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.;...
121Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to John Adams, 12 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. Madison & Mathews moved to revoke Comissn. & instrns. to Mr. Adams for Treaty of Commerce with G. B. —on which Liverm: no—Partridge Osgood no—Varnum ay—Elsworth—Sherman no, Montgomery, Clymer, T. Smith ay—Rodney McKean ay—Jenifer no Carrol ay Potts ay—Jones ay. Madiso[n] ay—Bland ay—Sharpe Johnson...
122Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 28 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. Com[mitte]e on plan of Consular Convention Randolph Elsworth Vandyk Under Articles VI and IX of the Articles of Confederation, the “United States in Congress assembled” was delegated “the sole and exclusive right and power” in the domain of foreign affairs, and each state, without the consent of Congress, was...
123Report on Salaries of Southern Delegates and Civil Officers, [ca. 30 July] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 26, fols. 305, 307). Congress added JM’s proposal (fol. 307) to that of Thomas McKean (fol. 305) to make its resolution of 30 July 1781. This resolution was a substitute for a committee report docketed: “Report of Comee on the means of furnishing certain delegates with Money and paying the salaries due to civil officers & clerks[,] Delivered July 27. 1781[,] Entd. read. a...
124From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 31 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but the letter is docketed by Pendleton, “James Maddison jr. Esqr. July 31. 1781.” I have the pleasure of your’s of the 23d. I congratulate you on your return to Caroline and on the safety of your estate from the ravages of the Enemy. The mail of last week having been intercepted near Wilmington has kept back the post a day later than his usual...
125From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 1–2 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Col James Madison Orange County Virginia Favd. by B. Bradburn.” I recd. your letter by Mr. Randolph and this morning have a verbal information from you by B. Bradburn. I shall send by him a Barrel of Sugar and a bag of Coffee, which I wish to be retained for your own use as far as necessary, & the residue divided between my brothers Fr. & A. This...
126Changes Suggested in Ordinance on Captures at Sea, [ca. 12 August] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 59, III, 283–84). The notes below are directly related to Edmund Randolph’s report of 14 August of “an ordinance ascertaining what captures on water shall be legal” ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXI, 861–68). This report stems back, through a series of motions and committee...
127From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 14 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble. Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” I have your favor of the 6th. inst: before me. The defect of intelligence from your correspondents here must have been removed soon after you wrote, unless a miscarriage befell my letter as well as that of Mr. Jones who wrote the week before by the intercepted mail. Such accidents or sickness...
128Motion on Exchange of Prisoners of War, [22 August] 1781 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXI, 893). On motion of Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [Edmund] Randolph, Resolved , That in case General Burgoyne shall have been exchanged for the honble Henry Laurens, credit shall be given for the officers which may be received for him in the...
129Changes Suggested in Ordinance on Captures at Sea, [ca. 28 August–4 December] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MSS ( NA : PCC , No. 59, III, 280–82, 295) and excerpts from texts of ordinance printed in JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXI, 961–68, 1153–58. The proper sequence of the PCC folios is 280½, 295, 280, an unnumbered quarter-sheet adjacent to 280½, and 281 and 282. JM’s connection with this ordinance...
130From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 3 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble. Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” I am favored with yours of the 27th. ultimo. This letter will be the most agreeable of any I have long had the pleasure of writing. I begin with informing you that the Commander in chief and the Ct. Rochambeau, the former with a part of the American Army, and the latter with the whole of the...
131From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 18 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Pendleton, “James Maddison Esqr. Sepr. 18th. 1781.” I was yesterday favored with yours of the 10th. instant. The various reports arrived of late from Chesapeake prepared us for a confirmation from our correspondents of a fortunate rencontre between the 2 fleets. A continuation of these reports although unsupported by any authentic evidence still keeps up...
132Expense Account as Delegate in Congress, 20 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS (Virginia State Library). 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 Pena. Cury July 10 To bills drawn on Mr. R. Morris in my favor by G: Nicholson Agent for Mr. Ross Pennsa. Currency £100. - - By balance June 20th. £ - - - Sepr. 20 By Board & Lodging including Liqrs. &C. from June 20...
133Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, [21 September] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. Sepr. 21. Duane, Randolph, Matthews, Boudinot & Sherman a Come to receive communications from Minister of Fr. When this committee was named by Congress on 3 September, its members were Duane, Randolph, and Mathews. They were directed to report upon the papers dealing with John Laurens’ mission to France ( JCC...
134Report on Retaliation against British, [1 October] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, III, 421–23). Written by JM as chairman. Docketed: “Report of the Committee on Retaliation[.] Entered Oct. 1. 1781[,] Read. Decr. 3d. 1781 Referred to the comee appd. to confer wth. Comr. in chief, &c.” The Committee to whom was referred the several papers concerning retaliation recommend the following Manifesto The United States in Congress assembled taking into their...
135From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 2 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Only a fragment of the cover remains. It reads, “Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” Yours of 24th. ulto. came safe by yesterdays post. In addition to the paper of this day I enclose you two of the preceding week in one of which you will find a very entertaining & interesting speech by Mr. Fox, and in the other a handsome forensic discussion of a case...
136From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 9 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia” Having sent you the arguments on one side of the judiciary question relating to the property of Virga. seized by Mr. Nathan, it is but reasonable that you should see what was contended on the other side. With this view, although I in some measure usurp the task of Mr. Jones, I enclose the paper...
137Protest of Virginia Delegates, [10 October] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 30, fols. 557–59). In JM’s hand, except for Joseph Jones’s and Edmund Randolph’s signatures. A copy in the library of Duke University is not in the hand of any of the Virginia delegates. That no misconstruction unfavorable to the territorial rights of the State of Virginia may be put on the refusal of its Delegates to exhibit evidence in support of them before the Committee...
138From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 16 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but the letter is docketed in Pendleton’s hand, “Jas. Madison jr. Esqr. Octr. 16. 1781.” When you get a sight of the Resolution of the Gen: Ass: referred to in your favor of the 8th. you will readily judge from the tenor of it what steps would be taken by the Delegates. It necessarily submitted the fate of the object in question to the...
139Motion of Virginia Delegates on Western Lands, [16 October] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 223–24). Written by JM. Docketed, “Motion of Delegates of Virginia—Oct 16. 1781.” The Delegates of Virginia representing to Congress that the Committee to whom were committed the territorial Cessions of Virga. N. Y. & Connecticut with a Memorial signed J. Wilson by order of the United Illinois & Wawbash Companies & the Memorial of Wm. Trent in behalf of himself &...
140From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 30 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). On the cover is this note: “Colo. Pendleton will be so Obliging as to bring the form he promised to Church next Sunday T. Jones.” Pendleton and Thomas Jones (d. 1782), a planter, lived in St. Mary’s Parish, Caroline County, and were members of the same congregation of the Church of England. JM addressed the letter to “The Honble Edmund Pendleton Esqr Caroline County...