1To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1809, Washington. Relates his financial losses suffered during and after the Revolution. Proposes a survey which would be sponsored by the federal government to create military maps of U.S. territories. RC ( DLC ). 8 pp. Docketed by JM.
2To James Madison from William Tatham, 10 March 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1810, Norfolk. Transmits enclosures for JM’s perusal but reminds him that “these uncountenanced pursuits” cannot continue “unless some respectable appointment in the power and inclination of the executive can afford me means wherewith my leisure hours may be thus employed.” A plan to present JM with “some very extensive results of my topographical researches” is in abeyance for lack...
3To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 May 1810, Norfolk. Gratefully acknowledges receipt of JM’s friendly reply to his 10 Mar. letter . He is recuperating from a long illness. Since last seeing JM in Washington, has never heard from Gallatin concerning his ideas on “the Coastwise improvement of the revenue powers.” About 10 Mar. he also wrote to the secretary of the navy regarding “Maritime improvements … far superior to the...
4To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 May 1810, Norfolk. The same mail that brought JM’s letter [not found] also carried one from London, telling of the death of Miss Tatham, the writer’s cousin, at Hornby Castle, the seat of John Marsden. “As sole heir on my Mothers side,” he may inherit an annual income of £5,000 and from Miss Tatham “the Peerages of Morville, L’Engleys, and Barony of Askham,” to which the duke of Norfolk...
5To James Madison from William Tatham, 25 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 May 1810, Norfolk. Sends JM papers “on the defence of Lynnhaven Bay, the Chesapeake, Norfolk, &c,” including a paper “which contemplates a co-operation by Fire rafts.” Lists seven more communications he will complete “if encouraged to do so,” ranging from field fortifications to an inland canal system. Asks for JM’s assistance, as he is without income and the administration has neglected...
6To James Madison from William Tatham, 10 July 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1810, Norfolk. Believes it is important to add to his former communications the enclosed statement of facts concerning the legal right of the public to “the Desart” at Cape Henry. Is continuing his topographical work. Relates that his family is in distressed circumstances. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 2 pp. Printed in McPherson, “Letters of William Tatham,” WMQ William and Mary...
7To James Madison from William Tatham, 1 January 1811 (Madison Papers)
Observing that Government are now occupied on the claim of the United States to West Florida, & having some idea of that subject through my researches in London, at the instance of our late Minister Mr. Monroe, I shall be pardoned for offering to the executive aid certain evidences tending to strengthen our pretensions—viz. 1st. An old Map (heretofore mentioned to you) procured by me at the...
8To James Madison from William Tatham, 4 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1811, Norfolk. “Perhaps there never was a period when speedy communication was more important to the safety and prosperity of the United states than the present; especially when we consider how difficult it must be to manage a population so far and widely expanding itself.” Encloses a sketch to demonstrate a method of telegraphic communication “whereby I deem it practicable to pass a...
9To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed offer to the people of Norfolk, in whom I have not yet found those boasted patriotic virtues which I have too often felt their deficiency in, will shew you how my time has been occupied since I had last the pleasure of seeing you in Washington. Twelve months ago I left Harbour Island with a view to be with you before the meeting of Congress (I mean the last of October 1810), but...
10To James Madison from William Tatham, 16 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
The conspiracy which has transpired northwardly, as just announced in the public prints, calls on every citizen to lend a helping hand towards defeating such plots, or repelling their evil consequences: I am stimulated by this consideration to mutilate my private collection of scarce and valuable documents, in favor of government; believing that, in the event of an explanation which is...