21To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 6 November 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). My friend Mr Griffin left me this Morning by whom I sent you my best Wishes for yr health which he told me was low. I hope the Approaching Cold Season may brace up yr Nerves. I judged from yr Account of the number of the Enemy embarked from New York, that they were in pursuit of something to eat; we now hear they have pick’d up a quantum suffici[en]t to load their...
22To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 11 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is copied from a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and the manuscript consisted of “2 pages 4°.” Williamsburgh as a seat of Government. Some seat on the Potomac. The jurisdiction of Congress over the territory aquired for a seat of Government. For the...
23To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 13 November 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). I have yr favr of the 31st past & am pleased to hear the former Account of the Arrival of the Cork fleet proved premature, since we are so bad Christians as to be gratified with the distress of our Enemies. It was probably the transports with their new levies which were mis taken for the others. The Enemy here have collected a handsome recruit of Provisions, but...
24To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me, tho’ at this late hour, to express my happy feelings at the issue of the Election of Chief & second Majestrates, and the consequent changes in the principal Executive Offices, which promise Us a wise, Constitutional, & Eocomical [ sic ] Administration of the Federal Government for at least four years; & I hope much longer, which will be the case, if the Republican Citizens do not...
25To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [6 October] 1788 (Madison Papers)
… The Resolutions respecting the Mississippi Navigation are of a Balmy nature, tending to give Repose to those concerned, and impose silence on such as caring nothing about it, used the Subject as an engine of Opposition, not such is the fixure of the tempory seat of Congress. I have already met taunts on the occasion, as the first instance of Eastern Partiality and influence , which...
26To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
… The Presidents getting the Representation Bill placed on constitutional ground by his Negative, and the stand made by the Judge against an unconstitutional Law, seem [to] give Gen’l pleasure, some few present Members of our Assembly & those who have imbibed prejudices there formerly, excepted as to the Judges. An Impeachment is said to be talked of, they don’t seem to approve so much the...
27To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, Jr., 29 November 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 November 1810, Richmond. Reports the death “some time today” of Joseph Scott, U.S. marshal for Virginia, and offers himself for the post. Will not discuss his pretensions to office but refers JM to “our friend” Robert Taylor of Orange. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Pendleton”). 1 p. Edmund Pendleton, Jr., was the grandnephew of Judge Edmund Pendleton. His father, Edmund...
28To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 25 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is copied from a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “to James Madison” and the manuscript consisted of “1 page folio.” Mr. Pendleton’s reply to Madisons objection to his plan of paying public creditors. Consuls and Superintendents of Trade preferable to Foreign Ministers. JM’s...
29To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 20 November 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC (University of Virginia Library). This is apparently the only one of the many letters written by which still exists in original manuscript form ( Pendleton to JM, 27 August 1780 , headnote). How it alone survived is problematical. Perhaps the neatly printed “To James Madison Nov: 20th: 1780.” near its bottom margin was added by an autograph collector to whom JM gave the letter. The letter...
30To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 7 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 7 April 1787. Pendleton had noted on the cover of JM’s letter to him of 24 February 1787 , “Answd. April 7th.” The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) also indicates that Pendleton had written a two-page letter from Edmundsbury on this day. The summary reads: “The Eastern insurgents. The approaching Convention at Philadelphia. Elections in Virginia....
31To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 8 October 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). I have yr obliging favr of the 26th past, I know not when my first letter, after you kindly accepted my proposed correspondence, should have reached you, but be assured I have not miss’d a week since, nor shall I unless sickness prevents me, being a very Punctual tho’ not an entertaining correspondent; at this time I have not a word of foreign or domestic...
32To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 9 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am to thank you for several favrs. & inclosures, the last May the 17th. I am much pleased with your new Gazzette, which I think promises to be as respectable as it’s name sake of London. The tardy progress of yr. revenue System, has I imagine produced all the mischief it was capable of, in letting the Spring importations escape it’s operation; however I do not mean to insinu[a]te blame to...
33To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 20 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is in a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and that the manuscript was “1 page 4°.” Madison’s retirement from Congress. Congress has fixed its permanent residence in the woods of the Jersies. The importance of Madison taking a seat in the Virginia Assembly....
34To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 October 1782 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). At the top of the left margin of the transcription, the clerk wrote “MSS [M]cGuire’s.” See Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (5 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , I, xxii, xxiii. Another copy of the first two paragraphs of the original is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts...
35To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 9 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
… Having spent 6 days in Richmond in hearing two Gent’n on each side argue the great Question respecting the recovery of British debts, I have for y’r amusement thrown together what I recollect of the General head of the Argument, which may not comprehend the whole of those since I took no notes, & give it from a faulty memory. They spake well on both sides, but Mr Henry was truly Great, & for...
Letters not found ( LC : Force Transcripts, fol. 8729). 17 and 24 February 1783 . About 1850 a clerk of Peter Force, engaged in copying letters of Edmund Pendleton, wrote: “MSS. McGuire’s. Edmund Pendleton } Edmundsbury, Feby 17. 1783 to James Madison “(This letter is much stained, & some of it illegible) “Another letter dated ‘E[d]mundsbury Feb. 24, 1783,’ is in the same condition. “There...
37To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [3 July] 1789 (Madison Papers)
… The question concerning the power of removing Officers was important, and twas much better to investigate it fully, tho’ at the expense of a weeks discussion, than take a wrong step in it. I concur in sentiment with the decision. The Argument that the Power of removal should follow that of Creation has weight, but is abundantly overballanced by the objection that an Executive Officer might...
38To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 1 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is in a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and that the manuscript consisted of “1 page folio.” Congress declines to return to Philadelphia. The question of the protection of Congress and foreign ministers. Congress should control the territory where it sits....
39To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 26 April [1783] (Madison Papers)
I am from hence to ⟨acknowled⟩ge the receipt of yr. two favrs. of the 8th. & since, the latter conveying the Official Authentication of the Account of peace, about which people began to entertain doubts, much encouraged by the Speculators—it is now fix’d, and we must turn Our thoughts to the realising it’s benefits. I find people here objecting to the Impost upon the score of danger from too...
40To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
In acknowledging the rect. of yr. favr. of the 15th., I must as usual be very unentertaining in our total dearth of Interesting intelligence, whether foreign or domestic, all I can say of the latter kind is, that we have a very dry Season, wch., at this critical juncture, threatens a disappointment in the fair prospect we lately had of plentiful Crops of all kinds, which however bountiful...
41To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [25 March 1782] (Madison Papers)
… The people of Vermont, like many other Politicians of the cunning sort, seem to have overshot their mark, & will deserve to be mortified at least, before they obtain their point. However their conduct unavoidably suggests, a very serious consideration of the consequences of their emancipation; that is, will they be a proper firm Barrier to the United States in that quarter giving...
42To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 16 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” I have yr favr of the 3d & Am glad to hear the Pennsa. line are coming on & hope the Marquis’s Corps or some other will be added to the Southern Army, as I fear without it, we are not in a Condition to oppose the force designed to act in that quarter. Genl Green’s new Manoeuvre I consider as a hazardous one, which may...
43To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 7 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
Will you Pardon my interrupting for a moment your Attention to the great subjects before you, to ask you how you do, whethr. your Legislative body is Organized, the President & V. P. in Office, and the general complexion of yr. Members? You know how much I esteem yr. Correspondence, & my earnest appetite for News; as I do your kind inclination to gratify me, but I must repeat my Caveat agt....
44To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpt (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892], p. 94). Below this excerpt the present editors have appended a notation, probably made about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk, of two additional topics mentioned in the letter. The clerk described the manuscript as “1 page folio” ( LC : Madison Miscellany). I expect that the citizens of Philad’a whilst they are retailing their merit to...
45To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 20 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
I am now, probably for the last time, to pay you my respects, as the time approaches fast (too fast) when you are to quit Congress, & return to yr. Countrey & friends—pray accept my warmest acknowledgements for the pleasure you have afforded me in continuing a long Correspondence, upon such disadvantageous terms, as my Sterile returns occasioned: however I did my best, & you accepted it; and...
46To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of addressing a letter to the President not long since recommending to his consideration the appointing of my son Mr. Edmund Pendleton jr. to the first vacant Office attached to the Federal Government in this State, not in the Judiciary department. I can with truth say to you Sir, as I did to Mr. Jefferson, that his qualifications, both mental and moral, fit him for the correct...
47To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 23 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). In the left margin at the top of the transcription, Peter Force’s clerk wrote “MSS McGuire’s.” See Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , I, xxii, xxiii. By yr favr of the 10th I find you have at length information that Great Britain is in motion to give the...
48To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 11 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). I take up the Pen merely to ask you how you do? Having nothing foreign or domestic to entertain you with; I have not even heard a word from the Assembly this two weeks; Yes I have one very unlucky circumstance to mention which tho’ it may seem of little consequence, I fear will have important effects in [the ] future. Our militia who turn’d out with the greatest...
49To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 29 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
I am now, tho’ in a feeble state, just able to acknowledge the receipt of yr. two favrs. of the 8th. & 13th., a smart fever prevented my writing by Last post, which I hope the Bark has removed. Sr. Guy Carltons Enquiry into the forgery had probably a double view of screening the Offenders, & of exposing his predecessors in Office, I fear nothing of Justice entered into his motives. I am sorry...
50To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 4 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is in a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and the manuscript was made up of “2 pages folio.” Contrary reports concerning peace. The debate in the Massachusetts Assembly. Redemption of our obligations. Pay the holder the money he has really advanced and...
51To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
… I am happy to find that Potowmac stands on so good grounds as the Permanent seat of Congress. I could not help wishing that the temporary Residence had remain’d at New York, as a recompense for their expence in y’r Accommodation; to save the expence & trouble of a double removal of the Public Offices, and from a conviction, that Philadelphia is in bad order for y’r reception, & must incur a...
52To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 19 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
A severe Paroxism of my old disorder having deprived me of the pleasure of seeing you this Session, I take the liberty of submitting to your consideration a Bill I drew some time ago to amend the Act for reforming the County Courts, as it Occur’d to me that considerable delays might happen in the quarterly returns of process instead of Monthly, especially where the first process was not...
53To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 29 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). Copied from a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the manuscript of the letter, addressed “To James Madison,” consisted of “1 page 4°.” Recovery from illness. Sir Guy Carlton. The people Eastward averse to the half-pay, or commutation. The British restrictive proclamation. Pendleton probably referred to his own...
54To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpt (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892]). In LC: Madison Miscellany, a list, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force or by his clerk, calendars this letter as follows: “1783, June 30 Virginia To James Madison Virginia rejects Mr. Madison’s plan for raising a revenue. Virginia offers the Public buildings and lands and £100,000 if the seat of Government is located at...
55To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 18 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 18 December 1784 . The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) indicates Pendleton wrote a letter from Edmundsbury on this day that was an “Appeal for the family of Philip Davis; a forger of tobacco notes.” The punishment for forging tobacco notes was death ( Hening, Statutes William Waller Hening, ed., The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the...
56To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 18 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpt (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892], p. 94). In LC: Madison Miscellany, a list, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force or by his clerk, calendars this letter as follows: “1783 August 18 Virginia To James Madison The address of the Citizens of Philadelphia to Congress. Prospect of return from Prince Town … 1 page foli[o].” The Address of the Citizens of Philad’a...
57To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 5 February 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). I congratulate with you upon the very Agreable Intelligence from the South, of which you will have a full account ere this reaches you. I think Ld Cornwallis’s Army must be broken & can only depend for safety upon that at Cambden under Genl Lesly, & could we immediately fill up our line for the War, I think the termination of that evil would not be far distant. I...
58To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is in a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and that the manuscript consisted of “2 pages 4°.” The offence of the soldier to Congress. The neglect of the Executive of Pennsylvania. The flight of Congress. Speculation in Continental Money. Mr. Pendleton’s views of...
59To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have recieved a Letter from my nephew Nathaniel Pendleton junr. of Georgia stating his information that besides the Judges of the Superior Court, one Fœdral Judge is to be appointed in each State I suppose for the trial of suits within the Appellate Jurisdiction: That he had written to his friends in New-York to sollicit for his appointment to that in Georgia, & as he had not...
60To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
I assure you that neither my health nor punctuality were tardy in the disappt. you mention in yr. favr. of the 17th. —but either the Post Office or some impertinent Curiosity by the way, intercepting my letter of the 9th., wch. I wrote, and put into the usual course; however you will have abundant proofs that the loss was probably small. If the troops were not furlough’d without Mutinous...
61To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 1 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). I have forfeited my reputation for punctuality, by omitting to pay you my Respects by last post, Which being Christmas day, I had fancied the rider would not move, but he did so, & without my letter. I am afraid you’l say it would have been no loss, If I had repeated the Mistake to-day, since I have not a Sylable of Intelligence foreign or domestic, except that we...
62To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 2 September 1789 (Madison Papers)
Besides several Packets of papers I am indebted for your two favrs. of July 15th. & Augt. 21st. reced. since my last. I congratulate you upon having got through the Amendments to the Constitution, As I was very Anxious that it should be done before yr. Adjournment, since it will have a good effect in quieting the minds of many well meaning Citizens, tho’ I am of Opinion that nothing was...
63To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [8 October] 1787 (Madison Papers)
… A Republic was inevitably the American form, and its Natural danger Pop. Tumults & Convulsions. With these in view I read over the Constitution accurately; do not find a Trait of any Violation of the great Principles of the form, all Power being derived mediately or immediately from the People. No Title or Powers that are either hereditary or of long duration so as to become Inveterate; and...
64To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
With yr. last favr. of the 8th. Instt. came the missing one of June 24th. containing the Account of the behavr. of the soldiers in their insult to Congress. I wish the conspiracy may be traced to it’s real source, and the motives truly investigated, when I still think it will not terminate in public good, or the redress of real Injury in the Army; the Citizens I suppose cannot be well pleased...
65To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [2 September] 1789 (Madison Papers)
… I congratulate you upon having got through the Amendments to the Constitution, as I was very anxious that it should be done before y’r adjournment, since it will have a good effect in quieting the minds of many well meaning Citizens, tho’ I am of opinion that nothing was further from the wish of some, who covered their Opposition to the Government under the masque of uncommon zeal for...
66To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 23 October 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Since my last I have not only received yr favr. of the 10th but that of the 3d, when I supposed you had not written, also reached me after a Circuitous trip to Richmond, & removed my fears for yr want of health. I have no particulars of the Affair at Charlotte, mentioned in my former, but its authenticity seems confirm’d, & as our recruits are March’d that way, I...
67To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 4 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Since my last I am indebted for yr two favrs of the 14th & 21st past. Every thing wears the Appearance of confirming the Intention of the Enemy to make a Winter campaign to the Southward; The Fleet who lately left us it is said divided off the Capes part steering Eastward the Others to the South. if those & the late Embarkation from New York should meet at Charles...
68To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 12 May 1799 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Taylor informed me that you wished to have sent you the several Letters I was favored with whilst you was at Congress, which are accordingly furnished by him. I know I preserved them all, but am not sure I have collected the whole: should I find more, they shall be added. I congratulate my Countrey on your return to our state Counsels in this important crisis. Present my most Affecte....
69To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 18 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Yr. favr. of the 5th. was not fraught with a confirmation of the definitive treaty’s Arrival as I expected; however as I do not discover it to be the Interest of any of the powers concerned, to stop a Peace, I still flatter my self the delay is produced rather by some adjustment of forms than real contentions wch. may endanger the final ratification of the Preliminaries; I wish Carlton was...
70To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 6 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
Since my last yr. sevl. favrs. of Augt. 24th. & 30th. & Sepr. 20th. have reached me, the two former filling up the Chasim I supposed in yr. letters. The question touching Garrison’s in time of peace, is in it’s nature delicate as well as difficult, and therefore I don’t Wonder there should be diversity of Opinions about it. They seem useful & indeed necessary, & yet have their certain evils,...