1From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 8 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by James Madison, Sr., “Sep 8 1783.” Cover missing. Mr. Jones & myself being here transacting some private business which brought us from Princeton the end of last week, I here receive[d] your letter of the 22d. ulto. The favorable turn of my Mothers state of health is a source of great satisfaction to me, and will render any delay in my sitting out for...
2From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 8 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Manuscript Division, the New York Public Library: Astor, Lenox, and Tilden Foundations). Docketed by Pendleton, “James Madison jr. Sepr. 8. 1783.” Your favor of the 1st. found me here whither Mr. Jones & myself had been called by some private business for a day or two. I thank you for your remarks on the jurisdiction necessary for Congress within the limits which may be ceded for their...
3From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 8 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). In JM’s hand but lacks complimentary close and signature. Cover franked by “J. Madison Jr,” and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Sep. 8. 1783.” Mr. Jones & myself having come down to this City the end of the past week for the purpose of negociating some pecuniary matters, I am here to date my acknowledgment of your...
4To James Madison from Elnathan Haskell, 12 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Salutation, “The Honbl Mr. Madison.” Cover addressed to “The Honorable Mr. Madison Princeton. Honored by Major Sergant.” Docketed by JM, “Institution of the Cincinnati from E. Haskill Sepr. 12. 1783.” “Sergant” was probably Major Winthrop Sargent (1753–1820). Between 1787 and 1801 he was successively the surveyor, secretary, and governor of the Northwest Territory....
5From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 13 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned. Cover franked by JM and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison. Sep: 13. 1783.” Our Ministers in Europe have made some amends for their long silence by voluminous despatches brought down to 27th. July. They were recd. yesterday by Congress. No definitive treaty had then been signed by any of the parties, though all...
6To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 13 September 1783 (first) (Madison Papers)
RC (Harvard College Library: Dearborn Papers). Addressed in the hand of a clerk, probably George Hay, “To James Madison. Sept 13th: 1783,” and almost certainly enclosed by Randolph in his longer letter of the same date to JM ( q.v. ). If your attention to congressional business, and your cramped situation will allow you to shew civilities to a new acquaintance, I must consign Mr. Francis...
7To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 13 September 1783 (second) (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned, but in Randolph’s hand. Cover addressed by him to “The honble James Madison jr. esq of Congress Princeton.” Docketed by JM, “Sepr. 13. 1783 E.R.” The bracketed letters are those excised from the manuscript by an overly close cropping, especially along the right margin of the second folio. Norfolk and its neighbourhood are I fear, doomed to perpetual...
17 September and 8 October 1783. In the Pennsylvania Journal, and the Weekly Advertiser (Philadelphia) of 17 September and 8 October there are two essays, respectively entitled “The North-American, No. 1” and “The North-American, No. 2.” With some reservations, Edmund C. Burnett attributed these anonymously written articles to James Madison. Irving Brant is completely convinced that JM was...
9Report on Memorial of Massachusetts General Court, [19 September] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 20, I, 155–56). In a memorial of 11 July to Congress, the General Court of Massachusetts justified its refusal to sanction the impost proposed in the Plan for Restoring Public Credit by protesting against the high salaries paid to Congress’ too numerous civil officials and the full pay promised to officers of the continental army for five years. This latter was “more than...
10From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Many years later, after the return of the letter to him, JM wrote “Sepr. 20. 1783” at the top of the last page. Your favor of the 31 ult: came to hand yesterday. As the reason which chiefly urged my departure for Virga. has ceased I have been led to protract my attendance on Congress by the interest I felt in some measures on foot, and the particular...
11From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 20 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Many years later, after recovering the letter, JM docketed it, “Sep: 20. 1783 JM.” I have nothing to add to my last on the subject of foreign affairs, further than that the Court of France has fixed on L’Orient as a free port for the U. S. The Virga. Cession underwent a decision of Congs. a day or two after my last. The form which they have given it...
12To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 September 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 31 ult: came to hand yesterday. As the reason which chiefly urged my departure for Virga. has ceased I have been led to protract my attendance on Congress by the interest I felt in some measures on foot, and the particular interest which my Constituents have in them. Two of these were the territorial cession and the permanent seat of Congress. The former was a few days ago...
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 23, fol. 161). Undated and unsigned but in JM’s hand. That the district which may be ceded to & accepted by Congress for their permanent residence, ought to be entirely exempted from the authority of the State ceding the same; and the organization & administration of the powers of Govt. within the sd. district concerted between Congress & the inhabitants thereof. For...
14To 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...
15To 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...
16From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 30 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Addressed to “Honble Thomas Jefferson.” Docketed by him, “Madison James of Orange.” The brackets in the first paragraph signify words or parts of words which a water stain has obliterated. My last was written on the supposition that Mr. Jones & myself would be on our way to Virga. by the middle of Ocr. and that my best chance of an interview with you...
17From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 30 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison. Sep: 30, 1783.” Your favor introducing Mr. Corbin and that by the last weeks post have both been recd. The former did not get to Princeton before Mr. C. had left it, nor did I get to this place before He was so near leaving it that I had no opportunity of manifesting my respect for your recommendations...
18To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 30 September 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was written on the supposition that Mr. Jones and myself would be on our way to Virga. by the middle of Ocr. and that my best chance of an interview with you might be at Alexandria at the time of the races. On further thought I fear that you may be led by that suggestion to suspend your setting out longer than you proposed, and that I may not find it practicable to leave this place...
19I. Notes by Madison, [October 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
Permanent seat of Congress North River—recommended for the permanent seat of Congress chiefly by its security against foreign danger. Falls of Potowmac—By 1. geographical centrality—2. proximity to western Country already ceded—3. inducement to further Cessions from N.C. S.C. and Georgia. 4. remoteness from the influence of any overgrown commercial city. Falls of Delaware—By 1. centrality with...
20From James Madison to the Reverend James Madison, 2 [October] 1783 (Madison Papers)
Tr (Yale University Library: Stiles Papers). The original manuscript is missing. For the reason stated in the editorial note, JM should have dated his letter “Octr 2” rather than “Sept 2.” The editors are indebted to Professor Edmund S. Morgan for his assurance that the date line, salutation, and first thirteen words of this document are in the hand of President Ezra Stiles of Yale College....
21To 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...
22To 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,...
23From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 13 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover franked by JM and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison October 13. 1783.” I returned here yesterday in order to be with Mr. Jones before his departure and make some little arrangements with him of a private nature. The past week has been spent by Congress in deliberating on 1. their permanent seat, 2. their temporary...
24Notes on Congress’ Place of Residence, [ca. 14 October] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Jefferson Papers). Undated. Unsigned but in JM’s hand. JM’s letter of 13 October 1783 to Randolph ( q.v. ) and this memorandum are sufficiently alike in their contents to suggest that they were written at about the same time. In the paragraph beginning with “Philada” in the margin, JM stated that Congress had resolved to fix its place of permanent residence at “the Falls of...
25To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 16 October 1783 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 6th. of July by some singular ill luck never found its way to my hands till yesterday evening. The only part that now needs attention is a request that I will answer the following Question “What appeared to be my idea and disposition respecting the removal of Congress—did I appear to wish to hasten it, or did I not rather show a strong disposition to procrastinate it?” If...
26From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 16 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Papers of Alexander Hamilton). Manuscript much frayed along its right edge. In JM’s hand, but his signature and part of his complimentary close are missing. In the left margin alongside the first four lines of the letter appears in an old-fashioned script, “A. H. Testifies the opposition of H. to the removal of Congress to Princeton, both before and after the event.” Docketed by...
27Motion in re Preliminary Peace Treaty, [ca. 18 October] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 29, fol. 335). In JM’s hand. Undated and undocketed. Although the journal of Congress omits mention of this motion, it appears to be the one summarized by Charles Thomson in his committee book as a proposal made by a delegate, whom he did not identify, “to transmit Exemplfd. Copies of prelimy. Arts. of peace to the respective States.” The doubt whether this entry refers to...
28To 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....
29To 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...
30To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 30 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by JM, “Ocr. 30. 1783.” After two or three interruptions on the road by rainy weather I arrived here the 23d. tolerably well two days after Mr. Hardy and Monroe called on me in their way to Philadelphia by whom you will receive this. they hope to find Congress in the City by the time they get up but by your communication received by the Post...
31To James Madison from Joseph Chew, 6 November 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “James Madison Esqr. jr.” Cover missing. Under the heading of the letter, JM wrote “Chew Jos.” I find I omitted many things in my Letter of yesterday as I dare say I shall in this let me Request you in the first Place to let me hear from you on the Receipt of that Letter as soon as Possible direct for me to be Left at the Commissry Generals in the Next...
32From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. In the right margin of the second page, Jefferson wrote in ink, now much faded, what appears to have been “to dispute Buffon theory of temperature.” Upon recovering the letter many years later, JM docketed it by inserting “Decr. 10. 1783” between the two lines of Jefferson’s comment. Using the JM-Jefferson Code No. 2, JM encoded the words that are...
33To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
My journey from Annapolis was so much retarded by rains and their effect on the water courses that I did not complete it till the ninth day after I left you. I took Col. Mason in my way and had an evening’s conversation with him. I found him much less opposed to the general impost than I had expected . Indeed he disclaimed all opposition to the measure itself but had taken up a vague...
34To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover addressed to “James Madison junr. esq. Orange. to the care of mr Jas. Maury Fredericksburg.” Docketed by JM, “Ths. Jefferson Dec 11. 1783.” Your determination to avail yourself of the fine weather proved I fear a very unfortunate one. I pitied your probable situation in the tempestuous season which immediately succeeded your departure. it is now above a...
35From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 11 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your determination to avail yourself of the fine weather proved I fear a very unfortunate one. I pitied your probable situation in the tempestuous season which immediately succeeded your departure. It is now above a fortnight since we should have met, and six states only appear. We have some hopes of Rhodeisland coming in to-day, but when two more will be added seems as insusceptible of...
36Settlement of Accounts with Virginia, [31 December] 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC ( LC : Madison Papers). In JM’s hand. Ink faded and some of the writing rendered illegible by water stains. JM’s docket appears to read, “Acct. & Recpts. [?] for 1783 as Delegate to Congs. Jan 84” 1783 Dr. Credt £ S D 1782 £ S D March 29. To cash recd. of Mr. Jones out of a sum recd. by him for } Decr. 31 By ballance settled 856
37To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1784 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by JM, “Thos. Jefferson Jan 1 1784.” Beneath the docket appears in an unknown hand, “Buffons theory respecting the Globe.” Your favour of the 10th. Dec. came to hand about a fortnight after its date. It has occasioned me to reflect a little more attentively on Buffon’s central heat than I did in the moment of our conversation and to form an...
38From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 10th. Dec. came to hand about a fortnight after it’s date. It has occasioned me to reflect a little more attentively on Buffon’s central heat than I did in the moment of our conversation and to form an opinion different from what I then expressed. The term ‘central heat’ does of itself give us a false idea of Buffon’s hypothesis. If it meant a heat lodged in the center of...
39To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 27 January 1784 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by JM, “Randolph. Edmd. Jany. 27. 1784.” Altho’ your return from congress has brought you nearer in point of distance, it has fixed a wider gulph between us in point of communication by letter. But I do not mean to suffer the danger of miscarrage, to which even a private opportunity is exposed, whensoever any thing, worthy of notice, occurs....
40From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 February 1784 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Lacks docket and cover. Your favor of the 11. of Decr. ulto. came safe to hand after a very tedious conveyance. Mr. W. Maury having broken up his school in this Neighbourhood in order to attempt a superior one in Williamsburg & his pupils being dispersed, I have sent the book for Mr. P. Carr into the neighbourhood of Doctr. Walker whence I supposed it would most...
41To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 11. of Decr. ulto. came safe to hand after a very tedious conveyance. Mr. W. Maury having broken up his school in this Neighbourhood in order to attempt a superior one in Williamsburg and his pupils being dispersed, I have sent the book for Mr. P. Carr into the neighbourhood of Doctr. Walker whence I supposed it would most easily find its way to him. I thank you for the mark...
42From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1784 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Undocketed. Cover missing. I wrote to you a few days ago by the post acknowledging your favor of the 10th. of Decr. Mr. Maury has since afforded me an opportunity which I cannot omit to acknowledge that of the first of Jany. which has just come to hand, and to express the concern I feel at the account it gives of your ill health. I hope earnestly that this will find...
43From James Madison to Jacob Read, [17 February 1784] (Madison Papers)
… You will receive this from the hand of Mr. James Maury, who wishes to be known to Congress as a candidate for their favorable notice at the time of filling up consular missions to Europe. The confidence I have in his qualifications for such a service induces me to recommend him in the warmest terms to my friends remaining in Congress and to you in particular. He is a gentleman of sound...
44To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you a few days ago by the post acknowledging your favor of the 10th. of Decr. Mr. Maury has since afforded me an opportunity which I cannot omit to acknowledge that of the first of Jany. which has just come to hand, and to express the concern I feel at the account it gives of your ill health. I hope earnestly that this will find it in a better state and that I may soon receive a...
45To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 20 February 1784 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Jefferson’s hand. Docketed by JM, “Thos. Jefferson. Feb 20th. 1784.” The italicized words are those written in the JM-Jefferson Code No. 2. Your favour of the 11th. inst. came to hand this day. I had prepared a multitude of mem[orandu]ms of subjects whereon to write you, but I will first answer those arising from your letter. by the time my order got...
46From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 20 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 11th. inst. came to hand this day. I had prepared a multitude of memorandums of subjects whereon to write you, but I will first answer those arising from your letter. By the time my order got to Philadelphia every copy of Smith’s history of New York was sold. I shall take care to get Blair’s lectures for you as soon as published, and will attend to your presumed wishes...
47From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 March 1784 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 27th. Jany. was safely delivered to me about a fourtnight ago, and was recd. with the greater pleasure, as it promises a continuance of your friendly attention. I am sorry that my situation enables me to stipulate no other return than sincere & thankful acknowledgments. On my arrival here which happened early in Decr. I entered as soon as the necessary attentions to my...
48From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 March 1784 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 20. Ult. came duly to hand a few days ago. I can not apprehend that any difficulties can ensue in Europe from the involuntary & immaterial delay of the ratification of the peace, or if there should that any imputations can be devised which will not be repelled by the collective force of the reasons in the intended protest; some of which singly taken are unanswerable. As you...
49To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 16 March 1784 (Madison Papers)
I received yesterday by mr. Maury your favor of Feb. 17. That which you mention to have written by post a few days before is not yet come to hand. I am induced to this quick reply to the former by an alarming paragraph in it, which is that Mazzei is coming to Annapolis. I tremble at the idea. I know he will be worse to me than a return of my double quotidian head-ach. There is a resolution...
50From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 16 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday by Mr. Maury your favor of Feb. 17. That which you mention to have written by post a few days before is not yet come to hand. I am induced to this quick reply to the former by an alarming paragraph in it, which is that Mazzei is coming to Annapolis. I tremble at the idea. I know he will be worse to me than a return of my double quotidian head-ach. There is a resolution...