1From James Madison to Jacquelin Ambler, 4 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
Please to pay to the Honble. Edward Carrington or order two hundred and fifty dollars and charge the same against me as Delegate to Congress for the State of Virginia, computing from Ocr. 1st. 1788. RC ( Vi ). Docketed by John Pendleton (state auditor).
2From James Madison to Jacquelin Ambler, 30 July 1787 (Madison Papers)
Please to pay ⟨to Messrs. Francis and John West of Philadelphia or order⟩ five hundred and fifty two dollars for value received, as an advance for one quarters attendance on ⟨Congress⟩, to Yr. Obedt. & hble servt. RC ( Vi ). Endorsed at bottom of the page: “Philadelphia August 2. 1787. This bill will certainly be paid on sight. Edm: Randolph.” Endorsed on verso: “Pay the within Contents to...
“ The offer of my services to the district, rests on the following grounds: That although I always conceived the constitution might be improved, yet I never could see in it, as it stands, the dangers which have alarmed many respectable citizens; that I held it my duty therefore, whilst the constitution remained unratified, and it was necessary to unite the various opinions, interests and...
4From James Madison to John Blair, 15 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
Recd. of the Honble John Blair one hundred dollars for which I promise to account to the Auditor of public Accounts of Virgina. Ms ( Vi ). Docketed in the hand of auditor John Pendleton: “3d Octo. 1787. The Hon. Js. Madison £30.0.0 Upon Accot.”
5From James Madison to John Brown, 12 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
I find by the act of your late Convention, that another is to take place in Nov. with power to propose a form of Government for Kentucky. In consequence of this information I shall forewith execute the request contained in your letter from Fort Pitt, and forward the remarks on Mr. Jefferson’s draft by the next mail. I am sorry it is not in my power to do it by this. The delay proceeded from...
6From James Madison to John Brown, 9 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
The returns of our elections as far as they are published, have raised somewhat the hopes of the friends to the Constitution. Those who are best informed think the adverse party will be outnumbered at the start. It seems pretty clear now that in point of characters the advantage will be on the federal side. The three chancellors are elected and are to be included in the description. So are...
7From James Madison to John Brown, 27 May 1788 (Madison Papers)
I am much obliged by your favor of the 12th. instant and particularly by the documents covered by it. Similar information to that you recite from Kentucky had reached us from the same quarter. Having not heard of the meeting for instructions being actually held, I indulge some hopes that it may not have taken place, and that the delegates will bring to the Convention no other fetters than...
8From James Madison to John Brown, 21 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 21 April 1788 . Acknowledged in Brown to JM, 12 May 1788 . Prospects for the Constitution in Virginia. Requests statement of the foreign and domestic debt ( Carrington to JM, 28 May 1788 ).
9From James Madison to John Brown, 30 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
The letter herewith inclosed was brought by the last mail, and I forward it for that which is to leave Philada. on wednesday next for Fort Pitt. I add some of the late gazettes from which you will gather the current intelligence; and copies of some Acts of Congress relating to matters in the Western Country. I recollect no others subsequent to your departure which deserve communication. The...
10From James Madison to John Brown, 26 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have been duly favored with yours of the 26th ulto from Pittsburg. I believe you are already pretty well acquainted with my ideas of government so far as they vary from the plan chalked out by Mr. Jefferson. But in compliance with your request on that subject I will take the first convenient occasion of explaining them in writing. The delay cannot, I presume, be material, as the formation of...
11From James Madison to John Brown, 21 January 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last was from N York and contained the remarks you desired on Mr. Jefferson’s Draught of a Constitution. Having never heard whether the letter reached you or not, I shall request Col: Nicholas by whom I send this and who is furnished with the same remarks to let you have a copy of them, in case yours should have miscarried. I have pretty late letters from Mr Griffin who remains at N. York,...
12From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 10 December 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 December 1788 . Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 19 Dec. 1788 . Hopes Carrington will become a candidate for the House of Representatives.
13From James Madison to Edward Carrington, ca. 18 July 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 18 July 1787. Acknowledged in Edward Carrington to JM, 25 July 1787 . Requests Carrington to forward by John Paul Jones JM’s letter of 18 July to Jefferson . Has settled Carrington’s account with Major Turner.
14From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 7 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 7 January 1788. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 18 Jan. 1788 . Reports foreign news, including “the Memorials of France & England.”
15From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 6 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 6 June 1788 . Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 17 June 1788 . Reports gains for Federalists at the Virginia convention, but cannot predict the outcome.
16From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 8 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 April 1789. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 12 May 1789 . Encloses application of William Mason for military claim.
17From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 13 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 13 June 1788 . Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 25 June 1788 . Apparently reports that the Federalists’ prospects at the Richmond convention depend upon favorable votes within the Kentucky delegation.
18From James Madison to Martha Jefferson Carr, December? 1786 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. December? 1786. Mentioned in Mrs. Carr’s letter to her brother, Thomas Jefferson, written 2 January 1787 ( Boyd, Papers of Jefferson Julian P. Boyd et al., eds., The Papers of Thomas Jefferson (19 vols. to date; Princeton, N. J., 1950——). , XV, 632). JM informed Mrs. Carr that her letter to Jefferson, which JM had agreed to forward to Paris, although written “the first of May...
19From James Madison to Martha Jefferson Carr, ca. 1–17 April 1785 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 1–17 April 1785 . Mentioned in Mrs. Carr’s answer of 18 April . JM apparently inquired about her state of health.
20From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 10 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 April 1788 . Mentioned in JM to Washington, 10 Apr. 1788 . Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 28 Apr. 1788 . Urges speedy adoption of the Constitution by Maryland. A delay there could prove fatal to ratification in Virginia.
21From James Madison to Joseph Chew, 5 August 1786 (Madison Papers)
Some private business brought me to this City a few days ago. I have been absent from Orange about a month where I left our friends generally well. The principal change among them which I recollect is the death of your mother, of which as well as of other family circumstances, the inclosed letter from your Sister will probably acquaint you. We have been long anxious to get some information...
22From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 3 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with yours of the 28 Ult: and thank you for the paper which it inclosed. Your arguments appear to me to place the subject to which they relate in its true light, and must be satisfactory to the writer himself whom they oppose, if he can suspend for a moment his preconceived opinions. But whether they should have any effect or not on him, they will unquestionably be of...
23From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 26 October 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 21st. instant, and have disposed of the papers under the same cover according to direction. Col. Hamilton had returned to the City which gave me the opportunity of immediately putting into his hands such of them as were destined for him. I have no doubt that he will make the best use of them. I have recd. no answer yet from my correspondent to whom I forwarded...
24From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 20 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have received and forwarded your letter and pamphlet to Mr. King. The latest information from Boston makes it probable that every aid to the fœderal cause will be wanted there. The antifederal party have found such reinfor⟨ce⟩ments in the Insurgents, and the province of Maine which is afraid of creating obstacles to her separation, that there is the most serious reason to apprehend the...
25From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 1 October 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have received & perused with much pleasure the remarks on the proposed Constitution for the U.S. which you have been so good as to favor me with. They cannot fail I think to satisfy the most scrupulous & jealous citizens, that the Act of the Convention, whatever faults it may have in other respects, is not chargeable with a dangerous similitude to real monarchy or Aristocracy. Col. Hamilton...
26From James Madison to Tench Coxe, ca. 20 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
To Tench Coxe. Letter not found. Ca. 20 September 1788 . Acknowledged in Coxe to JM, 26 Sept. 1788 . Discusses the views of the Antifederalists. Refuses Coxe’s request to confide the names of the authors of the individual numbers of The Federalist .
27From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 20 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have received and forwarded your letter and pamphlet to Mr. King. The latest information from Boston makes it probable that every aid to the federal cause will be wanted there. The antifederal party have forced such reinforcements in the Insurgents, and the province of Maine which is afraid of creating obstacles to her separation, that there is the most serious reason to apprehend the...
28From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 18 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
No question has been yet taken by which the strength of parties can be ascertained. Each hopes for victory. There will not probably be half a dozen for a majority on either side. I hope & think that if no accident happens the Constitution will carry the point. But when the balance is so extremely nice, it is improper not to mingle doubts with our expectations. A few days will probably decide...
29From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 30 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with two letters from you, one containing 2 copies of the freeman, the other a pamphlet & letter for Mr. King. The latter will be forwarded this evening, as will also the former which did not arrive in time for the preceding mail. What goes by name of consolidation in Pena. is I suspect at the bottom of the opposition to the New Govt. almost every where; and I am glad to...
30From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 11 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
On my arrival which was the second day of the Convention, I found yours of the ult: the papers contained in which I have disposed of in the manner most likely to be of service. I should have acknowledged the favor sooner; but have not been well since I recd. it, and for several days preceding yesterday was confined to my room with a bilious attack. I am now able to resume my seat in the...
31From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 16 February 1789 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 27th. Ult: has found me so nearly prepared to set out for N. York that I should not have thought it worth while to acknowledge it from hence, were it not for the more speedy rate at which the mail will travel. I am glad to find your calculations for the House of Representatives so favorable. Others which I had seen held out a different prospect in the States North of...
32From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 30 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have been much obliged by your favor of the 23 instant, which I have delayed to answer, in the daily prospect of being able to include the decision of Congress on the place for the first meeting of the New Government. This point continues however unfixt. Perhaps it may be brought to an issue to day. From the result of the first question taken on it, the pretensions of Philada. bade fair for...
33From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 20 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 January 1788. Mentioned in Coxe to JM, 23 and 27 Jan. 1788 . Reports unfavorable prospects for the Constitution in Massachusetts.
34From James Madison to Crèvecoeur, 30 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the answer from General Washington on the subject of your memorandum to me, which I cannot so well communicate as in his own words—“With respect to the Sulla —before I attempt to give an account of the cultivation of it, and of the result, I must request the favor of you to apologize for me to Mr. St. John for not having acknowledged the receipt of it. The truth is, that until I...
35From James Madison to Crèvecoeur, [ca. 20 December 1787] (Madison Papers)
Mr Madison presents his compliments to Mr. St John, and troubles him with another letter for Mr. Jefferson. Mr. M. has received answers to his letters on the subjects of the Crab trees—the Potowmac and—James River. It is doubted whether any Scyons are to be obtained in the neighbourhood of Richmond. If they can, (and there was a chance at one particular place) they are to be forwarded...
36From James Madison to John Dawson, 1 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 1 April 1787. Mentioned in John Dawson’s letter to JM, 15 April 1787 . Apparently concerned the congressional resolve of 21 March 1787 which urged states to repeal all acts repugnant to the peace treaty of 1783 with Great Britain.
37From James Madison to George Eve, 2 January 1789 (Madison Papers)
Being informed that reports prevail not only that I am opposed to any amendmends whatever to the new federal Constitution; but that I have ceased to be a friend to the rights of Conscience; and inferring from a conversation with my brother William, that you are disposed to contradict such reports as far as your knowledge of my sentiments may justify, I am led to trouble you with this...
38From James Madison to Benjamin Franklin, 20 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose herewith a letter from Mr. Limozin of Havre de Grace. The external address to me, was made on a supposition of my being an attending member of Congress; and as I find from a note within the letter, in order to make me acquainted with the circumstances which were to be laid before Congress. With the highest respect and esteem I have the honor to be Sir, Your most...
39From James Madison to Horatio Gates, 11 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 26 Ult: was duly handed to me by Majr. Drumgole. However important the object of his errand may have been, it has not been possible to take any step with regard to it. No authority equal to the business exists in the recess of Congress; and the Authority of Congress has been out of existence for some time, and if we are to judge from the present aspect of things, will...
40From James Madison to Nicholas Gilman, 4 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 4 June 1788, Richmond . Gilman to John Sullivan, 12 June 1788: “A letter from Mr. Madison dated Richmond July [June] 4th contains the following observations—vizt ‘Mr. Pendleton was put into the chair without opposition—yesterday it was unanimously agreed that no general or particular question should be taken until the whole had been debated clause by Clause and the debate...
41From James Madison to William Grayson, ca. 15 August 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 15 August 1787. Acknowledged in Grayson to JM, 31 Aug. 1787 . Requests Grayson to promote the appointment of Major George Turner to a position in the government of the Northwest Territory.
42From James Madison to William Grayson, 29 May 1785 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 29 May 1785. Mentioned by Grayson in his letter to JM, 27 June 1785 . JM to James Monroe, 7 August 1785 , notes that he had answered Grayson’s letter of 1 May 1785 with suggestions concerning the revision of Article IX of the Articles of Confederation.
43From James Madison to William Grayson, ca. 7 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 7 November 1786. Mentioned in Grayson’s letter of 22 November to JM . Referred to the election of the Virginia delegates to Congress and inquired after Grayson’s health.
44From James Madison to Cyrus Griffin, 20 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 April 1788 . Acknowledged in Griffin to JM, 12 May 1788 . Requests pamphlets and debates on the Constitution to be sent to Jefferson. Requests copy of the debates of the Massachusetts convention.
45From James Madison to Cyrus Griffin, ca. 9 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 9 June 1788 . Mentioned in Carrington to JM, 17 June 1788 . Alluded to in Griffin to JM, 18 June 1788 . Reports his indisposition.
46From James Madison to Cyrus Griffin, 25 March 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 25 March 1788 . Acknowledged in Griffin to JM, 14 Apr. 1788 . Reports election to Virginia ratifying convention.
47From James Madison to Cyrus Griffin, 10 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 April 1788 . Acknowledged in Griffin to JM, 28 Apr. 1788 . Requests Griffin to send The Federalist No. 69 (No. 70 in the McLean The Federalist, A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution, by a Citizen of New-York. Printed by J. and A. McLean (New York, 1788). edition), omitted as enclosure with his last letter. Adoption of the Constitution in...
48To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, [30 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is the final result of our conventional deliberations. The intended address of the minority proved to be of a nature apprehended by me. It was rejected by the party themselves when proposed to them, and produced an auspicious conclusion to the business. As I shall set out in a few days for N. York, I postpone further explanations. I have this instant the communications from N....
49To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 13 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Richmond, June 13, 1788. On June 25, 1788, Hamilton wrote to Madison: “I am very sorry to find by your letter of the 13th that your prospects are so critical.” Letter not found. ]
50From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 20 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Our debates have advanced as far as the Judiciary Department against which a great effort is making. The Appellate connazance of fact, and an extension of the power to causes between Citizens of different States, with some lesser objections are the topics cheifly dwelt on. The retrospection to cases antecedent to the Constitution, such as British debts, and an apprehended revival of the...