331From James Madison to Richard Rush, 21 April 1821 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Novr. 15. came safe to hand, with Mr. R’s farming Pamphlet, for which I return my thanks. The inflexibility of G.B. on the points in question with the U.S. is a bad omen for the future relations of the parties. The present commercial dispute, tho’ productive of ill humour, will shed no blood. The same cannot be said of Impressments and Blockades. I have lately recd. also Mr....
332From James Madison to Solomon Southwick, 21 April 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. with a copy of your address at the opening of the Apprentices’ Library. This class of our youth is a valuable one; and its proportional numbers must increase as our population thickens. It is a class too which particularly claims the guardianship of benevolence. Their age, their separation from their parents, and their residence for the most part in towns...
333From James Madison to Anthony Charles Cazenove, 30 April 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 25th. As the injury to your eye was slight, I hope it has been of short continuance. My want of Lisbon wine not being urgent, I prefer waiting till you can supply such as I formerly recd.; if the prospect of it be not remote or uncertain. In either of these cases be so good as to give the order you suggest on Baltimore or Philada. enjoining particularly the...
334From James Madison to Peter S. Du Ponceau, May 1821 (Madison Papers)
I cannot return my thanks for your “Address” on the subject of a Central Seminary of Jurisprudence, without offering my best wishes for the success of such an Institution. The Citizens of the U. States, not only form one people governed by the same code of laws, in all cases falling within the range of the Federal Authority; but are connected by a daily intercourse and by multiplying...
335From James Madison to David Hoffman, May 1821 (Madison Papers)
J Madison presents his respects to Mr Hoffman, with thanks for the copy of his “Syllabus.” It has not been convenient for him to bestow on it the critical attention necessary, if he were better qualified, to remark defects, if there be any, or to do justice to its merits. To the view he has taken of the plan, it appears to embrace the subject in its due extent and to designate and arrange the...
336From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
I observe that Genl. A. Moore has resigned the office of Marshall for Virga. I know not who may be candidates for the vacancy. I beg leave to name for your consideration Mr. Robert Taylor of this County, formerly a Speaker of our Senate, & of a character well established for intelligence, proberty [ sic ], and habits of punctuality in business. I am particularly induced to bring him into view...
337From James Madison to Spencer Roane, 6 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
I recd. more than two weeks ago your letter of April 17th. A visit to a sick friend at some distance, with a series of unavoidable attentions, have prevented an earlier acknowlegement of it. Under any circumstances I should be disposed rather to put such a subject as that to which it relates, into your hands, than to take it out of them. Apart from this consideration, a variety of demands on...
338From James Madison to Anthony Charles Cazenove, 13 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have been favd. with yours of the 7. and am giving orders for getting up the articles you have forwarded as soon as they arrive at Fredg. I am taking measures also for having the amt. due remitted. Should they not have immediate effect, others will be adopted. Draft ( DLC : Dolley Madison Papers). Year not indicated; conjectural year based on the fact that the letter is written at the foot...
339From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 14 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have received the Copy of your Report on weights and measures, which you were so good as to inclose to me. Not knowing how long it may be before I shall be able to give it a due perusal, I tender at once my best thanks, anticipating as I certainly do, both pleasure and instruction from your execution of the important task committed to you. Be pleased, Sir, to accept a repetition of my high...
340From James Madison to Mackay & Campbell, 14 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
I am to receive from Mr. Cazenove of Alexa several Bbles &ca which I took the liberty of requesting him to address to your care. Shd they have come to hand, the Waggoner Aleck will bring them up. The cost of these articles is $243.36. If you can witht. inconvenience make Mr. C. this remittance you will oblige me: if not let me know. I have a little more flour to send down wch. will follow the...
341From James Madison to James Monroe, 16 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
I am just informed by Mr. F. Corbin, that E. Randolph, who held a Commission in the late Army, is desirous of the Collectorship at Pensacola, at which place he had established himself, in anticipation of its becoming a port of the U.S. As his military appointment originated in my nomination, and it was so well justified by his distinguished gallantry on several important occasions, it seems to...
342From James Madison to Francis Corbin, 21 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
On the receipt of yours of the 18th, post-marked 14th, I dropped a few lines to the President, as you wished, reminding him of the views of your young friend, and the grounds on which his hopes rested. I just see that the office had been otherwise filled. On looking over the papers and letters which I had preserved through a long course of public life, during a memorable period, I found so...
343From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 26 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16th. inst: which was followed by the printed Sheets to which it referred. Of these I can not say less than that they exhibit the same extent of statistic research, the same condensation of ideas, and the same tone of disinterested patriotism, which have been remarked in other publications from the same pen. The subject which they discuss has been so ably...
344From James Madison to Robert B. Corbin, 4 June 1821 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 1st. inst: was duly handed to me by Mr. Kingman. Altho’ unversed in such tasks, the motives to which the occasion appeals, would not permit me to decline at [ sic ] attempt to fulfil the one committed to me. I am aware at the same time that the haste in which the sketch I inclose was penned, and my deficient knowledge or recollection of many circumstances in your Father’s...
345From James Madison to William F. Gray, 11 June 1821 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ To William F. Gray. Letter not found. 11 June 1821 . Offered for sale in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 1405 (24 June 1927), item 41, where it appears as the following extract: “J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Gray and encloses $40—which balances his account within 37½ cents (which cannot be well sent in a letter) after deducting $6.—for two copies of Horace paid for by J. P. Todd.”
346From James Madison to Joseph Gales Jr., 12 June 1821 (Madison Papers)
I recd. lately a letter from Mr. Geo. Joy in London, in wch. he expresses a particular desire to possess in the Newspaper form a series of papers published by him during the war of 1812, under the title of Conciliator. He remarks that they were republished in the Intelligencer, and that you sent him the 3 first numbers, with your exordium. From what he says I infer that he will be very glad to...
347From James Madison to John B. Sartori, [ca. 18 June 1821] (Madison Papers)
Several years ago, I recd from Mr. Edwd. Caffarana of Genoa, a small equestrian Statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, executed by a young artist. Not being disposed to accept it as a present, I signified as much to him, with a request to be informed of its price. Of three answers to my letter which it appears he wrote, the last only came to hand, & that very lately. In this he tells me the original...
348From James Madison to George M. Dallas, 23 June 1821 (Madison Papers)
I recd. lately by the return of J. P. Todd, your letter of May 1, accompanying the correspondence of your father. I am sorry to be obliged to say that altho’ I have made a pretty thorough search among my papers, I cannot find such a letter as the one supposed to have been written by him after the British visit to Washington in 1814: nor do I recollect that such a one was recd. It is possible...
349From James Madison to Joseph Gales Jr., 26 June 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have received yours of the 22d. I know not why Mr. Joy should be desirous of his political essays in a Newspaper form. As he has them in the more convenient form of a pamphlet, his disappointment cannot be an afflicting one. On looking into the Mass of my papers having relation to the long & interesting period through w[h]ich my public life extended, I have thought that I ought not to leave...
350From James Madison to Peter S. Du Ponceau, 29 June 1821 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his friendly respects to Mr. Duponceau with thanks for his “Discourse on the early history of Pennsa.” He has found it one of those fine morsels which can not be tasted without a Wish that there was more of it. Draft ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( PHi : Peter S. Du Ponceau Letterbook, 1777–1839). Peter S. Du Ponceau, A Discourse on the Early History of Pennsylvania: Being an...
351From James Madison to Spencer Roane, 29 June 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have received and return my thanks for your obliging communication of the 20th. instant. The papers of “Algernoon Sydney” [ sic ] have given their full lustre to the arguments against the suability of States by individuals; and against the projectile capacity of the power of Congress within the “ten miles square.” The publication is well worthy of a pamphlet form, but must attract public...
352From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 16 July 1821 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Adams with many thanks for his “Address” on the 4th. of July, which is not less rich in excellent thoughts, than eloquent in the enunciation of them. RC ( MHi : Adams Papers). John Quincy Adams, An Address Delivered at the Request of a Committee of the Citizens of Washington; On the Occasion of Reading the Declaration of Independence, on the Fourth of...
353From James Madison to Mackay & Campbell, 21 July 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your favor of the l9th. and inclose the Blank bills filled with a draft on Maury & Latham for $250 Stirling [ sic ]. I lose no time in sending them; because I understand there is an advantage in having bills in the market in time for the Monthly Packet from N. York. I wish as much of the proceeds to be applied to the Bank in Fredg. as will cancel the discount and reduce my...
354From James Madison to Samuel Wyllys Pomeroy, 21 July 1821 (Madison Papers)
I return my thanks for the Agricultural Journal for which I observe I am indebted to your politeness. Several of the Articles have well rewarded the perusal. Those on the culture of flax are particularly interesting, being calculated to gratify curiosity at the same time that they instruct the husbandman. I send herewith samples of flax in the several Stages of its preparation by a machine of...
355From James Madison to Joseph Gales Jr., 26 August 1821 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your friendly letter of the 20th. enclosing an extract from notes by Judge Yates, of debates in the Convention of 1787, as published in a N.Y. paper. *Commercial Advertizer Aug: 18. 1821 The letter did not come to hand till yesterday. If the extract be a fair sample, the work about to be published will not have the value claimed for it. Who can believe that so palpable a...
356From James Madison to Thomas Ritchie, 15 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 8th. instant on the subject of the proceedings of the convention of 1787. It is true as the public has been led to understand, that I possess materials for a pretty ample view of what passed in that Assembly. It is true also that it has not been my intention that they should for ever remain under the veil of secrecy. Of the time when it might be not improper for them...
357From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday yours of the 16th. inclosing the paper from Mr. 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 considered...
358From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 23 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I received yesterday your letter and communications of the 18th. instant. I have read them with a sincere sympathy for the situation in which you find yourself; and with regret that a more fortunate one has not followed your long continuance in the public service. I shall of course feel much pleasure at any occurrence which would brighten your prospects for the time to come. I know not however...
359From James Madison to John Drayton, 23 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received the copy of your Memoirs which you were so good as to send me. Be pleased to accept my thanks for it. I have looked sufficiently into the work to be sensible of its value not only to those who take a more immediate interest in local details; but as a contribution also to the fund of materials for a general history of the American Revolution. Every incident connected with...
360From James Madison to Albert Picket and Others, 23 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 10th. instant, asking my opinion as to th⟨e establishment of a female college,⟩ and a proper course of instruction in it. The importance of both these questions, an⟨d the⟩ novelty of the first, would require more consideration than is allowed by other demands on my time, if I were better qualified for the task, or than is permitted indeed by the tenor of your...
361From James Madison to Lafayette, [ca. 7 October 1821] (Madison Papers)
I did not receive, my dr. frd. your favor of July 1. till a few weeks ago. It came thro’ the post office from N. York. Of Dr. Barba I have not heard a word. I shall keep in mind the title your recommendation gives to any marks of my attention, for which opportunities may be afforded. I have read with great pleasure your opinion occasioned by the Budget. Sentiments so noble, in language so...
362From James Madison to Mackay & Campbell, [ca. 15 October 1821] (Madison Papers)
I returned the note covered by yours of the 4th duly signed. I forwarded some days ago one to meet the object of it, which I hope reached you on Friday morning. Should it have miscarried that now sent will replace the advance which you will have been good enough to make. The Articles of furniture marked R. Cutts were intended for me & early measures will be taken to have them brought up. With...
363From James Madison to Littell & Henry, 18 October 1821 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. your letter of Sepr 24. The answer it requests has been delayed by an indisposition from which I am just recovering. I very cheerfully express my approbation of the proposed Edition of Blackstones Commentaries accompanied by a comparative view of the laws of the U.S. & of the several States. Such a work executed with the ability to be presumed in its authors must be very useful in...
364From James Madison to Joseph Wheaton, [ca. 30] October 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 20th. instant. You will be sensible that I cd. not know sufficiently the value of the particular extra services rendered by you during the late war, to decide on the amount of compensation equitably due for them. I can therefore only mention to the gentlemen you have named, my general impression of the zeal & activity with which you promoted the public service as far...
365From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1821 (Madison Papers)
I return the several papers which accompanied yours of the 30th. 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...
366From James Madison to William Plumer, 17 November 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have received the Agricultural Address of your son which you politely inclosed to me. It has handled a very beaten subject in a manner instructive to many and persuasive to all; and is well entitled to the thanks which I tender, with assurances of my great esteem and cordial respects. RC ( MB ).
367From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 November 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have been for some time a debtor for your favor of June 21. which was accompanied by the “Apochryphal New Testament.” Accept my thanks for both. I have not yet seen any notice in this Country of Godwin’s last work; nor has it been reviewed by any of the English critics which have fallen under my eye. I think with you however that it can scarcely fail to attract public attention. It merits a...
368From James Madison to George Joy, 21 November 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have not forgotten your favor of Feby. last, tho’ I am so tardy in acknowledging it. The truth is, I find as generally happens, that age is daily increasing my disinclination to use the pen, as it possibly may, tho’ I am less sensible of it, an inclination for the other mode of communicating our thoughts. I might find an apology also, in a very afflicting fever of the typhoid character which...
369From James Madison to Dolley Madison, [30 November 1821] (Madison Papers)
I snatch a moment and a very bad pen to tell you that we ended our journey in good time that is before it was dark. The roads, with a little exception, were better than was expected. We found every body well, much regretting that you could not join in the visit. It was well that I did not decline it, for there would not have been a Quorum without me, Gen’l Taylor & Mr. Breckinridge, not being...
370From James Madison to Frederick C. Schaeffer, 3 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. with your letter of Novr. 19: the copy of your address at the ceremonial of laying the Corner Stone of St. Mathews Church in N. York. It is a pleasing & persuasive example of pious zeal, united with pure benevolence; and of cordial attachment to a particular creed, untinctured with Sectarian illiberality. It illustrates the excellence of a system which, by a due distinction to...
371From James Madison to Benjamin Drake, 8 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a few days ago your letter of Novr. 6. on the subject of materials for a “Biographical sketch of the Celebrated Tecumseh.” I cannot better answer it, than by referring you to the Dept. of War, the files of which contain the official correspondence and communications from the military Commanders & Indian Agents most likely to furnish interesting particulars relating to that Chief as...
372From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 12 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 1st. inst. and am sorry that neither my memory, nor my knowledge goes far enough back to furnish the desirable answers to your questions, whether and to what amount, the balance in the trade with G. Britain was against the colonies, particularly Virginia previous to the Revolution. That the ordinary balance was unfavorable cannot be doubted, and the limit to...
373From James Madison to Mackay & Campbell, 18 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
The bills on M. & L. lately sent you expressed the balance due to me as stated in the Acct. Sales. The Acct current just come to hand, contains a few items of which I was not aware, reducing the balance from £28.3.5. to £21.15.2. Should the Bills not be out of your reach be so good as to let me replace them with a correct set. Should the oppy. be past, I must ask the favor of you to adjust the...
374From James Madison to Henry Middleton, 24 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Ths. Munroe son of Ths. Mu[n]roe Esqr. of the City of Washington, having compleated his academic Studies, has fixed his thoughts so earnestly on the profession of arms, that he is about to offer his services in the Military estabt. of Russia, as a school favorable to his proficiency. It is understood that he is to serve at his own expence; that as his services are to be entirely voluntary,...
375From James Madison to Thomas Munroe, [ca. 24 December 1821] (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your letter of the 20th. and inclose a few lines, on the subject of it to our E. Exy. & M. Plenipo: at St. Petersburg. I am not sure that I could properly take the liberty of addressing them to the Emperor himself. I sincerely wish Sir that your son may find in the course he has chosen, all the success, which he enjoys in prospect: and that he may return with all the...
376From James Madison to John G. Jackson, 28 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. came to hand a few days ago only; and the usages of the season, with some additional incidents, have not allowed me time for more promptly acknowledging its friendly contents. You were right in supposing that some arrangement of the mass of papers accumulated thro’ a long course of public life would require a tedious attention after my final return to a private Station....
377Jonathan Bull & Mary Bull, 1821 (Madison Papers)
Jonathan Bull & Mary Bull, who were descendants of old Jno. Bull, the head of the family, had inherited contiguous estates in large tracts of land. As they grew up & became well acquainted, a partiality was mutually felt, and advances on several occasions made towards a matrimonial connection. This was particularly recommended by the advantages of putting their two estates under a common...
378From James Madison to Hezekiah Niles, 8 January 1822 (Madison Papers)
In Ramsay’s History of the American Revolution Vol: 2. pa. 300–301 is the following passage. “Mr. Jay was instructed to contend for the right of the U. States to the free navigation of the river Mississippi, and if an express acknowlegement of it could not be obtained, he was restrained from acceding to any stipulation by which it should be relinquished. But in February 1781, when Lord...
379From James Madison to Peter Minor, 18 January 1822 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ To Peter Minor. Letter not found. 18 January 1822 . Described as a two-page autograph letter, signed and franked by JM, in American Book-Prices Current (1905), 11:589.
380From James Madison to Samuel Miller, 19 January 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. the volume from your pen which you politely forwarded. Not being sure that I shall very soon be able to give it the due perusal, I think it proper not to postpone my acknowledgements for the favor. I can not doubt that I shall find the subject discussed with the ability, the erudition and the candour of which you have heretofore given pledges to the public. Draft ( DLC ).