11James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
An unexpected change has taken place in my situation since I had last the pleasure to see you. an invitation from the President to enter into the department of State will take me to Washington . Having accepted the office, I set out to morrow in the stage to commence its duties. this appointment subjected me, in the first intimation, to great concern, from a doubt of the propriety of resigning...
12James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 16 April 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
The minister of Russia , Count Pahlen & his brother , having intimated their intention to make you a visit at Monticello , I have taken the liberty to give them this introduction. The publick character of these respectable foreigners, would, I well know, secure them your kind reception, & friendly attention, but you will be gratified to know that they have high claims from personal merit. RC (...
13To James Madison from James Monroe, 17 [May 1811] (Madison Papers)
Mr Madison will be so kind as to inform me whether he went yesterday to the Fair, & if he did not, whether he intends to go this evening, as in that event he will go with him—and meet him at such time as he will appoint, at the door. If he went yesterday, he will inform him, whether it was attended with any charge. RC ( NN : Monroe Papers [microfilm ed.], Misc. Papers and Undated Letters, reel...
14To John Adams from James Monroe, 3 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 25. ulto. in which you are so good as to express a wish for my success in the discharge of the duties of the important & difficult office, to which I have been lately appointed by the President. For this obliging communication I beg you to accept my sincere acknowledgment. Permit me to reciprocate this friendly sentiment in your favor, & to...
15James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 6 June 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Dortic mentioned in your favor of the 23 d ult o was furnishd with a passport, and a packet of newspapers was sent to the Collector at New York to be forwarded by him, which it is presumed he will receive. It happend that there was no dispatch prepard at the time for our chargé des aff rs
16To James Madison from James Monroe, 5 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here late yesterday eving. having taken Richmond in my route. I had the great satisfaction to find Mrs. Monroe & our youngest daughter in better health than I had anticipated, as I had to find Mr Hay & our eldest. The early hour at which the post rider has called renders it impossible for me to say any thing on publick affrs. by this opportunity. I shall immediately turn my attention...
17To James Madison from James Monroe, 11 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
The incapacity for business produc’d by so long an application to it at Washington, has been increasd since my return home by a fall from my horse, being taken off by a limb of a tree under which he passed. My head, & left shoulder were bruis’d, & my leg cut a little by the stirrup, but I have almost recover’d from these injuries. I have walk’d about to day, & expect to be able to ride...
18To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
Mr Gales’s notice of the publication in the Aurora relative to Mr Foster was precisely what it ought to have been. It was undoubtedly proper to prevent such a statment going to the nation as a fact, & the mode of contradicting, being without a compromitment of the govt., the true one. I will endeavor to be with you in the course of the ensuing week. I expect to be able to wear my boot in that...
19To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 26 August] 1811 (Madison Papers)
Some very interesting domestick concerns which could not well be postponed, seconded by the state of the wound on my leg, prevented my having the pleasure of waiting on you in the last week, but I shall be with you to morrow if no accident presents an obstacle to it. I shall bring all the papers with me which it will be necessary to submit to your view at this time. Indeed many things have...
20To James Madison from James Monroe, 7 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
The dispatches from France & England have kept me constantly occupied since their receit yesterday. A note to Gales shall be sent by the next mail. I now send a project of an answer to Mr Serrurier’s former letter, which you will dispose of as you find proper. I shall send one by the next mail, on the subject of his last letter, relating to the late proceeding in Phila. I have just recd. a...
21To James Madison from James Monroe, 13 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to submit to your consideration a subject of peculiar delicacy. It is to suggest a doubt of the propriety of your making a visit at this time to this neighbourhood. You will be satisfied that I do suggest it from an attachment to your fame & that of your administration. If you come up, it being just before the meeting of Congress, it will be concluded, & probably so represented in...
22From James Monroe to Abigail Smith Adams, 3 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
I have had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 28th ult. covering one to your Son the American Minister at St Petersburg. I fear it will be too late for the “Hornet” sloop of war: but I have had it put under cover to Mr Barlow and sent to the Collector of the Customs at Newyork, requesting him to forward it by the first safe conveyance With great Respect / I have the Honor to be / Madam /...
23James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 6 January 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
A circumstance has occurr’d with which it may be useful for you to be made acquainted , with, merely to put you on your guard. you have doubtless seen a letter publish’d in the gazettes, which is imputed to Gen l Wilkinson & said to be written from this place in 1803. to Mr Power at N. Orleans , requesting him to use the
24To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State to whom was referred the Resolution of the Senate requesting information on certain points respecting the trade of the United States to France, has the honor to report to the President that he has examined the files of this Department, and found no precise information on the subject of the said Resolution, which has not been heretofore communicated to Congress. That in...
25Draft of James Monroe to Augustus John Foster, [ca. 6 March] 1812 (Madison Papers)
This letter represents the cases of the Catharine & Julian, as proofs that the Berlin & Merlin [ sic ] Decrees were in force, and repeats its call for the instrument of revocation. With respect to this repetition of this call, I refer to the superabundant explanations already given on that subject, remarking here only that whilst F. does not profess to have revoked such part of her decrees, as...
26James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 9 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
The President will communicate to day to the Congress , the discovery which has been lately made to the government, of an attempt of the British gov t , thro’ the gov r gen l of Canada [or at least by him, with the subsequent approbation of that gov t
27To James Madison from James Monroe, [11 March] 1812 (Madison Papers)
I recd. the enclosed on my return home. Be so good as read it, & return it by the bearer. I am convinc’d that it would be impolitick to raise difficulties at this time. I expect to see Ct. Crillon in a few minutes, having written to him to call. RC and enclosure ( DLC : John Henry Papers). Undated; date assigned here on the basis of the enclosure (see n. 1). Monroe’s enclosure was very likely...
28To James Madison from James Monroe, 23 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State to whom was referred the Resolution of the Senate of the 4th. March last, has the honor to report, that the enclosed papers marked A. B & C contain all the information in this Department “relative to captures made by the Belligerants since the 1st. day of May 1811, of Vessels of the United States bound to or from the Baltic or with⟨in⟩ that Sea.” All which is...
29To John Adams from James Monroe, 27 April 1812 (Adams Papers)
An accident lately occurr’d which has given me great concern. The inclosed letter was received, with many others, several from your son at St Petersburg, & laid before me in the dept. of State. I opend it, without looking at the Superscription. On reading a line or two, I perceived the error I had committed, & searching for the address found the envelopes of two letters, one addressed to you,...
30To James Madison from James Monroe, 4 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here on sunday last, & had the good fortune to meet Mr Hay & our daughter on their way to the springs. Mrs. Monroe had intended to accompany them there, but will remain here, with the younger part, being not far from indisposition, & too much fatigued to pursue the journey. We took the Dumfries route, & breakfastd at Lansdowne’s, the worst house we ever saw. The upper route by...
31James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 9 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
It was our intention to have passed a day with you & your family while I was in the county, but many interesting concerns and duties which require my constant attention will unavoidably prevent it. The arrangments which I have to make with my brothers family who arriv’d yesterday, will also take some portion of the short term allotted to my private affairs while here. As soon as our grandchild...
32James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 31 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
We have heard with equal astonishment and concern that Gen l Hull has surrender’d the army under his command to the British force opposed to him in upper Canada . No letter has been yet rec d from him, but communications from the Gov r of Ohio , & others in that state leavs no doubt of the fact. Till his report is made, it is impossible to form a just opinion of his conduct; but from every...
33To James Madison from James Monroe, 2 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Nothing new is recd. from England; or France. Mr Baker will remain at Fredericktown or some other interior town between this & Phila. Mr Serurier was with me yesterday. He stated many reasons for delay in his govt. to arrange our affairs, but dwelt most on changes in the treaty in discussion between it & Mr. Barlow, proposed by the latter. He mention’d several, all of a commercial nature. He...
34To James Madison from James Monroe, 4 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I send within a letter from Mr Russell & one from Mr Beasley, which are of no great importance except in relation to the blockade of May 1806. Every thing we hear of Genl. Hulls conduct increases the high sense at first entertaind of its impropriety. Col: Huntington from Ohio is here, & Col: Cass is expected to day. H. says that even at the moment of surrender our force was sufficient to have...
35To James Madison from James Monroe, 5 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I send by the mail a communication from the chr de onis, which was presented to me by mr Chacon. He professes a willingness to make a treaty, but I suspect his powers do not extend to the cession of E. Florida, especially under the new constitution of Spain. Mr Chacon says that the chr. is extremely anxious to prevent hostilities being commenc’d under genl. Wilkn.—that the letter of the Govr....
36To James Madison from James Monroe, 6 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you a letter from Col Humphreys & also one from Col. Pike. I am glad to see by the former that some expln. can be given of the proceedings in Connecticut different from what has been imputed & suspected. Mr Serurier was with me, to day, & repeated what he had before stated of the cause of delay at Paris, & intimated that if any plan could be devised within the limit of his govt’s...
37To James Madison from James Monroe, 7 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Nothing new has occurrd since mine of yesterday. I have yours of the 5th. Mr Eustis has been with me, & we have communicated on the subject of yours to him. He expresses a strong desire for me to take the command, & thinks that a volunteer comn., would serve the purpose. We will confer fully on this subject to day, and come to a decision, and by to morrow’s mail you shall have the result. The...
38To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 6th. I am willing & ready to act in either character alluded to. The effect on public opinion would be greater, if indeed any useful effect might be expected from it, by appointing me to command, than merely making a visit to the country. In the latter case, I would do every thing in my power to promote an organization of the forces, to digest their plan of operations, &...
39To James Madison from James Monroe, 9 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have nothing from you to day. Col Cass has arrivd & gives the same acct. heretofore recd. from others of the surrender of Detroit. Genl Cushing thinks that a power to grant a volunteer comn., to give effect to the law, is a necessary construction of it. I shall, unless some other view be taken in the course of the day, accept such a comn. & set out in discharge of it, in a few days. A short...
40To James Madison from James Monroe, 10 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 8th. Having been engaged the whole day in communication with Col. Huntington & Cass, I have only a moment to drop you a line. Cass says that he came here as the representative of all the officers, and indeed as the organ of the army to explain the conduct of Genl. Hull in the sacrifice of the army. He is engaged in making a statment which he wishes to go before the public...
41To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Finding by your letter recd yesterday that you would set out on that or this day, & probably be here to morrow, I resolved to await your arrival, & make a visit in the mean time to Loudoun, rather than take Loudoun in my route to Albemarle. I shall be back to morrow. 6. 24 pounders, 10. 18s. 10. 12s. 6. 6s. & 4. 8 Inch Howitzrs. are orderd to fort Pitt. They are necessary to batter & take...
42To James Madison from James Monroe, 23 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have just received yours of the 21st. Smiths pretention is entirely unfounded. A major genl. in the militia takes rank of a Brigr. in the regular service, whether within or without the UStates, indeed the circumstance of being within or without our limits, can make no difference. The relation between the troops, and the officers commanding them is the same, in each case. I will write him on...
43To James Madison from James Monroe, [29 September] 1812 (Madison Papers)
I set out today, but being forc’d thro Caroline by some private concerns with the family of my late sister, shall not be able to reach Washington till the last of the week. I shall hurry on as fast as possible. The enclosed from Mr Crawford, it is proper that you should see. In its relation to two gentlemen, of real virtue (in my judgment) however they may stand with the public, or fit they...
44James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 11 November 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Russell has arrived at New York & is expected here in a day or two. He made the second proposition to the British gov t authorised by his instructions, which you have seen published, which was also rejected, & in terms rather acrimonious, imputing to it a character—which it did not merit. This gov t has been sincerely desirous of an accomodation but it appears that the British gov t will...
45To James Madison from James Monroe, ca. 17 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 17 December 1812. Lists proposed appointments in the U.S. Army from North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Virginia, Vermont, Ohio, New York, South Carolina, Connecticut, Delaware, and Tennessee. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 1 p.; undated; date assigned here on the basis of JM’s letter dated 18 Dec. 1812 submitting these appointments to the Senate ( Senate Exec. Proceedings...
46To James Madison from James Monroe, 19 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State to whom was referred the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 9th. Instant, requesting information touching the conduct of British Officers towards persons taken in american armed Ships, has the honor to lay before the President the accompanying papers marked A. B. C. from which it appears that certain persons, some of whom are said to be native, and others...
47To James Madison from James Monroe, 24 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 December 1812, War Department. Proposes for JM’s approval various “Promotions in the Army of the United States.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 1 p. Monroe’s suggestions for promotions in the Fifth and Seventh Infantry Regiments were recommended to the Senate by JM on 31 Dec. ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of...
48To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 January 1813, War Department. Forwards “copies of the several letters which have passed between the Secretary of War and his Excellency the Governor of Tennessee and Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, Agent near the Creek Nation, relative to murders committed by the Indians in the State of Tennessee and its vicinity.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E6); letterbook copy (...
49To James Madison from James Monroe, 15 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 January 1813. Proposes for JM’s “approbation the enclosed appointments in the Army of the United States.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). Letterbook copy 1 p. For enclosure, see n. 1. The enclosure (1 p.) lists twenty-three regimental appointments from North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, Maryland, New York, Connecticut,...
50To James Madison from James Monroe, 25 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 January 1813. “The Secretary of State to whom was referred the Resolution of the Senate of the 18th. Instant, has the honor to submit to the President the enclosed Papers marked A & B.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E3). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Monroe. Enclosures (20 pp.) forwarded by JM in a letter to the Senate dated 26 Jan. 1813 (ibid.; 1 p.; in...
51To James Madison from James Monroe, 31 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
By the enclosed communication from General Dearborn, it appears, that Genl Prevost declines the proposed exchange of Genl Hull, & the officers designated here, for a reason, which is not warranted by any fact known to us. I suspect, it is a sequel, of the ⟨arbritary?⟩ exchanges made at Halifax without our consent. The letter to Genl Dearborn, written in haste, wh. I leave open for your...
52To James Madison from James Monroe, 2 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 February 1813, War Department. Lists proposed promotions in the U.S. Army for JM’s approval. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). JM forwarded the list of promotions in the Light Artillery Regiment, the First Light Dragoon Regiment, the Rifle Regiment, and the First through Seventh Infantry Regiments to the Senate in a message of 3 Feb. 1813 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the...
53To John Adams from James Monroe, 15 February 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to inclose to you a report of a the com: of the. 7th. on our for: relations with govts. in which the communications wh took place between the Ex: of the US. & the Br. govt., are review’d, & the a project of an act of congress, relative to seamen submitted to considerations—The object of the report seems to be and as it undoubtdly is, to place the controversy between the two...
54To James Madison from James Monroe, 17 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State to whom was referred the confidential Resolution of the Senate of the 18th ult, has the honor in compliance therewith to submit to the President the following Papers. 1st. Instructions given by the Secretary of State to Charles Pinckney Esquire Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at Madrid under date of the 6th. February and 10th. April 1804. 2d. The...
55To James Madison from James Monroe, 25 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
Mrs Monroe’s indisposition prevents my seeing you so early this morning as I had intended. For reasons which I will explain, I wish you not to suggest to general armstrong the idea of a military appointment of any kind to me. Respectfully your friend RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, probably at a later date, “July 25. 1813.” Filed in the James Monroe Papers ( DLC )...
56To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 March 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 March 1813, Department of State. “The Secretary of State to whom was referred the Resolution of the House of Representatives of 1st. Instant, has the honor to submit to the President the enclosed papers marked A & B.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Monroe. For enclosures, see n. 1. The House resolution of 1 Mar. 1813,...
57Robert E. Cochran to James Monroe, 8 April 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1813, Charleston. “I am directed by Judge Drayton to forward to you, for the information of the President & to receive his determination thereon, copies of certain affidavits & other papers relative to an ⟨a⟩lien enemy.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 94, War of 1812, Records Relating to Prisoners, entry 127-A, box 8, folder 3, bundle 163). RC 1 p. For enclosures, see n. 1. Cochran...
58To John Adams from James Monroe, 10 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
Since writing the letter—inclosd, to Mrs. Adams, I have conferr’d with the President on the subject of your sons return, and am authorised to state to you, that in case of peace with G Britain, the mission to London will be offer’d to him. The conduct of your son, it gives me pleasure to state, has obtaind the entire approbation of the President.—It is hoped that it will suit his convenience...
59From James Monroe to Abigail Smith Adams, 10 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
I fear that the pressure of much business, and an anxiety to avail myself of a moment of leisuir, to write to Mr Adams in reply to his kind letter, made me delay it longer than I ought to have done. I now return you the letter—which he had the goodness to submit to my perusal, and with many thanks to him for it. The sentiments which it conveys do honor to the head & the heart of the author—....
60To James Madison from James Monroe, 13 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
On my return home I met the secretary of the navy who intimated his wish to go to Baltimore to make some arrangments for the naval defence of that place, & that he would probably set out in the morning. This circumstance, together with my anxity for the situation of the inhabitants on their coast or rather shores, of the bay, & rivers emptying into it, as well as of the principal towns,...