331From James Madison to Lafayette, 20 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Ocr. 27. has been some time on hand, tho’ it met with delays, after it got into port. My health in which you take so kind an interest was as reported interrupted by a severe, tho’ short attack, but is now very good. I hope yours is so without having suffered any interruption. I wish I could give you fuller & better accounts of the Monticello affairs. Neither Virginia, nor any...
332James Madison to William Frederick Van Amringe and Others, 10 April 1834 (Madison Papers)
(committee of the Jefferson Democratic Society of Philadelphia) I have received fellow Citizens your letter of the 2d. Inst. inviting me in "behalf of the Jefferson Democratic Society of the City & County of Philadelphia to a dinner to be given by the Society on monday next at Heiskell & Badgers Hotel in commemoration of the birthday of the father of the Democratic Party--& the Author of the...
333From James Madison to Lynde Walter and Others, 24 January 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your letter of the 15th. instant; and I cannot be insensible to the marks of respect & confidence contained in it. But besides that it attaches a very undue weight to my opinion on the subject of a Bankrupt act, I am not sure that the interference you suggest would be received in the light you anticipate. Candor requires also an acknowlegement, that though sincerely anxious...
334James Madison to Richard Rush, 13 July 1833 (Madison Papers)
The Volume so kindly presented to Mrs. Madison and myself has afforded us great pleasure. Few can read it without receiving information both new and instructive—and none without being gratified on many points interesting to their curiousity. No part of it will probably be more welcome to the public, than that which gives a hope that the work will be followed by other drafts from the same fund...
335James Madison to Henry Clay, 9 October 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have just been favored with yours of the 22d. Ult: enclosing a copy of your Address delivered at Cincinnati. Without concurring in every thing that is said, I feel what is due to the ability and eloquence which distinguish the whole. The rescue of the Resolutions of Kentucky in -98 & 99. from the misconstruction of them, was very a propos; that authority being particularly relied on, as an...
336From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
Your two letters of the 13 & 15th. inst came together by the last mail (sunday evening) too late to be answered by its return on monday morning. I had recd. the printed circular of Judge Brooke notifying our Electoral nominations, on thursday last, but in the night, & not to be answered by the return Mail, which passes our post office, between 5 & 6 miles distant, by day light. The printed...
337From James Madison to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 24 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favour of the 8th. inst: and am much less surprised at your finding occasion for friendly criticism on one passage in the paper to which you refer, than that you did not perceive the occasions for others there in. In bringing into view Robertson’s explanation of the Origin of the Greenlanders, the object which ought to have been more clearly conveyed was rather to lessen the...
338James Madison to Jared Sparks, 1 June 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. yours of the 24. Ult. and inclose the little pamphlet by Govr. Morris which it refers to. Unless it is to be printed entire in the Volumes you are preparing, I should wish to replace it in the Collection from which it is taken. Of other unofficial writings by him I have but the single recollection, that he was a writer for the Newspapers in 1780 (being then a member of...
339James Madison to Charles Tudor Stewart, 22 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
Your letter was not recd. till yesterday. I would cheerfully gratify you in the object of your pursuit, but like applications have already exhausted my files, and obliged me to give that answer. The autographs of Mr. Hamilton & Mr. Jay, two names you seem particularly to desire, I have no doubt can be easily obtained from public offices, or their family connexions. Accept my respects & good...
340From James Madison to Spencer Roane, 2 September 1819 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 22d Ult: inclosing a copy of your observations on the judgment of the Supreme Court of the U. S. against the State of Maryland; and I have found the latitudinary mode of expounding the Constitution adopted by the Court, combated in them with the ability & force which was to be expected. It appears to me as it does to you, that the occasion did not call for the...
341James Madison to William Allen, 15 March 1832 (Madison Papers)
We are likely to fail in getting our Clover seed from the usual source; and will thank you for procuring, it to the amount of six bushels if to be had in Fredg. We expect to send a Waggon down very shortly, which will be a conveyance Retaining my full confidence in your better judgt. of the Market, I do not venture advice on the subject. I hope you will be able to catch any transitory rise, or...
342From James Madison to William F. Gray, 8 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have the Ed: Rev. No. 82. forwd. by you. I recd. at the same time from Mr. Green the inclosed acct. & order from Mr. Withers. There is no date, you will observe, to the Acct. and I do not find that I have recd. all the Nos. of either the N.A. or Edinbg. Review preceding the last from yourself. No. 78. of Edinbg. Revw. particularly is wanting. Whilst the business was in the hands of Mr....
343James 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...
344James Madison to William Cabell Rives, 1 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have received your very kind letter of the 26. Ult. We had neither changed our purpose, nor forgotten our promise, to take Castle Hill in our way to the University. We hope for the pleasure of being there on the forenoon of Tuesday the 8th. inst., proceeding the next day, to our destination. In the mean time we pray Mrs. Rives & yourself to accept our best respects & our cordial salutations....
345From James Madison to George Mason, 14 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have received, Sir your letter of the 6th. instant, requesting such information, as I may be able to give, as to the origin of the document a copy of which was inclosed in it. The motive & manner of the request would entitle it to respect, if less easily complied with than by the following statement. During the Session of the General Assembly 1784–5. a Bill was introduced into the House of...
346James Madison to Edward Coles, 16 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
As the most secure mode of paying the inclosed account I trouble you with a request that you will apply five dollars for the purpose, and return the account with the receipt. A letter of late date from your brother Isaac mentioned that all friends at and about Enniscorthy were in good health. We hope neither yours, or that of Mrs. Coles has suffered from this irregular and hard Winter. Mine...
347From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 24 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 July 1818, Montpelier. Offered for sale in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 1083 (1913), item 397. Described as a four-page autograph letter, signed, as quoted in American Book-Prices Current , 19:816 (1913).
348James Madison to William B. Sprague, 12 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 5th. You have been misinformed with respect to the relation of blood between Bishop Madison & myself. It was rather a distant one; his father & mine, being but cousins. In friendship & affection we were closely allied and I feel a pleasure in furnishing the autograph you request, as of one whose memory ought ever to be associated with that of the wise &...
349James Madison to Benjamin W. Leigh, 1 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
I Have received a copy of your speech on the 4th. & 5th. April, and on the supposition that I may be indebted for it, to your politeness, I tender my acknowledgments accordingly. The increasing pressure of my infirmities has of late, rendered my attention to the public proceedings very superficial. To the expunging question I have paid very little. The views taken in your speech of some at...
350James 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...
351From James Madison to G. F. H. Crockett, 6 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. your letter of Sepr. 24. some days ago. The printed address it refers to has but just come to hand. The subject which has employed your thoughts is one on which enlightened opinions are as yet much at variance. Nothing will probably reconcile them; but actual & fair experiments: and no where can such be made with less prejudice or less inconvenience than in the U.S. where the...
352From James Madison to George W. Featherstonhaugh, 11 March 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your Note of the 25 ult: and the Volume of Agricultural Memoirs forwarded with it. You have been very kind in repeating such a favor, notwithstanding the failure on my part of any compensating returns for preceding ones. The Albemarle Society has not yet published any similar collection of papers. And as for myself, time is fast stealing from me what I hope you will long...
353From James Madison to Samuel Dana, 21 February 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 6th. I do not possess the publications of the Agricultural Society of Massts. and have no doubt of the valuable instruction comprized in them. I feel however some reluctance in accepting your offer to forward me a copy, whilst I have no returns to make for it. I am very glad to learn that the situation of Mrs. Dana which caused your hasty departure from Washington...
354To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry M r Tucker requires time for deliberation. It shews the difficulty in our Country of withdrawing talents from rival pursuits into the service of Education. I do not think he will have chosen the best of literary careers, if he devotes himself to Novel writing. The public taste is nearly satiated with the fashionable, perhaps the best species, in which the success of Walter Scott has...
355James Madison to Edward Coles, 29 August 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have received, my dear Sir, your favor of the 17th. The motives to it are as precious to me, as its object is controvertible. You have certainly presented your views of the subject with great skill and great force. But you have not sufficiently adverted to the position I have assumed, and which has been accorded or rather assigned to me by others, of being withdrawn from party agitations, by...
356From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 August 1824 (Madison Papers)
The bearer Mr. E. Tayloe, son of Col: Tayloe of Washington is desirous of making a respectful call at Monticello, and I can not refuse to his motive, the gratification of a line presenting him to you. He is at present a resident at Fredericksburg, reading Law with his kinsman Mr Lomax; and appears to be quite estimable & amiable. Mr T. is so good as to take charge of the 4 last volumes of Las...
357James Madison to Elliott Cresson, 23 April 1829 (Madison Papers)
With the examples before me, and as a token of the esteem and good wishes I feel for Elliott Cresson, I take pleasure in complying with his request, by the following sample of my handwriting-"Liberty & Learning, both best supported, when leaning, each on the other.[] RC (General Services Administration, National Archives and Records Service: Franklin D. Roosevelt Library); FC (DLC) .
358From James Madison to John Rutherfoord, 29 May 1827 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 25th. has been duly recd: and partaking as I do in the kind service rendered in the transaction committed to you, I beg you to accept my share of the acknowledgments. I unite with Mrs. Madison in returning the affectionate expressions from Mrs. Rutherfoo[r]d & yourself; which we shall be happy in repeating at Montpr. whenever you exchange the Atmosphere of Richd. for the...
359James Madison to George W. Spotswood, November 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 11th and am glad to learn that you find the change made in your location, an agreeable one. I hope it will prove a profitable one also. It is a proof of your good feelings that you mix with the luxuries which you share, so much sympathy with the distresses which you witness in others in their transit from one hard fate to another. I am sorry I can give you no...
360From James Madison to Joseph Wheaton, 6 July 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your letter of the 1st. instant. Your wish that your descendants shd. possess a just & favorable view of their ancestor is natural & commendable. There are others whose knowlege of your character & public services being more special may enable them to do more justice to your object than I can do. What I can say with truth & with pleasure is that in originally favoring your...
361James Madison to Alexander Garrett, 21 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
Do me the favor to forward, for the Report to be made to the Literary Board, the annual contribution of the Bursar With great respect Draft (DLC) . The following draft for A. S. Brockenbrough, November 21, 1828, is subjoined.
362James Madison to Henry A. S. Dearborn, 13 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison has received the Copy of the Speech of Genl. Dearborn kindly forwarded by him. His ability has done ample justice to the subject as viewed by him, and his partiality much beyond justice to the deserts of his friend RC (DLC : Blair and Woodbury Autograph Collection); FC (DLC) .
363From James Madison to Benjamin Joy, 6 May 1822 (Madison Papers)
Not having recd. an answer to the original I conclude it must have miscarried, and enclose a duplicate of it. Should I not hear from you in time I will forward your brother’s letter referred to the Scy of the Board of Commissioners, tho’ I should prefer doing so to your Agent, were I acquainted with his name, and sure that it would find him at Washington. Draft ( DLC ). See JM to Benjamin Joy,...
364James Madison to Samuel P. Walker, Jr., 14 January 1830 (Madison Papers)
A rule which I have found it expedient to impose on myself not permitting me to comply with the request in your letter of the 10th. inst; I can only express the pleasure with which I observe the high testimony borne to your promising talents and worth; a pleasure which is enhanced by your relation to an illustrious patriot, in the public veneration for whose memory, my personal share is so...
365James Madison to Jared Sparks, 13 March 1828 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving a few days ago, your favor of Feb. 27th. from Washington. It was quite unexpected, the Newspapers having announced, without any subsequent contradiction, your departure for Europe. Since my last to you, I have recd. a letter from Col. Storrow, in answer to an enquiring one, in which he informs me that the Packet you committed to him is still in his hands, adding...
366James Madison to [William Duer], 16 August 1828 (Madison Papers)
J. M. with his respects to Mr. Du[e]r, incloses with a corrected ad[s] the letter return, him[.] has left unchanged the [place] in the description; Yellow Birches sundry letters recd from that quarter, having that apparently as a post—mark on them. Draft (DLC) .
367From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 26 March 1827 (Madison Papers)
I think it proper to inclose you a copy of my letter to Mr. Gallatin, not merely for your information, but that I may be favored, with any additions or alterations that may occur to you. You will perceive the difficulty of accomodating the resort to Mr. Gallatin to the shortness of time, the uncertainty of his success, and the proper reserve for the chance of success here. In alluding to the...
368James Madison to Howard Malcom, 18 June 1830 (Madison Papers)
The 2 Copies of the "Reports on Prison discipline" referred to in your letter of the 3d. inst: were recd. some days ago. The letter itself was brought by the last mail with the post mark of Charleston S.C. to which it had been missent. The duplicate for a friend I have sent to Mr. Howard as one to both of us. I have not yet been able to give an entire reading to the little volume, but have...
369James Madison to James Monroe, 20 March 1828 (Madison Papers)
Yours of Feby. 23. was not recd. before the last mail tho’ having the Aldie post mark on the day of its date. Whether it was not duly forwarded, or was so long overlooked at the office here is not known. The latter was probably the case. We hope the agreeable information you gave of Mrs. Monroe’s convalescence has been justified by, her entire recovery. I need not now say that I recd. at the...
370James Madison to Thomas Maxwell, 21 December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your letter inclosing one from Mr. Sloan accompanied by his little pamphlet on Priestcraft, was duly recd. As he wishes you to be the medium of an answer I must ask the favor of you to convey my congratulations on the health and other consolations he enjoys at so advanced a stage of life, and my thanks also for all the kind feelings he expresses towards me. Notwithstanding the lapse of time, I...
371James Madison to Hubbard Taylor, 15 August 1835 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of July was duly recd. The recollections it so kindly expresses are very gratifying coming from one whose friendship I have always valued, & to whom I have been often indebted for attentions useful to me. I join in all your good wishes, for more tranquility & harmony in our public affairs: which will always be best promoted by a course avoiding the extremes to which party...
372From James Madison to John Nicholas, 4 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a few days ago a copy of your agricultural address under a blank Cover. Presuming that I am indebted for it to your kind attention I offer you my thanks for the favor. I have read your observations with pleasure & not without instruction. Whatever differences of opinion may exist on particular points; the substance and scope of the address, can not fail to be acceptable & useful to...
373James Madison to Charles Eaton Hayne, 27 August 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. In the very crippled & feeble state of my health I cannot undertake an extended answer to your enquiries, nor should I suppose it necessary if you have seen my letter to Mr. Everett in August 1830, in which the proceedings of Virginia in 98-99 were explained, and the novel doctrine of nullification adverted to. The distinction is obvious between 1st. such...
374From James Madison to James Francis Madison Shepherd, 8 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. Ult. was not recd. till yesterday afternoon. I find on recurring to my files and my memory, that I can afford no evidence of the fact in question. I have nothing from the pen of Docr. Shepherd that alludes to it. In a letter of april 7th 1821. He says “A family of the negroes that belonged to my brothers Estate have been taken back for the benefit of Betsy Shepherd: if...
375From James Madison to Francis Preston, 2 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by the last Mail yours of May 15: and I can not but express my regret that any controversy should have arisen as to the distribution of the laurels gained in the memorable battle of Kings Mountain, where enough were gained for all the heroes of the achievement. I was not what you suppose I was, a member of the Council of State, either at the date of the battle, or when the vote of the...
376Toasts for Lafayette’s Dinner, [ante–5 November 1824] (Madison Papers)
Toasts suggested for the dinner to Genl: Lafayette + The Guest of the Nation: no where more welcome than in Virginia. She received his best services. He enjoys her best affections. “To love liberty a nation need but know it: to possess it, but to will it.” *La Fayette —The Rights of man, the Gift of God: The powers of Government the Grant of the people. The President of the U.S. (Monroe) the...
377James Madison to Robley Dunglison, 12 March 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. I cannot think it will be amiss, scanty as our funds are, to make the small draft on them for the pertinent object you suggest. I have made the use of your friendly communication relating to young Willis that was proper without disclosing the source of it. I recd. some days ago a letter from L. P. Perry, seeking an exemption from the enactment on the...
378From James Madison to Thomas Todd, 6 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
A letter just recd. from Mrs. Todd has given us very great pleasure first because it assures us of the progressive restoration of your health, and secondly because it pledges anew the visit so long & as anxiously wished by us. I hope your health will continue to improve and that nothing will interfere to keep our families apart the ensuing fall & winter. I have recd. a letter from R. B. Lee...
379From James Madison to Robert Lewis, 10 November 1824 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Myers duly delivered your letter of the 8th. conveying to me the invitation of the Joint Committee of the Common Hall & Citizens of Fredericksburg to be with them at a dinner to be given to General La Fayette. Uniting with the Common Hall & Citizens in all their grateful sentiments towards General La Fayette, it would afford me much pleasure to unite also, in the proposed festive...
380From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 14 October 1822 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 12th. came to hand this morning. I regret most sincerely, the circumstances which compel you to take the step you meditate, as the only resort under the pressure of your debts. I wish it were more in my power to aid you in your distress. Short crops, low prices, and other causes limit my present means, & suggest caution as to future engagements. I have determined nevertheless to...