1From James Madison to the Governor of Virginia, 22 July 1792 (Madison Papers)
The Report of which the inclosed is an authentic copy having been made to the House of Representatives, it is possible that the Executive may not have been furnished with it by the Senators of this State. I take the liberty therefore of forwarding it and am with the highest respect & esteem Your most Obedt. hble servant RC and enclosures ( Vi : Executive Papers). The enclosures are clerks’...
2From James Madison to Henry Lee, 21 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
It was fortunate that a duplicate of your letter to Mr. Jefferson went so soon from Alexandria. The copy in My hands did not find a conveyance fit to be trusted for a very long time—it cannot have reached him yet. I was determined to await a secure opportunity, and the intermission of the French Packet left such an one extremely rare. I was compelled at last to put it into the hands of a...
3James Madison to Henry Lee, 14 August 1833 (Madison Papers)
private I have recd. your letter of June 5th. under cover of one from Mr P A. Jay of New York. I find that you have been misled on the subject of Mr Jefferson’s letter to me of Decr. 28. 1794., by an unlucky misprint of Jay for Joy (G. Joy in London) the writer of the letter to which Mr. Jefferson refers. This letter has no reference to Mr. Jay nor to any thing that could be within the scope...
4From James Madison to Henry Lee, 24 September 1827 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of Augst. 24 was not recd. till a few days ago. I regret that I can not throw a ray of light on the cause and circumstances of the delay which attended the order to Genl. Jackson of July 18. 1814; having no recollections enabling me to do so, nor access to any document if there be any, that could assist them. I can only therefore express my wish that the occurrence may be traced...
5From James Madison to Henry Lee, 23 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 11th inst. Having never felt an intermission of my regard for you, I cannot be insensible either to the friendship which it speaks on your part, or the failure of it which it supposes on mine. That the latter sentiment should have resulted from a communication which could have no motive but one that ought to have prevented such a consequence, may well fill me...
6From James Madison to Henry Lee, 14 January 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir yours of the 6th. inst. and have looked over the printed Sheet inclosed in it. Of the literary character of the paper, I may express a laudatory opinion, without risk of contravening that of others. As a political disquisition, it embraces questions both of magnitude and of nicety, on which opinions may be various, and of which a critical review does not lie within the compass...
7From James Madison to Henry Lee, 1 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have received your’s of the 22d Dec, and am sincerely sorry that I cannot be as instrumental on the occasion stated in it as My respect for the wishes of the Mr. Marshall’s and particularly for your’s, by which they are seconded, would make me anxious to be. The truth is I am not on any footing of personal acquaintance with Mr. Hammond which would justify me in asking the favor of him in his...
8From James Madison to Henry Lee, 8 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 January 1792. Acknowledged in Lee to JM, 17 Jan. 1792 . Discusses pending legislation in Congress related to the debt funding system.
9From James Madison to Henry Lee, 12 May 1824 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison has recd. Major Lee’s note of the 4th in which reference is made to a contemplated new Edition of his Father’s Memoirs. The events embraced by the Memoirs will occupy so large and so important a space in the History of our Independence, that an exhibition of them from such a source cannot be made too full or too free from error. J. M. would accordingly not only feel a pleasure, but...
10From James Madison to Henry Lee, 31 January 1825 (Madison Papers)
The urgency indicated in your last letter as to the request in a former one having quickened my attention to the subject, I have at length looked enough into the evidence that the Movement of the Southern Army from Deep River to the Santee in the Campaign of 1781 was suggested by your father, to be satisfied of the fact; the more readily admitted from the acknowleged traits of his military...
11From James Madison to Henry Lee, 4 September 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir your letter of Aug: with a copy of the Address reported by the Committee of a late Meeting at Fredericksburg, for which you will please to accept my thanks. I am not surprized at your purpose of adopting literature as your favorite object. It will always be found a source not only of rich enjoyment, but of public distinction & usefulness also where there is a union of...
12James Madison to Henry Lee, 26 November 1833 (Madison Papers)
I received Sir, on the 9th instant your letter of Sepr. 15th. and enclose copies of such of your father’s letters to me, as are embraced by your request. They are entire with the exception of one from which the conclusion was cut off for an autographic collection. Finding that my files do not contain copies of my letters to your father, as is the case with his files and his letters to me, I...
13From James Madison to Henry Lee, 1 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 1 March 1790. Acknowledged in Lee to JM, 13 Mar. 1790 . Probably relates to the defeat of JM’s discrimination amendment, the assumption debate, and Lee’s Potomac land speculation.
14From James Madison to Henry Lee, 22 April 1824 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison acknowledges with thanks the receipt of the volume which Major Lee has been so good as to send him. He delays the perusal of it till he can precede it by that of the work which it reviews. If injustice, however occasioned, has been done to the Memory of General Lee, a vindication of it cannot but be acceptable to one whose friendship contracted with him at the earliest date, was...
15From James Madison to Henry Lee, 25 June 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have received, sir, your letter of the 18th. inclosing the proposal of a new publication under the title of “American Gazette & Literary Journal.” Of the prospectus I cannot say less than that it is an interesting specimen of cultivated talents. I must say at the same time that I think it concedes too much to a remedial power in the press over the spirit of party. Besides the occasional and...
16From James Madison to Henry Lee, [16] February 1827 (Madison Papers)
I recd. Sir, some days ago your letter of the 2. Inst: to the object of which I have not been able to give an earlier attention. With your purpose of giving a historical character to the events of a very critical period of the war of 1812, you are very properly anxious to obtain whatever information may contribute to the authenticity and accuracy of the work; and I cannot but wish for your...
17From James Madison to Henry Lee, 9 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
The last mail went out at a time when I was so engaged that I could not drop a line to you. The task of first conveying to you the result of the elections for Congress has therefore probably been performed by some of your other friends. The Superiority which your reflection and firmness will maintain over the vicissitudes incident to public life, forbids any suggestions which may be calculated...
18From James Madison to Henry Lee, 11 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 11 April 1792. Acknowledged in Lee to JM, 18 Apr. 1792 . Reports Washington’s decision to appoint General Wayne as commander of the frontier army.
19From James Madison to Henry Lee, 15 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have already acquainted you with the nominations of the President for General Officers. They have all been confirmed by the Senate except Wilkinson who I am told will be tomorrow. The Commander in chief it is said went through the Senate rather against the bristles. The appointment is well relished of course by some, but does not escape already considerable criticism. I am glad to find by...
20From James Madison to Henry Lee, 29 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir, yours of the 19th. instant. I need not repeat my commendation of your purpose to devote your talents to literary pursuits. And the tasks you now mark out for your pen, will doubtless inspire its best efforts. The campaign of Niagara in 1814, and the naval achievements in the Mediterranean, are both of them distinguished by their patriotic & Historic Attractions; and you are...
21From James Madison to Henry Lee, 13 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 4th ult. by Col. Lee was received from his hands on Sunday last. I have since recd. that of the 3d Instant. The anticedent one from Alexandria, though long on the way was recd. some time before. In all these, I discover strong marks of the dissatisfaction with which you behold our public prospects. Though in several respects they do not comport with my wishes—yet I cannot...
22From James Madison to Henry Lee, 12 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have your favor of the 29th Ultmo. The Senate have disagreed to that part of the Military Bill which augmented the regular establishment to about 5000 Men—and will probably send it back with that alteration. They prefer a completion only of the old Regiments & a liberal provision for temporary forces. Nothing has passed from which I can conjecture in the most remote degree whether you may...
23From James Madison to Henry Lee, 28 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
No nomination has yet been made of a new commander for the military establishment, nor of any of the Brigadiers authorised by the supplemental act lately passed. I refer to the News papers for the inferior appointments which have taken place. It is understood that St. Clair is not to remain in service. A proposition was yesterday made in the H. of Reps. desiring the President to institute an...
24From James Madison to Henry Lee, 4 October 1789 (Madison Papers)
I Meant to have acknowledged your favor of the 8th Ult. by your brother, but in the hurry of the occasion missed even the pleasure of seeing him after the adjournment. He will give you the details of our proceedings, particularly on the subject of the seat of Government. I am extremely afraid that the hopes of the Potomac do not rest on so good a foundation as we wish. Every circumstance which...
25From James Madison to Henry Lee, 22 July 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 22 July 1792. Acknowledged in Lee to JM, 10 Sept. 1792 . A private letter in which JM suggests a meeting with Lee. Requests information on navigation in Virginia, probably in response to Jedidiah Morse’s inquiries (see JM to Morse, 15 Aug. 1792 ).
26From James Madison to Henry Lee, 21 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
On the receipt of your favour of the 9th. I communicated to Mr. Freneau the complaint of his subscribers. He answers me that the papers have been punctually sent under the best precautions allowed by the present mode of conveyance. The post Office bill now depending aims at an admission of newspapers into the mail, which will increase the expense somewhat of the subscribers, but will alone...
27From James Madison to Henry Lee, 30 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 29th Ult: was received in N. York—the pleasing one of the 19th Inst. found me in this City, whither I had come with a veiw either to return to N. York or proceed to Virginia as circumstances might determine. I have not sooner acknowledged your first favor, because it intimated that the Subject of it admitted of delay, and I did not wish to precipitate a determination on...
28James Madison to Henry Lee, 3 March 1834 (Madison Papers)
private Your letter of Novr. 14. came safely tho’ tardily to hand. I must confess that I perceive no ground, on which a doubt could be applied to the Statement of Mr. Jefferson which you cite. Nor can it I think, be difficult to account for my declining an Executive appointment under Washington and accepting it under Jefferson, without making it a test of my comparative attachment to them;...
29From James Madison to Henry Lee, 18 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 8th & handed to Freneau the subscriptions inclosed for him. His paper in the opinion here justifies the expectations of his freinds and Merits the diffusive circulation they have endeavoured to procure it. I regret that I can administer no balm to the wound given by the first report of our western disaster. You will have seen the official account which has...
30From James Madison to Henry Lee, 29 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Marshall called last evening with your favor of the 17th. but not being at home, I have not yet seen him. Our weather here corresponds with that you describe, except perhaps we have less snow and more cold. The snow is 7 or 8 Inches only. Farther North, as well as South, it is said to be much deeper. The Subject of Western defence is not yet over. In relation to it, I have nothing to add...
31From James Madison to Henry Lee, 22 November 1793 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 22 November 1793. Offered for sale in Emily Driscoll Catalogue No. 8 (1949), item 58, which notes that the letter introduces James Makittrick Adair: “I ask your attentions for him … with an assurance that they will be both merited & repaid.” Acknowledged in Lee to JM, 23 Jan. 1794 .
32To James Madison from Henry Lee, 29 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
This letr. is written purposely to inform you of the project mentioned to you in New york concerning the land at the Great falls. The quantity is 500 acres, the price may be called 4,000£ with the incumbrance of an annual rent of 150£ sterling. The advantages infinitely exceed that of any spot of ground in the U. States. The canal runs thro the land, & the bason is in the land, the situation...
33To James Madison from Henry Lee, 19 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
The inclination which I expressed to you several years ago, in 1823 I believe, to devote myself to the cultivation of letters, still besets me, & I have been fortunate enough to select a subject which is capable of receiving and conferring ⟨imperishable?⟩ honour. Whether I shall be able to do it justice is a question which labour, patience, diligence, & the inspiration of the historic muse,...
34To James Madison from Henry Lee, 21 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
Doctor Wellford having conducted the medical department of the Militia Army in 94, I owe it to my sense of his faithful services, to comply with his wish of my letter to you notifying his desire to conduct one branch of the same department in the Army now raising. But I am sure you so well know this gentlemans character & ability that any commendation of him to you is needless. Nevertheless...
35To James Madison from Henry Lee, 22 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
It belongs to me to try to aid those I esteem & who stand in need of it. Such is the case with Mr. Clark. He was with me the other day & really I think yr. law officer has treated him out of the way. Mr Rodney talked of returning directly & promised as soon as he did return to finish his affair. Now he writes he shall not return till called for by the P. In this condition what can Mr C do,...
36To James Madison from Henry Lee, 7 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
Having a few moments only to devote, you must be satisfied with a very laconic letr. Such is my distance from the line of posts, that to use it, I must avail myself of accidental conveyances, which are often like the present, sudden. It is with real Grief I inform you that by a late vote of the assembly of Virga. on a collateral question, they have manifested hostility to the new constitution....
37To James Madison from Henry Lee, 20 December 1786 (Madison Papers)
After the notification of my disgrace which reached me about the 20th. Novr. I hastened from N York & pressed forward to my home. Every difficulty of weather and roads opposed my progress and retarded us effectually, for it took us three weeks to reach this place which I had reckoned on accomplishing in twelve days. At Length we arrived on the banks of potomac, and thro our avidity to embrace...
38To James Madison from Henry Lee, 10 September 1792 (Madison Papers)
Some few days after my late domestic calamity which stings me to the quick, I left this place on a visit to the southwestern frontier in obedience to the dutys of my present office, & therefore never got your letr. of July 22d. until my return. It would not have been in my power to have made the trip you suggest, altho my desire of seeing you would have been a powerful incitement. From the...
39To James Madison from Henry Lee, 11 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 11 November 1786. Mentioned in JM’s letter to Lee of 23 November 1786 . Concerned Lee’s sense of injury at being dropped by the Virginia legislature from the state delegation to Congress, and the “deriliction of the friendship” between JM and Lee because of JM’s being elected, so Lee thought, in his place ( Lee to JM, 20 Dec. 1786 ).
40To James Madison from Henry Lee, 4 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Since your illness at Georgetown I have heard nothing of you, only that you had so far recovered as to proceed, until yesterday, when a gentleman from Alexandria told me that you had taken your seat in Congress. This information gave me pleasure, as it seemed to communicate your complete recovery, as well as because it assured me that you was executing your duty at a time which seems big with...
41To James Madison from Henry Lee, March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I enclose for yr. confidential perusal the letr. on which was founded mine to the P. As I said last night, my answer much in the way, as you suggested is deemed I presume satisfactory. I also enclose the Ps. note to me with an endorsement which please to sign if not disagreeable. It is the only document I hold to support the assurances contained in my answer. I return the passport, as it not...
42To James Madison from Henry Lee, 9 [April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Whenever I ask your aid to the promotion of the wishes of my friend, receive it on this express condition, that the public good must combine with the views of the gentlemen recommended. Very happy in the appointent [ sic ] of my old fellow soldier Lindsay to the vacancy occasioned by Mr. Parkers election, I desire only to entreat your attention to his compeer Mr. M. Livingston, should it be...
43To James Madison from Henry Lee, 6 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have your letter of the 29h. Frenau’s Gazette you mention has not reached me, nor indeed have I for two mails got any papers from him. This precariousness in the reception of his paper will cramp the circulation of it. For which I am exceedingly sorry as it is rising fast into reputation. Innes is so pleased with the attention of the editor to political matters and to the independence...
44To James Madison from Henry Lee, 21 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I cannot with-hold from you what my heart so imperiously orders. The public good & yr. honor alike enjoin the measure if I am not in gross error. As you did in my presence hold back yr. general from offence, in like manner hold back yr. ships of war & privateers—give some time to hear from the enemy especially as the singular event lately occurred in England & the growing disposition there for...
45To James Madison from Henry Lee, 8 December 1788 (Madison Papers)
My business has yet detained me here. Three days ago I returned from a visit to the great falls where Genl. Washington was to have met me. The rain stopped him & the other directors, which to me was a mortifying disappointment as I entertained hopes with their aid to have concluded amicably & advantageously the dispute with Mr Fairfax. This is in train, tho the prospect is not the most...
46To James Madison from Henry Lee, 8 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
The papers necessary to our European project are enclosed herewith—viz my power of attorney, your remarks which are so full that I can add nothing, the old plot of the canal which must be kept by you, and a copy sent, it being not fit—& my letr. to Mr. Jefferson. The last explains fully the manner which appeared to be best for us to embrace, but should any thing be improper, you can pass it...
47To James Madison from Henry Lee, 6 June 1795 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 June 1795, Richmond. Introduces Mr. Hopkins, “a gentleman from Newyork on a visit to our western country.” RC ( NjP ). 1 p. Directed by Lee to “Mr Madison,” but recipient’s identity is uncertain.
48To James Madison from Henry Lee, 18 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have your two letters of the 6th & 11th. The last communicated the appointment of commander in cheif of the W. A. This event has excited general astonishment here, and will be illy received I fear where the public good demands it should be otherwise received. I sincerely hope the new general may give peace to our country, and restore the honor of the American name. Altho the common report...
49To James Madison from Henry Lee, 14 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
Tomorrow I go from hence, Mrs. Lee as when you left her. If I forgot to fill up the power of attorney, please to insert Mr Jeffersons name. Yesterday the original papers went off in the Maryland bound to Bordeaux to the care of Mr. Mason Merchant there—I am told in three or four days the mail reaches Versailles from that port. Many applicants above & here, on each side of the river have waited...
50To James Madison from Henry Lee, 13 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Before I left home, Col Lee being about to depart for Congress, I wrote you by him. Since my arival here I got your letr. of the 1st. March, & have had an opportunity of reading your debates in Congress. Your motion which underwent so much discussion & met with such a decided negative is pleasing to the landed interest in this Country, & very much disrelished by the town interest. It is...