1James Madison: Temperance statement, July 1831 (Madison Papers)
Being satisfied from observation and experience, as well as from Medical testimony that ardent spirit, as a drink, is not only needless, but hurtful; and that the entire disuse of it would tend to promote the health, the virtue, and the happiness of the community, We hereby express our conviction, that should the citizens of the United States, and especially all young men, discontinue entirely...
2Report of the Board of Commissioners for the University of Virginia to the Virginia General Assembly, [4 August] 1818 (Madison Papers)
The Commissioners for the University of Virginia having met, as by law required at the tavern in Rockfish gap on the blue ridge, on the 1st. day of August of this present year 1818, and having formed a board, proceeded on that day to the discharge of the duties assigned to them by the act of the legislature intituled an “act appropriating part of the revenue of the literary fund and for other...
3Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the Central College, 11 May 1818 (Madison Papers)
At a regular meeting of the Visitors of the Central College on 11th. May 1818, at which Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John H. Cocke, & Joseph C. Cabell, were present, it was agreed, that it being uncertain whether Thomas Cooper would accept the Professorship of Chemistry, in the event of his not doing so, it would be expedient to procure a Professor of Mathematicks. It was also agreed to...
4Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the Central College, 5 May 1817 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors of the Central college held at Charlottesville on the 5th. day of May 1817. on a call by three members, to wit, John Hartwell Cocke, Joseph C. Cabell & Th Jefferson, present James Monroe, James Madison, John H. Cocke, and Th: Jefferson. The records of the trustees of the Albemarle academy, in lieu of which the Central college is established, were recieved from...
5Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the Central College, 8 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors &c. 8. Oct: 1817. Certain letters from Doctor Thos. Cooper to Th: Jefferson, dated Sep. 17. & 19. received since the meeting of yesterday being communicated to the board of Visitors, and taken into consideration with his former letter of Sep. 16. they are of opinion that it will be for the interest of the College to modify the terms of agreement which might be...
6Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the Central College, 7 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors &c. held at Charlottesville 7. Oct: 1817. On information of the amount of the subscriptions to the Central College, known to be made, and others understood to be so, the board resolves, that the Pavilion now erecting be completed as heretofore directed, with the 20. dormitories attached to it, and that two other pavilions be contracted for and executed the next...
7Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the Central College, 28 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
At a called meeting of the Visitors of the Central College, held at the House of Mr. Madison in Orange, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Hartwell Cocke, and Joseph C. Cabell, being present: The plan of the first Pavilion to be erected, and the proceedings thereupon, having been stated and agreed to— It is agreed that application be made to Doctor Knox of Baltimore to accept the...
We The subscribers, Visitors of the Central College, having been specially called to meet on the 26th. day of Feb. 1819, and authorised by the act of the legislature, now in session, for establishing the University of Virginia, to continue the exercise of our former functions, and to fulfill the duties of our successors, Visitors of the sd. University, until their first actual meeting, have...
9Rockfish Gap Report of the University of Virginia Commissioners, 4 August 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioners for the University of Virginia having met, as by law required at the tavern in Rockfish gap on the blue ridge , on the 1 st day of August of this present year 1818 , and having formed a board, proceeded on that day to the discharge of the duties assigned to them by the act of the legislature intituled an “act appropriating part of the revenue of the literary fund and for...
10Minutes of Central College Board of Visitors, 28 July 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
At a called meeting of the Visitors of the Central College , held at the House of M r Madison in Orange , Thomas Jefferson , James Madison , John Hartwell Cocke , and Joseph C. Cabell , being present: The plan of the first Pavilion to be erected, and the proceedings thereupon, having been stated and agreed to It is agreed that application be made to Doctor Knox
11Central College Board of Visitors to James P. Preston, 6 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The late Governor of the Commonwealth having thought proper to confide to us the office of Visitors of the Central College near Charlottesville , under an act of the legislature , establishing as it’s patron, the Governor for the time being, we deem it our duty to report to you our proceedings under that appointment, with the progress & prospects of that institution. The want of a seminary of...
12Minutes of Central College Board of Visitors, 7 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors & c held at Charlottesville 7 Oct: 1817. On information of the amount of the subscriptions to the Central College , known to be made, and others understood to be so, the board resolves, that the Pavilion now erecting be completed as heretofore directed, with the 20. dormitories attached to it, and that two other pavilions be contracted for and executed the next...
13Indenture between James Madison and Charles Scott and Francis K. Cowherd, [12 October 1825] (Madison Papers)
This Indenture made this twelfth day of October in the year eighteen hundred and twenty five, between James Madison of the county of Orange of the one part and Charles Scott and Francis K. Cowherd of the sd. county of the other part, witnesseth that the said James Madison for and in consideration of one dollar to him in hand paid before the ensealing of these presents the receipt whereof is...
14Indenture between James and Dolley Payne Madison and Philip Edge, [27 September] 1819 (Madison Papers)
This Indenture made and entered into this 27th day of September in the year of our lord One thousand eighteen hundred and nineteen Between James Madison and Dorithea his wife of the County of Orange and state of Virginia of the One part and Phillip Edge of the County of Spotsylvania and state aforesaid of the other Witnesseth That the said James Madison and Dorithea his wife for and in...
15Agreement for Anna P. Cutts, [12 June 1824] (Madison Papers)
We James Madison & Dolly P. Madison have received and promise to hold in trust for the use of Mrs. Anna P. Cutts, or in case of her death, any surplus remaining, for that of her two daughters or the survivor of them, the sum of twelve hundred dollars consisting of monies furnished by her sister Lucy P. Todd and others of her kindred & friends, for the said purposes. Given under our hands this...
16Indenture. Sale of land in Orange County by Dolley and James Madison to John H. Lee and John Willis, 5 June 1832 (Madison Papers)
This Indenture made the fifth day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty two between James Madison of the County of Orange and Dolly P. Madison, his wife of the one part, and John H. Lee and John Willis of the said County of the other part; Witnesseth, that the said James Madison, and Dolly P., his wife in consideration of three thousand seven hundred and twenty two Dollars and fifty...
17James Madison and Dolley P. Madison: Indenture for Sale of land by Dolley Payne Madison and James Madison to James … (Madison Papers)
This Indenture made this twelfth day of February A. D. 1830, between James Madison of the county of Orange and Dolley P. his wife of the one part, and James Newman of said county of the other part, Witnesseth, that the said James Madison and Dolley P. his wife, for and in consideration of the sum of twelve hundred and sixty six dollars to him the said James Madison by the said James Newman in...
18From James Madison to James Monroe, 31 October 1823 (Madison Papers)
I this moment only receive your letter of the 17th. Mine by this mail renders nothing more necessary in answer to it. I understand Mr. Crawford is so far recovered that he hopes to be on the road for Washington in a few days. His weakness I presume will make his journey very slow. Sending this with some other letters by an extra messenger who will hardly reach the P. Office in time I add only...
19James Madison to David A. Hall, 8 August 1834 (Madison Papers)
Although your favour of March 28th accompanying the " History of the Bank " has been so long on hand, the continued inroads on my health, have not permitted me even yet to do more than glance at the Contents of the volume. From that I perceive that it comprizes information which must be extensively acceptable; particuarly to those engaged in political & historical researches. I sincerly wish...
20From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. H. Wheaton who is engaged in a Biography of the late W. Pinkney a letter wch. I inclose with my answer. If your recollection or memoranda can confirm or enlarge the information I have given with respect to the origin of the Embargo, be so good as to return my answer that it may be improved: If otherwise, it may be sealed & forwarded; the letter from Mr. Wheaton to be...
21James Madison to John Payne Todd, 26 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I will not attempt my dear Payne to express what you have added to our preceding distress by disregarding your Mother’s last letter inclosing the means for your immediate return. You have not even mitigated her feelings and gloomy conjectures, by acknowledg. the rect. of it. And I now hasten to a subject which if disclosed to her, would but inflict new tortures. I learn that the arrears for...
22James Madison to William Crawford, 23 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
On my return from a visit to our University I recd your letter of the 10th. If I commend your zeal on a subject you deem both just & important, I must regret that you ascribe to my opinion on it, an influence wch experience does not warrant; and that you cast your eye on one only of the grounds on which I declined an interposition. The other, my advanced stage of life, and the appropriation of...
23James Madison to Hugh Mercer, 12 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 2d. inst, was duly recd. and I beg you to be assured of my sensibility to the kindness which it breathes. The almost entire failure of my Crop of Wheat on which I relied for certain objects, with that of expected payments, will require a resort to some extra resource, & I am much obliged for that held out by your Board. I shall probably need an aid which will not exceed a...
24James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 27 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
I leave the inclosed open that you may see the papers relating <to> the Hotel Keepers: Should Genl. Cocke, unexpectedly at this season, be in Charlottesv<ille> be so obliging as to have the letter put into his hands; in the contrary event, into t<he> proper mail. I enclose for you Mr. Brokenboroughs report to be assorted with the other documents accompanying that to go from the Rector: on...
25James Madison to Ralph Randolph Gurley, 29 December 1831 (Madison Papers)
I received in due time your letter of the 21st Ult. and with due sensibility to the subject of it. Such, however, has been the effect of a painful Rheumatism on my general condition, as well in disqualifying my fingers for the use of the pen that I could not do justice "to the principles and measures of the Colonization Society in all the great and various relations they sustain to our own...
26James Madison to William Allen, 14 April 1829 (Madison Papers)
Finding it convenient to make a draft on you for $150 dollars in favor of Mr. A J. Levy of Philada. I have taken the liberty of forwarding one to him of that amount. It is made payable after 30 days sight previous to which I shall probably make you a remittance to meet it. Should I be disappointed, you will please to sell, if not sold before, the flour necessary for the purpose. Draft (DLC) .
27James Madison to William Henry Harrison, 1 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 22d. Ult: in which you request my opinion of the character & merits of Genl. Pike. Having had but a very slight personal acquaintance with him, I can not say more of his private character, than that every thing I recollect to have heard of it was favorable to it. Of his enterprizing spirit, his distinguished gallantry, and his zealous services in his military...
28From James Madison to Thomas Cramer, 13 April 1822 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a few days ago your favor communicatg the resolution of the Agricultural Society of the Valley, placing my name on the list of its honorary members. I feel much indebted to the Society for this flattering mark of their attention, for which I beg that my acknowledgts. may be presented. I wish there were not necessarily mingled with them, a regret that no returns of more value are likely...
29James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 8 March 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. a letter from Col. Storrow in answer to an inquiry from me, which shews that he has still in his hands the packet put into them by Mr. Sparks. I am sorry that his inattention caused you & Mr Coolidge the trouble indicated in your favour of Feby. 22. The delinquent is so penitent for not even dropping me a line on the subject, that, in the consciousness of our own...
30James Madison to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 23 October 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. the inclosed letter from a Come of Stud in the University, and must ask the favor of you to communicate it, to the other members of the Executive Committee & let the result be known to the writers I inclose the<ir> letter on the supposition, that copies may not have been circularly sent Draft, with draft of James Madison to University of Virginia Committee of Students, W. H....
31From James Madison to Robert Walsh Jr., 13 December 1817 (Madison Papers)
J. M. has recd. the 2d. Vol. of the Amn. Register wth. which Mr. Walsh has favored him. Regarding the work as a very valuable contribution to the stock of Amn. literature, it has always been his intention to possess it; has taken steps wch. will save the politeness of Mr. W. from being again taxed for the purpose. He is at the same time not the less sensible of the kindness to which he is...
32James Madison to William Buell Sprague, 11 August 1828 (Madison Papers)
I received your letter of July 5. when absent from my papers; and since I had opportunities of looking into them, other circumstances have thus long delayed an answer. I now enclose a few autograph specimens, which are within the scope of your request; not doubting that you will be able to obtain most of the others I could furnish, from other & perhaps more convenient sources. It may be not...
33From James Madison to Jean Guillaume Hyde de Neuville, 9 December 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have been duly favd. with your interesting communication of the 3d. instant. The evacuation of France by the occupying armies is a just subject of the joy you express. It is an important event in the affairs of Europe; and an epoch particularly so in those of France. Her recovery of an uncontroulled Will must be gratifying to all who wish to see nations in full possession of the independence...
34James Madison to Louis Serurier, 5 August 1831 (Madison Papers)
We are glad to learn by your kind letter of the 30th. Ult: that you all got safe back to Washington in spite of the scorching heat of the Tavern, and the stewing ordeal of the Steamboat: and are particularly gratified that the temporary exchange, so easily repeated, of the Banks of the Potomac, for our Mountain Climate, proved so agreeable. It is not the less to be understood however, that the...
35From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for the copy of your Message. The moderation it breathes towards Spain will be approved generally at present, & universally hereafter. The time is passed when this policy could be ascribed to any other than its true motive. The present standing of the U.S. will secure to it a just interpretation every where. It is very satisfactory to learn that the greatest powers in Europe are...
36James Madison to Charles Stuart Waugh, 30 October 1827 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 25th. was duly handed to me by Mr. Conway. The view you give of the state of your family, and the anxiety you express, to improve it could not fail to excite my sympathy & good wishes. I am precluded nevertheless from the step you ask from me, by a rule wch. the frequency of such applications, as well as other considerations have obliged me to adopt. I must refer you...
37From James Madison to Charles J. Ingersoll, 12 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have received the copy kindly sent me, of your “Discourse[”] before the Penn Society. It is to be wished that all the recurring occasions may be equally fruitful of interesting topics & views. Should the other States take the like course of instituting periodical commemorations of their Origin & Founders, and the model you have furnished on this and other occasions receive the attention due...
38James Madison to Martin Van Buren, 11 December 1830 (Madison Papers)
I take a liberty, for which I must again apologize; in requesting that the enclosed letters may be forwarded with the first dispatches from the Office of State for Paris & Liverpool, renewing to you, at the same time, assurances of my high esteem & cordial respects. FC (DLC) .
39James Madison to Thomas L. McKenney, 12 August 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 4th. inst: with the publication contained in it; The opinion I have ever entertained of your integrity & honor, can not be changed by transactions involving controverted details, no longer within the scope of my attentions; nor by any thing short of an evidence of misconduct, which I certainly do not anticipate. Mrs. M. joins in the offer I make of continued...
40James Madison to James Wattles, 19 July 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have received Sir, your letter of the 13th. and regret that I cannot find among my papers the letter of Chief Justice Marshall to which you refer. Such a letter was certainly presented to me, and left an impression very favorable to your talent in taking likenesses. As your portrait of Mr. Marshall doubtless exists and his opinion of it can thro’ his family be obtained as well as their own...
41James Madison to Robert Walsh, 22 August 1831 (Madison Papers)
I inclose the answer of Mr. Scott on the subject of Bishop Madison, as just received that you may extract the materials suited to your object. The intellectual power and diversified learning of the Bishop may justly be spoken of in strong terms; and few men have equally deserved the praise due to a model of all the virtues social, domestic, and personal which adorn and endear the human...
42From James Madison to Dennis A. Smith, 26 February 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 21st. in which you request me to express an opinion of your conduct at a critical period of the last war, particularly as a Loan Contractor with the public. The lapse of time & absence of occasions for the recurrence of my memory to the transactions to which you were a party, not to mention my less intimate knowledge of them than that of the then Secretary of...
43From James Madison to Thomas Herttell, 20 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
I have been some time a debtor for your favor of Novr. 11th accompanied by a Copy of your Exposé. It reached me at a time when my attention had some particular calls on it; and I was so unlucky as to lose by an accident, the answer which I had prepared for a late mail. I now repeat the thanks it contained for your communication. I have read with pleasure the interesting lights in which you...
44James Madison to William Allen, 28 July 1832 (Madison Papers)
The waggon will take you a load of flour this evening which please sell & inform me of the amount of its proceeds. A return load of plaister may be sent up with the articles mentioned in the memorandum annexed. ½ bushel Cranberries 1 bunch best quills 2 lbs black teas 2 lbs green } 5# Canister best green do. 1 Keg Lisbon Wine. Draft (DLC) .
45From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 February 1824 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Jany. 26. came duly to hand. The information I wish to be obtained from Genl. Jackson is 1st. What was the form & dates of the appointments of Brigadier, and of Brevet Major General, accepted by him in his letter of June 8th. 1814. to the Secy. of war; and what the date of the Secretary’s letter inclosing the appointments. The term “form” refers to the distinction between...
46To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 September 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday yours of the 16 th inclosing the paper from M r Ticknor, on the tax imposed on Books imported. He has taken a very comprehensive and judicious view of the subject. The remark you add to it is a proper one also; that books being a permanent property ought not to be taxed whilst other permanent property is exempt, both in the acquisition and possession. I have always considered...
47From James Madison to William C. Somerville, 22 May 1823 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Somerv⟨ille⟩ with thanks for the volume on the past & present S⟨tate⟩ of France, recieved with his letter of the 9th. instant. Oth⟨er⟩ engagements have not permitted him to give it more than desultory glances. From these he thinks himself warranted in inferring a diligence of research, and a spirit of observation in the Author, from which a valuable work...
48From James Madison to Robert S. Garnett, 11 February 1824 (Madison Papers)
The Mail brought me the evg. before the last, your favor of the 5th. with the copy of the “New Views &c.” for which I tender my acknowledgements. I must put off the reading of such a work till it may be subject to less interuption than would at this time be unavoidable. From a glance at a few passages in the outset, I do not doubt that more competent lights as to the proceedings of the...
49From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 22 October 1824 (Madison Papers)
I return your letter to Gilmer as fairly copied. Will he understand that he is not to return without a Nat: Philosopher, tho’ bringing the other Professors named, and despairing of that one? There will however be time for final instructions on this point after hearing further from him. Yrs. affecty RC ( ViU : Special Collections); FC ( DLC ). Minor differences between the copies have not been...
50James Madison to Edward Coles, 23 February 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment recd. your kind letter of the 17th. You seem to have attached more importance to my letter than it required. It would nevertheless have been very grateful to us to have had 2 or 3 days carved for us out of your allowance for Washington. We thank you much for your readiness to be of service to us at Philada. The best you render will be that of increasing the pleasure of your...