Thomas Jefferson Papers
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To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 May 1781

From James Madison

Philada. May 1st. 1781

Dr Sir

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 probably received more particular information from him relative to the object of his mission.

Congress have received a good deal of information from Europe within a few days past. I can only say in general that it is favorable. Indeed whatever consideration the powers of Europe may have for us, the audacious proceedings of our Enemy in all quarters must determine them to abridge a power which the greatest dangers and distresses cannot inspire with moderation or forbearance.

I hope your Excellency has received my letter inclosing a copy of a plan reported to Congress for arming them with co-ercive authority. Your first leisure moments will I flatter myself favor me with your idea of the matter.

With great respect I am Dr Sir Yr. Ob friend & servant,

J Madison Junr

RC (DLC: Madison Papers); endorsed by TJ: “Madison Jas.” Enclosure (missing): Probably Mazzei’s letter to Madison of 30 Nov. 1780, printed in WMQ description begins William and Mary Quarterly description ends , 2d ser., xxiii (1943), 317–19.

Your request as to the map: TJ’s letter has not been found, but in his Account Book under date of 7 Apr. 1781 he entered the following: “inclosd to Jas. Madison Philada. to buy Hutchens’s map £150.” The pamphlet may possibly have been Samuel Wharton’s Plain Facts: Being an examination into the rights of the Indian Nations of America to their respective countries; and a vindication of the Grant from the Six United Nations of Indians, to the proprietors of Indiana, against the decision of the Legislature of Virginia; together with authentic documents, proving that the territory, westward of the Allegany Mountain, never belonged to Virginia, &c. (Philadelphia: Robert Aitken, 1781).

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