2001To James Madison from Calvin Jones, 30 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 December 1811, Raleigh. Encloses a return of the militia of North Carolina for 1811 [not found]. “The Militia of this state would afford good materials for an Army. They have the necessary talents, courage and patriotism, but they are very defectively armed. Many are entirely destitute of arms, and of those reported a great proportion are totally unfit for service.” Wishes to bring this...
2002To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
It is long since I have had occasion to address a line to you, and the present is an irksome one. With all the discouragements I can oppose to those who wish to make me the channel of their wishes for office, some will force themselves on me. I inclose you the letters of several merely to be placed on the file of candidates & to stand on their own ground, for I do not know one of them...
2003To James Madison from William Eustis, 31 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1811, Department of War. Lists proposed promotions in the U.S. Army for JM’s approval. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, 12B-A1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 3 pp. Forwarded by JM to the Senate in a message of 31 Dec. 1811 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, 1828). ,...
2004To James Madison from William Eustis, 31 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1811, Department of War. Lists proposed appointments in the U.S. Army for JM’s approval. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, 12B-A1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 4 pp. Forwarded by JM to the Senate in his 31 Dec. 1811 message ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, 1828)....
2005To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 31 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1811, Boston Council Chamber. Introduces Richard Devens Harris—“a young Gentleman of this place & of one of the most respectable families in it, of a liberal education, & of correct morals & politicks”—who wishes to pay his respects. “Mr Harris having spent two or three years at London, Paris &c has obtained much useful information; which qualifies him to serve his Country in many...
2006To James Madison from the House of Representatives, 31 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1811. “Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause to be laid before this House information whether, tobacco the growth of the United States is admitted into Holland, and if admitted, whether the administration en regie on that article as it exists in France, extends to Holland and the Hansiatic towns; and whether the tariff in Holland is the same as...
2007Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 31 December 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
It is long since I have had occasion to address a line to you, and the present is an irksome one. with all the discouragements I can oppose to those who wish to make me the channel of their wishes for office, some will force themselves on me. I inclose you the letters of several merely to be placed on the file of candidates & to stand on their own ground, for I do not know one of them...
2008To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 1 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
You will perceive in my dispatch to the Secretary of State, that a treaty of commerce is to be the depot in which we are to collect and consign such principles as we can agree upon, and that I conceive myself well grounded in believing that most if not all the points I have discussed in my note of the 10th November will be accorded. But when I turn to my instructions it seems doubtful whether...
2009To James Madison from John Cocke, 1 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I observe in your communication to Congress at the commencement of the present session that our Just rights are still invaded and no reparation offered and that an appeal to arms may be necessary before those rights are respected, in that event I tender my services together with those of the officers & soldiers in the first Division of Militia of the State of Tennessee which I have the honor...
2010To James Madison from William Lee, 1 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
The answer to Mr Barlows note is not what was expected and most certainly is not what was intended to have been given for many days. What can have changed the Emperors opinion is not known. All the persons about the court of any influence have been of opinion that complete success would attend Mr Barlows mission. No one knows what answer Mr Barlow has recd. but it is feared it is not favorable...
2011To James Madison from Return Jonathan Meigs, Jr., 1 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit the foregoing resolution and embrace the Opportunity of expressing the high Esteem with which I am Sir your Mo Ob st 26 December 1811. Reviews the conduct of the European belligerents toward the U.S. and describes the consequences as “a scourge from heaven.” “A retrospective view of the sufferings, injuries, and insults which have flowed to this country, from a...
2012To James Madison from John Montgomery, 1 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1812, Boston. Forwards this memorial mentioning his six years of experience in commerce at Boston and twenty-five years at Alicante. Has “a competent Knowledge” of the languages, laws, and customs of the eastern countries. Has performed the functions of a consul at Alicante “at intervals … in the absence of his brother.” Notes that there are vacancies at the ports of Constantinople,...
2013To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1812, Mint of the United States. Forwards a report on the operations of the Mint during the past year. “With the exception of a few weeks, after the expiration of the charter of the Bank of the United States, the supply of bullion, now furnished chiefly by the other Banks in this city, has never been more abundant.” The enclosed statement from the treasurer shows the amount of...
2014To James Madison from Eusebio Valdenegro, 1 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1812. Introduces himself as a citizen of South America who was dismissed by its oppressors and brought by fate to the U.S. Was prominent in the revolution in his native country and encloses documents in support of this fact. Cites his present indigence as proof of the purity of his intentions and the disinterestedness with which he has served his country. Lacking resources, he is now...
2015To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 2 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Count de Crillon, son of the celebrated Duke, who beseiged Gibralter, & was famous as a great mi[li]tary character, arrived here a day or two past, & proposes to go on to Washington. He came from England in company with Captain Henry, formerly of our army; whom you probably know, is also a great military character, & in every point, truly respectable. He wishes to pay his personal respects...
2016To James Madison from Francis Bailey, 2 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 January 1812, Philadelphia. “A reverse of fortune has led a man of sixty six years of age, to ask … for an appointment, to any vacant office.” Describes himself as “a man of common abilities, whose Physical powers and spirit of enterprize are abating, whose integrity (to his knowledge) has not been once called in question” and whose “mechanical knowledge is very general and minute.” “Any...
2017To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 3 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I addressed, at the request of some Gentlemen, a line to you yesterday, introducing the Count de Crillon to your Excellency; and think it expedient to inform you, that I am in every respect uninformed in regard to the politicks of that nobleman, he being to me an entire stranger. Respectfully your Excellency’s unfeigned Friend RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). Later docketed by JM,...
2018To James Madison from William Nelson, 3 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 January 1812, Williamsburg. Has been informed that Mr. Daingerfield, present secretary of the Mississippi Territory, will resign; recommends the bearer, Richard Pollard, as his successor. Pollard has been educated at William and Mary “and is a very deserving young Man.” He was licensed to practice law a short time ago but has not yet come to the bar “in consequence of his wish to settle to...
2019From James Madison to William Hawkins, 4 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 26th. ult: inclosing the Resolutions of the Genl. Assembly of N. Carolina, approving the sentiments contained in the Message to Congs. of Novr. 5. and declaring their readiness to co-operate in vindicating the violated rights of their Country. Approbation from such a source could not fail under any circumstances to strengthen the satisfaction arising from a...
2020To James Madison from the Chester Republican Troop of Cavalry, 4 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 January 1812, Chester Court House, South Carolina. “The awfull Crisis, pregnant with the destinies of our beloved Country, the magnanimous & patr[i]otic stand of our illustrious Cabinet against the wicked, outrageous & unnational proceedings of the belligerents, have induced the Chester Republican Troop of Cavalry through this Channel to meet the spirit of the Nation in the offer of their...
2021To James Madison from Edward E. Davis, 4 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 January 1812, New York. Seeks appointment as a physician in the army or the navy. “I have been one of the Old Revolenterry Men of Last war where I had the Misfortune to loos one of My Leges in the Deffence of My countrys wrights.” Promises “to give Satisfaction in the Disscharge” of his duties and refers to a “Number of Gentleman who have given Certifi[c]ates” on his behalf. Requests the...
2022To James Madison from John Landers, 4 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 January 1812, Westminster, Frederick County, Maryland. The petitioner and his wife have ten children, “all minors from the ages of three to Seventeen mostly Females.” They were persuaded by his wife’s friends to leave Scotland and come to America, for which purpose he “converted his all into Cash,” though he also had to accept aid from a friend to pay the balance of their passage. Paid...
2023To James Madison from George Joy, 7 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
As I am prevented proceeding to Liverpool to embark in this ship only by a doubt lately suggested by Mr: Maury whether she will proceed or not; (tho’ I think, (and so does Mr: Russell,) that no conciliatory measures on the part of this Government, are likely to detain her for a freight;) I am not prepared with such Duplicates, and other Communications, as I should otherwise have sent in her....
2024From James Madison to Congress, 7 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 January 1812. Forwards a report from the director of the Mint. RC , two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E5). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures, see Robert Patterson to JM, 1 Jan. 1812 .
2025To James Madison from the Maryland General Assembly, 7 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 January 1812, Annapolis. Forward in compliance with a resolution passed by the General Assembly of Maryland an authenticated copy of sundry resolutions passed at the November 1811 session. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 1 p.; signed by William Thomas, president of the Senate, and Tobias E. Stansbury, Speaker of the House of Delegates. For enclosure (3 pp.; docketed by JM), see n. 1. On 19 Nov....
2026From James Madison to John Geddes, 8 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 22d of Decr. accompanied by an address of the House of Reps. of the State of S. Carolina, to which an answer is inclosed. I tender you at the same time my acknowledgments for the sentiments you have been pleased to add from yourself. With assurances of my great respect and friendly wishes. To the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina I have...
2027To James Madison from George Joy, 8 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
If this should overtake, at Liverpool, my letter of yesterday, it will serve to correct an Error, which, as I did not read after writing it, escaped my notice. It passed unobserved also by the Copyist, who took it down as I wrote it, whom I asked, in my haste, if he had perceived any Mistake, and who assured me there was none. Instead of “ it would be repugnant,” I should have said “ my...
2028To James Madison from David Humphreys, 10 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
As it is not among the least of the important duties of the President, to become acquainted so far as may be, with the resources & ability of the U. S. for supplying their wants; it has been judged not improper to bring to his view a Statement made by the Visitors of the Humphreysville Manufacturing Establishment, respecting the operation of a new Machine for spinning Yarn of various kinds. If...
2029From James Madison to Henry Dearborn, 11 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
Congress have just passed the act adding twenty odd thousand troops to the Military establishment. It provides for two Major Generals & 5 brigadiers. The importance of placing this and the other forces in view, under the best commanders, speaks for itself. Our eyes could not but be turned, on such an occasion, to your qualifications & experience; and I wait for your permission only to name you...
2030To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 11 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
J. A. Henry Esq, who formerly commanded a company of Artillery of the U States, wishing to pay his respects to your Excellency, I take the liberty to introduce him to your acquaintance; as a Gentleman who has resided heretofore in this State & who for his professional, literary, & polite accomplishments, has been much respected by all his acquaintance. Accept, I pray you, dear Sir, assurances,...
2031To James Madison from Charles Scott, 13 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
BEING delegated by the Officers who served during our Revolutionary War, who reside in this State, and could be convened; to correspond with you, and others, on the subject of the claims of the Officers and Soldiers, who served during the War, to half pay during life, and to be indemnified for the depreciated paper in which payment, so far as it extended, was made to them; I have the honor to...
2032To James Madison from the Kentucky Legislature, 13 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 January 1812, Frankfort. Deem “that they have … at all times a right to express … the sense of the good people of this state, respecting the measures of the national government.” “A crisis in our public affairs … calls for the expression of the public sentiment respecting the course to be adopted, in order to resist the repeated, long continued and flagrant violations of our rights, as a...
2033To James Madison from William Crawford, 15 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
Much uncertainty respecting the propriety of the step I am now about to take, has agitated my mind, since the rising of the court appointed to try Genl. Wilkinson which ceased on information received yesterday—that upon Saturday last their proceedings had not been laid before you. Duty to the public—Justice to Genl. Wilkinson & respect for you prevail, & impell me to lay one fact, among many...
2034From James Madison to Congress, 15 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 January 1812. Transmits an account of the contingent expenses of the government incurred in 1811 in taking possession of “the territory limited Eastwardly by the River Perdido” and amounting to $3,396. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM....
2035From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 15 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 January 1812. In compliance with their resolution of 29 Nov. 1811, transmits “a report of the Secretary of State … of American seamen impressed into the service of Foreign Powers.” Printed copy ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). , 12th Cong., 1st sess., 794). Tr of enclosure ( DNA : RG 233, Reports and...
2036To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 16 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
Having suffered some heavy injuries of fortune from the failure of others—and having imprudently spent the most active period of my life in unprofitable public employments—I feel at present in some degree the necessity of seeking some appointment from my country, which while I faithfully perform my duty will aid me in the comfortable support of my family. I should prefer a civil employment...
2037To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State to whom was referred the Resolution of the Senate requesting information on certain points respecting the trade of the United States to France, has the honor to report to the President that he has examined the files of this Department, and found no precise information on the subject of the said Resolution, which has not been heretofore communicated to Congress. That in...
2038From James Madison to Congress, 16 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 January 1812. Communicates a letter from the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the secretary of state, with the answer of the latter. “The continued evidence afforded in this correspondence, of the hostile policy of the British Government against our national rights, strengthens the considerations recommending and urging the preparations of adequate means...
2039From James Madison to the Senate, 16 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 January 1812. Transmits “a Report of the Secretary of State complying with their Resolution of the 18th of November.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E3). RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles; signed by JM. Enclosure (4 pp.) is Monroe to JM, 16 Jan. 1812 .
2040To James Madison from William Eustis, 16 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 January 1812, War Department. Presents names of six persons, all of whom reside in the state of Ohio, to be appointed officers of rangers. RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. Docketed by JM. JM nominated the candidates to the Senate on 17 Jan. 1812 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.;...
2041To James Madison from James Brown, 17 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have here taken the liberty of enforming you I have had the misfortune of being pressed and sent on Board the above mentioned Ship, and haveing enformed R G Beasley american Consul in London of the same and applications being made by the said R G Beasley american Consul to the Lords Commissioners of the ⟨A⟩dmiralty with my Discharg from the United States Frigate under the Command of steven...
2042To James Madison from Henry Dearborn, 17 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I was this morning honored with your letter of the 11th. Inst. I trust Sir that you will believe me when I say that I do not possess a sufficient degree of either vanity or ambition to induce me to desire such Military rank or command, as Gentlemen of superior tallents & Information only might aspire to, but to prevent any unnecessary delay or embarrasment, I will suspend any remarks in...
2043From James Madison to Congress, 17 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 January 1812. Transmits a letter from the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the secretary of state, with the answer of the latter. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1); RC ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures (3 pp.; printed in ASP American State...
2044To James Madison from Return Jonathan Meigs, Jr., 18 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 January 1812, Zanesville. Transmits a copy of a resolution of the Ohio state legislature “on the Subject of the Contemplated Canal between the river Hudson and the great Lakes.” RC , two copies, and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 1 p. Second RC addressed to “The Hon: The President of the Senate of the United States” and docketed by JM. Printed enclosure 1 p. RC and enclosure printed in ASP American...
2045To James Madison from Pierre Samuel DuPont de Nemours, 20 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
J’ai reçu votre Lettre avec une extrême Reconnaissance. Le Suffrage d’un Homme d’Etat tel que vous est une grande récompense et un puissant encouragement pour un Philosophe appliqué à l’étude des droits, des devoirs, de l’interêt des Gouvernans et des Gouvernés qui, Sous les bonnes constitutions, Sont toujours inséparables. Lors de mon retour en Amérique, vos lumieres m’aideront à rendre mon...
2046To James Madison from Henry Cheriot, 20 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1812, New York. Has been advised by Messrs. Bossange & Masson of Paris that last July they delivered to Mr. Hamilton, bearer of dispatches in the John Adams , a bundle directed to him containing a book, La Jérusalem délivrée , with an order to forward it immediately to JM. Did not receive the book but supposes that Mr. Hamilton delivered it to JM personally. So that he can inform...
2047To James Madison from William Garrard, 20 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1812, Opelousas, Orleans Territory. Declares that no man was better pleased by JM’s elevation to the presidency than himself, that he has always admired JM’s talents, virtues, and political character, and that so far he has not been disappointed in his expectations of the administration. Assures JM that “in this Quarter” his administration “has the confidence of the great Majority...
2048From James Madison to Congress, 22 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
At the request of the Legislature of New Jersey, I communicate to Congress, copies of its Resolutions, transmitted by the Governor of that State. Whereas in cases of great national concern, involving in their consequences the interests, the rights and the welfare, as well of the future as of the present generation; it cannot fail to be useful and acceptable, to those entrusted with the...
2049To James Madison from David Humphreys, 22 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
Not finding it convenient, on account of the late severe snow storm and consequent bad roads, to visit the seat of Government, so soon as I had expected, I inclose the Paper alluded to in my late letter; believing the importance of the subject, will be admitted as an apology for the trouble. It is known that the growing of wool and the means of converting that indispensable staple into Cloth,...
2050To James Madison from William Pinkney, 22 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have received a Letter from Mr Dallas (of the 16th.) from which it appears that he had not been applied to by Mr. Gallatin to assist in the Cases in the supreme Court of the US. in which it was thought his Aid would be advisable, and further that he would be willing to assist if applied to. Although I shall be perfectly prepared to argue one of them (the Case of the French National Vessel)...