51To James Madison from Jonathan Dayton, 9 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
Considerations of duty, of respect & attachment impel me to address you upon a subject, highly interesting to the whole American people, and certainly not less so, to yourself. There is reason to apprehend, that, without some sufficient precautionary measures on your part, a bold attempt may possibly be made to seize your person & papers, & convey you to the fleet below. This apprehension...
52To James Madison from Jonathan Dayton, 19 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have been honoured with the receipt of your esteemed favour of the 5th. Inst. Entertaining no anxious desire of abandoning my domestic ease, & entering again upon the fatigues, risks & privations ever attendant upon military service, I feel neither dissatisfaction nor dissappointment, that the proffer made by me, tho’ favorably received, & flatteringly acknowledged, could not consistently be...
53To James Madison from Jonathan Dayton, 30 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
Anxious that our military operations in the ensuing campaign should be every where successful, I hasten to communicate, in consequence of the permission, so flatteringly given me, a few hints, in relation to those about to be conducted against the two Canadas. If the views of our Government be limited to the acquiring of the command of the two lakes Ontario & Erie, & the reduction of the whole...
54To James Madison from Jonathan Dayton, 26 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
The military operations pursuing this year, are so similar to those recommended by me last year, (anonymously, it is true, but not concealedly) that I have felt less apprehension than I otherwise should, as to their issue. The project of cutting the snake in two, or of compressing so closely & strictly in the middle, all it’s channells of circulation as to occasion the perishing of the upper...
55To James Madison from Jonathan Dayton, 14 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
There are few, very few indeed, to whom the intelligence of your recovery from a late dangerous illness, has afforded a more sincere & heartfelt pleasure, as well from considerations purely personal, as those which regard our beloved country’s welfare and tranquillity. I almost tremble, sir, when I think of the contentions, divisions & disasters, to which your sudden removal at this critical...
56To James Madison from Jonathan Dayton, 4 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I hope & trust I shall not be regarded as an obtrusive correspondent, having no other motive, as must now be manifest, than the public good. The present position of the British fleet, & the gradual withdrawal of every ship which can be spared from the blockade of N. York & N. London to strengthen their force in the Chesapeak, induce me to believe that they contemplate some important expedition...
57To James Madison from Jonathan Dayton, 6 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
Assured that any suggestions tending to promote the public good will not be unacceptable, I venture at this crisis, to offer some. There can exist little doubt of there having been force sufficient on our side, to have prevented the enemy from reaching Washington, or to have defeated & destroyed the greater part of those who did reach it. The true use of the two different descriptions of the...