hand. Docketed “Report of the Committee on Presidt. Ware’s letter of the 20th. of Novr. 1780 part passed Feby 5. 1781.” The Committee to whom was referred the letter of the 20th. day of Novr. 1780 from Presidt. Ware with the papers enclosed having considered the subject to which they relate, and consulted the best sources of information...
93From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, [13] February 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I have your favor of the 5th. instant by the post. Col. Harrison arrived here yesterday, and as he mentions no circumstance which indicated an intended departure of the Enemy I am afraid your intelligence on that subject was not well founded. Immediately on the receipt of your former letter relating to an exchange of C. Taylor I applied to the Admiralty department,...
94Amendment to Committee Report on Hartford Convention, [ca. 23 February] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 33, fol. 427). Undated. Endorsed by Charles Thomson, “Amend proposd.” The amendment is in JM’s hand. to report to Congress thereon, except such as in the opinion of the Committee require order to be taken by the respective departments, which the Committee shall lay before Congress in the first instance with such their Opinion. After commissioners from the four New England...
95Proposed Amendment of Articles of Confederation, [12 March] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 24, fols. 25–26). Written by JM. A copy, also in JM’s hand, is in LC : Madison Papers. Whereas it is stipulated and declared in the 13th. Article of the Confederation “that every State shall abide by the determinations of the United States in Congress assembled on all questions which by this Confederation are submitted to them. And that the Articles of this Confederation...
96Motion for Complete Non-Intercourse with Great Britain, [16 March] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 123, 129–30). Written by JM. Docketed by Charles Thomson, “Motion of Mr Madison Mr Duane March 16. 1781. Monday assigned for the consideration thereof.” Whereas in order to afford to the Virtuous individuals of G. B. an asylum from the tyranny against which these States had taken arms, and to favor the importation of such warlike stores as were necessary for the...
97Expense Account as Delegate in Congress, 27 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
MSS (Virginia State Library). JM addressed the covering letter to “The Auditors of Public Accounts for the State of Virginia at Richmond.” The statement of debits and credits is in JM’s hand. Also in the Virginia State Library is the auditors’ ledger page for JM. The only entry on it which supplements the information furnished by JM’s own statement is mentioned in a footnote. The inclosed is a...
98From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Governor of Virginia” and franked by JM. Docketed, “Madison Jas April 3. 1781,” by Jefferson. I have received your favor of the 23d of March. The publication of which you wish to have a copy for your private use is not yet finished; as soon as it is I shall take care to provide one for you. I have repeatedly...
99Motion Commending French Fleet, [4 April] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, IV, 503). Docketed, “Motion of Mr. Madison. Respecting Monsr. De touches Commandr. of H M. C Majesty’s Squadron.” This note is written on a cover addressed to “His Excellency The President of Congress.” [Resolved,] That the President inform Monsr. Destouches Commander of the Squadron consigned by his M. C. Majesty to the Succour of his Allies, that the United States in...
100From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed, “Madison Jas,” by Jefferson. The inclosed paper is a copy of a report from a Committee now lying on the table of Congress for Consideration. The delicacy and importance of the subject makes me wish for your judgment on it before it undergoes the final decision of Congress. The necessity of arming Congress with coercive powers arises from the shameful...
101From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Endorsed, “Madison Jas.,” by Jefferson. On the receipt of your request as to the map I procured a copy with one of the pamphlets & have put it under the care of Col. Febiger who will have it conveyed. it is effectually secured against injury on its passage. I inclose your Excellency a letter from Mazzei although indeed its contents are of no great moment. I have not...
102From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 1 May 1781—Misdated (Madison Papers)
Letter misdated. 1 May 1781 [ 2 ]. Three of the earlier editions of the papers of JM printed portions of his letter, allegedly written on 1 May 1781, to Edmund Randolph, attorney general of Virginia and delegate from that state in Congress beginning on 14 June 1781 ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 90–93; Madison,...
103From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr” and marked “private.” Docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas May 5. 1781.” In compliance with your request I have procured and now send you a copy of the Constitutions &c published by order of Congress. I know not why the order in which they stand in the Resolution was varied by the committee in binding them up. The...
104Motion on Pay of Troops, [10 May] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 179). Docketed: “Motion of Mr Madison seconded by Carroll Referred to Mr Bland Mr Van Dyke Mr Carrol Delivered May 14. 1781 Entd. Read. Passed May 15. 1781.” That Warrants issue in favor of J. P. paymaster general upon the loan offices of the States of Delaware, Maryland & Virginia in the following proportions in bills of the new emission arising from the 4/10 of the...
105Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 28 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). Two pages of notes in JM’s hand, mainly devoted to recording the appointment of committees, the substance of their reports, and how each delegate voted on motions—all bearing upon instructions to the peace commissioners. JM’s entries are for 28 May, 6, 7, 8, 9–15, and 29 June, 28 July, and 21 September 1781, but he does not record when he made them, although he...
106From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 29 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” The two circumstances relating to the proposed duty on trade mentioned in your favor of the 1st. instant were subjects of discussion when the measure was on the anvil. It was evident that the disposition of the States to invest Congress with such a power wd. be influenced by the length of the...
107Motion on Currency, [30 May] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 26, fol. 299). The first half of this motion is written by JM, and the rest by John Mathews, who presented it in Congress. Although the person who seconded the motion is not mentioned, he probably was JM. Whereas the period assigned by the Act of the 18th. of March 1780 for calling in & cancelling the bills of Credit emitted by Congress prior to that date, hath long since...
108Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 6 June 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. Mr. Witherspo[o]n & Houston moved must direct Minister for peace to recede from old Ultm. if the mediating powers & circumstances require —on question Sul: & Livr. ay—Massts. Lovel, Ward no—R.I. Varnum ay—Ct. S. Huntgn. no. Elsth. ay, Shern. no—N.J. W. & H. ay—Pa. Atlee, Clymer, T. Smith ay—Md. Jenifer ay—Virga....
109Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 7 June 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. Sd. Come. Carol. Jones &c—report —Witherspoon’s motion with a Secret adl. instrn. 1. to try for old ultm. as to Boundary 2 but if necessary to leave qon open—or this refused 3 to settle matter as well as possible—on 1st all ay—on 2. all ay but Sul: & Livr. Ward—Mr. Mer. Smith —so carried —on the 3d—Sul: & Liv....
110Motions on United States Boundaries, [8 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MSS ( NA : PCC , No. 25, I, 441–44, 447). According to the JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , these two motions in JM’s hand were “made by the State of Virginia.” Following them, as given below, and on the same general subject, is a third proposal, also drafted by JM. The JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford...
111Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 8 June 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. State of Virga. moves to limit power to cede boundaries as qualification to Mr. Witherspoon’s motion to recede—all no but Sharpe Houston & Virga —on question on the sd. motion—all ay but Virga. See Notes from Secret Journal, 6 June , and nn. 2, 3, 4; ibid ., 7 June 1781 , and n. 7; Motions on Boundaries, 8 June...
112Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, [9–15 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. Note all from Va. vs. joing. others with Mr. A. June 11. the sd. Come. reported—to instruct Mr. A. to be govd.—ultimately &c —on question—Sulln. Livermore ay—Lovill & Ward no—Varnum no, Huntington Elsworth Sherman no—Witherspoon Houston ay—Montgomery no—Atlee Clymer ay T. Smith no—Jenifer Carrol ay—Jones,...
113Motion on Enlistment of Militia, [12 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 189). Written by JM. Docketed, “Motion Delegates of Virginia June 12. 1781 Referred to the board of war.” That it be earnestly recommended to the State of Pennsylvania immediately to raise accoutre and equip a Corps of Cavalry consisting of 192 Troopers with their proper officers including those called for in the Resolution of and to the State of Maryland to raise...
114Expense Account as Delegate in Congress, 20 June 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS (Virginia State Library). Account submitted by JM to Virginia general auditors. JM’s file copy is in LC : Madison Papers. JM’s covering letter, if any, to the Virginia Auditors of Public Accounts has not been found. 1781. From March 20–June [20]—1781 To Balance in hand on last settlement 11859 Dollrs. May 9. By Board &c. including liquors & Compy. from March 20 To do recd. of Mr. Jones...
115Motion on Management of Navy, [28 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 28, fol. 137). Resolved That the management & direction of the navy be, untill a Secretary of Marine shall be appointed, committed to the Superintendt. of Finance, and that he be authorized to appoint such temporary agents as may be necessary to execute the business of that Department. JM’s service on the Board of Admiralty in 1780 had acquainted him with the problems...
116Motion on Instructions on Treaty of Commerce, [29 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, IV, 359). Moved by JM and seconded by Meriwether Smith. Docketed, “Motion by Mr. Madison postpond, Additional instructions to the Minister plenipotentiary for negotiating a Treaty of Commerce with G Britain.” The motion given below represents a further effort by JM and his Virginia colleagues to have Congress revert to its original instructions, stipulating that the...
117Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 29 June 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. James Madison & M. Smith moved to instruct Minister for treaty of Commerce with G. B. not treat unless other points in old Ultm. as well as fisheries be ackd. & stipulated to U. S. on which Sul: Livermore no.—Lovel. Partridge. Osgood no—Var—ay Huntington ay, Sherman ay—Elsworth no—Witherspoon no Houston ay...
118Report on Staff of Superintendent of Finance, [6 July] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, IV, 323). Written by JM. Docketed, “Report of Com. on the letter 28th. June from R. Morris Passed July 6th. 1781.” Charles Thomson wrote “pasd.” at the bottom of the manuscript. The Committee appointed to confer with the Superintendt. of Finance on the subject of his letter of the 28th. of June report, That the Superintendt of Finance be authorised to appoint an...
119From James Madison to Philip Mazzei, 7 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
Draft ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Mazzei, Philip July 7. 1780.” The year should have been 1781. Years later William C. Rives wrote below this note, “Description of military operations, & cruelties of the enemy.” I have received 2 copies of your favor of the 7th. of Decr. last and 3 of that of the 30th. of Novr. preceding Having neglected to bring with me from Virginia the cypher...
120Motion on John Adams’ Commission and Instructions, [12 July] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, IV, 367). Although docketed by Samuel Huntington, “Motion by Mr Madison 2d by Mr Sharpe Respecting the Instructions given to J Adams for Negotiating a Treaty of Commerce with Britain,” the “Secret Journal, Foreign Affairs,” states that John Mathews seconded it ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.;...