1From John Adams to James Madison, 21 May 1812 (Adams Papers)
Mr Malcom was three years in my family at Philadelphia as my private Secretary; and during that time his conduct was ingenuous faithful industrious and attentive and entirely to my Satisfaction. His connections in New York were respectable, and his Education to Letters and the Bar regular. Altho, since the dissolution of that connection between him and me there has been no intercourse and very...
2To John Adams from James Madison, 3 June 1812 (Adams Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 21st ulto. inclosing one to yourself from Mr. Malcom. I return the latter as desired. Mr. Malcom was not in time to be taken into consideration along with others having the same objects with him. I need not say that if it had been otherwise, and his comparative qualifications had entitled him to the appointment, I should have felt a pleasure in knowing that...
3From John Adams to James Madison, 19 November 1812 (Adams Papers)
My Election to the Presidents Office was but by a majority of one, or at most of two Votes. Mr Jeffersons was by no Majority of the People, and by a Majority of one only in the House after Thirty or forty Votes equally divided between him and Mr Burr. Mr Jeffersons Second Election was by a great Majority and his third would have been by a greater Still, if he had not declined. Your Election...
4From John Adams to James Madison, 17 January 1813 (Adams Papers)
A young Gentleman, and his Father, have requested me to mention his Name to The Secretary of The Navy. I choose rather to mention it to you. The youth has a fine Person, an elegant Figure, a fine Countenance, healthy vigorous and robust. His Education has been Accademical and mercantile in a very respectable House. His Father Served five years in our Revolutionary War, and his Grandfather was...
5From John Adams to James Madison, 31 January 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have subscribed with Mr Gray and others a recommendation of Hendrick W Gordon Esquire a copy of which is enclosed. As he requests a separate Certificate, I enclose his letter and can sincerely say that from an acquaintance with him, of several years, I believe that what is said of him, in the Certificate, and in his letter, to be no more than he deserves; He is a civil, well bred man,...
6From John Adams to James Madison, 2 February 1813 (Adams Papers)
I am very apprehensive that the liberties I so frequently take of writing to you will appear importunate if not impertinent But I beg it may be fully understood that none of my letters are to be answered; and that I shall perfectly acquiesce in your decisions well knowing the multiplicity of Candidates, the difficulty of making the selections & that the President is the only ultimate and...
7From John Adams to James Madison, 14 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
The Reverend, Mr Henry Colman of Hingham, my Neighbour and Acquaintance has a Brother, as I am informed, who wishes to be considered as a Candidate, for a Commission in the Army. As the Brother is unknown to me, I can Say nothing of his Pretensions. But I can Say of the Minister, that in point of Taste and Sense he is fit for a Companion of a Jefferson and a Madison, and in point of Learning...
8From John Adams to James Madison, 23 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have been informed that a number of very respectable Gentlemen are desirous of having the Honourable Richard Cutts Esqr of Biddeford in this State appointed to an Office under the Government of the United States, and wish to recommend him accordingly: but are very apprehensive that your delicacy, and nice sense of honour, or regard to your reputation will be an insuperable Obstacle to their...
9From John Adams to James Madison, 25 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday Morning expecting a Letter from Dr Rush I Sent early to the Post Office: but my Messenger brought me a Letter from Dr Waterhouse, which I inclose, having no words of my own to express my Feelings. The Shock was Sudden and unexpected. I had a Letter from Rush dated the 10th., apparently written in full health and fine Spirits. An unchangeable Friendship of thirty Eight Years had...
10To John Adams from James Madison, 5 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor on the subject of Docr. Waterhouse, inclosing a letter from him which is now returned. Previous to this communication, the vacancy occasioned by the death of our Excellent friend, & the friend of mankind, had been filled by the appointment of his son Dr. James Rush. Besides the numerous & respectable interpositions in favor of it, I felt a pleasure, in putting this...
11From John Adams to James Madison, 5 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
I ought to make an apology to you for the trouble I give you to read so many of my letters upon subjects with which perhaps I should have nothing to do. but as I am requested to give a simple letter of introduction to a gentleman going to Washington, I could not refuse it. Mr Andrew Eliot a respectable Merchant of Boston has a petition to present to the Administration or to the legislature or...
12From John Adams to James Madison, 14 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
I was yesterday honoured with the favour of the 5 inclosing Dr Waterhouses letter to me of the 23 of April announcing to me the afflicting news of the death of one of my oldest and most intimate Friends Dr Rush. Though I can scarcely look over an obituary without mourning some ancient friend or acquaintance, none has affected me more sensibly than the sudden departure of Dr Rush. His merit as...
13From John Adams to James Madison, 29 October 1814 (Adams Papers)
I hope you will not think me a Fanatic, because I introduce Clergyman to you. The Truth is that none but Clergymen here have much Litterature or Science, I cannot say that reading and writing is the exclusive Priviledge of Clergy, as it once was in the World; but we bare too near a resemblance to that dark Age—The gentlemen who will have the honour to present this Letter—has given proofs to...
14From John Adams to James Madison, 28 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
When my Son departed for Russia, I injoined upon him to write nothing to me, which he was not willing should be published in French and English Newspapers. He has very scrupulously observed the rule.— I have been equally reserved in my letters to him: but the Principle on both sides has been to me a cruel privation, for his correspondence when absent, and his Conversation when present has been...
15From John Adams to James Madison, 11 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
Francis C. Gray a Son of our late Lt. Governor, after an Education at Colledge, two Years travels in Europe under the Protection of your minister in Russia and three Years Study of the Law has been called to the Barr, and now has the laudable curiosity and noble Ambition of seeing his native Country. And who should he naturally wish to see in it so much as its first Magistrate. I hope he will...
16To John Adams from James Madison, 17 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 28th. Ult: was duly received, tho’ with more delay, than usually attends the Mail. I return the interesting letter from your son, with my thanks for the opportunity of perusing it. I have caused the archives of the Dept of State to be searched with an eye to what passed during the negociations for peace on the subject of the fisheries. The search has not furnished a precise...
17From John Adams to James Madison, 21 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
Knowing the immense weight of your cares, it gives me pain to interrupt you a moment. But when a young Scholar, Lawyer and amiable character asks an introduction from me I cannot refuse it. Such is George Ticknor Esqr an his travels in his own Country first, and in foreign Countries afterward. He is ranked here, with our Everett & Buckminster, choice spirits, as we think them. With great...
18From John Adams to James Madison, 23 March 1815 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed letter supposes more importance, in my judgement, than it deserves. Whatever it is worth however, it is all in favour of the request in it. Waterhouse is another Rush; and for no other reason that I can conjecture, than his respect & able services, to the national Government, for the last 14 years, has been cruelly treated by the worst faction against it. I submit the subject, to...
19From John Adams to James Madison, 1815 (Adams Papers)
Benjamin Wells Esqr and his Lady are very ambitious of paying their respects to President Madison and his Lady. The Gentleman’s Grandfathers were two as respectable Characters as any in Boston. One of them, Chief Justice Pratt of New York was one of my Patrons at the Barr in 1758; and his Memory will forever be held in veneration by me. The Lady is a Daughter of our late Governor Sumner and a...
20From John Adams to James Madison, 22 February 1816 (Adams Papers)
I am informed that General Dearborne, Mr Morton and other Gentlemen have recommended Mr Winthop for a Consulate abroad and I am requested to add my testimony to theirs in his favour. My Acquaintanc with him has been only general, but his Father and Grandfather, his Name and Family have been esteemed and Venerated all my Days, his Education was publick, he has travelled in Europe and his moral...
21From John Adams to James Madison, 4 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have So often taken the Liberty to introduce Gentlemen to The President of The United States, that tho’ it might be an usurpation at first, it Seems now to be a kind of Right by Prescription. Upon no Occasion that I recollect, have I assumed this Priviledge with more pleasure than in now introducing Dr James Freeman whom I esteem one of our first litterary Characters and one of the best of...
22To John Adams from James Madison, 12 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 4th. of Sepr. was handed to me, by Docr. Freeman, at my abode in Virga. just before I left it for this place. His transient stay afforded but a slight opportunity for the civilities I wished to shew to one who enjoys so much of your esteem, and who appeared so well to deserve them. He was so good as to call at the door since my arrival here; but being at the moment engaged,...
23From John Adams to James Madison, 22 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
Thank you for your favour of the 12th. The Anecdote mentioned in my Letter of the 4th of September, is of no consequence to the Public, though, it may interest the private Feelings of your Family and mine. Mr Stodert was my Auther. After all possibility of thinking seriously on the Subject was passed, Mr Stodert informed me of the Letter from Mrs Madison to Mr Steel mentioned in mine to you of...
24From John Adams to James Madison, 6 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
As I feel a kind of Ambition to introduce to the past present and future Presidents of U.S. Some of our most amiable Men, least bigotted least Superstitious Characters, and most catholic Minds, (in the moral, not Ecclesiastical Sense of the Word) I take the Liberty to introduce to you the Rev. Mr. Henry Colman. As it was known that he intended a Journey to the Southward for his Health which is...
25From John Adams to James Madison, 17 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to You Col. William Sumner; and to Mrs Madison, his Sister, Miss Elizabeth Sumner, Children of our late Governor Sumner. They have requested an Introduction from me. And as I think it right that the President should know, and that his Family Should know Something of the Characters who appear at Washington; I beg leave to say, that Mr Sumner has the Advantages of...
26From James Madison to William Steuben Smith, 2 May 1810 (Adams Papers)
Reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Integrity, Prudence and Ability I do appoint you the said William Steuben Smith Secretary of Legation of the United States of America at the Court of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias; authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or office doth appertain, or as may be duly given you in...
27From Thomas Boylston Adams to James Madison, 18 June 1810 (Adams Papers)
Since the departure of my Brother, Mr: John Q Adams, upon his Mission to Russia, and while he was still yet at sea, I had the pleasure to receive from him a list of names, comprizing the circle of his particular friends to whom he requested I would present, in his name, and as a small token of his respect, a set of Lectures on Rhetorick & Oratory, delivered during the period of his...
28From James Madison to Thomas Boylston Adams, 5 July 1810 (Adams Papers)
I have recd. the two Volumes of Lectures on Rhetoric & Oratory by your brother J. Q. Adams Esqr. Having not had an opportunity of perusing them, I can only return my thanks through you, and anticipate the pleasure promised by the application of his talents & taste to those interesting subjects. Accept my friendly respects MHi : Adams Papers.
29From Abigail Smith Adams to James Madison, 1 August 1810 (Adams Papers)
I take the Liberty of addressing you in behalf of my Son, now at St Petersburgh, and to ask of you, permission for his return to his native Country. I hope you may have already received, through the Secretary of State, his own request to this effect. From Several Letters which I have received from Mrs Adams, I have been led to think their Situation very unpleasent, as it respected their...
30From James Madison to Abigail Smith Adams, 15 August 1810 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 1st. instant. Altho’ I have not learned that Mr. Adams has yet signified to the Department of State his wish to return from the Mission to St. Petersburg, it is sufficiently ascertained by your communication, as well as satisfactorily explained by the considerations suggested. I have accordingly desired the Secretary of State to let him understand that as it...
31From James Madison to William Steuben Smith, 4 March 1811 (Adams Papers)
Reposing a special Trust and Confidence in your Integrity, Prudence and Ability: I have appointed you the said William Steuben Smith Secretary of Legation of the United States of America to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias; authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or office doth appertain, and the same to Hold and exercise...
32From James Madison to John Adams Smith, 8 September 1815 (Adams Papers)
Reposing especial Trust and confidence in your Integrity Prudence and Ability, I do appoint you the said John Adams Smith Secretary of the Legation of the United States of America to His Britannic Majesty; authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or office doth appertain or as may be duly given you in charge hereafter and the same to hold and...
33From James Madison to John Adams Smith, 16 January 1816 (Adams Papers)
Reposing especial Trust and confidence in your Integrity, Prudence and ability I have nominated and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate appointed you the said John Adams Smith Secretary of the Legation of the United of America to His Britanic Majesty authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or office doth appertain or as may be duly...
34To James Madison from Arnold Henry Dohrman, 4 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
It is with extreme Satisfaction that I do my self the honour to address you as President of these United States; to see Merit, Virtue & Benevolence thus rewarded, my gratefull heart cannot help to rejoice at; your indulgence & friendly Offices have saved me from ruin & my Duty & Inclination prompts me to pray to God Almighty that your health be adequate to the arduous task Providence has...
35To James Madison from George M. Troup, 4 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Mr Troups complts to Mr Madison—incloses a paper to which the names of several respectable gentlemen are subscribed—Mr T feels himself obliged to state to Mr M that he has taken this liberty with Dr Kirkpatrick without his knowledge & without the knowledge of any other with one exception than those whose signatures appear on it. Our friend Doctor Kirkpatrick retires from Congress under...
36First Inaugural Address, [4 March] 1809 (Madison Papers)
Unwilling to depart from examples, of the most revered authority, I avail myself of the occasion now presented, to express the profound impression made on me, by the call of my Country to the station, to the duties of which I am about to pledge myself, by the most solemn of sanctions. So distinguished a mark of confidence, proceeding from the deliberate and tranquil suffrage of a free and...
37To James Madison from Hugh McMillen, 4 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1809, New Boston, New Hampshire. Has invented a system of medicine that will cure soldiers and sailors “of all camp sicknesses” and seeks a government subsidy to manufacture and bottle his medicines. “I hope if I have done no other good by writing this letter it will be pleasing to your phylanthropick mind to be informed of the thriving of us[e]ful arts in our land so as to prevent the...
38To James Madison from the Republican Committee of Essex County, New Jersey, 4 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1809, Newark. Congratulates JM on becoming president and anticipates “the same moderate, prudent, & pacific course” as that pursued by Jefferson. Expresses regret that the times are “fraught with great peril” brought on by “the folly and arrogance of one belligerent, & the commercial cupidity of the other.” If the choice comes to “honorable war or tame submission, we hesitate not, to...
39To James Madison from the Republican Meeting of Kent County, Maryland, 4 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1809. With Dr. John Thomas presiding and Cornelius Comegys serving as secretary the citizens offer JM congratulations upon his taking “the presidential chair” and hail the continuance of republicanism as it was practiced under President Jefferson. “Although a wise and just policy has thus preserved us from the political vortex of Europe,” the war now waging there constitutes a threat...
40To James Madison from the Republican Meeting of Garrard County, Kentucky, 4 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Document not found. 4 March 1809, Lancaster, Kentucky. Acknowledged in JM to the chairman of the meeting, 29 Apr. 1809 . A set of resolutions lauding JM on his inauguration and expressing a willingness to support the administration against foes at home and abroad.
41To James Madison from Louis Dubois, 5 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I send you a march which I composed in your honor, I take the liberty to offer it to you as the tribute of a Stranger to your eminent talents and patriotism which brought you to the first seat of these united States. It is only a march, but in the scale of society, who pay his Share of talents and usefulness to the common good, has done his duty; as the head of this Enlightened Republic, I...
42To James Madison from Henry Lee, 5 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Yr. speech which reached here last night is so far as my information reaches much approved, for its modesty & generality & reserve of promises. A few think you might have well avoided that positive decleration about impartiality of the late admn. to foreign nations, as the public mind is divided on that question & the published state documents authorize a great deal to be said in contradiction...
43From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 6 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his compts. to Mr. Adams & asks the favor of a call on him at his house this morning for a few minutes, as he may be passing to the Capitol Hill. As J. M. may happen at the moment to be at the President’s House, it may perhaps be as well for Mr. Adams to take that in his way. RC ( MHi : Adams Papers). Docketed by Adams, who noted: “Same day—recd.” JM nominated Adams to be...
44From James Madison to Caesar A. Rodney, 6 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison requests the favor of Mr. Rodney to meet at his house tomorrow at 11 o. c. the other members of the Administration for the purpose of a consultation. Printed copy (Goodspeed Catalogue No. 369 [1943], item 1126).
45From James Madison to the Senate, 6 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate of the United States. I nominate Robert Smith now Secretary of the Navy to be Secretary of State. William Eustis of Massachusetts to be Secretary of War. John Quincey Adams of Massachusetts to be Minister Plenipotentiary to the court of St. Petersburg. Thomas Sumpter Junr. of South Carolina to be Minister Plenipotentiary to the court of Rio Jeneiro. Henry Hill of New York to be...
46To James Madison from Henry Lee, 6 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Very seldom did I ever ask the attention of the President of the U States to any Candidate for office in those days when my recommendation would have weight. Nor should I now do it, was I not thoroughly convinced from my long knowledge of yr. goodness that you would take pleasure when proper, to recollect those who have been like myself always personally attached to you, especially when they...
47To James Madison from James Taylor, 6 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
James W. Moss e[s] quire now of Mason County in this State has made some arrangements to move to that part of the Indiana Territory which appears by a late law of Congress to be made a Separate Territory. He has suggested to me a wish to recieve some secondary appointment in the Illinois Territory, such as Secretary, Register or reciever of public Monies or indeed any other you might please to...
48To James Madison from the Republican Meeting of Washington County, Maryland, 6 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1809, Hager’s Town. The “republican Citizens” of Washington County met at the courthouse on 4 Mar. to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the day when “ correct principles ” triumphed over “a party , whose obnoxious measures whilst in power deservedly lost them the confidence of the people; and also to celebrate this day , upon which Jas. Maddison is exalted to the presidential chair.”...
49From James Madison to William Eustis, 7 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed commission will inform you that I have taken the liberty to nominate you to fill the Office of Secretary of War, vacated by the resignation of General Dearborn, and that the Senate have compleated the appointment. I transmit the Commission with a hope that I shall have the pleasure of learning that your Country will have the benefit of your services in that important station. I...
50To James Madison from Epaphras W. Bull, 7 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Before this you will have seen the proceedings of the Legislature of this State. It is with much satisfaction I inform you that they are read with indignation and abhorrence by evry friend of the administration. There is but one sentiment among us that they are treasonable in principle. I am confident many very many of our opponents will not justify the measures. We will support the...