1From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since my last which went by the mail in course, the papers of my deceased father have been opened. His will was made thirteen years ago, since which two of my brothers have died, one of them leaving a large number of children mostly minors, and both of them intestate. The will itself, besides the lapsed legacies, does not cover all the property held at the time; & valuable parcels of property...
2To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 7 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last which went by the mail in course, the papers of my deceased father have been opened. His will was made thirteen years ago, since which two of my brothers have died, one of them leaving a large number of children mostly minors, and both of them intestate. The will itself, besides the lapsed legacies, does not cover all the property held at the time; & valuable parcels of property...
3To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I offer you my sincere condolances on the melancholy loss, which has detained you at home: and am entirely sensible of the necessities it will have imposed on you for further delay. Mr. Lincoln has undertaken the duties of your office per interim, and will continue till you can come. Genl. Dearborn is in the War Department. Mr. Gallatin, though unappointed, has staid till now to give us the...
4From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I offer you my sincere condolances on the melancholy loss which has detained you at home: and am entirely sensible of the necessities it will have imposed on you for further delay. mr Lincoln has undertaken the duties of your office per interim, and will continue till you can come. Genl. Dearborn is in the War department. mr Gallatin, though unappointed, has staid till now to give us the...
5To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 26 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am still here. Three refusals of the Naval Secretaryship have been re[c]ieved, and I am afraid of recieving a 4th. this evening from mr. Jones of Phila. In that case Genl. Smith has agreed to take it pro tempore, so as to give me time; and I hope the moment it is in either his or Jones’s hands, to get away; but this may be yet three four or five days. Lincoln is doing the duties of your...
6From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 26 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am still here. three refusals of the Naval Secretaryship have been recieved, and I am afraid of recieving a 4th. this evening from mr Jones of Phila. in that case Genl. Smith has agreed to take it pro tempore, so as to give me time; and I hope the moment it is in either his or Jones’s hands, to get away; but this may be yet three four or five days. Lincoln is doing the duties of your office....
7To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I shall be with you on the 25th. unless health or weather prevent. But if you propose leaving home sooner for Washington, do not let my coming prevent you. Only, in that case, if convenient, lodge word at Gordon’s, or write me by next post, that you will be gone; as I should then wish to lengthen my day’s journey. I have not been able to look yet into my newspapers, but I presume yours contain...
8From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 17 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall be with you on the 25th. unless health or weather prevent. but if you propose leaving home sooner for Washington, do not let my coming prevent you. only, in that case, if convenient, lodge word at Gordon’s, or write me by next post, that you will be gone; as I should then wish to lengthen my day’s journey. I have not been able to look yet into my newspapers, but I presume yours contain...
9From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [22 April] 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 17th. came to hand by the last mail. You will find us at home on saturday. It would have been expedient on some accounts to have set out before that day, but it has been rendered impossible by several circumstances, particularly by an attack on my health which kept me in bed 3 or 4 days, and which has not yet permitted me to leave the House. I hope to be able to begin the...
10To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, [22 April 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 17th. came to hand by the last mail. You will find us at home on saturday. It would have been expedient on some accounts to have set out before that day, but it has been rendered impossible by several circumstances, particularly by an attack on my health which kept me in bed 3 or 4 days, and which has not yet permitted me to leave the House. I hope to be able to begin the...
11To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 25 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I received yesterday your’s of the 22d. & learn with regret that you have been so unwell. This & the state of the ⟨country, the river &⟩ roads should delay your departure, at least till the weather is better. I should have set out this morning, but it is still raining, and the river all but ⟨swimm⟩ing at the last ford. If these circumstances are more favorable tomorrow I shall then set out, or...
12From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 25 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday your’s of the 22d. & learn with regret that you have been so unwell. this & the state of the [country, the river &] roads should delay your departure, at least till the weather is better. I should have set out this morning, but it is still raining, and the rivers all but [swimm]ing at the last ford. if these circumstances are more favorable tomorrow I shall then set out,...
13To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I hasten the return of the bearer that he may meet you at Brown’s and convey you information as to the road. From Songster’s I tried the road by Ravensworth, which comes into the turnpike road 4½ miles below Fairfax courthouse. There are about 2 miles of it which I think cannot be passed by your carriage without oversetting; and consulting with Colo. Wren who knows both roads, he says there is...
14From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I hasten the return of the bearer that he may meet you at Brown’s and convey you information as to the road. from Songster’s I tried the road by Ravensworth, which comes into the turnpike road 4½ miles below Fairfax courthouse. there are about 2 miles of it which I think cannot be passed by your carriage without oversetting; and consulting with Colo. Wren who knows both roads, he says there is...
15To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 9 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
A person of the name of Thompson, of Amherst county in Virginia has asked my interference for the recovery of his son John Thompson understood to be impressed on board the Squirrel a British vessel of war. The inclosed letter gave him the first information he has recieved from him for some time past, for so long a time indeed that he had apprehended he was dead. He thinks the letter not...
16From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 9 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
A person of the name of Thompson, of Amherst county in Virginia has asked my interference for the recovery of his son John Thompson understood to be impressed on board the Squirrel a British vessel of war. the inclosed letter gave him the first information he has recieved from him for some time past, for so long a time indeed that he had apprehended he was dead. he thinks the letter not...
17From Thomas Jefferson to James and Dolley Madison and Anna Payne, 27 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson was much disappointed at breakfast this morning not having till then known of the departure of mr & mrs Madison & miss Payne . he hopes they will come and dine to-day with the miss Butlers who were assured they would meet them here, and tomorrow with mrs Gallatin & mrs Mason . affectionate salutations. RC ( ICHi ). Departure of Mr & Mrs Madison & Miss Payne : the Madisons, along...
18To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 20 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I observe a great number of contracts for carrying the mails are advertised to be made within a short time hence, & for 4. years. I suppose the principal reason for making such long contracts is the trouble which would be so often recurring to the post office, if they were shorter. This should have it’s just weight: but it may be doubted whether contracts for so long a time as 4. years do not...
19To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 20 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
The application of William Greetham for a Mediterranean pass for a vessel owned here, tho built abroad, being unauthorised by practice, tho’ perhaps not by law, and concerning the departments of both the State & Treasury, I ask the favor of mr. Madison and mr. Gallatin to give me their opinions thereon: at the same time I communicate to them what passed on the subject of passports under...
20From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 20 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I observe a great number of contracts for carrying the mails are advertised to be made within a short time hence, & for 4. years. I suppose the principal reason for making such long contracts is the trouble which would be so often recurring to the post office, if they were shorter. this should have it’s just weight: but it may be doubted whether contracts for so long a time as 4. years do not...
21To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, [20 June 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
I suggested some time ago to Col. Habersham the objections to a Contract for 4 years for carrying the mail. His reply was that frequent contracts would not only be very troublesome, but by lessening the value of contracts, discourage good undertakers. He added that a clause in the contracts reserved to him a right at all times to make any of regulations he might chuse, making at the same time...
22From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison and Albert Gallatin, 20 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The application of William Greetham for a Mediterranean pass for a vessel owned here, tho built abroad, being unauthorised by practice; tho’ perhaps not by law, and concerning the departments of both the State & Treasury, I ask the favor of mr Madison and mr Gallatin to give me their opinions thereon: at the same time I communicate to them what passed on the subject of passports under General...
23Enclosure: Note on Passports, 20 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
When the war broke out which is now raging in Europe, our treaties with France, and Holland required that we should furnish to the vessels ‘belonging to the citizens of the US.’ passports in the forms prescribed by the treaties. it was very early made a question whether they should be granted to all vessels belonging to citizens of the US. or only to those built as well as belonging here. the...
24From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 24 June] 1801 (Madison Papers)
I suggested some time ago to Col. Habersham the objections to a Contract for 4 years for carrying the mail. His reply was that frequent contracts would not only be very troublesome, but by lessening the value of contracts, discourage good undertakers. He added that a clause in the contracts reserved to him a right at all time to make any of regulations he might chuse, making at the same time...
25To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns to mr. Madison Erving’s letter to Genl. Dearborne, & approves of a commission to him as Consul at London. Where to find a competent successor for Lisbon he knows not, unless Gilman, who refused St. Domingo, will accept this. Perhaps Genl. Dearborne can judge. The place must be reserved for a man of real diplomatic abilities. Marchant’s case will be the subject of further...
26From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns to mr Madison Erving’s letter to Genl. Dear-borne, & approves of a commission to him as Consul at London . where to find a competent successor for Lisbon he knows not, unless Gilman, who refused St. Domingo, will accept this. perhaps Genl. Dearborne can judge. the place must be reserved for a man of real diplomatic abilities.—Marchant’s case will be the subject of further...
27Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 15 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Whether prizes & the proceeds of them taken after the date of the treaty with France can be restored by the Executive, or need an act of the legislature? The constitution has authorised the ordinary legislature alone to declare war against any foreign nation. If they may enact a perfect, they may a qualified war, as was done against France. In this state of things they may modify the acts of...
28Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [17 July] 1801 (Madison Papers)
The following memoranda, & the inclosed letter from Mr. Dallas will present to the President the state of the information in the office of State on the subject of the indictmt. under the sedition act agst. Duane, at the request of the Senate. The President will observe, that another prosecution agst. him, at Common law , is pending in the same Court. 16. May. 1800. Mr: Lee’s letter to Mr....
29Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 17 July] 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is objected that the act of Congress Mar. 3. 1800. c. 14. sect. 1. 2. entitles a citizen owner of a vessel to restitution until the vessel has been condemned by competent authority on paying salvage to the captor. Every man, by the law of nature, and every fellow citizen by compact, is bound to assist another against violence to his person or property. Tho’ therefore by the law of nature...
30To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, [on or before 17 July 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
The following memoranda, & the inclosed letter from Mr. Dallas will present to the President the state of the information in the Office of State on the subject of the indictmt. under the sedition act agst. Duane , at the request of the Senate. The President will observe, that another prosecution agst. him, at Common law , is pending in this same Court. 16. May. 1800. Mr: Lee’s letter to Mr....
31To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 19 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
With respect to the prosecutions against Thomas & others for a misdemeanor at Common law we ought to presume the judges will do right, and to give them an opportunity of doing so. The Executive ought not to sit in previous judgment on every case & to say whether it shall or shall not go before the judges. I think therefore this case ought to go on to trial, without interference of the...
32From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 19 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
With respect to the prosecutions against Thomas & others for a misdemeanor at Common law we ought to presume the judges will do right, and to give them an opportunity of doing so. the Executive ought not to sit in previous judgment on every case & to say whether it shall or shall not go before the judges. I think therefore this case ought to go on to trial, without interference of the...
33To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 7 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his affectionate salutations to mr. Madison & sends him the inclosed which will explain itself. He hopes to see him & family at Monticello when most convenient to themselves; and observes for his information that the road through Shadwell is put into fine order, the right hand at issuing from the ford on this side to be greatly preferred to the left. The road by Milton...
34From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 7 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his affectionate salutations to mr Madison & sends him the inclosed which will explain itself. he hopes to see him & family at Monticello when most convenient to themselves; and observes for his information that the road through Shadwell is put into fine order, the right hand at issuing from the ford on this side to be greatly preferred to the left. the road by Milton is...
35From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 12 August] 1801 (Madison Papers)
Docr. Rose being about to call at Monticello I prefer a conveyance by him to the mail, for the papers herewith enclosed, as I shall thereby be saved the necessity of having a messenger at the Ct. House in time to catch the arrival of the post. I have recd: yours of the 7th. inst. Having been before applied to by a letter from Hembold, on the subject of printing the laws in his German...
36To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, [12 August 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
Doctr. Rose being about to call at Monticello I prefer a conveyance by him to the mail, for the papers herewith inclosed, as I shall thereby be saved the necessity of having a messenger at the Ct. House in time to catch the arrival of the post. I have recd. yours of the 7th. inst. Having been before applied to by a letter from Hembold, on the subject of printing the laws in his German...
37To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 13 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Doctr. Rose delivered me last night the letter with which you charged him, and I have thought it better to attend to it’s contents at once before the arrival of the load of other business which this morning’s post will bring. Pinckney’s, Orr’s, Livermore’s, Howell’s, Webster’s, Murray’s, Otis’s, Graham’s & Thornton’s letters, with Wagner’s sketch of an answer to the latter are all returned...
38From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 13 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Doctr. Rose delivered me last night the letter with which you charged him , and I have thought it better to attend to it’s contents at once before the arrival of the load of other business which this morning’s post will bring. Pinckney’s, Orr’s, Livermore’s, Howell’s, Webster’s, Murray’s, Otis’s, Graham’s & Thornton’s letters, with Wagner’s sketch of an answer to the latter are all returned...
39To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 14 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I wrote yesterday to you, before the arrival of the post. That brought some blank commissions which I have signed & now forward. Mr. Wagner’s note will explain them. The abuses & waste of public money in the military & naval departments have been so gross, that I do not think we can avoid laying some of them before Congress. I inclose you information of one which is not to be neglected. I have...
40From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 14 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote yesterday to you, before the arrival of the post. that brought some blank commissions which I have signed & now forward. mr Wagner’s note will explain them. The abuses & waste of public money in the military & naval departments have been so gross, that I do not think we can avoid laying some of them before Congress. I inclose you information of one which is not to be neglected. I have...
41From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mrs. Tudor (the lady of Judge Tudor of Boston) with her son, intending to be at Monticello this evening or tomorrow, I entrust to them the inclosed papers, which will thus reach you a little earlier, than if detained for the mail, by which I shall again write to you. In the mean time I remain Yours most respectfully & Affy. RC ( ViU : Jefferson Papers). Cover marked by JM, “Mr. Tudor”;...
42To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mrs. Tudor (the lady of Judge Tudor of Boston) with her son , intending to be at Monticello this evening or tomorrow, I entrust to them the inclosed papers, which will thus reach you a little earlier, than if detained for the mail, by which I shall again write to you. In the mean time I remain Yours most respectfully & affy. RC ( ViU ); endorsed by TJ as received 16 Aug. and so recorded in SJL...
43From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed herewith are several letters & papers for perusal. Among the former you are troubled with another from Thornton. You will observe that the Declaration of the Master of the British Vessel carried into Boston, states only that the Prisoners were French Spanish Danish &c &c. without saying whether they were taken in the French service, or that of their respective countries. This...
44To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed herewith are several letters & papers for perusal. Among the former you are troubled with another from Thornton. You will observe that the Declaration of the Master of the British vessel carried into Boston, states only that the Prisoners were French Spanish Danish &c &c. without saying whether they were taken in the French service, or that of their respective countries. This...
45To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 22 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your’s of the 18th. is recieved, and I now return all the papers which accompanied it, (except those in Bingham’s case) and also the papers inclosed in that of the 16th. The case of the British Snow Windsor taken by the prisoners she was carrying & brought into Boston is new in some circumstances. Yet I think she must fairly be considered as a prize made on Great Britain, to which no shelter...
46From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 22 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 18th. is recieved, and I now return all the papers which accompanied it, (except those in Bingham’s case ) and also the papers inclosed in that of the 16th.—The case of the British Snow Windsor taken by the prisoners she was carrying & brought into Boston is new in some circumstances. yet I think she must fairly be considered as a prize made on Great Britain, to which no shelter...
47From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. yours of Aug. 22. with the papers sent with it. I have heard nothing from Dallas on the subject of another prosecution agst. Duane. It is to be presumed that he will either commence it, or let us know his reason for not doing so. Should further silence take place, I will jog his attention. I know nothing of Clay personally. All I know thro’ others is in his favor, and speak...
48To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 26 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recd. yours of Aug. 22. with the papers sent with it. I have heard nothing from Dallas on the subject of another prosecution agst. Duane. It is to be presumed that he will either commence it, or let us know his reasons for not doing so. Should further silence take place, I will jog his attention. I know nothing of Clay personally. All I know thro’ others is in his favor, and speak...
49From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I sent you yesterday by Docr. Bache a packet recd. by the mail of last week, that it might the less interfere with what you receive directly. I avail myself of another private opportunity to forward the communications recd. by the mail of yesterday, by which means the further advantage will be obtained, of gaining a week in those cases which require your sanction, and which need not go back...
50To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I sent you yesterday by Docr. Bache a packet recd. by the mail of last week, that it might the less interfere with what you receive directly. I avail myself of another private opportunity to forward the communications recd. by the mail of yesterday, by which means the further advantage will be obtained, of gaining a week in those cases which require your sanction, and which need not go back...