1Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 18 April] 1791 (Madison Papers)
Substance of a Conversation held by Js. Madison Jr with Col: Beckwith, at the desire of Mr. Jefferson— Last evening offered the first opportunity of breaking to Col B—— the subject for which he has been thought a proper channel to the Governour of Canada. It was explicitly made known to him, that besides its being generally understood that the N. W. Indians were supplied with the means of war...
2From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 21 July 1791. Acknowledged in Jefferson to JM, 24 July 1791 . In his list of letters to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers), JM noted that this letter, like that of 13 July, concerned “Publicola.” Perhaps this was JM’s letter of 21 July to an unspecified correspondent, listed in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), p. 262.
3From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed papers which I have got from Mr. Beckleys office furnishes an answer to your letter. There is a Bill depending in favor of claims barred by the limitation of time—which if it passes will provide for those of Owen & Woods as I understand the tenor of the Bill and the nature of their claims. As soon as the fate of the Bill is decided I shall write to the parties. RC ( DLC :...
4From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1793 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter with the unsealed one for Monroe & have forwarded the latter. Your subsequent one, which I calculate to have been written on the 12th. inst: came to hand two days ago. I feel for your situation but you must bear it. Every consideration private as well as public require a further sacrifice of your longings for the repose of Monticello. You must not make your final exit...
5To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Your 3 favors from G. Town, Bladg. and Balte: have come safe to hand. The accident mentioned in the 2d. has caused no small anxiety; which would be much greater were it not hoped from your not waiting to repair it, that a safe train had been laid for the purpose, and particularly that the article had been put under seal. The possibility of its falling into base hands at the present crisis...
6From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 December 1795 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter with a pamphlet under the same cover came to me a few days ago from the post Office with a charge of a dollar postage. I have delayed to forward it till further expence cd. be avoided. The pamphlet I will send by the first good oppy. I have your favor of the 26th. Ult, corroborating the view I had before recd. of matters at Richmond. There is likely to be a Quorum of both...
7From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 January 1795 (Madison Papers)
The last subject before the H. of Reps. was a Bill revising the Naturalization law, which from its defects & the progress of things in Europe was exposing us to very serious inconveniences. The Bill requires 1. A probationary residence of 5 instead of 2 years, with a formal declaration on oath of the intention 3 years at least prior to the admission. 2. an oath of abjuration , as well as of...
8To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 2 March 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 15th. Ult: came to hand two days ago. It was not my intention that my first to you should have been procrastinated to the present date; but several causes have concurred in producing the effect. Among others I was in hopes every week to be able to furnish you with the proceedings on the subject grounded on your Commercial Report ; and particularly with such of them as related...
9To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. I received late last night by a messenger from the neighbourhood of Fredg. who returns early this morning. I have therefore not had time to read the papers inclosed in it and even the letter itself but hastily. Its silence as to France is a cordial to the fears we have been kept in by the newspapers and reports here, of hearing every moment of her final catastrophe. If...
10To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 30 May 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress will adjourn the day after to-morrow. News as late as April 8 from London; peace likely to take place between France and England; provisions falling much in price, both in F. and G.B. The moneyed distresses reviving in the latter, and great alarms for a terrible shock to the Banking and Mercantile Houses. MS not found; text reprinted from Madison, Letters, William C. Rives and Philip...
11From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1793 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you a few lines by the last post from this place just to apprize you of my movement to it. I have since seen the Richmond & the Philada. papers containing, the latter the certificate of Jay & King & the publications relating to the subject of it, the former the proceedings at Richmond dictated no doubt by the Cabal at Philada. It is painful to observe the success of the management for...
12From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 August 1795 (Madison Papers)
I return the paper covered by your favor of the third, which was handed me by a gentleman who picked it up in Charlottesville. I find that the meeting in N. York was not exactly as represented to you. The Republicans were never outnumbered; & the vote of a very full meeting was finally unanimous in remonstrating agst. the Treaty. The Chamber of Commerce has had a separate meeting & has passed...
13From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have your favor of the 17 Apl. covering two Extracts one from your notes, the other from mine. The latter corresponds with the recollection which myself, & other members had expressed; and the former with that of Majr. Butler, & with the Journals of the Senate. The Report of the Come. to which you refer, can not be found, tho’ Mr. B. says he knows one was made. This enquiry has been set on...
14From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
The newspapers will have shewn you the late proceedings of the House of Representatives. The present subject of deliberation is the proposed assumption of the State debts. Opinions are nearly balanced on it. My own is no otherwise favorable to the measure than as it may tend to secure a final settlement and payment of balances among the States. An assumption even under such circumstances is...
15To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 April 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
My last requested your orders relating to Dohrman’s payment to Me for Mazzei; and I impatiently wait for them. Resolutions have passed for carrying into effect, the Spanish, Indian and Algerine Treaties . The British is now depending. I inclose the proposition in which the opponents of it, will unite. According to present calculation, this proposition will be carryed by nearly the same...
16From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 May 1793 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you two or three days ago with an inclosure of Newspapers &c since which I have been favored with yours of the 19th. I thank you for the plans & observations which far exceeded the trouble I meant to give you. The sentiments expressed by Genest would be of infinite service at this crisis. As a regular publication of them cannot be expected till the meeting of Congress, if then, it were...
17From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 December 1795 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday your favor covering a letter to Monsr. Liancourt which I have put into the hands of Noailles who will attend to the delivery of it. I inclose a copy of the P’s speech. The Senate have answered it, as was to be expected. You will see the first fruits of their open doors in the debates it produced. The answer of the House of Reps. will be reported tomorrow. It has been delayed...
18To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 March 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you the continuation promised in my last , which I believe makes up the whole. If there should be any chasm let me know, and I will supply it. I have some little doubt the paper of Tuesday March 4. may have been omitted, and would now add it, but can not get it conveniently in time. The commercial propositions were postponed for one week longer, on the arrival of the appointed day....
19From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
This will I expect be handed you by a young gentleman, Mr. Colden, the son of an amiable lady of that name within the circle of my acquaintance in this place. I need not apprize you that the family, of which Governour Colden is the Ancestor, is a respectable one. The young gentleman has been in Scotland for some years, pursuing his education, and with the approbation of his friends proposes to...
20To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The season of harvest having suspended all intercourse with Fredg. your favor of the 7th. inst: has but just been received. That of the 29th. Ult: came to hand at the same time. The preceding one of the 23d. would have been acknowledged before but for the cause above mentioned. The present is the first opportunity and like several others leaves me but a moment to prepare for it. I have read...
21From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 2 September 1793 (Madison Papers)
I write this by your servant on his way to George Town with a Horse. He applies to me for his best route. I advise the circuitous one by Fredg. in preference to the shorter one, in which he would probably lose more by mistakes than would be equal to the difference between the two in point of distance. I left Monroe’s yesterday. My stay was spun out by waiting for Mr. D. R. who did not arrive...
22From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 September 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 16 September 1792. In his list of letters to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers), JM noted that this letter, like that of 27 July, concerned “Kentucky Elections.”
23From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 June 1792 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have had the pleasure of your two letters of the 10. & 17. inst. The latter has but just come to hand, and I can not say any thing as to the legal arrangement of the Cutters. We have had very seasonable weather of late in this quarter. I understand it has been less so farther South. How Albemarle & Bedford have fared I can not tell. Notwithstanding the good weather the very...
24To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 5 February 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received yours of giving notice that we shall have the pleasure of seeing you here soon, but that letters written before the 7th. would arrive before you leave home. Nothing occurs to alleviate the crisis in our external affairs. The French continue to prey on our trade. The British too have not desisted. There are accounts that both of them are taking our East-India-men. This is an...
25To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 23 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved your favor of the 21st. yesterday, inclosing post notes for 235 dollars. I shall obtain the bills of Mrs. Elsworth and the Smith this afternoon and will let you know the amount of them. There is a bill also from the Taylor amounting to £6.7. which I shall pay. The articles for which it is due are in my hands and will be forwarded by the first opportunity. If a good one should fall...
26To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 31 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yours of the 28th. last evening. Your preceding one covering among other things your memorandums through France was acknowledged by a few lines put into the hands of a young gentleman bound to Philada. in the Stage of yesterday. The purpose of them was to apprize you that you had omitted Coxe’s answer to Sheffeild and to request the favor of you to send it by Monday’s mail. Should...
27From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 11 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
By the last mail I acknowledged the receipt of your favor of the 9th. Ult: and hazarded a few remarks on the subject of that of Sepr. last from Paris. The newspapers forwarded by me from time to time will have exhibited something of the complexion of the politics here, particularly as they relate to the public debt. On this subject the H. of Reps. is at this moment deliberating. All that can...
28From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
Since my last which was written on sunday last and included an introduction of young Mr. Colden who is to be the bearer of it from Scotland where he now resides, I have had the pleasure of yours of March 15. My former letters will have made known to you the obstacles to a licence for your visit to America. The new authority has not yet taken up your application. As soon as the auxiliary...
29To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 March 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
The paper of yesterday inclosed, will give you a clue to the designs of the faction which has used Sedgwick for its organ. His immediate prompter will be seen both in his speech and in his propositions. Whether more be seriously aimed at than to embarrass the others which have been long depending, is by some doubted. Perhaps this may be one of the objects; but you understand the game behind...
30From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 April 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 18 April 1791. Noted by JM in his list of letters to Jefferson as relating to the “conversation with Beckwith” (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers).
31To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 2 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I write this by your servant on his way to George Town with a Horse. He applies to me for his best route. I advise the circuitous one by Fredg., in preference to the shorter one, in which he would probably lose more by mistakes than would be equal to the difference between the two in point of distance. I left Monroe’s yesterday. My stay was spun out by waiting for Mr. D. R. , who did not...
32To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 13 December 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday your favor covering a letter to Monsr. Liancourt which I have put into the hands of Noailles who will attend to the delivery of it. I inclose a copy of the P’s speech . The Senate have answered it, as was to be expected. You will see the first fruits of their open doors in the debates it produced. The answer of the House of Reps. will be reported tomorrow. It has been...
33From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
I am just in possession of your favor of the 24 inst: & thank you for the pamphlet which I shall look over without delay. Mr. Dorhman has this moment handed me a letter to Mazzei which will give him the change of prospect as to the balance of the debt. I really believe D’s misfortune to have been great & real. Mazzei must rest contented with his ultimate security in the land which I consider...
34To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 February 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
After several little turns in the mode of conveying you notice of your election, recurrence was had to the precedent of leaving the matter to the Senate, where on the casting vote of Mr. Adams, the notification was referred to the President of the U. States, in preference of the President of the Senate. You will see in the papers the state of the votes, and the manner of counting and...
35IV. James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. was received last evening. To my thanks for the several inclosures I must add a request that the letter to Baynton which came in one of them may be handed to him by one of your servants. The directory will point out his habitation. I had seen Payne’s pamphlet with the preface of the Philada. Editor. It immediately occurred that you were brought into the Frontispiece in...
36To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 November 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your two favors of Ocr. 30 and Novr. 6, the former not in time to be answered on Monday last. Mazzei’s claim on Dorhman is £2000 N.Y. Currency, with interest at 7 perCt. from Novr. 1788. It is secured by a Deed of Trust empowering me to sell a tract of land granted to Mr. D. by an Act of Congress of Octr. 1. 1787. (see Journals of that date). Mr. Randolph thinks that a Court of...
37From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 December 1795 (Madison Papers)
Mr. R’s pamphlet is out & will be forwarded by the first oppy. Altho’ I have kept up an enquiry, I have not been able to collect the impression it makes. As it relates to the P. nothing seems to be said: and as it relates to parties in general very little. By Fenno’s & Webster’s papers, it appears that an effort will be used to run down Mr. R. & if necessary for the purpose to call in the...
38To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 11th. came to hand the day before yesterday. I am just setting off to Monroe’s and hope to prevent the trouble of an express from Monticello with the letter referred to in it. I have already acquainted you with the immediate object of this visit. I have just received a line from him expressing a particular desire to communicate with me, and reminding me that he sets off the...
39From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 June 1794 (Madison Papers)
The Stamp Act was poisoned by the ingredient of the tax on transfers. The centinels of Stock uniting with the adversaries of the general plan formed a large majority. The carriage tax which only struck at the Constitution, has passed the H. of Reps. and will be a delicious morsel to the Senate. The attempt of this Branch to give the P. power to raise an army of 10,000, if he should please, was...
40Enclosure: Resolutions on Neutrality and Friendship with France, [ca. 27 August 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
It being considered that, ‘tis at all times the right and at certain periods the duty of the people to declare their principles and opinions on subjects which concern the Natl. interest; that at present conjuncture this duty is rendered the more indispensable by the prevailing practice of declaratory resolutions in places where the inhabitants can more easily assemble and consult than in the...
41To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 8 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Your last received was of the 28 Apl. The receipt of all the preceeding is verified by the uninterrupted dates of the Gazettes inclosed. I anxiously wish that the reception of Genest may testify what I believe to be the real affections of the people. It is the more desireable as a seasonable plum after the bitter pills which it seems must be administered. Having neither the Treaty nor Law of...
42From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 31 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yours of the 28th. last evening. Your preceding one covering among other things your memorandums through France was acknowledged by a few lines put into the hands of a young gentleman bound to Philada. in the Stage of yesterday. The purpose of them was to apprize you that you had omitted Coxe’s answer to Sheffield and to request the favor of you to send it by Monday’s mail. Should the...
43To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 23 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
This will I expect be handed you by a young gentleman, Mr. Colden, the son of an amiable lady of that name within the circle of my acquaintance in this place. I need not apprize you that the family, of which Governour Colden is the ancestor, is a respectable one. The young gentleman has been in Scotland for some years, pursuing his education, and with the approbation of his friends proposes to...
44From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 June 1793 (Madison Papers)
Your last was of the 17th. inst: & covered one paper of the 12th. The weather has been very unfavorable for saving our crops of wheat. It has been from the commencement of the harvest either rainy, cloudy, or hot & damp. I still hope however our crops will be respectable. I have not been able to learn how Albemarle has fared. I have no reason to apprehend that you have more to complain of than...
45To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 March 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
The past week has been spent chiefly on the question of an Embargo. It was negatived on Friday by 48 against 46, the former composed chiefly of Eastern, the latter of Southern members. The former are now for giving the power to the Executive, even during the session of Congress. In France, everything is in a state of vigor beyond what has been seen there. Fauchèt proceeds with great...
46From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 January 1795 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of Decr. 28. but [not] till three weeks after the date of it. It was my purpose to have answered it particularly, but I have been robbed of the time reserved for the purpose. I must of consequence limit myself to a few lines and to my promise given to the Fresco Painter to forward you the inclosed letter. Nothing since my last from Jay or Monroe. The Newspapers as usual...
47From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 October 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your 3 favors from G. Town, Bladg. & Balte: have come safe to hand. The accident mentioned in the 2d. has caused no small anxiety; which wd. be much greater were it not hoped from your not waiting to repair it, that a safe train had been laid for the purpose, & particularly that the article had been put under seal. The possibility of its falling into base hands at the present crisis cannot be...
48From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 31 December 1790. Acknowledged in Jefferson to JM, 1 Jan. 1791 . Gives his views concerning the application of the treaty of amity and commerce between the United States and France to the latter’s protest of the United States tonnage acts.
49To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 June 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
The Stamp act was poisoned by the ingredient of the tax on transfers. The centinels of Stock uniting with the adversaries of the general plan formed a large majority. The carriage tax which only struck at the Constitution has passed the H. of Reps. and will be a delicious morsel to the Senate. The attempt of this Branch to give the P. power to raise an army of 10,000. if he should please, was...
50From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 1 August 1791. Acknowledged in Jefferson to JM, 3 Aug. 1791 . In his list of letters to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers), JM noted that this letter dealt with “Freneau. Col. H. Lee.”