181Motion Commending French Fleet, [4 April] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, IV, 503). Docketed, “Motion of Mr. Madison. Respecting Monsr. De touches Commandr. of H M. C Majesty’s Squadron.” This note is written on a cover addressed to “His Excellency The President of Congress.” [Resolved,] That the President inform Monsr. Destouches Commander of the Squadron consigned by his M. C. Majesty to the Succour of his Allies, that the United States in...
182To James Madison from David Jameson, 7 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Endorsed, “Apl. 7. 1781,” by JM. In one of my former letters I acquainted you with some of the abuses committed by some of the Officers Gen Greene sent out to impress Horses for the Cavalry when he was obliged to retreat to Virga. they seized some of the most valuable stud horses they could meet with, one of which was valued at £750 Specie, others...
183To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 7 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 127–28. I have yr favr of the 27th past, which gave us the first certain account what had become of the French Fleet since the Engagement off our Capes. It is confidently affirmed the british took a 64 or 74 & have her now with their fleet. I do not believe it...
184To James Madison from David Jameson, 14 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Endorsed by JM, “Apl. 14. 1781.” I am very glad you have determined to send on the Stores &ca. that came from Rhode Island We are much in want of them. Steps are taking to pay the transportation. The British Vessels left in the Bay are now taking the most effectual measures to distress us—one of them has run up to Burwells ferry, one lies in York...
185From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed, “Madison Jas,” by Jefferson. The inclosed paper is a copy of a report from a Committee now lying on the table of Congress for Consideration. The delicacy and importance of the subject makes me wish for your judgment on it before it undergoes the final decision of Congress. The necessity of arming Congress with coercive powers arises from the shameful...
186To 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...
187To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed paper is a copy of a report from a Committee now lying on the table of Congress for Consideration. The delicacy and importance of the subject makes me wish for your judgment on it before it undergoes the final decision of Congress. The necessity of arming Congress with coercive powers arises from the shameful deficiency of some of the States which are most capable of yielding...
188To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 23 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 129. Since my last nothing material has come to my knowledge, the Fleet up Potowmack proved as I expected a mere plundering party, or if they meant any thing hostile against Alexandria or Fredericksburg, they were...
189To James Madison from David Jameson, 28 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Endorsed, “Apl. 28. 1781,” by JM. I have recd your two favours of the 10th. & 17h. I have not failed to write by every Post. Friday the 20th. the Enemy entd. Wmsburg & at the same time a party went to York. at the latter place they contd. but a few hours—destroyed the Cannon &ca belonging to the Battery hoisted the British flag & left it flying....
190From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 29 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Your’s of the 7th. was handed to me a few days ago by Mr. Newman who is to call on me this evening for an answer. 700 dollars were enclosed in it. As I cannot get any wire of the description you direct, nor indeed any but a little fitted for bolting according to the flour model, and that at a price more than double the old one I have declined laying out the money. Should you be in great want &...
191To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 129–30. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). Since my last yr. two favrs of the 10th & 17th have come to hand together, a week’s mail having fail’d to come to...
192From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Endorsed, “Madison Jas.,” by Jefferson. On the receipt of your request as to the map I procured a copy with one of the pamphlets & have put it under the care of Col. Febiger who will have it conveyed. it is effectually secured against injury on its passage. I inclose your Excellency a letter from Mazzei although indeed its contents are of no great moment. I have not...
193From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 1 May 1781—Misdated (Madison Papers)
Letter misdated. 1 May 1781 [ 2 ]. Three of the earlier editions of the papers of JM printed portions of his letter, allegedly written on 1 May 1781, to Edmund Randolph, attorney general of Virginia and delegate from that state in Congress beginning on 14 June 1781 ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 90–93; Madison,...
194To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the receipt of your request as to the map I procured a copy with one of the pamphlets and have put it under the care of Col. Febiger who will have it conveyed. It is effectually secured against injury on its passage. I inclose your Excellency a letter from Mazzei although indeed its contents are of no great moment. I have not received the antecedant one referred to in it. The Executive have...
195From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr” and marked “private.” Docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas May 5. 1781.” In compliance with your request I have procured and now send you a copy of the Constitutions &c published by order of Congress. I know not why the order in which they stand in the Resolution was varied by the committee in binding them up. The...
196To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with your request I have procured and now send you a copy of the Constitutions &c. published by order of Congress. I know not why the order in which they stand in the Resolution was varied by the Committee in binding them up. The encomium on the inhabitants of Rhode Island was a flourish of a Delegate from [that] State who furnished the Committee with the account of its...
197To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 7 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 131–32. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). I have yr favr of the 24th past, which contain’d & inclosed much Intelligence —from the various accounts of French &...
198Motion on Pay of Troops, [10 May] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 179). Docketed: “Motion of Mr Madison seconded by Carroll Referred to Mr Bland Mr Van Dyke Mr Carrol Delivered May 14. 1781 Entd. Read. Passed May 15. 1781.” That Warrants issue in favor of J. P. paymaster general upon the loan offices of the States of Delaware, Maryland & Virginia in the following proportions in bills of the new emission arising from the 4/10 of the...
199To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 132–33. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). I was disappointed in receiving no letter from you by the last post, which was the greater, as I was anxious to be...
200To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 133–34. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). Yr obliging favr of the 1st hath raised my curiosity Yet I cannot but approve your Caution, and notwithstanding my keen...
201Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 28 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). Two pages of notes in JM’s hand, mainly devoted to recording the appointment of committees, the substance of their reports, and how each delegate voted on motions—all bearing upon instructions to the peace commissioners. JM’s entries are for 28 May, 6, 7, 8, 9–15, and 29 June, 28 July, and 21 September 1781, but he does not record when he made them, although he...
202To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 135–36. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). Since my last I have yr two favrs of the 8th & 15th—the former have met wth a circuitous passage thro’ several Post...
203From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 29 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” The two circumstances relating to the proposed duty on trade mentioned in your favor of the 1st. instant were subjects of discussion when the measure was on the anvil. It was evident that the disposition of the States to invest Congress with such a power wd. be influenced by the length of the...
204Motion on Currency, [30 May] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 26, fol. 299). The first half of this motion is written by JM, and the rest by John Mathews, who presented it in Congress. Although the person who seconded the motion is not mentioned, he probably was JM. Whereas the period assigned by the Act of the 18th. of March 1780 for calling in & cancelling the bills of Credit emitted by Congress prior to that date, hath long since...
205Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 6 June 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. Mr. Witherspo[o]n & Houston moved must direct Minister for peace to recede from old Ultm. if the mediating powers & circumstances require —on question Sul: & Livr. ay—Massts. Lovel, Ward no—R.I. Varnum ay—Ct. S. Huntgn. no. Elsth. ay, Shern. no—N.J. W. & H. ay—Pa. Atlee, Clymer, T. Smith ay—Md. Jenifer ay—Virga....
206Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 7 June 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. Sd. Come. Carol. Jones &c—report —Witherspoon’s motion with a Secret adl. instrn. 1. to try for old ultm. as to Boundary 2 but if necessary to leave qon open—or this refused 3 to settle matter as well as possible—on 1st all ay—on 2. all ay but Sul: & Livr. Ward—Mr. Mer. Smith —so carried —on the 3d—Sul: & Liv....
207Motions on United States Boundaries, [8 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MSS ( NA : PCC , No. 25, I, 441–44, 447). According to the JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , these two motions in JM’s hand were “made by the State of Virginia.” Following them, as given below, and on the same general subject, is a third proposal, also drafted by JM. The JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford...
208Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 8 June 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. State of Virga. moves to limit power to cede boundaries as qualification to Mr. Witherspoon’s motion to recede—all no but Sharpe Houston & Virga —on question on the sd. motion—all ay but Virga. See Notes from Secret Journal, 6 June , and nn. 2, 3, 4; ibid ., 7 June 1781 , and n. 7; Motions on Boundaries, 8 June...
209Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, [9–15 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. Note all from Va. vs. joing. others with Mr. A. June 11. the sd. Come. reported—to instruct Mr. A. to be govd.—ultimately &c —on question—Sulln. Livermore ay—Lovill & Ward no—Varnum no, Huntington Elsworth Sherman no—Witherspoon Houston ay—Montgomery no—Atlee Clymer ay T. Smith no—Jenifer Carrol ay—Jones,...
210Motion on Enlistment of Militia, [12 June] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 189). Written by JM. Docketed, “Motion Delegates of Virginia June 12. 1781 Referred to the board of war.” That it be earnestly recommended to the State of Pennsylvania immediately to raise accoutre and equip a Corps of Cavalry consisting of 192 Troopers with their proper officers including those called for in the Resolution of and to the State of Maryland to raise...