41To James Madison from Daniel Buck, 14 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 March 1809, Norwich, Vermont. Buck [a former Federalist representative who had served in the House of Representatives with JM] advises the president to prevent a British incursion into “the Spanish provinces at the south” by sending U.S. troops “and [by] energetic exertions to supplant the British, as well as the French, by the seizure of the Mexicoes.” Suggests that disaffection in “the...
42From James Madison to John Armstrong, 14 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 March 1809. Offered for sale in Charles Hamilton Catalogue No. 80 (5 Sept. 1974), item 275, which describes the one-page letter as a request that Armstrong obtain French permission to import merino sheep, noting that the letter reads in part: “The value of this breed to our Country is now generally understood, and acquisitions of specimens are acceptable services to the...
43From James Madison to the Chairman of the Republican Meeting of Elbert County, Georgia, 15 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 10 of Feby. addressed to the President of the U. S. inclosing the proceedings of the Meeting of Citizens of Elbert County, having arrived after the expiration of the term of my predecessor, it devolves on me to acknowledge the receipt of it. And I can not do this without expressing the satisfaction afforded by resolutions breathing sentiments of so much patriotism, at a...
44From James Madison to the Chairman of the Republican Society of Hancock County, Massachusetts, 15 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd the resolutions of the 23d. of Feby. conveyed thro’ you, by the meeting of inhabitants from the Towns of Eden, Trenton, & Mount Desert, in the County of Hancock in the State of Massachts. The determination expressed by the Meeting to maintain the authority of the laws and the national rights, becomes Citizens who know their duty & love their Country. In referring the embarrassments...
45From James Madison to Napoleon, [15 March] 1809 (Madison Papers)
To our Great and Good Friend His Imperial and Royal Majesty the Emperor of the French, King of Italy and Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine. I have received your Imperial and Royal Majesty’s Letter of the 7th February 1806 announcing the marriage of your much loved son the Prince Eugêne Napolêon with the Princess Augustê Amêlie of Bavaria which was celebrated at Munich on the 14th of...
46To James Madison from William Chambliss, 16 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Not being able to procure an appointment In the United States Service—I enlisted hoping by this to be promoted—I am now With B. Genl. W Hampton as Clerk—With whom I expect Very Soon to Visit your City—but this is not altogether Certain—If I can get either a Commission of Any Kind in the Army or Navy I shall be extreemly Glad as it is my Wish to be Constantly in the Service—If I cannot obtain...
47From James Madison to the Chairman and Secretary of the Republican Meeting of Washington County, Maryland, 17 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your Letter of the 6th Inst: conveying the resolutions of a portion of my fellow Citizens of Washington County in the State of Maryland. Whilst I return my thanks for their kind expressions of confidence and regard; I feel much satisfaction in observing the patriotic spirit breathed by their resolutions unanimously adopted. The situation of our Country justly awakens the...
48From James Madison to Napoleon, [17 March] 1809 (Madison Papers)
To our Great and Good Friend His Imperial and Royal Majesty the Emperor of the French, King of Italy and Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine. I have just received your Imperial Majesty’s letter of the 29th of March 1807, communicating the intelligence that the Princess Eugêne Napoleon Vice Queen of Italy, was happily delivered on the 14th of that Month of a Princess who had received...
49From James Madison to William Pinkney, 17 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will learn by the communications from the Dept. of State, that the discussions of Congs. on our foreign relations had an issue less operative than was at one time looked for. The aversion to war, the inconveniences produced by or charged on the embargo, the hope of favorable changes in Europe, the dread of civil convulsions in the East, and the policy of permitting the discontented to be...
50To James Madison from William Jarvis, 17 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to address you the 25th. Ulto. by the Brig Vestal of Hull, Lennant Jones, Master, acquainting you that in consequence of your instructions, I shipped on board the Brig Hetty Captn Morehouse in Octr. 1807 a pipe of port Wine say Lisbon Wine a pipe of Bucellos & a quarter Cask of port, which vessel being captured carried into England & herself with the rest of the Cargo...
51To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
On opening my letters from France in the moment of my departure from Washington, I found from their signatures that they were all from literary characters except one from mr. Short, which mentioned in the outset that it was private, & that his public communications were in the letter to the Secretary of State, which I sent you. I find however on reading his letter to me (which I did not do...
52To James Madison from James Powell, 17 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The honourable and dignifyed languidge of Your late Inaugural adress, protends a peculiarly pleaseing Guarantee To the future Honour and National Caracture of the United States. For what, but a most pitteyfull Chimera, Is our Vain pompious bumbastick Boasting, of our Liberty and Freedom, of our being, the onely Free and Inlightned Nation on Earth, If such Sacrid princoples as forme the verrey...
53To James Madison from James Purcell, 17 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
As men in public offices are Subject to Recive public addresses and private proposals—I Solicit yr indulgence to Consider of my proposals which may not be the most unworthy of yr Notice. Sr yr Long inguaged attention to the wellfare of yr Country and the Liberty of Mankind in General has proved to the people that you are a Man whoes tried integrity and unblemished Fidelity Deserves yr...
54To James Madison from Thomas E. Birch, 17 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 March 1809, Inglesville, Montgomery County, Virginia. A native of the British West Indies, Birch solicits a naval commission on the basis of his experience under Horatio Nelson and other British commanders and with Stephen Decatur, Sr., aboard the Rising Sun in the Revolution. Since 1793 he has been “engag⟨ed⟩ in the education of the Columbian youth,” while publishing books on elocution....
55Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 17 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
On opening my letters from France in the moment of my departure from Washington , I found from their signatures that they were all from literary characters except one from mr Short , which mentioned in the outset that it was private, & that his public communications were in the letter to the Secretary of State , which I sent you. I find however on reading his letter to me (which I did not do...
56From James Madison to the Chairman and Secretary of the Republican Committee of Salem County, New Jersey, 18 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The proceedings of “the Repubn. Delegates of the several Townships of the County of Salem[”] in N. Jersey, on the 3d. inst: transmitted by you, have been duly recd. It is highly agreeable to find in these proceedings our national embarrassments traced to their true source, in the injustice & aggressions of foreign powers; and equally so to see the measures for counteracting them so entirely...
57From James Madison to the Chairman of the Republican Committee of Essex County, New Jersey, 18 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the address conveyed thro’ you, from “The Republican Citizens of the County of Essex in the State of New Jersey” with equal sensibility to the friendly motives which suggested it, and to the patriotic sentiments which it expresses. Persuaded that the true interests of our Country, not less than the precepts of Religion & humanity, make it the duty of those entrusted with public...
58To James Madison from William Eustis, 18 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Being absent from town I did not ⟨rec⟩eive untill the evening of the 15th. your Letter of the 7th instant accompanied with a Commission of Secretary to the war department. Impressed with a just sense of the honor conferred on me by this distinguished mark of your confidence, and by the very obliging manner in which it was communicated, I have delayed an answer no longer than was necessary to...
59To James Madison from Thomas Urquhart, 18 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1809, New Orleans. Encloses 7 Mar. proceedings of the territorial House of Representatives related to a vacancy on the Orleans Territory Legislative Council. Urquhart, Speaker of the House, and Martin Duralde are the candidates. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, Territorial Papers, Orleans). RC 1 p.; enclosure 2 pp. Printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Orleans , 9:830.
60From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 19 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Altho’ I feel reluctance in trespassing for a moment on the repose to which you have just retired, I can not well avoid inclosing a letter from Mr. La Trobe which he wishes may be seen by you before it be decided on, because he thinks you have already acquiesc’d in the reasonableness of its object: and which I wish you to see, because I am so raw on the whole subject, as to need any...
61To James Madison from John MacGowty, 19 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 March 1809, Windham, Connecticut. Discusses the Embargo, MacGowty’s experience as a seaman, master, and owner of a vessel, and his thoughts on a war with Great Britain. Advises JM “for the last time to offer to that Corrupt nation the last Olive Branch and if Sir they have not good sense enough to come forward and settle with us as an onest nation then Sir My opinion is that our government...
62From James Madison to James Maury, ca. 19 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 19 March 1809. Acknowledged in Maury to JM, 3 May 1809 . Mentions a small sum owed to Maury for a shipment of cheese.
63James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 19 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho’ I feel reluctance in trespassing for a moment on the repose to which you have just retired, I can not well avoid enclosing a letter from M r La Trobe which he wishes may be seen by you before it be decided on, because he thinks you have already acquiesc’d in the reasonableness of of its object: and which I wish you to see, because I am so raw on the whole subject, as to need any...
64To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed Letter is from the Lady Abbess of the Ursuline Convent, And in compliance with her particular request, I have the honor to transmit it to you. I avail myself of this occasion to Accompany the expression of my sincere pleasure at your elevation to the Presidential Chair, with my best Wishes for the honor, the happiness and the prosperity of your Administration. I have the honor to...
65To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 20 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have been in the habit of corresponding with Mr. Jefferson during his administration, on subject[s] that my information gave me an Opportunity to be particularly acquainted with—I ask that permission of you at present. In this City there are five Banks. One Bank alone has a Republican President “ The Bank of Baltimore .” In that Bank the Navy Agent did his public Business. He is now, under...
66To James Madison from Hugh Williamson, 20 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Not having the pleasure of any acquaintance with the present secretary at war, I take the liberty of addressing you on a subject that comes within his department. The propriety of the measure I am about to recommend, will, as I hope, make my apologie. Mr M: Bell, by whom this will be handed you, is the owner of a Furnace in the state of Tenessee, near Cumberland river, and a few miles West...
67From James Madison to the Chairman of the Republican Committee of Talbot County, Maryland, 21 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your letter of the 14. inst. conveying an address, from the “Democratic Republican Citizens of Talbot County Maryland,” and through you return them my thanks for the favorable sentiments which they have expressed of the principles & purposes by which my public life has been & will be governed. The solicitude which they manifest for the preservation of peace, well becomes virtuous...
68From James Madison to the Secretary of the Republican Meeting of Kent County, Maryland, 21 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 16th. inst: inclosing the proceedings of “The Democratic Citizens of Kent County[”] on the 4th. instant. I am greatly obliged by the kind expressions towards me which have a place in those proceedings; and the more so as the value of them is enhanced by the patriotic spirit which characterizes the Meeting. In preferring peace, tho’ prepared for a suspension of...
69To James Madison from John Barnes, 21 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I regret exceedingly my Unfortunate situation—will not—at present, permit me the Honor, of paying my Personal respects—to the President of the U States. The inclosed Note of the late President I received on his leaving Town, with directions to Mr Davidson for the sum & date to have the Blanks filled up with—which Mr. Davidson—(have now) adjusted—and wait Only—the endorsemts. to be deposited in...
70From James Madison to the Chairman of the Republican Meeting of Litchfield, Connecticut, 22 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Resolutions transmitted through you, as unanimously adopted by a meeting of “The Republicans of the Town of Litchfield” have been duly received. The conduct, as unexampled as unprovoked, by which the Belligerent Powers, have trampled on the rights of neutral nations, and in some instances added peculiar insults to the injuries done to the US. naturally excite the feelings which these...
71To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 22 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your communication under date of the 7th. instt, accompanied by a Commission appointing me Secretary of the Navy, and present you my sincere thanks for this distinguished proof of your confidence. If the apprehensions which I feel that I may fall short of your expectations and my own wishes were allowed to influence my determination, I would be induced...
72To James Madison from William Ray, 22 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Although something of my situation is hinted at in the poem, yet perhaps not sufficient to give satisfaction. I am really in a very distressed condition. My late publication is about to be sacrificed to pay the expenses of printing, and I have no resources left. I had the misfortune, some years since, to commence business with a partner, who, by his imprudent and dishonest conduct involved me...
73To James Madison from Thomas Appleton, 22 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 March 1809, Leghorn. The American consul encloses correspondence with Armstrong in Paris related to schooner John , copies of which he has also sent to U.S. consul William Lee at Bordeaux. These papers prove that the John owner violated the Embargo. His appointment must be sent to the new authorities in Leghorn, but even though his accreditation was to the old regime the local prefect has...
74To James Madison from Maria E. Heineken, 24 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Previous to Mr. Heinekens Decease he wrote Your Excellency requesting to know if Mr G J E Smissaert had received his Exequator from the president for the state of new York, Which not being Answered, & having some unpleasant business With the Agents under Mr. H ⟨I⟩ Presume to request it as A favor, to know wha⟨t⟩ Period Mr. Smissaert received his Exequator, also the difft states included under...
75To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 24 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I reached this place last Week after a fatigueing journey through the Mud almost impassible. My return was very opportune for never were there such exertions by the Federalists to elect their candidates in all the districts round me, & particularly in my own. I believe however the majority will not be diminished in this district, but I am sure that if I had not opposed the unfortunate...
76To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I inclose you several letters which must have been intended for the office, & not the person named on the back. They belong therefore to your files, and I will pray you particularly as to those asking office on this & all other occasions to consider me merely as the channel of conveyance, & not as meaning to add an atom of weight to the sollicitations they convey—unless indeed I know any thing...
77To James Madison from William Cooke, 24 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
If ever the human heart, was compleatly gratified, in the accomplishment of an event, in which it had no individual interest; I can with great truth say that mine is, in seeing the Honorable Elevation, to which the United voices of the American people have raised you. We have precedents from ancient nations of their national affairs being retrieved from anarchy and confusion; and brought to...
78Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you several letters which must have been intended for the office, & not the person named on the back. they belong therefore to your files, and I will pray you particularly as to those asking office on this & all other occasions to consider me merely as the channel of conveyance, & not as meaning to add an atom of weight to the sollicitations they convey. unless indeed I know any...
79To James Madison from Paul Verdier, 25 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am sorrey to give you the trouble of so Small a matter, Knowing you have much buisiness of importance to attend to. Having no acquaintance with any person in the City or Should not have given you the troble. I understand the Cross post from the City to orange Court house & Charlotsvill is to be Continued which is now Carried by Mr Samuel McIntire and that his Contract is nearly out. Should...
80To James Madison from Mordecai Barbour, 26 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Being disappointed in my expectations in this quarter of the World and having no prospect here of doing anything beneficial for my family, I have deemd it advisable to remove to some situation in the Western Country. And in order to make the most advantageous selection I intend in the course of this Spring and ensuing Summer to travel through Kentucky Tennessee & the Mississippi Country, in...
81To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 26 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am honored, dear Sir, by your letter of the 14th. instant in answer to mine of the 20th of february, stating, that “tho you do not enter into the aptitude of all my observations, you perceive in them a very interesting veiw of our public affairs.” Since the adoption of those measures, the relaxation of Government, in regard to the embargo, has happily changed the phrenzy, excited by the last...
82From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Altho’ the letter from Mr. Brown was probably intended for you, I could not hesitate in carrying it into effect; and finding that the Bill on the Navy Dept. will be paid, I inclose, in order to avoid the delay of a week, the sum drawn for in Bank notes. I send them to you rather than directly to Mrs. T. first because I do not know what the direct address ought to be, & 2dly. because it is...
83To James Madison from Francis Kinloch, 27 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I trust & believe, that the distance which your merit & your long services have placed between us will not render an address from me in so familiar a style improper, & that I may yet, though probably for the last time, avail myself of my having been once of your acquaintance. It seems right & proper, that I, who live almost exclusively with fœderalists, who feel in common with them a strong...
84James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho’ the letter from M r Brown was probably intended for you, I could not hesitate in carrying it into effect; and finding that the Bill on the Navy Dep t will be paid, I inclose, in order to avoid the delay of a week, the sum drawn for in Bank notes. I send them to you rather than directly to M rs T. first because I do not know what the direct address ought to be, & 2 dly because it is...
85From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 24. The enquiry as to Franzoni will be made as soon as an oppy. offers. F. Page had been appd. before your letter was recd. & his Commission forwarded. We have letters from Erving to Jany. 28. He was at Cadiz, intending it appears to adhere to the Junta Suprema, till the drama should close, and then leave Spain, by way of Gibralter, Tangier, or England, if no other course...
86To James Madison from Anthony Fothergill, 28 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Being just recovered from a long indisposition, permit me now to tender you my sincere congratulations on your elevation to a station of the highest dignity your Country could confer. A station however, at this juncture, as arduous as it is honorable, & which will call forth all your Virtues & Magnanimity to adorn. May your Administration be crowned with the happy adjustment of the existing...
87To James Madison from Gideon Granger, 28 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
G. Granger presents his compliments to the President, and informs him that it is not contemplated to continue the route mentiond by Mr Verdier after the 1st of next month. Expresses will be sent when the president wishes it; but it will be much the most convenient to have the Agent here. G. Granger has written to Mr Verdier to this effect, and he returns the letter. RC ( DLC ). See Paul...
88James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have yours of the 24 . The enquiry as to Franzoni will be made as soon as an opp y offers. F. Page had been app d before your letter was rec d , & his Comission forwarded. We have letters from Erving to Jan y
89To James Madison from Benjamin Rush and Others, 29 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Medical Professors of the University of Pennsylvania beg leave to address you upon a Subject highly interesting to the honor, and interest of the United States. It has been the practice of the Professors, ever since the establishment of the University, to give Certificates to the Students who have required them, of their having attended their respective lectures. These Certificates are not...
90To James Madison from William Short, 29 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Madn. P.—March 29. [1809, Paris]—make use of occasion announced by Gel. A though precarious—catarrh—& pain of writing—do not address Sec. of S—he not known yet—state of information here—zero—his nomination only known. Anxious to write so as to explain the cause of my delay here—my letters by Union sent by A —Wait on Ct. R. —postpone details for another occasion—the advantage of first seeing...