1From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 February 1786 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 4 February 1786. Recorded in “Letters from J. M. [to] Mr. Monroe” (DLC) as “unimportant.”
2From James Madison to James Maury, 3 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 3 July 1788 . Acknowledged in Maury to JM, 24 Feb. 1789 . Encloses The Federalist and reports on political affairs.
3From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., ca. 1 December 1785 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 1 December 1785. Mentioned in JM’s 1 December 1785 letter to his brother Ambrose . Contained news about the activities of the Assembly.
4From James Madison to James McClurg, ca. 25 August 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 25 August 1787. Alluded to in McClurg to JM, 5 Sept. 1787 . JM is indisposed but continues to attend the convention.
5From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 September 1788 . Acknowledged in Monroe to JM, 24 Sept. 1788 . Discusses the act of Congress establishing New York as the first seat of the new government.
6From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 10 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 February 1787, New York . Enclosed with JM’s letter of the same date to his brother Ambrose and mentioned therein. Related the latest news of the insurrection in Massachusetts.
7From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., ca. 13 December 1785 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 13 December 1785. Mentioned in JM’s letter to his brother, Ambrose, 15 December 1785 . In the letter to his father, 24 December 1785 , JM wrote that the previous letter had concerned the miscarriage of the Assize Court bill.
8From James Madison to James McClurg, ca. 1 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 1 September 1787. Alluded to in McClurg to JM, 10 Sept. 1787 . Commission to John Beckley. Inquires about reports of insurrection in Virginia.
Letter not found. November—December 1787? Acknowledged in the Reverend James Madison to JM, 9 Feb. 1788 . Replies to objections to the Constitution made by the Reverend James Madison in his letter to JM of ca. 1 Oct. 1787 .
10From James Madison to James Monroe, [14 April] 1785 (Madison Papers)
By an opportunity to Richd. I wrote to you 2 days ago. Havg. now one to Frebg. I inclose the Cypher then promised. It will probably get to hand at the same with letter via Richd. Adieu. RC ( DLC ). Addressed to Monroe in Congress, “To care of [Mr. Ma]ury Esqr. Fredg.” Docketed by JM, “Mr. Monroe Cypher.” The date is fixed from the message JM sent Monroe on 12 Apr. 1785 . Enclosure ( DLC ).
11From James Madison to the Reverend James Madison, 19 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 19 April 1789. Acknowledged in the Reverend James Madison to JM, 5 May 1789 . Reports that Congress has begun its work and that there is less disagreement “between the different Parties” than he had expected.
12From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., ca. 26 October 1786 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 26 October 1786, Fredericksburg. Concerning family affairs and articles to be sent from Philadelphia to Orange. Mentioned in JM’s letter of 1 November 1786 to his father .
13From James Madison to James Mchenry, ca. 5 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 5 August 1788 . Acknowledged in McHenry to JM, 14 Aug. 1788 . Replies to McHenry’s request in his letter of 26 July 1788 for information concerning the political strategy of the Antifederalists.
14From James Madison to James Monroe, ca. 31 August 1786 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 31 August 1786, Philadelphia. JM expressed his anxiety at being unable to repay Monroe the money he had advanced on their purchase of Mohawk lands. Mentioned in Monroe to JM, 12 and 25 September 1786 .
15From James Madison to James Mchenry, ca. 10 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 10 April 1788 . Mentioned in JM to Washington, 10 Apr. 1788 . Urges speedy adoption of the Constitution by Maryland. A delay there could prove fatal to ratification in Virginia.
16From James Madison to James McClurg, ca. 28 July 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 28 July 1787. Acknowledged in McClurg to JM, 5 Aug. 1787 . Reports proceedings of the Federal Convention since McClurg’s departure and requests his return to Philadelphia.
17From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 6 September 1784 (Madison Papers)
I arrived at this place the night before last only, having declined starting from Fredg. at the time I proposed when I parted with you & having staid at Baltimore one day. At the latter place I fell in with the Marquis & had his company thus far. He is proceeding Northwd. as far as Boston from whence he goes to the Indian Treaty at Fort Stanwix & from thence returns to Virga. about the same...
18From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 20 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
No question has been yet taken by which the strength of parties can be determined. The calculations on different sides do not accord; each making them under the bias of their particular wishes. I think however the friends of the Constitution are most confident of superiority; and am inclined myself to think they have at this time the advantage of 3 or 4 or possibly more in point of number. The...
19From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Neither of the two last posts brought me a line from you. I find one in the office for Mr. Jones who is absent on a visit to King George. I expect him back on Monday next. Our proceedings throughout this week have turned chiefly on the bill for assize Courts, which yesterday passed the H. of D. after a faint opposition and with very few dissenting voices. It is formed pretty much on the...
20From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 16 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Anderson in answer to your enquiries tells me that you shall have goods at 87½ Per Ct. and that he will take Tobo. for his brother if it be ready by the 10th. of next month. The H. of Delegates have done little since my last, and some of what was then done is still ineffectual for want of a Senate. A proposition for stopping the receipt of indents was made, and met with so little...
21From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 5th. inst. and have attended to the several objects suggested in it. Mordecai having given up all his effects to the Assignees can do nothing for his creditors. He tells me that a dividend will certainly be made in April & not before, and that he shall pay about 15/. in the pound. I have applied also to Crowley, and having little confidence in my own judgment...
22From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 5 June 1784 (Madison Papers)
I have disposed of the tobacco entrusted to me for 40/. per Ct. but receive in hand no more than will be delivered by Mr. Craig. The residue will be paid before I leave this place. I inclose a draught on S. J. from Col: Harvey, for £200 for Which I have credited Mr. Anderson on his bond. Mr. Anderson could not pay the balance now, but expects to do it shortly. The draught & the remittance will...
23From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 24 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
The H. of D. have just past a bill makg. Tobo. recievable in the tax at the market price at the several Warehouses to be fixt by the Executive. There is a proviso that the highest price shall not exceed 28/. An equality of price throughout was contended for which I disapproved 1. because I think it wd. have been unjust. 2 because the bill could not have been carried in that form. I was not...
24From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 18 November 1785 (Madison Papers)
I rcd. yrs. by Capt. Barbour who I hope will enquire as to Turpin in the land office. I wish you rather to confide such business to friends coming here who can be relied on than to refer it to me. I am so little Master of my time, and the Office is removed so far out of the way that I cannot be relied on. I will endeavor to get the Journals for you soon. The price of Tobo. forbids the sale of...
25From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 [11] August 1786 (Madison Papers)
I called at Hunts at Trenton but he had come a few days before to this City. On my arrival last night I sought him out and find that he has disposed of two of the Horses belonging to the Sett on which you relied. The fourth horse he had never actually procured, but had him within his reach in case a bargain had been concluded with you. One therefore of that Sett only remains. His price would...
26From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 November 1784 (Madison Papers)
Having a moments time to drop you a line I inform you that the Bill for confirming surveys agst. subsequent entries has been negatived by a large majority, rather on the principle that it was unnecessary & retrospective, than that it was unjust in itself. On the contrary all the principal gentlemen were of opinion that it was just, but already provided for by the law. Mr. Innes the late Judge...
27From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 October 1786 (Madison Papers)
I drop you a few lines rather as a fulfilment of my promise than for the purpose of information, since they go by Mr. Jones who is much better acquainted with the politics here than myself. I find with pleasure that the navigation of the Misspi. will be defended by the Legislature with as much zeal as could be wished. Indeed the only danger is that too much resentment may be indulged by many...
28From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 August 1786 (Madison Papers)
I have your favor of the 14th. inst. The expedient of which you ask my opinion has recd. as it deserved all the consideration which the time & other circumstances would allow me to give. I think that in the present State of things, such an arrangement would be beneficial & even pleasing to those most concerned in it; and yet I doubt extremely the policy of your proposing it to Congs. The...
29From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 1 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
I send herewith 2 Copies of the Federalist, one for Mr. Leland—the other for Mr. Bledsoe. From Fredg. I may send probably a few more to be distributed as you may think best. I am just setting out Northwardly. John is so well as to be able to travel. I continue well myself. My affecte. regards to my mother & family. Your dutiful son RC ( DLC ). Docketed (by James Madison, Sr.?). The letter is...
30From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 March 1786 (Madison Papers)
I acknowledged some time since your favor of the 9th. of Feby. inclosing the plot and proposition from young Mr. Scott. I have only now to repeat on that subject that I wish him to place no expectation on one that may divert him from other negociations. If I find that my resources will make it worth while to renew the matter on my part, I will trouble you to obtain further explanations, unless...
31From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 September 1786 (Madison Papers)
I have two letters from you not yet acknowledged, one of the 1st the other of the 3d. inst. Nothing could be more distressing than the issue of the business stated in the latter. If the affirmative vote of 7 States sd. be pursued it will add the insult of Trick to the injury of the thing itself. Our prospect here makes no amends for what is done with you. Delaware N. J. & Va. alone are on the...
32From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 December 1786 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 16th. inst: came to hand too late the evening before last to be then answered. The payment of the 100 drs. here was perfectly convenient, and I have put that sum into the hands of Mr. Jones to be applied to the use which you have directed. This payment added to the 100 drs. paid in Philada. leaves still a balance of 137½ according to my memorandm. which is subject to your...
33From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have your favor of the 26. Ult. The reflection you make on the Resolutions concerning the Mississipi is not an unnatural one under the impressions left on your mind by the former proceedings on that subject. The Resolutions were certainly & bona fide, meant however to counteract the tendency of those proceedings, and hand over the subject to the new Government under favorable circumstances....
34From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 December 1785 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Js. Davis has just handed your favor of the 24. inst. It is too late to revise the proceedings relative to the Trustees of Beverley. The Act authorises the Commssrs who are to settle your accounts to make a reasonable allowance for your trouble. I cannot get a copy of the Act without paying the £10. Capt. P. Barbour will inform you of Dean’s answer to his application. He carried a letter...
35From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Seeing little chance of a direct conveyance of your furniture to Fredg. we have availed ourselves of one to Norfolk for which it embarked a few days ago under address to the care of Col. Parker. It was accompanied with a certificate protecting it from the duties. I inclose the charges here, which amount to £89..12. of this currency. I did not add the side board, because I wished not to obtain...
36From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
Since my arrival here I have been perfectly free from my bilious symptoms, and enjoy at present my usual share of health. John continues to be sick and is in very low plight indeed. Altho’ he walks about, I think his thorough recovery extremely doubtful. He was so ill in Philada. and my stay there so short that these circumstances added to my own indisposition at the time, prevented my taking...
37From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 12 August 1787 (Madison Papers)
I wrote to you lately inclosing a few Newspapers. I now send a few more, not because they are interesting but because they may supply the want of intelligence that might be more so. The Convention reassembled at the time my last mentioned that they had adjourned to. It is not possible yet to determine the period to which the Session will be spun out. It must be some weeks from this date at...
38From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
The Resolutions on the Misspi. were taken up yesterday & passed unanimously thro’ the H. of D. They are as pointed as the case would admit, tho’ less so than some wished. I have not been able to get a copy for you. As soon as I can I will inclose them to you. Draw on me if you please for 100 dollrs. which I have on hand for you. I am sorry that some disappts. here have disabled me from...
39From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 14th. instant came to hand on thursday. A proposition was made a few days ago for this State to empower Congs. to carry into effect the imposts as soon as 12 States should make themselves parties to it. It was rejected on the following grounds 1. that it would present a disagreeable aspect of our affairs to Foreign nations. 2 that it might lead to other combinations of lesser...
40From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 18 December 1788 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here this morning on my way home. I did not write you my intentions sooner because they are rather of recent date, and I wished to be able at the same time to let you know the day on which I should get to Fredg. This I have not till now been able to fix. I now find that I shall get there on Friday week, and shall accordingly then stand in need of your assistance for the completion of...
41From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 30 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
By Mr. Blair who left Philada. immediately after the rising of the Convention, I sent to the care of Mr. F. Maury a copy of the New Constitution proposed for the U.S. Mr. Blair set out in such haste that I had no time to write by him, and I thought the omission of the less consequence as your last letter led me to suppose that you must about that time be absent on your trip to Frederick. I...
42From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 15 June 1784 (Madison Papers)
Yours by Mr. Barbour was duly handed to me as have been several others of late. Mine by Mr. Craig will have answered the enquiries in most of them. I am now at a loss what step to take with the certificates of Mr. Winslow, having sent you all the money arising from your Tobo. which is now payable. I shall wait till I hear from you on the subject. If payment into the Treasury be immediately...
43From James Madison to James Monroe, 10 June 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have been discouraged from answering sooner your favor of by the bar which opposes such communications as I should incline not less to make than you must do to receive. One of the earliest rules established by the Convention restrained the members from any disclosure whatever of its proceedings, a restraint which will not probably be removed for some time. I think the rule was a prudent one...
44From James Madison to James Monroe, [ca. 20 November] 1784 (Madison Papers)
Your favor without date was brought by thursday’s post. It inclosed a Cypher for which I thank you & which I shall make use as occasion may require, though from the nature of our respective situations, its chief value will be derived from your use of it. Gel. Washington arrived here on Sunday last, and the Marquis on thursday. The latter came from Boston in a French frigate. They have both...
45From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 24 February 1789 (Madison Papers)
The obstructions to my journey from the Snow, the River at Fredericksburg, and the unparallelled badness of the roads, prevented my arrival here sooner than the Evening before last. Harry will be able to give the particulars of the Journey. I detained him yesterday in order to give both him & the horses a little rest after their fatigue; and shall leave it in some measure to himself, to return...
46From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 February 1786 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. Feby. is just handed to me. Having but a moment to answer it I confine myself to the Paragraph relating to Mr. Scotts proposition. I thank you most sincerely for the attention you have given to my request on that matter. My opinion is not changed with regard to the policy of some such speculation, and I shall revolve well your communications. The difficulty however of...
47From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
I got to this place two days ago after a very tedious journey. I had the pleasure to find the family with which you are connected well, but full of complaints agst. your epistolary failures. I became your apologist as far as I could, but have agreed to give you up if you do not give future proofs of repentance & amendment. I have already intimated to you the urgency of Mazzei on the subject of...
48From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 24 June 1784 (Madison Papers)
Your letter by Capt: Cowherd with that of my brother’s have been just put into my hand. I shall leave to him the sale of the Tobo. belonging to Capt: Conway & Ambrose, not being at leisure myself to do it before he proposes to set out. I think it will be well to accept of Mr. Lawson’s offer of the Madeira. I shall do the best I can towards satisfying the Treasury on acct. of Mr. Winslow. Majr...
49From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 7 December 1786 (Madison Papers)
Yours by Mr. Porter has been handed to me. I have not had an oppy. of enquirg. of Mr. Anderson concerning the person who is to recieve Tobo. for his brother. I mentioned before that the rate of indents here was about a dollar in the pound. Whether I can get the certificates for your taxes I can not say, nor do I know the rate at which they pass. Mr Jones has returned hither & declines his...
50From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 13 May 1784 (Madison Papers)
The Spectacles herewith inclosed came to my hands yesterday with information that the pr. first sent were forwarded by mistake. It will however give my mother a double chance of suiting herself. I wish the pr. which may not be preferred, to be sent down to me by the earliest opportunity, unless they should suit yourself & you chuse to keep them, as I am desired by the Maker to return them in...