1To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, [November 1777–August 1778] (Madison Papers)
This is the first time I have had an opportunity to write to you since your election to your new & honourable office. I rejoice that your country has been able, in spite of all your modesty, to discern your merits; & that she has had virtue enough to place you in a station where your talents will not be useless to her. Altho I could wish you had the same opinion of yourself that others have, &...
2To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 15 September 1778 (Madison Papers)
I have read over your theoretical objections against the doctrine of moral liberty; for practically you seem to be one of its disciples. I remember the manner in which you have formerly expressed yourself upon that intricate subject. And indeed they express the difficulties that occured to me in attempting to resolve it. I reasoned without hopes that the solution I have given it is at least as...
3To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 26 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
The bearer Mr Jno. Churchman believes he has made a discovery of some consequence for readily ascertaining the longitude. He wishes his principles to be examined by capable mathematicians in the vicinity, &, if possible, under the direction of Congress. If they should prove as valuable as he supposes, I shall be happy that rude genius in our countryman may meet with proper encouragement. Dr...
4To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 4 January 1795 (Madison Papers)
JM’s friend of long standing, the Reverend Samuel Stanhope Smith, was serving as vice-president of the College of New Jersey. On 5 May 1795 he succeeded his father-in-law and JM’s former tutor, John Witherspoon, as president of the college. He had corresponded sporadically with JM since the Virginian’s college days. Two sermons that Smith preached early in 1795 were not, however, calculated to...
5From James Madison to Samuel Stanhope Smith, 25 August 1799 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 25 August 1799. Acknowledged in Smith to JM, 3 Sept. and 28 Nov. 1799 . Inquires on behalf of a friend about the expenses of a Princeton education.
6To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 3 September 1799 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your favour of the 25th Aug: permit me to address to you a copy of a circular letter which I have prepared to answer such inquiries as you have been good enough to make in the name of your friend. The young gentlemen from the Southward are chiefly culpable in the expences of clothing & horses. I am happy to hear of your health—but should be more pleased if the circumstances of our...
7To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 28 November 1799 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 25th. Aug: I immediately wrote to you; but I have reason to apprehend, from the fate of one or two other letters written about the same time, that it was lost by a robbery of the mail between Baltimore & Fredericksburg. I have just been informed of the loss of the others to which I refer; & lest that addressed to you should have been among them, permit me to...
8To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 14 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
After congratulating you on your elevation to the first station in the gift of your country, to which I am persuaded that real merit, the best title to the public favour, has deservedly raised you, permit me to state to you a case in which I have some interest, on which I hope you will find leisure, amidst your many other avocations, to give me your opinion, or decision, in a few words. On the...
9To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 23 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to represent to you that at the first organization of the New Orleans territory, my son, at the particular invitation of two Judges, left the city of New York for that territory, under the assurance of being appointed clerk of the supreme court; those gentlemen believing it part of their powers to make the appointment. The governour after a considerable time, perceiving the office to...
10To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 13 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 February 1812, Princeton. Assures JM that Josiah Simpson “of this State having been named … for an honourable appointment under government … is a gentleman of excellent natural talents, & of very respectable literary attainments.” Cannot judge his legal knowledge but knows “he bears a fair & excellent reputation among the gentlemen of his profession.” “In politics, he is what is called in...