1951To James Madison from Edward Coles, 26 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you a receipt for the 10$ you sent by me for the Agricultural Society of Albemarle. I presume Judge Todd will be with you by the time this will be received. I beg you will urge him to come by and pay me and my friends here a visit. He will make us all particularly happy by doing so. I propose to set out for the West on Monday or Tuesday (the 3 or 4 of April) and should be very much...
1952To James Madison from James Pleasants Jr., 25 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letters & documents have been put into my hands through the agency of Robert S. Rose, at this time a member of the N. York legislature. A perusal of them will give you at once a view of the object they have in view. Your answer is solicited at as early a moment as your leisure will admit, as their election takes place early in April. Be pleased to direct yr. answer to Smith...
1953To James Madison from Bushrod Washington, 23 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
Since my return from Washington the trunk in my possession, containing letters to & from the General, has been carefully examined, and the enclosed have been taken from the bundles found in it. Not doubting but that a much larger number of your letters are in the trunks at Richmond, I have written to the Chief Justice to request that he will in the course of the summer look over those bundles...
1954To James Madison from Robert Slaughter Jr., 20 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
You will no doubt be surpris’d on reading this and at the same time think it assuming in me to be thus intermedling in other peoples affairs in which I have no concern but the motive I hope will be taken in its proper point of view and plead an apology. The Death of the late Mr. Alexr. Shepherd has I am afraid left his family (which now too frequently happins) in a very distressd situation....
1955To James Madison from Martin Van Buren, 15 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
An election of a chief magistrate for this state of more than ordinary interest is approaching. The Republican members of our Legislature have nominated Daniel D. Tompkins as their candidate for that station. A leading motive (independent of his fitness for the station) which has induced to this selection, was a strong desire in the people of this state, to renew the expression of their...
1956To James Madison from Martin Van Buren, 15 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
The friends of the Vice President deem the publication of the correspondence I have referred to, important, but he feels a delicacy to permit its publication without your consent. To meet the circumstance of your not having the letters in your possession, I take the liberty of enclosing copies which have been taken from the Vice President’s letter book. I am fully aware, Sir, of your aversion...
1957To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 7 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
During your investiture with the office of President you were so good as to confer the appointments of Midshipman on two of my Sons. One of them, Henry Sidney Coxe on the return of Peace was induced by me to withdraw as I feared the influence of the severities of the service, would certainly deprive the family, his father & himself of his life. His symptoms were decidedly hectic. I induced him...
1958To James Madison from William S. Cardell, 4 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
Though my name is signed individually to the enclosed circular you will not, unknown to you as I am, consider me as acting without the concurrence of the first Scholars and the first citizens in this vicinity. The subject is considered as resting on its own merits or I should have asked a distinguished gentleman personally acquainted with you to enclose my letter. There is a particular anxiety...
1959To James Madison from Jethro Wood, 2 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
Amongst the materials for domestic manufactures flax occupies an important place. The manner of preparing it however, in this Country is very imperfect; and inconsequence the value of the Crop is variable and uncertain. The process of water roting whether it has been owing to the great care which is necessary both in respect to time and the manner of handling it in that soft state or whether...
1960To James Madison from George W. Featherstonhaugh, 1 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to enclose to You An Address from the Board of Agriculture of the State of New York to the County Societies of the State. Permit me Sir to request for the Board a printed Copy, if it has been put into the pamphlet Form, of Your eloquent and truly philosophical Address upon Agriculture, which we have Seen only in the publick Papers. I have also to express a wish on the part of...
1961To James Madison from George Joy, 1 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
It is so long since I received your last letter, that, tho’ carefully preserved, it is out of my immediate reach; and it would take a longer time to get at it than the occasion requires, seeing it’s substance, as well as that of your more remote Correspondence is too interesting to be at any time beyond my powers of reminiscence. I am greatly obliged by your efforts in my favor; I assure you,...
1962To James Madison from Noah Webster, 1 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
Your letter without date, but bearing the post mark Jany. 18. 1820, & addressed to me at New Haven, reached me while in Boston attending the legislature, at their late Session. You will see by the place of the date of this Letter that I reside in Massachusetts. I did not answer your letter while I was in Boston; as I had not with me the letter of which you request a copy. I trust this...
1963To James Madison from Edmond Kelly, [post–20] February 1821 (Madison Papers)
On the debate of the Misouri question in the last session Mr Barbour in Senate asserted that the restriction would drive that country into insurrection & that an Ignited spark might sever it from the Union. A poor white population is always opposed to Negroes—the slaveholders in Misouri do not exceed 3 out of 12 of the white people & the Idea of an attempt at Insurrection by one fourth slave...
1964Virginia Council of State’s Appointment of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 29 February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor called the attention of the board to the subject of appointing Visitors for the University of Virginia in Conformity with the provisions of an act of assembly passed the 25 January 1819 —Whereupon, the following persons were duly appointed Visitor—to wit: Thomas Jefferson — James Madison — Chapman Johnson — Jos. C. Cabell
1965To James Madison from Elihu F. Marshall, 23 February 1820 (Madison Papers)
I hope thou wilt excuse me for intruding on thee by sending thee a copy of the “American Tutor’s Assistant” and requesting thee to peruse it. I should not perhaps have done it had I not considered that thou art one that feelest interested in the Literature of the United States. Therefore wilt thou be pleased to examine the Book and send me thy sentiments thereon? By complying with the above...
1966To James Madison from James Monroe, 19 February 1820 (Madison Papers)
I send you by this days mail a copy of the journal of the convention which formd the fedl. constitution. One is allowed by the act of Congress to yourself, to Mr Jefferson & to Mr Adams. Several votes were taken yesterday in the Senate on different propositions, respecting the Missouri question, & it appears that one was adopted by a majority of 4. for the establishment of a line to commence...
1967To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1820 (Madison Papers)
With this letter I commit for you to the mail a bundle of seeds, one parcel of which was sent by you to mr. Randolph for inspection. The other is seakale seed lodged here for you by Genl. Cocke. Have I returned your Vitruvius to you? I am in great tribulation about it? I keep my borrowed books on a particular shelf that they may neither be forgotten nor confounded with my own. It is not on...
1968Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 16 February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
With this letter I commit for you to the mail a bundle of seeds, one parcel of which was sent by you to mr Randolph for inspection. the other is seakale seed lodged here for you by Gen l Cocke . have I returned your Vetruvius to you? I am in great tribulation about it ? . I keep my borrowed books on a particular shelf that they may neither be forgotten nor confounded with my own. it is not on...
1969To James Madison from Edward Wyer, 11 February 1820 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to offer you two iron casts of Washington the well beloved, which I had taken from my seal [ sic ] at Berlin last year. They are said to be good. Ever mindful of your kind attention to me during the time you was in public life, I remain Dear Sir, with all respect, Your devoted Servant. May the smiles of Heaven rest in your abode, and continue to make you happy. P S. If you have any...
1970To James Madison from James Barbour, 10 February 1820 (Madison Papers)
The Missouri question in its consequences threatens the tranquility if not the dissolution of the Union. Altho in the Senate we have a large majority against restriction yet in the House of Representatives the majority is decidedly the other way. And upon the exclusion of Slavery from the territories there is a Majority in both Houses. It has been proposed by the most moderate to compromise...
1971To James Madison from Enoch Reynolds, 8 February 1820 (Madison Papers)
In the summer of 1816, you did me the honor to subscribe for two copies of the splendid edition of the Declaration of Independence, then in hand, and now published by Mr. John Binns’ of Philada. The copies are now received by me, for the subscribers which I obtained, at ten dollars each. I have also received some in elegant frames, the prices of which including the prints and glass complete...
1972To James Madison from Langdon Cheves, 7 February 1820 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to introduce to your Acquaintance & to recommend to your Notice Mr. John Labouchere. Mr. L. has visited the United States for the Purpose of becoming Acquainted with the Country & its distinguished men, I can not therefore do him a greater favour than to make him Acquainted with you. Mr. L. is a Very intelligent & interesting Young Gentleman. He is the Son of Mr Labouchere...
1973To James Madison from Samuel Wyllys Pomeroy, 7 February 1820 (Madison Papers)
Having been highly gratified & instructed, by the perusal of your address to the Agricultural Society of Albemarle in may last—I take the liberty of forwarding herewith, enclosed, the last number of the Massts. Agricul. Journal; & to request your attention to a letter in that publication, on “dairy Stock,” in which I have hinted at the expediency of introducing the practice of Spaying heifers...
1974To James Madison from James Monroe, 5 February 1820 (Madison Papers)
I send you herewith the principal documents which have been printed since the commencment of the Session. Should any be omitted, or should there be any information on any point not touched by them, which you may desire, or [ sic ] being so advised, I will communicate it. The Missouri question, as it is call’d, still engages the attention of Congress, & will probably do it, much longer. The...
1975To James Madison from Bushrod Washington, 31 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have postponed answering your favor of the 18th Ulto. until this time hoping that a more favorable change in the weather & the removal of a Cold which I have had for some time, would have permitted me without imprudence to go into an outhouse where my papers are kept and to select those you want. In both of these respects I have been disappointed, and as I must leave home in a day or two for...
1976To James Madison from Francis Preston, 30 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have prevailed on myself under great feeling and anxiety to drop you a few lines on one among the most afflicting circumstances that ever has occurred to me I mean the unfortunate affair of my Brother being a defaulter to the public treasury over which he presided, to the amount of about 80,000 dollars—an affair of which I was entirely ignorant until four days before the disclosure. You can...
1977To James Madison from Edmond Kelly, [ca. 29] January 1820 (Madison Papers)
Ten days after the date of my last letter I read a Memorial of the Citizens of Pensilvenia to Congress stating the necessity for domestic manufactures it was well written but except a short extract of a former report of the new Committee of Commerce & manufactures the later part was defective. It ought to have shewed the amount of Imported british merchandise & manufactures & if it could not...
1978To James Madison from Cumberland D. Williams, 29 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
By this mail I have forwarded to your address a Pamphlet on “The Causes of the present commercial embarrassment of the U. States with a plan of reform of the Circulating Medium,” with the hope that you will peruse, and if entitled to notice pass your opinion upon it with your accustomed frankness. No pretentions are made as to the style; The subject is one about which much has been said and...
1979To James Madison from John S. Barbour, 27 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
The Commissioner of the Chancery Court, (Acting in obedience to the order relating to the Rents of which I apprised you at a former period) has made up his account and report which I this day saw filed among the papers, by which the deft. B. G. Ward is charged with rents for Seven years @ 20$ per ann: interest thereon to the 1st. day of the present year, making in the aggregate 173.50/100$....
1980To James Madison from Mathew Carey, 26 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to send you a Copy of the Addresses of the Philadelphia Society for the protection of National Industry, of which I request your acceptance, & am, respectfully, Your obt. hble. servt. RC ( DLC ). Addressed by Carey to JM at Montpelier and franked. Docketed by JM. Addresses of the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of National Industry , 4th ed., (Philadelphia, 1819; Shaw...
1981To James Madison from Francis Corbin, 18 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
I am under many obligations to you for your last obliging letter, and thank you, in a special manner, for the notice you were pleased to take of my Postscript. I am anxious that the Institution, which was established under your auspices, should become profitable to those concerned in it, useful to the Community and popular. All these purposes have been hitherto frustrated by the unfortunate...
1982To James Madison from James Breckinridge, 17 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
Your favr. of the 12th. inst. was this moment recd. & I hasten to say in reply to it that your declining to receive the C. seed I promised, will subject me to no sort of inconvenience. I am indeed glad that you have met with an oppo. of obtaining a supply elsewhere. Your Fd. & Sert. RC ( DLC ).
1983To James Madison from James Breckinridge, 16 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
Having recd. a letter from Mr. Gordon saying that it would not be in his power to take the 10 busls. of clover seed to you in time, I immediately ordered that with an adl. quantity to be for[th]with sent to me here & as there is at this time a sufficient tide in the river to enable boats to navigate with safety, flatter myself that it soon be here. The moment it arrives I will write you....
1984To James Madison from James B. Pleasants, 15 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
The reason I would not request thy opinion on my progect for navigation was in the first place the difficulty of deciding from an imperfect sketch and the ill use I knew had been made of Great names and private opinions given in confidence. I have taken the liberty of inclosing a letter to thee directed to the Governor of Virginia on the same subject probably better suited to the present state...
1985To James Madison from Langdon Cheves, 14 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to receive your letter of the 20 ultimo in due of [ sic ] course of mail. A Multitude of laborious duties which admit of no delay have prevented me from replying to it Sooner. I can have no doubt of the qualifications of Mr Corbin for the appointment alluded to. A new Board has just come into Office here & I am yet entirely ignorant of their views. We are generally very...
1986To James Madison from Alexander Scott, 2 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
In addition to the acts of kindness heretofore received from you, it wou’d seem like imposing on benevolence to make any further request. Presuming however further on that benevolence, I once more take the liberty of soliciting your friendly assistance, promising at the same time that I shou’d be much distressed, were you to do any thing on my account, in the smallest degree repugnant to your...
1987To James Madison from Robert Walsh Jr., 2 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
I ought to have made my acknowledgments sooner for the very interesting and instructive letter which you have been pleased to write me, in relation to what is called the Missouri-Question. But, before I received it, I had Committed to the press part of the pamphlet which I now venture to send you; & thought my best course would be to defer the expression of my thanks, until that was completed....
1988To James Madison from Robert J. Evans, 31 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of forwarding you the first number of a monthly publication entitled the “Rural Magazine” which will be published tomorrow. The Editors are sons of Mr. Benjamin Johnson one of the oldest and most respectable booksellers of this city under whose immediate superintendance the work will be conducted. In this part of the Union we are not ignorant of the interest you take in...
1989To James Madison from Frederick C. Schaeffer, 30 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
Be pleased to excuse the liberty which a stranger takes, in thus addressing you. The interest you take in the promotion of every useful object has prompted me to send you a Report on Idleness and Sources of Employment, made to the Managers of the Society for the Prevention of Pauperism in this city. In preparing the report, local subjects were chiefly in view; however, in discussing these I...
1990To James Madison from William J. Coffee, 23 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty of forwarding to Mr. J Cook to be Sent on to you the Models in terra Cotta, consisting of your Order. They are Shipped as ⅌ Bill of Lading & I hope they will arrive Safe. I must beg your goodness to Order that they May be Safely conveyed from the Vessel to you & then carefully unpacted. Sir I am with mch Respect & Esteem Your Obt Servt RC ( DLC ). James Cooke was a...
1991To James Madison from Hazlewood Farish, 22 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
At a General meeting of the Stockholders of the Potomac Steam boat Company held at Mr. Davis’s Hotel in the City of Washington on Thursday the 16th Instant—it was unanimously resolved that each Stockholder in said company, be required to pay into the Branch Bank of the United States at Washington, on or before the 19th day of January next, Ten Dollars on each share of his Stock, & the further...
1992To James Madison from Thomas B. Barton, 18 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
My Report in the case of Madison vs Strode &c has been completed & the deft Berkley Ward is found indebted for rents received by him in the sum of $173:60 with Int. from 1st Jany 1820 on $140. My fee for Report is $8:69 which is charged to the plaintiff & the receipt of which will be promptly acknowledged by Yr respectfull & obt St RC ( DLC ). A copy of Barton’s report, dated 13 Dec. 1819, can...
1993To James Madison from James Monroe, 7 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
I send you a copy of the message which has just been sent in to Congress. The affair with Spain has been plac’d on the best ground, that great consideration had suggested, and we hope that it may be managed, in a manner, to secure the object desir’d, without war. I have reason to think, that the efforts of several powers, will be exerted, on that side; those of France, certainly will be; and...
1994To James Madison from William Maury, 4 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
It certainly will appear singular to you that a merchant should make a communication upon a subject so different from his occupation, to an Agricultural Society, but this is the object of my letter in the hope that it may be serviceable. Perhaps you may remember when I had the pleasure of being at your House, that we had some conversation upon the effect which the second crop of Clover had...
1995To James Madison from Francis Corbin, 2 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
It is impossible for Mrs. Corbin and myself to be sufficiently grateful to you and Mrs. Madison for your kind invitation. We are both anxious to accept it, and will do so, sooner or later, tho’ a letter received from our eldest Son, on the same day with your obliging one, renders it utterly impracticable till another year. After his fatiguing Tour thro’ Canada he rested in Philadelphia with...
1996To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 November 1819 (Madison Papers)
A visit of the ladies of our family to mrs. Madison gives me an opportunity of sending you our correspondence with Dr. Cooper & of recieving it back again safely. It is necessary to observe that our first letter & his first crossed each other on the road, so that each party had expressed their mind before knowing that of the other. On the whole this embarrassed transaction ends well enough,...
1997Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 November 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
A visit of the ladies of our family to mrs Madison gives me an opportunity of sending you our correspondence with D r Cooper & of recieving it back again safely. it is neces sar y to observe that our first letter & his first crossed each other on the road, so that each party had expressed their mind before knowing that of the other. on the whole this embarrassed transaction ends well enough,...
1998To James Madison from Clarkson Crolius, 29 November 1819 (Madison Papers)
By the direction of the Society of Tammany, or Columbian order, I do myself the honor of transmitting to you by this days mail the address of that Society; on the subject of national economy and domestic manufactures; The Society, as well as myself, would feel highly gratified, should the Sentiments it contains coincide with your own. I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration of...
1999To James Madison from James Breckinridge, 27 November 1819 (Madison Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 4th. inst. with the Charlottesville post mark of the 15th. a few days ago & would have immediately answered it if I could have done so satisfactorily. The delay has arisen from the apprehension of not being able to get a conveyance for the clover seed. I can spare the quantity you want (10 busls.) from my own crop but I dread the uncertainty &...
2000To James Madison from Hazlewood Farish, 27 November 1819 (Madison Papers)
Agreeably to the wishes of the President and Directors of the Potomac Steam Boat Company, I herewith beg leave to hand you a copy of their proceedings on the 25th instant, and have to request your attendance at Mr. Davis’s Hotel, in the City of Washington, at 12 o’clock, on Thursday the 16th of December, either in person or by proxy. I am, very respectfully, Sir, Your most obed’t serv’t, RC...