1To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 16 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
Having suffered some heavy injuries of fortune from the failure of others—and having imprudently spent the most active period of my life in unprofitable public employments—I feel at present in some degree the necessity of seeking some appointment from my country, which while I faithfully perform my duty will aid me in the comfortable support of my family. I should prefer a civil employment...
2To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 31 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Key having informed me that it was probable that Mr. Swann & himself would decline accepting their appointments as Commissioners to settle the Yazoo claims—I beg leave to offer my services to fill one of the vacancies should they occur. My zeal in establishing the present constitution of the U. States and my agency in fixing the seat of government at this place is well known to you. Heavy...
3To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 7 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
Messrs. Swann & Key having determined to accept their appointment as Yazoo commissioners it has occurred to me that in case Congress should determine to repair the public buildings in Washington—that the government will find it necessary to appoint a commission to conduct & superintend the work. I take the liberty of requesting you in that event to think of me. I think I can safely say that in...
4To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 22 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
Some applications have been made by Brickmakers to the Commissioners for permission to make bricks on some of the public lots, where the use of the earth will be useful in reducing the lots to a proper level. Among others one has been made to me for permission to make bricks on the South Western part of the Square attached to the Presidents house. The applicant proposes to reduce the elevated...
Inclosed you will receive copies of a contract which we have made with the Bank of the Metropolis for the loan of one hundred thousand dollars pursuant to the act of Congress passed on the 13th. Feby. last entitled “An act making appropriations for repairing or rebuilding the public buildings within the city of Washington,[”] which we send for your approbation. Having made some heavy contracts...
6To James Madison from John P. Van Ness, Richard Bland Lee, and Tench Ringgold, 16 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
It is pleasing to us, as it no doubt will be to yourself, that we are able to inform you, without troubling you with any details, that our progress in repairing and rebuilding the public edifices in this City is highly satisfactory. For the completion of the Executive Offices by the 31. of December next, we have, at an early day, made Contracts with responsible experienced and industrious...
7To James Madison from John P. Van Ness, Richard Bland Lee, and Tench Ringgold, 23 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed you will receive duplicate Copies of a Contract we have made with the Bank of Washington, for the loan of One hundred thousand Dollars, similar to that with the Bank of the Metropolis, pursuant to the act of Congress passed the 13. day of February last, making appropriations for repairing or rebuilding the public buildings in this City, which we send for your approbation. Altho’ this...
Having determined to send Mr. Andrei in the Corvette John Adams to the Mediterranean for the purpose of being landed at Barcelona in Spain, to be thence conveyed to Leghorn & for which the necessary orders, pursuant to your instructions have been given by the Secretary of the Navy, it has occurred to us that it might be found practicable consistent with the public service, to send one of the...
Herewith you will receive executed in Duplicate another contract for a loan of seventy five thousand dollars, which in pursuance of the authority you have been pleased to invest in us, we have lately negotiated with the Union Bank of Alexandria and now forward for your approbation, making the loans already effected amount to four hundred & twenty five thousand dollars. We have the satisfaction...
We are happy in being able to advise you that the Fire proof apartments at the west end of the Treasury Office are in a state fit for immediate occupation; the plastering being well seasoned and every part of the building completed. We may add that we have the best reason for believing that the War Office will be ready for occupation by the first of January next and the Treasury Office in all...