4151To James Madison from Richard Peters, 4 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you the Memorial I troubled you about which I should sooner have sent but that I thought it best to accompany it with a Translation. It is addressed under a mistaken Idea of the old Arrangement of Congress. But this will not affect the Substance. This young Man never had a Commission tho’ he did the Duty he mentions. He came to this Country & left it with the Marquis. The Facts he...
4152To James Madison from John Browne Cutting, [ca. 5 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have been confined by an inflammation in my throat—or I shou’d have called on you at an early hour this day. Perhaps your leisure moments on the morrow (if the committee-business does not monopolize you)—will permit you to give a simple negative or affirmative to my written questions—on paper? I only ask this: in case my indisposition continues—so that I shoud not be well enough to visit...
4153Postal Road Survey, [5 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison after some general remarks on the subject, offered a resolution, the purport of which is to authorise the President of the United States to cause a survey of the main post road from Maine to Georgia; the expence to be defrayed out of the surplus revenue of the post office. Gazette of the U.S. , 9 Feb. 1796 (reprinted in Philadelphia Gazette , 10 Feb. 1796, Aurora General Advertiser...
4154To James Madison from John Browne Cutting, 6 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
Accept my best acknowledgments both for your goodness in the investigation of my case; and the candid & obliging opinion you communicate concerning it. In proportion to the solicitude resulting from the delicacy of the nature of my claim—the hard struggle I have made for evidence to substantiate it—and the nicety of Feelings that have been deeply wounded—in the affair—is the satisfaction I...
4155From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
Several mails preceding that of yesterday brought nothing more Southern than Baltimore. This will account for my not receiving your favor of the 24th. Ult, till yesterday. I will make the enquiries & execute the commissions in it with pleasure, & without delay. I am afraid to make the same promise as to the weekly history of what passes in the Govt. behind the curtain; especially as the Cypher...
4156From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 7 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Jany. 6., owing to failures of the Mail South of Baltimore, did not come to hand within the usual time; and subsequent delays in the communication consultation & decision of Mr. Giles & myself, on the manner of publishing & applying your observations on the carriage tax, have brought down the return of my thanks for your favor to the present date. I read with real pleasure the...
4157To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 7 February 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Several mails preceding that of yesterday brought nothing more Southern than Baltimore. This will account for my not receiving your favor of the 24th. Ult., till yesterday. I will make the inquiries, and execute the commissions in it with pleasure, and without delay. I am afraid to make the same promise as to the weekly history of what passes in the Government behind the curtain; especially as...
4158Compensation for Members of Congress, [8 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
On 16 December 1795 the House appointed a committee to report bills for compensating members of Congress. The chairman, Goodhue (Massachusetts), reported legislation on 28 January 1796 which proposed that members of both Houses receive a salary of $1,000 annually instead of $6 per day. In the debate in the Committee of the Whole on 8 February, Giles (Virginia) moved to strike the word...
4159To James Madison from Jared Ingersoll, [9 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
As you have considered the question of Constitutionality arising on the Carriage Tax, & I am applied to, on a sudden, to engage in the Argument, if without inconvenience, you could bestow 10 or 15 minutes to hint your Ideas upon the Subject, they will be very acceptable to me. Excuse the liberty I take I am With much respect Your obed hum servt RC ( NHi ). Addressed by Ingersoll to JM, “No....
4160Domestic Debt of the United States, [9 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
On 3 February, Smith (South Carolina) reported a bill to extend until the end of the year the time for receiving on loan the domestic debt of the United States. In debate on 9 February, Swift (Connecticut) moved a clause that “it shall be lawful for the offices of the Treasury to receive on Loan Continental bills.” Several speakers opposed the clause as violating statutes of limitations and...
4161From James Madison to Robert Simons, [ca. 10 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
Your letter under the same cover with a Memorial to the House of Reps. came duly to my hands thro’ those of Majr. Butler: and the Memorial, was according to your request put into the hands of the Speaker. As it has not been & is not meant to be laid before the House, it may be proper for me to give you this information, & to add that the part relating to an impeachment of the Senate which is...
4162To James Madison from James Wattson, 10 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
The high Esteem & regard I have for you Makes Me trouble you, with this peice of Information which perhaps you already have Viz: That all Linnen Cloth Cotton Cloth, Tykes, Checks—&c. have a Bounty granted by Government of Britain of one penny half penny ⅌ yard of 36 Inches—they draw back also the Excise for Instance printed Cottons draw back the Excise Duty of 3d ⅌. yd. & also a Bountie of one...
4163Postal Road Survey, [11 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison moved that the resolution laid upon the table, some days ago, be taken up, relative to the survey of the post roads between the province of Maine and Georgia, which being read, he observed that two good effects would arise from carrying this resolution into effect; the shortest rout from one place to another would be determined upon, and persons, having a certainty of the stability...
4164Contested Election, [11 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
On 8 December 1795 Matthew Lyon petitioned the House, protesting the election of Israel Smith (Vermont). The petition was referred to the Committee of Elections, which returned to the House on 27 January 1796 a report in favor of Smith. Debate began 11 February on whether to recommit the report to allow Lyon to present further evidence on behalf of his petition ( Annals of Congress Debates and...
4165To George Washington from James Madison, 12 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
Mr Madison presents his respectful compliments to the President of the United States, with a letter from Arthur Cambell Esqr. which an accompanying letter to Mr M. requests him to deliver to the President. Mr Cambell makes a further request of Mr M. to make any explanations that may be necessary. Mr M. is not sensible that he possesses any local or other knowledge that can elucidate the...
4166From James Madison to George Washington, 12 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison presents his respectful compliments to the President of the United States, with a letter from Arthur Cambell Esqr. which an accompanying letter to Mr. M. requests him to deliver to the President. Mr. Cambell makes a further request of Mr. M. to make any explanations that may be necessary. Mr. M. is not sensible that he possesses any local or other knowledge that can elucidate the...
4167From George Washington to James Madison, 13 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for forwarding Mr Campbells letter; & whenever I shall have the pleasure of seeing you (for I would not put you to the trouble of calling for that purpose only) I will converse with you upon the subject of it. I confess, in the meantime, that I do not see upon what ground the application is made, to me. I can hardly suppose, Congress will disband the Troops now in Service, and...
4168To James Madison from George Washington, 13 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for forwarding Mr. Campbells letter; & whenever I shall have the pleasure of seeing you (for I would not put you to the trouble of calling for that purpose only) I will converse with you upon the subject of it. I confess, in the meantime, that I do not see upon what ground the application is made, to me . I can hardly suppose, Congress will disband the Troops now in Service, and...
4169To James Madison from Jared Ingersoll, 14 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
I am particularly obliged by your sending me the Book on Taxation. I will endeavour to possess myself of the Report to which you allude & shall be particularly happy to have a conference with you to-morrow. I am With great regard yr RC ( NN ). Addressed by Ingersoll. Possibly JM sent Ingersoll a copy of John Taylor, An Argument respecting the Constitutionality of the Carriage Tax; Which...
4170To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 17 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
I was not only astonished but concerned to see in what manner the resolutions of the Virginia Ass: was treated by the Mass. Legislature as well as some others but by others with more decency —these are strange and unaccountable things to me but I suppose are well warranted in the opinion of others better informed. I had supposed there was nothing unconstitutional in a state legislature...
4171From James Madison to James Blair, ca. 20 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 20 February 1796. Mentioned in JM to James Madison, Sr., 21 Feb. 1796 . Orders clover seed for Montpelier.
4172From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have made enquiry as to Lownes. In general he is well spoken of, in every respect. Old Mr. Howell however, told me he was not a punctual man & was slow in his payments. I then mentioned my reasons for asking him. He proceeded to say that his son dealt in the same article with Lownes, and that if you chose to take your Iron rod here, he would be responsible for the most exact...
4173From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 21 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have been much disappointed in not hearing from you on the subject of the Chariot; as well as on the enquiries I made respecting my crops of Corn, & the quantity of Wheat sent from my farms to Mr. Dunbar. I have just heard that Mr. Anderson expected to receive a quantity of Clover seed, & have written to Mr. Blair to procure me from 1 to 3 bushls. accordg. to the price, & forward it to...
4174To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 21 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
I propose to write you a longer letter in answer to your two favors of Jan. 31. & Feb. 7. which came by our last post. But as I may possibly not have time before A’s departure, I inclose you a letter to J. Bringhurst, as the perusal of it will answer that article of your letters. When read, be pleased to seal & send it. I thank you as much for your advance to him as if I had really owed it,...
4175From James Madison to Arnold Henry Dohrman, 21 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 21 February 1796. Acknowledged in Dohrman to JM, 26 Feb. 1796 . Concerns Dohrman’s debt to Philip Mazzei.
4176From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 21 February 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I propose to write you a longer letter in answer to your two favors of Jan. 31. and Feb. 7. which came by our last post. But as I may possibly not have time before it’s departure, I inclose you a letter to J. Bringhurst, as the perusal of it will answer that article of your letters. When read, be pleased to seal and send it. I thank you as much for your advance to him as if I had really owed...
4177To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 21 February 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last I have made enquiry as to Lownes. In general he is well spoken of, in every respect. Old Mr. Howell however, told me he was not a punctual man and was slow in his payments. I then mentioned my reasons for asking him. He proceeded to say that his son dealt in the same article with Lownes, and that if you chose to take your Iron rod here, he would be responsible for the most exact...
4178To James Madison from William Russell, 22 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed you have several papers relative to my claim against the United States, and am sorry to trouble you so much about the business. I should esteem it a singular favor if you would still try to settle it for me, as I am in want of what is due me at present, and desire no more than is just and right. After informing Mr. Robertson of my business, he referred to his Papers and finding that I...
4179Loan for the City of Washington, [22 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
In a message of 8 January 1796, Washington urged Congress to provide for the completion of public buildings in the federal city. On 25 January a House committee reported resolutions recommending that the president be authorized to borrow money for that purpose. These resolutions were debated in a Committee of the Whole on 3 and 4 February and reported as a bill on 15 February. This bill was...
4180Assignment of a Share in the Library Company of Philadelphia, 22 February 1796 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 February 1796. JM, having by marriage to the widow of John Todd inherited a share in the Library Company, for valuable consideration assigns that share to George McCall of Philadelphia. Letterbook copy ( PPL ). 1 p. Witnessed by George Washington and Isaac Winston, Jr. Recorded by Benjamin R. Morgan, secretary, 24 Mar. 1796.
4181To James Madison from Jared Ingersoll, [24 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
… Mr. Hamilton has today stated his points. Permit me to mention them hastily, & if you have time … to remark on them I shall be glad.… Printed extract (Argosy Book Stores Catalogue No. 168, “Political History of the U.S.A., 1776–1936,” [1940], item 201). Described as a one-page ALS. The catalogue notes that among Hamilton’s points was “That Taxes on Land and Labour only are direct.” For...
4182To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 24 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 February 1796. Acknowledged in JM’s 13 Mar. 1796 letter to his father . Requests instructions and reports on John Lee’s efforts concerning Kentucky lands owned by JM and Nelly Conway Madison, Ambrose Madison’s daughter. Discusses farm business at Montpelier and the leasing of a house to a carpenter.
4183From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have written you several particular letters latterly, & now add this for a conveyance of which I am just apprised. The British Treaty, is still in the situation explained in my last. Several circumstances have indicated an intention in the Executive to lay it before the House of Reps. but it has not yet taken place. There is reason to believe that some egregious misconception of ideas has...
4184To James Madison from Arnold Henry Dohrman, 26 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
According to yr. directions, I waithed on Mr Beckley with an intend & the means to settle the claim of Mr. Mazzei, but found to my astonishment a difficulty started about the amount of the Debt, which prevented me from settling it then, as the means where then furnished me by my friend on Condition to recover the Mortgage, it was out of my power to pay what I owed on account, as Mr. Beckley...
4185Compensation for Members of Congress, [26 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
After debate on 8 February, the motion to pay congressmen an annual salary was defeated and the bill returned to committee. The matter was resumed on 26 February in a Committee of the Whole, where Giles (Virginia) suggested that the Speaker receive a larger salary than other members because of the incidental expenses and greater duties of his office ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings...
4186To James Madison from James Monroe, 27 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
This will accompany your china which is addressed to Mr. Yard. I enclose also the charge by wh. you will be able to pay the duty. About a fortnight past I was informed by the minister of foreign affairs that the government had at length resolved how to act with us in respect to our treaty with England . That they considered it as having violated or rather annulled our treaty of alliance with...
4187To James Madison from Robert Simons, 28 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
Yours I Rec’d the 20th of this month and have observed fully its contents. You speak of Gratitude to public Servants, gratitude from one individual to another is noble; and from one body of Men to another for past Services. I have put the duty I owe to my Country in one scale and Gratitude to the President of the United states for his past Services in the other scale and find the last...
4188From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
The Treaty with Spain arrived on Tuesday last. It adjusts both the boundary and navigation in a very satisfactory manner. I have not yet been able to decide whether, on the latter point it clashes or not with the British Treaty; the article being differently represented by different members of the Senate. Nor am I able to say whether any of the articles come within the objections to the...
4189Impressed American Seamen, [29 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
Impressment of American seamen by the Royal Navy was a constant irritant in Anglo-American relations, especially after the outbreak of war between Great Britain and France in 1793. American consuls in the ports of Great Britain could offer some assistance to impressed Americans under a statute of 14 April 1792, but the United States had no consular offices in the West Indies, from where...
4190To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 29 February 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The Treaty with Spain arrived on Tuesday last. It adjusts both the boundary and navigation in a very satisfactory manner. I have not yet been able to decide whether, on the latter point it clashes or not with the British Treaty; the article being differently represented by different members of the Senate. Nor am I able to say whether any of the articles come within the objections to the...
4191To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, [1 March] 1796 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have seen Mr. Edmd. Bullock and have confered with him about Mrs. payns lands, the two thousand acres near the upper blue licks has been surveyed, by a Mr. Allen Ajent for Smyth payne of Goochland, on a supposition that it was his as heir to his father, whose name was John. I beleave Mr. Bullock has satisfied Mr. Allen, & Mr. Breckinridge who also does business for S. payne,...
4192To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 1 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have omitted in my letter of this date to comply with the requ[e]st of our relation Jonathan Taylor Jur. He supposes there will be agents or superentendants appointed to carry on a trade with the Indian tribes, and he wishes to get into that department—and wishes your aid in the matter. The Carrecter of Mr. Taylor as an Officer, & paymaster in the Army has been (from every information I have...
4193Impressed American Seamen, [1 March] 1796 (Madison Papers)
In the debate continuing in the Committee of the Whole since 29 February, Bourne (Rhode Island) modified his amendment to leave greater power with the president on the appointment of agents ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). , 4th Cong., 1st sess., 395). Mr. Madison said if the motion under discussion was meant...
4194To James Madison from Mark Pragers and Company, 3 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
We recd. yesterday a Letter from Mr. Arnold Henry Dohrman a[t] New York, requesting to settle a claim you have against him for Mr. Philip Mazzei, we beg therefore to be informed when you will be at leisure and one of our house will do him self the pleasure to call on you, to converse on the subject. We are respectfully Sir Your most Obedt. Servts. RC ( NN ).
4195Northwestern Land Offices, [3 March] 1796 (Madison Papers)
On 26 January 1796 Smith (South Carolina) reported a bill to establish offices for the sale of land in the territory northwest of the Ohio River and above the mouth of the Kentucky River. Its clauses included the creation of a surveyor general with authority to appoint deputies; rectangular surveys and the division of the land into tracts three miles square; and the price of land fixed at $2...
4196From George Washington to James Madison, 6 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
As you are knowing to the situation of young Mr Fayette; to the measures I have adopted in his behalf; to my wishes towards him; and to the restraints under which those wishes have been placed, from considerations of a public nature. And as I am unacquainted with the ground work, or the tendency of the motion made by Mr Livingston, relative to this young gentleman; I flatter myself, that in...
4197From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your’s of covering a letter to John Bringhurst which has been forwarded to him. There has not been time enough yet for an answer. The letter promised to myself, in yours, has not come [to] hand. The delay can be sufficiently accounted for by the irregularities of the Southern Mails, particularly South of Baltimore. The Senate have unanimously ratified the Algerine & Spanish...
4198From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 6 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
In a letter to my brother Wm by last mail I acknowledged yours of the 8th. Feby; previous to which I had written several letters to which I refer on the subject of yours of Jany. 12. I am sorry to find our crops of Wheat falling so much short. The price it is to be hoped will make some amends. Flour is now up at 15 or 15½ dollars & Wheat at 20/. at least. It would have been convenient to me if...
4199To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you Feb. 21. since which I have recd. yours of the same day. Indeed mine of that date related only to a single article in yours of Jan. 31. & Feb. 7. I do not at all wonder at the condition in which the finances of the US. are found. Ham’s object from the beginning was to throw them into forms which should be utterly undecypherable. I ever said he did not understand their condition...
4200To James Madison from George Washington, 6 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
As you are knowing to the situation of young Mr. Fayette; to the measures I have adopted in his behalf; to my wishes towards him; and to the restraints under which those wishes have been placed, from considerations of a public nature—And as I am unacquainted with the ground work, or the tendency of the motion made by Mr. Livingston, relative to this young gentleman; I flatter myself, that in...