21To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 January 1791. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 13 Feb. 1791 . The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that the letter consisted of three pages and calendars it as follows: “British debts. The Bank system. The Judiciary. Direct taxes. Impost. Disposal of the Public Lands. The public debt. The Militia bill. Meeting ⟨of?⟩ debtors to British...
22To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
I have just received yr. very obliging favr. of the 2d. & have particularly to thank you for yr. Judicious Ansrs. to my several queries on the Subject of British debts, which I can truly say will have great weight with me; whether they will prove Satisfactory in removing my doubts, my head is not in a condition to decide, being just got through a Violent fever, with which I was taken on my...
23To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
… I am happy to find that Potowmac stands on so good grounds as the Permanent seat of Congress. I could not help wishing that the temporary Residence had remain’d at New York, as a recompense for their expence in y’r Accommodation; to save the expence & trouble of a double removal of the Public Offices, and from a conviction, that Philadelphia is in bad order for y’r reception, & must incur a...
24To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
I am indebted to you for two or three Letters, besides Packets of papers, An Arrear probably as convenient to you in yr. Congressional Engagements, affording little liesure for reading uninteresting letters, as it was unavoidable by me, having been for more than 3 weeks closely confined in Attending the Court of Appeals, wherein we dispatched much buisiness [ sic ], none worth communicating as...
25To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
I am further Obliged by your Favr. of the 4th. & two Packets of papers accompanying it. I congratulate you on having that ill-judged & improper measure of Assuming the State debts, ’ere this determined; & tho’ a large Majority on so important a Subject, was desirable, yet I shall be glad to hear it is finally negatived even by a decis[i]on from the Chair. It has fix’d a Suspicion of a...
26To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 2 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 2 April 1790. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 13 Apr. 1790 . The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that the letter consisted of one page and calendars it as follows: “Further objections to Hamilton’s plan. The progress of liberty in Europe.”
27To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 2 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
I should have sooner acknowledged yr. obliging favr. of March 4th., but was taken wth. a Cold about the time of it’s receipt, which, as usual, brought on a fever & short breathing, from which I am but now relieved. I thank you for your Attention to Dr. Murrow’s application. The Secretary’s Plan of finance is really too deep for my comprehension, I cannot however accord with his position that...
28To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 March 1790. The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that the letter consisted of two pages and calendars it as follows: “Hamilton’s plan. Mr. Pendleton’s criticisms thereon.”
29To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, ca. 20 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 20 January 1790. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 4 Mar. 1790 . Recommends Dr. David Morrow for a federal appointment.
30To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [2 September] 1789 (Madison Papers)
… I congratulate you upon having got through the Amendments to the Constitution, as I was very anxious that it should be done before y’r adjournment, since it will have a good effect in quieting the minds of many well meaning Citizens, tho’ I am of opinion that nothing was further from the wish of some, who covered their Opposition to the Government under the masque of uncommon zeal for...
31To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 2 September 1789 (Madison Papers)
Besides several Packets of papers I am indebted for your two favrs. of July 15th. & Augt. 21st. reced. since my last. I congratulate you upon having got through the Amendments to the Constitution, As I was very Anxious that it should be done before yr. Adjournment, since it will have a good effect in quieting the minds of many well meaning Citizens, tho’ I am of Opinion that nothing was...
32To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [3 July] 1789 (Madison Papers)
… The question concerning the power of removing Officers was important, and twas much better to investigate it fully, tho’ at the expense of a weeks discussion, than take a wrong step in it. I concur in sentiment with the decision. The Argument that the Power of removal should follow that of Creation has weight, but is abundantly overballanced by the objection that an Executive Officer might...
33To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 3 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
Yr. Obliging favr. of the 21st. past, is just come to hand. The question concerning the power of removing Officers was important, and ’twas much better to investigate it fully, tho’ at the expence of a weeks discussion, than take a wrong step in it. I concur in Sentiment with the Decision. The Argument that the Power of removal should follow that of Creation, has weight, but is abundantly...
34To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 June 1789. The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that Pendleton wrote a two-page letter to JM on this day. The summary reads: “Commending Nathaniel Pendleton jr for the appointment of District Court Judge in Georgia” (see JM to Pendleton, 15 July 1789 and n. 3).
35To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have recieved a Letter from my nephew Nathaniel Pendleton junr. of Georgia stating his information that besides the Judges of the Superior Court, one Fœdral Judge is to be appointed in each State I suppose for the trial of suits within the Appellate Jurisdiction: That he had written to his friends in New-York to sollicit for his appointment to that in Georgia, & as he had not...
36To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [9 June] 1789 (Madison Papers)
… I hope the idea of titles is sent to eternal repose. I know nothing which in my judgment would more strengthen opposition than the adoption of such a measure, giving countenance to all the suspicions hitherto forged only, of a tendency in the Goverment to fav’r Aristocratic principles.… Printed extract (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892]). The list probably kept by Peter Force ( DLC :...
37To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 9 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am to thank you for several favrs. & inclosures, the last May the 17th. I am much pleased with your new Gazzette, which I think promises to be as respectable as it’s name sake of London. The tardy progress of yr. revenue System, has I imagine produced all the mischief it was capable of, in letting the Spring importations escape it’s operation; however I do not mean to insinu[a]te blame to...
38To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 3 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 3 May 1789. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 17 May 1789 . The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that Pendleton wrote a two-page letter to JM from Virginia on this day. The summary reads: “Organization of the new government. Mr. Madison’s proposition for making provision for revenue. Virginia’s disqualifying act. Anti-federal State Elections....
39To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 3 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am obliged by yr. two kind favrs. of the 8th. & 19th. Past. I was indeed surprised, & in some measure Chagrined at the tardy Assembling of the members of the fœdral legislature, betraying a want of Zeal Which is rather unfavorable, tho’ it might, & I hope did, proceed from causes less reprehensible, & which may be manifested by future dilligence. Before this time the Government will have...
40To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 7 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
Will you Pardon my interrupting for a moment your Attention to the great subjects before you, to ask you how you do, whethr. your Legislative body is Organized, the President & V. P. in Office, and the general complexion of yr. Members? You know how much I esteem yr. Correspondence, & my earnest appetite for News; as I do your kind inclination to gratify me, but I must repeat my Caveat agt....
41To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [6 October] 1788 (Madison Papers)
… The Resolutions respecting the Mississippi Navigation are of a Balmy nature, tending to give Repose to those concerned, and impose silence on such as caring nothing about it, used the Subject as an engine of Opposition, not such is the fixure of the tempory seat of Congress. I have already met taunts on the occasion, as the first instance of Eastern Partiality and influence , which...
42To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 6 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have to thank you for yr. favr. of the 23d. past, which was the more acceptable, as I had heard that your fever had returned on Your Northern journey, & I feared might have continued your too long Companion. The Resolutions respecting the Missippi. Navigation, Are of a Balmy Nature, tending to give Repose to those concerned, and impose silence On such as caring nothing about it, used the...
43To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 29 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 29 January 1788, Edmundsbury. On the docket of JM to Pendleton, 28 Oct. 1787 , Pendleton noted: “Answd. Jan. 29—88.” Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 21 Feb. 1788 . The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) also indicates that Pendleton wrote a two-page letter to JM from Edmundsbury on this day. The summary reads: “The reception of the proposed...
44To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 29 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
This date makes me blush when I acknowledge to have reced. in due time yr. kind favr. of October 22d., which found me at Richmond, engaged incessantly in the business of the Courts until December. Fond of ease after my return home, and occupied by the conviviality of the late Season, it wholly escaped my recollection until now that I am left alone. You’l have long since been informed that Mr....
45To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [8 October] 1787 (Madison Papers)
… A Republic was inevitably the American form, and its Natural danger Pop. Tumults & Convulsions. With these in view I read over the Constitution accurately; do not find a Trait of any Violation of the great Principles of the form, all Power being derived mediately or immediately from the People. No Title or Powers that are either hereditary or of long duration so as to become Inveterate; and...
46To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 8 October 1787 (Madison Papers)
The Governor in his return drop’d at the Bowling Green, yr. very kind favr. of the 20th. past covering the result of your long labours at Philadelphia, for both of which I thank you. I had heard of and lamented the withholding the Names of the two respectable Gentn. of our delegation, tho’ am yet Ignorant of the ground of their dissention; what ever it was, I cannot approve their Conduct. To...
47To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 12 August 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 12 August 1787, Edmundsbury. The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that Pendleton wrote a one-page letter to JM from Edmundsbury on this day. The summary reads: “Expectations about the Convention. Secresy beneficial. Threatened riots in opposition to the payment of debts and taxes. Money scarce.”
48To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 12 August 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have hitherto delayed to pay you my respects, lest I should for a moment withdraw your Attention from the great & important work you was engaged in; but the papers having announced that the Convention had settled the Principles of their System, and appointed a Committee to reduce it to form, I could no longer delay letting you know I am yet in the living Class, I think my health considerably...
49To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 7 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 7 April 1787. Pendleton had noted on the cover of JM’s letter to him of 24 February 1787 , “Answd. April 7th.” The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) also indicates that Pendleton had written a two-page letter from Edmundsbury on this day. The summary reads: “The Eastern insurgents. The approaching Convention at Philadelphia. Elections in Virginia....
50To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 7 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I should not have availed my self of yr. kind Indulgence, called a Stipulation, but sooner acknowledged the rect. of yr. favr. of Feby. 24th., had not the March Winds disorde[re]d my crazy Constitution, & rendered writing rather disagreable. I was made happy in finding that the Main body of the Eastern Insurgents were dispersed, had repented & were restored to the body of Orderly Citizens. I...
51To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 9 December 1786 (Madison Papers)
I thank you For yr. Favr. of the 30th. past and For your kind concern about my health, which has been better than usual For about three Weeks past, but in truth rises and falls like the flame of an expiring Candle in the Socket, & seem[s] to forbid all hopes of so radical a cure, as I am sure yr. Plan For accelerating the Admon of Justice, if carried into effect would prove to the present...
52To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 19 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 19 November 1786. The calendar of Pendleton’s letters (DLC: Madison Miscellany) apparently prepared by a clerk for Peter Force around 1850 cites this letter. The annotations indicate the one-page letter included comments on the attempted reform of the county court system and “Congratulations on reappointment to Congress.” Enclosed was a draft of a bill for amending the county...
53To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 19 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
A severe Paroxism of my old disorder having deprived me of the pleasure of seeing you this Session, I take the liberty of submitting to your consideration a Bill I drew some time ago to amend the Act for reforming the County Courts, as it Occur’d to me that considerable delays might happen in the quarterly returns of process instead of Monthly, especially where the first process was not...
54To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 18 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 18 December 1784 . The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) indicates Pendleton wrote a letter from Edmundsbury on this day that was an “Appeal for the family of Philip Davis; a forger of tobacco notes.” The punishment for forging tobacco notes was death ( Hening, Statutes William Waller Hening, ed., The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the...
55To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 18 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
I am unwilling at all times to intermeddle with the business of the legislature, & particularly concerned when under a necessity of making application to a particular friend of that body, but when I am impelled to it by the situation of a distressed Neice, & a family of her small Children, I know your own feelings will suggest my Appology. She is the unfortunate wife of Philip Davis, who is...
56To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 20 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is in a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and that the manuscript was “1 page 4°.” Madison’s retirement from Congress. Congress has fixed its permanent residence in the woods of the Jersies. The importance of Madison taking a seat in the Virginia Assembly....
57To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 20 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
I am now, probably for the last time, to pay you my respects, as the time approaches fast (too fast) when you are to quit Congress, & return to yr. Countrey & friends—pray accept my warmest acknowledgements for the pleasure you have afforded me in continuing a long Correspondence, upon such disadvantageous terms, as my Sterile returns occasioned: however I did my best, & you accepted it; and...
58To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 6 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpt (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892], p. 94). About 1850 the present letter was calendared, probably by a clerk of Peter Force, as follows: “Garrisons in time of peace. A standing army the bane of society. Should garrisons be Continental or supported by the States where located. German-Town as a seat for the Government merely another name for Philadelphia. Trade with...
59To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 6 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
Since my last yr. sevl. favrs. of Augt. 24th. & 30th. & Sepr. 20th. have reached me, the two former filling up the Chasim I supposed in yr. letters. The question touching Garrison’s in time of peace, is in it’s nature delicate as well as difficult, and therefore I don’t Wonder there should be diversity of Opinions about it. They seem useful & indeed necessary, & yet have their certain evils,...
60To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 29 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). Copied from a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the manuscript of the letter, addressed “To James Madison,” consisted of “1 page 4°.” Recovery from illness. Sir Guy Carlton. The people Eastward averse to the half-pay, or commutation. The British restrictive proclamation. Pendleton probably referred to his own...
61To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 29 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
I am now, tho’ in a feeble state, just able to acknowledge the receipt of yr. two favrs. of the 8th. & 13th., a smart fever prevented my writing by Last post, which I hope the Bark has removed. Sr. Guy Carltons Enquiry into the forgery had probably a double view of screening the Offenders, & of exposing his predecessors in Office, I fear nothing of Justice entered into his motives. I am sorry...
62To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 1 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is in a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and that the manuscript consisted of “1 page folio.” Congress declines to return to Philadelphia. The question of the protection of Congress and foreign ministers. Congress should control the territory where it sits....
63To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 1 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
From yr. favr. of the 19th. past, I find Congress have at length negated a return to Philada., I am sorry the question was brought on in a manner not quite honourable, because every proceeding of that sort lessens the dignity of Congress, & gives a Precedent for Chicane, wch. increases jealousy & danger in our great Council. It is now reported that you have fix’d on Annapolis for your...
64To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 25 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is copied from a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “to James Madison” and the manuscript consisted of “1 page folio.” Mr. Pendleton’s reply to Madisons objection to his plan of paying public creditors. Consuls and Superintendents of Trade preferable to Foreign Ministers. JM’s...
65To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 25 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Your favr. of the 12th. casts a Slur upon that of July 21st. very unmerited, as that & every other containing any Political Sentiment, however hastily written, deserve more Attention than I have paid to them. I feel the strongest conviction that we never differed in the end of our pursuits, the pure public good, untainted or corroded by any selfish views, however our sentiments may differ as...
66To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 18 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpt (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892], p. 94). In LC: Madison Miscellany, a list, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force or by his clerk, calendars this letter as follows: “1783 August 18 Virginia To James Madison The address of the Citizens of Philadelphia to Congress. Prospect of return from Prince Town … 1 page foli[o].” The Address of the Citizens of Philad’a...
67To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 18 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Yr. favr. of the 5th. was not fraught with a confirmation of the definitive treaty’s Arrival as I expected; however as I do not discover it to be the Interest of any of the powers concerned, to stop a Peace, I still flatter my self the delay is produced rather by some adjustment of forms than real contentions wch. may endanger the final ratification of the Preliminaries; I wish Carlton was...
68To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 11 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is copied from a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and the manuscript consisted of “2 pages 4°.” Williamsburgh as a seat of Government. Some seat on the Potomac. The jurisdiction of Congress over the territory aquired for a seat of Government. For the...
69To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 11 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Yr. favr. of the 29th. past has raised my expectation of receiving by yr. next a confirmation of the Arrival of the definitive treaty, & I hope in consequence, a more prompt evacuation of New York, than Carlton has hitherto shewn a disposition for. I wish them gone if it was only to preserve our people from Mercant[i]le impositions, founded on doubts that the War is not over. Nay it was only...
70To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 4 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is in a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and the manuscript was made up of “2 pages folio.” Contrary reports concerning peace. The debate in the Massachusetts Assembly. Redemption of our obligations. Pay the holder the money he has really advanced and...