51To James Madison from Isaac Coffin, 17 May 1817 (Madison Papers)
Now that you have quitted the Helm of your Country & retired to private Life, on which Occasion I most sincerely congratulate you & Mrs. Madison, you may be able to recollect the kind promise made some time since to procure me some wild Turkies. Should you succeed, I dare hope Mr. Todd will find some Friend at Baltimore, who will take charge of them, & in the event of their being consigned to...
52To James Madison from James Pleasants Jr., 18 May 1817 (Madison Papers)
This letter will be handed you by my son John H. Pleasants. Going into your neighbourhood for a few days, and feeling the highest veneration for your character, he feels the strongest inclination to enjoy the pleasure of seeing you. With a view of indulging that inclination I have taken the liberty of troubling you in this mode of introducing him. Be pleased to present me most respectfully to...
53To James Madison from George M. Dallas, 19 May 1817 (Madison Papers)
In reviewing and examining my father’s papers, with the design of giving ornament and interest to his biography, I have derived incalculable pleasure from the perusal of letters written by you. They are very numerous; and (with some exceptions of a closely confidential character) treat of topics so important, in a manner so delightful, and so authentic, that I cannot estimate the value, their...
54To John Adams from James Madison, 22 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 22d Ult: with the two vols. bearing the name of Condorcet. If the length of time they remained in your hands, had been in the least inconvenient to me, which was not the case, the debt would have been greatly overpaid, by the interesting observations into which you were led by the return of them. The idea of a Government “in one center” as explained and espoused...
55From James Madison to John Adams, [22] May 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 22d Ult: with the two vols. bearing the name of Condorcet. If the length of time they remained in your hands, had been in the least inconvenient to me, which was not the case, the debt would have been greatly overpaid, by the interesting observations into which you were led by the return of them. The idea of a Government “in one center” as explained and espoused...
56From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 27 May 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have rcd. your two letters of the 21. & 22d. They came by the same mail. I return the letters inclosed in them. I missed the sale of my flour at the moment most favorable, in consequence of a trip to Charlottesville which I could not avoid, and which prevented the intended trip of Eddins to Fredg. My crop is still on hand, with the exception of a few barrels, which were disposed of before I...
57From James Madison to Francis Corbin, 28 May 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. duly your favor of the 29. Ult. The cask of wine has also come to hand. I thank you for it, with as much sincerity, as if the impression under which you converted a proposition on my part into a token of friendship on yours, had been strictly correct. As this was not the case I feel myself so much a debtor on the score of justice, and if it were the case should feel myself so much one...
58From James Madison to George M. Dallas, 28 May 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 19th. inst. and can not withold my consent to any use of the correspondence between your father and myself, which without violating the reserve due to personal & confidential considerations, may do justice to his merits, or give additional value to the publication you have in view. On his side of the correspondence I have preserved I believe the whole of it, and...
59From James Madison to James P. Preston, [ca. 31] May 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. lately a letter of which the inclosed is an extract. I know nothing more of the writer than what is stated by himself. As it is possible that he may possess useful talents in the branch of business he professes, I have thought it not amiss to give you this opportunity, of making further enquiry, in case the services he may be capable of rendering should be desireable for the public...
60From James Madison to Valentine Gill, [ca. 31] May 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. lately your letter of Apl. 4. and have made known its contents to the Govr. of this State. I think it probable however that provision has been already made for the engineering aid required in the internal improvements on foot in this State. Should there be occasion for your services, you will probably receive a communication on the subject. In the mean time it would evidently not be...
61From James Madison to David Gelston, ca. 5 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Gelston and requests that he will forward the inclosed to Halifax N. S. by some early conveyance. RC (Gallery of History, Las Vegas, Nev., 1998). Undated; conjectural date based on cover marked “Orange CH June 5th.” Addressed by JM to Gelston at New York and franked. Docketed by Gelston, “recd. 9th.” The enclosure was evidently JM to Valentine Gill, ca....
62From James Madison to George Bomford, 7 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Eddins the proposed contractor for the Musket Stocks, has since my last, ascertained by a careful examination of the fund of Walnut Trees on which he relied, that it will not yield more than about 12,000 Stocks of the description required. He can not therefore with prudence or safety engage for a greater amount. The form of the contract you inclosed has been so varied as to limit his...
63From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 7 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 7 June 1817, Montpelier. Offered for sale in King V. Hostick List No. 28 [1966], item 59.
64To James Madison from Donald Fraser Sr., 8 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Notwithstanding, my not having the honor of a personal acquaintance, yet, I trust, that, the well known, suavity of your disposition will induce you to pardon my freedom in addressing you at present. Knowing, that for many years past, your highly useful life, has been Devoted to the promotion of the best interests of your beloved Country: I [s]hou’d not have intruded upon your retireme[n]t,...
65To James Madison from George Bomford, 13 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 7th. Current has been duly received. The Contract as now proposed by Mr. Eddins for 12000 Stocks is perfectly satisfactory, although a preference would have been given to the number first proposed. I therefore beg leave to enclose to you the agreement executed by me, which you will please to deliver to Mr. Eddins on his furnishing you a Corresponding one, executed by himself,...
66To James Madison from Dominick Lynch Jr., 14 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
“The American Society for the Encouragement of Domestic Manufactures,” instituted in this city, sensible of the zeal, you have uniformly displayed, in the promotion of every object, connected with the Welfare and Independence of our country, had the honor to elect you a member, at their last meeting convened on the 13th. Inst., for the purpose of initiating into the Society, James Monroe,...
67To James Madison from James P. Preston, 14 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of May last with its enclosure an Extract Signed Valentine Gill. At the next meeting of the Board of Public Works, I will submit it, that I may receive their instructions, whether or not an inquiry shall be made after that gentleman. The acquirements and qualifications, which Mr Gill states himself to be possessed of being “A...
68From John Adams to James Madison, 17 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
Accept my thanks for your favour of last month. The safe Arrival of your books has quieted my conscience. There is nothing within the narrow Compass of human knowledge more interesting, than the Subject of your Letter. If “the Idea of a Government in one Center Seems to be every where exploded” perhaps Something remains undefined, as dangerous, as plausible and pernicious as that Idea. Half a...
69To James Madison from John Adams, 17 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Accept my thanks for your favour of last month. The safe Arrival of your books has quieted my conscience. There is nothing within the narrow Compass of human knowledge more interesting, than the Subject of your Letter. If “the Idea of a Government in one Center Seems to be every where exploded” perhaps Something remains, undefined, as dangerous, as plausible and pernicious as that Idea. Half a...
70To James Madison from George Joy, 17 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have already sent you original and duplicate of the enclosed; and I am sorry to say that my Correspondence with Dr. Eustis leaves the question of the appointment to the Consul Generalship of Holland under considerable doubt, which is by no means removed by a Letter he has written Mr: Adams—“Had Mr: Joy been at Rotterdam” he says “he would have had strong Claims; but under the necessity of...
71To James Madison from Richard Rush, 18 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
When it became my lot to superintend for a short time, the business of the department of state, I little imagined, that among the foreign ministers, the Abbe Correa was the one with whom my official relations were to be the least smooth. Having imbibed a veneration for his character and genius, struck with the engaging simplicity of his manners and liberality of his principles, I had, on the...
72To James Madison from William Thornton, 18 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Bearer of this, Mr: Thomas Freeborn, is desirous of visiting Mr: Jefferson & yourself, and has requested me to favor him with a line. He would have brought Letters from respectable Gentlemen of New York, where he is a very respected Character, as I have ample testimony of, but he did not think of going further South than this. He has no particular Business, but to see those great men of...
73To James Madison from Richard Rush, 20 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
We have latterly had no papers from abroad. Mr Adams seems to have ceased sending them, probably from his preparations to come home. His last letter to the department stated his expectation to embark before the first of June. As to the French papers they come to us but seldom, and amount to but little when they do come. With Russia, France and Spain, our relations continue, I believe, just as...
74To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 22 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
In two packages, distinct from this letter, I return you your father’s meteorological diaries, which you were so kind as to lend me, and a piece on paper money recieved from you some time ago. From the former I have made out tables of rain and snow, and a calendar of animal and vegetable matters announcing the advance of seasons. Having now compleated 7. years of observations since my return...
75To James Madison from Charles Valérie de Perron, 22 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
It being nearly impossible for me to do my self the honour of presenting the inclosed letter, I take the liberty to forward it to you, desiring to be permitted to expose the reasons and motives of my proceeding. Circumstances having obliged me to delay my departure from France, after my last interview with the marquis de la Fayette I could not reach this place before november last year. I...
76Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 22 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In two packages, distinct from this letter, I return you your father ’s meteorological diaries , which you were so kind as to lend me, and a piece on paper money recieved from you some time ago. from the former I have made out tables of rain and snow, and a calendar of animal and vegetable matters announcing the advance of seasons. having now compleated 7. years of observations since my return...
77From James Madison to George Bomford, 23 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is the Copy of Agreement relating to Muskit Stocks, signed by Abram Eddins. He is anxious to receive as soon as ⟨pos⟩sible, the rough model, without which he can not begin to saw the Walnut plank, so as to make the most of the Stuff. Friendly respects RC ( PHC ). Addressee not indicated; identified as Bomford based on evidence contained in JM to Richard Cutts, 27 May 1817 , JM to...
78To James Madison from Alexander Garrett, 24 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
After you left this, a difficulty occured in obtaining the title to the lands purchased for the Central College, that difficulty was not removed untill yesterday, when a title was obtained; the prospect of raising a considerable sum by individual donations to the College is now truly flattering. I am advised to (and now with great diffidence & due deference) inclose you a copy of the...
79To James Madison from Michael Hutton, 25 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
England ought to have been the Garden of the World, as it respects the management of Agriculture, and she certainly has done much in this way, but very very far short indeed, of what might have been done, too much consequence has been placed upon some other Systems, where more rapid Fortunes could be made, but as I have uniformly declared to my Private Friends that Riches so accumulated would...
80To James Madison from David Gelston, 26 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed was received in due course, no proper opportunity presented until a few days since, on presenting the letter, the Gentleman observed, that Mr Gill had left Halifax, and he believed for the United States, but for what State he did not know. I have thought best to return the letter to you, if I should learn where Mr Gill is, I shall advise you. Very respectfully, I am, Sir, your...
81From James Madison to Dominick Lynch Jr., 27 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 18th. inst. informing me that “the Amn. Society for the encouragemt of domestic manufactures,” have been pleased to elect me one of its members. Altho’ I approve the policy of leaving to the sagacity of individuals, and to the impulse of private interest, the application of industry & capital, I am equally persuaded, that in this as in other cases, there are...
82From James Madison to Richard Rush, 27 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two favors of the 18 & 20 inst. I am promised a visit from Mr. Jefferson, the ensuing month, and shall not fail to communicate to him, the one you note for that purpose. I readily conceive that Mr. Correa, may feel some conflict, in his present position, between his two characters of Philanthropist and Plenipotentiary; and that he may infer some indulgence towards the latter,...
83From James Madison to Charles Stewart, 30 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 30 June 1817. Acknowledged in Stewart to JM, 6 July 1817 .
84To James Madison from Edmond Kelly, 1 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
I am aware that to write on public business to a Gentn who retired from it, if on any common or ordinary occurrence would be improper. I wd. not—& am sorry the nature of the Comn. renders appology unnecessary because as you have held the first rank & enjoyed the confidence and Esteem of all good Citizens honor gratitude & Duty impose on you the sacred obligation of a public Guardian of their...
85To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 2 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I send you a letter from Mrs. Lee to Mrs. Madison, to whom be pleased to present my best respects & wishes, which was intended to have been conveyed by Mr. Todd. It affords me very great satisfaction to hear from every quarter, that you enjoy in your delightful retirement fine health with philosophic Ease. That you may long continue in possession of these blessings, enhanced as they...
86To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 5 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
I was honored by your letter of March last on the 11th. of that month. The papers inclosed came safely to hand. The subject of the cotton culture, commerce and manufacture can never cease to be of primary interest to any man who understands and feels a concern in the means of promoting the wealth of the United States. The present embarrassments of the maritime commerce of the world, in which...
87To James Madison from Charles Stewart, 6 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have been honor’d by the receipt of your Excellencys letter & inclosures of the 30th Ulto. I hasten to assure you, that whatever is in my power to serve the General Fayett or his friends, will be afforded with the greatest pleasure. If Mr. Deperron is desirous of embarking onbd. the Franklin as a passenger, he is most heartily welcom, and to everything my Cabin & personal attention, will...
88To James Madison from Edward Caffarena, 12 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to present my respects to You Sir the 25th: of July last Year, giving you notice, that I had Shipped on Board the Ship Gosport of Philadelphia, Isaiah Bunker Master, two Boxes to your address containing a Statue of Bonaparte, with a Pedestal, and finding myself deprived of your new’s accusing the reception of the same, this induces me by way of precaution to inclose herein a...
89From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 13 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. your favor of the 6th. inst. As Mrs Cutts keeps you informed of what relates to herself & the part of her little family with us, I have only to make Mrs. Ms. and my returns to you and the part with you, for the affectionate remembrances you communicate. I am just closing my wheat harvest. It will not exceed 2/5 perhaps not ⅓ of what it would have been if uninjured by the Insect....
90Account with Charles Taylor, [14 July] 1817 (Madison Papers)
Colo. James Madison To Charles Taylor Dr. 1816 Novr. 19th To Medecine Directions &ce for Ralph 10/ £ 0.. 10.. 0 1817 Jany. 12th A Viset Castor Oil. Sachr. Sat: Flor Chame &c { 14th Balsamic Drops —Bark Rhap &ce for Hannah 24/1.. 4.. 0 Feby. 18th Anode. Camphd Linament for Lewis 4/6 0..
91To James Madison from John Love, 15 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of seeing the President who passed on this road in the spring to Washington, and who being satisfyed from the appearance of the Lawler wheat contrasted with the common kinds, that it was not injured by the hessian fly, engaged with me for 200 bushls: for himself, and requested I would also reserve the same quantity for you, to whom He said He would write. Not having had the...
92To James Madison from Hezekiah Niles, [ca. 15] July 1817 (Madison Papers)
After revolving upon some suitable apology for intruding myself with the following statement and request, I have thought it most respectful to decline offering any, expect [ sic ] to observe that if ought appears to your better judgment improper in either, that you will attribute it to any thing else than a willingness on my part to act so in any respect towards you. For six years ending with...
93To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 17 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
On my return from Geneva, I found your friendly letter of March last. Most sincerely do I congratulate you on the happy & honorable termination of your political labours. Few indeed have the good fortune, after such career as yours, to carry in their retirement, the entire approbation of their fellow citizens with that of their own conscience. Never was a country left in a more flourishing...
94To James Madison from John Pope, 20 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
If you have retained a letter I wrote you about the first of April 1812 the day preceding your message to Congress recommending an embargo, you would oblige me by enclosing it or a copy to me by mail with an endorsment of the time or about the time it was received. I trust it is unnecessary for me to assure you that no improper use is intended to be made of the letter. I do not know if I was...
95From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 23 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 20th. and should with pleasure comply with the wish you intimate, but the remnant of my funds in Washington has been so reduced by necessary drafts, that there is little more there than will suffice for a debt I expect daily to be called for, incurred by Payne Todd on my account, in the purchase of a set of 4 if not 5 horses. The purchase has been made, and by the...
96To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 23 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
The promptitude & success of our subscription paper, now amounting to upwards of 20,000. D. with a prospect much beyond that renders the decision immediately necessary of some important questions which I had thought might have laid over to our periodical meeting the last of September. Having an opportunity of writing to Genl. Cocke, I invited him to join me in a visit to you on Friday the...
97Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 23 July 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The promptitude & success of our subscription paper , now amounting to upwards of 20,000.D. with a prospect much beyond that renders the decision immediately necessary of some important questions which I had thought might have laid over to our periodical meeting the last of September. having an opportunity of writing to Gen l Cocke , I invited him to join me in a visit to you on Friday the 25...
98To James Madison from James Monroe, 27 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
I am so far on my route westward, after having extended my tour to the East, as far as Portland, whence I return’d to Dover in N Hamshire, & came thence, by Concord, & Hanover, into Vermont, at windsor, & by montpelier, & Burlington to this place. I visited yesterday Rouse’s point, which is within a few hundred yards of the boundary line. I met her⟨e⟩ Genl Brown, and to morrow we proceed,...
99To James Madison from Thomas Todd, 27 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
I regret very much that your request respecting the horses has not been sooner complied with, the delay is attributible to a variety of causes, which it would be tedious to both you & myself to detail. I now have the pleasure of sending you four bays—One four years old, two of them five and one six—they have been since my last under the management of a person in whose Judgement & integrity I...
100Minutes 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...