2001Presidential Proclamation, 20 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
To all to whom these presents shall come: James Madison, president of the United States sends Greeting: Whereas the Congress of the United States by an act, entitled “An act authorising the President of the United States to exchange a certain parcel of land in the city of New-York for other lands in the same city, or its vicinity,” passed the thirtieth day of March, 1814, did authorise the...
2002To James Madison from Robert Patton, 20 December 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Patton. 20 December 1814, Fredericksburg. “By desire of your Brother, Genl. Madison, I have paid Two Installments on your Turnpike Stock, 8th & 9th, amounting to Two Hundred Dollars, which you will please remit to me at your convenience.” RC ( DLC ).
2003To James Madison from William R. Cole and Others, Ca. 19 December 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William R. Cole and Others. Ca. 19 December 1814. “We the Undersigned Citizens of the State of Ohio do hereby recommend to your Notice Mr. Jacob Kelly of the County of Clinton in the State afsd. as a suitable person to fill the Office of Captain Lieut. or Ensign in the U.S. Army. And wish that if any Vacancy at present exists or hereafter shortly occurs that he the said J: Kelly, may be...
2004From James Madison to Peter Early, 18 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 2d. instant: with the Resolutions of the Legislature of Georgia expressing unanimously the sentiments inspired by the extravagant terms of peace demanded by the Enemy, and the readiness of that State to make every sacrifice necessary to a vigorous prosecution of the war, till it can be brought to an honorable termination. Resolutions of such a character are...
2005To James Madison from George W. Campbell, 18 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your friendly and much esteemed favor of the 2nd. Novr., which, owing, it is presumed to the irregularities of the mail, had been long on its passage. The committee appointed in the House of Reps. to enquire into the causes of the late military events at Washington, have called on me for information on that subject; and though I did not consider the call, in...
2006To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 18 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure two days ago to receive your favour of the 27th. of November. I beg you to be assured I feel great regret at the cause of the delay in your writing to me and anxiously hope your health is now perfectly restored. I understand communications to the Executive of the U.S ought properly to be addressed to the heads of departments these I shall make with pleasure. At the same time...
2007To John Adams from James Madison, 17 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 28th. Ult: was duly received, tho’ with more delay, than usually attends the Mail. I return the interesting letter from your son, with my thanks for the opportunity of perusing it. I have caused the archives of the Dept of State to be searched with an eye to what passed during the negociations for peace on the subject of the fisheries. The search has not furnished a precise...
2008From James Madison to John Adams, 17 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 28th. Ult: was duly received, tho’ with more delay, than usually attends the Mail. I return the interesting letter from your son, with my thanks for the opportunity of perusing it. I have caused the archives of the Dept of State to be searched with an eye to what passed during the negociations for peace on the subject of the fisheries. The search has not furnished a precise...
2009To James Madison from John Huston and Others, [ca. 16 December 1814] (Madison Papers)
The Undersigned Beg leave to set forth that Whereas at a General Court Martial of which Captain Steele was President held by virtue of an Order of Major General Gaines (dated the 19th. of October 1814) at Province Island Barracks on the 21st. of October 1814 and Continued by Adjournments untill the 28th. of the same Month—Jacob File A Soldier of the 16th. Regiment of the United States Infantry...
2010To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 16 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
A part of the object of my journey to Washington, was suspended in part, in consequence of the feeble state of thy health. It was my intention, (as I believe I intimated to thee,) to inform thee particularly of an important discovery of mine, & to ask thy aid in my wishes to obtain an exclusive right, by a special law, & for a longer term than is authorised by ordinary Patents. When I spoke...
2011To James Madison from James Monroe, 16 December 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Monroe. 16 December 1814, War Department. “The Senate having declined confirming the promotions of Captains Graham & Massias of the 1st. Rifle Regiment, the confirmation of the other promotions in the Rifle Regiment, conformably to the list now before the Senate, would be irregular. I have, therefore, the honor, in lieu of it, to propose the enclosed list.” RC and enclosure ( DNA...
2012From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 15 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Jones having retired from the Secretaryship of the Navy, my thoughts have been turned to you as a desireable Successor; and I have this day sent in your name to the Senate for the appointment. I hope you will excuse my doing it without your consent which would have been asked, if the business of that Dept. had less urged an avoidance of delay. The same consideration will apologize for my...
2013From James Madison to William Eustis, 15 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
It has been in view for some time to counterplace Mr. Changuion by an Envoy Extraordinary & Minister Plenipotentiary to his Sovereign Prince; and I have had you in my thoughts for the service. I postponed however consulting you on the subject, on the calculation that it could be done at any time without inconvenient delay to the object. Circumstances now exist which render an immediate...
2014To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 15 December 1814] (Madison Papers)
The enclosed plan for raising 20.000 men in New York, was submitted to my view yesterday by Genl Scott, that I might state, as he passed to day on his way to Baltimore, whether it ought to be carried into effect, as aiding, or declind as interfering with the plans of the genl govt. I will thank you to say what you think of it. From the hasty perusal I have given it, I shod. doubt the propriety...
2015To James Madison from Benjamin Homans, 13 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to send for your Signature, the Brevet Commission for Captain Sevier, this would have been done sooner, but I have searched the Office in vain, for the Copy of the one made out for Major Miller; Mr Duval who had charge of that having gone to Virginia, and has disposed of the Copy in such manner, that it cannot be found. It was peculiarly desirable the Commissions should agree...
2016To James Madison from Hugh Chisholm, 13 December 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Hugh Chisholm. 13 December 1814, Charlottesville. “You will please have your Account against me Since our last Settlement arranged. in order for a final Settlemen⟨t⟩ by the first of January next at which time I expect to be in the City of washington for that express purpose.” RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM .
2017To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 12 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
During the last twelve or fifteen months two of my sons have pressed upon me an application to the government, in their behalf, for Warrants in the Navy. I have devoted myself to the Collegiate & professional education of my seven sons (one of whom I have lost) and hoped, that they would be able to establish themselves in civil life, subject to a volunteer exertion in the military service of...
2018To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 12 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Masson the teacher of french in this Academy having left the United States, I should neither do justice to my own conscience nor to this seminary, did I not recommend Mr. Claudius Berard A.M. professor of modern languages in Dickenson college at Carlisle in Pennsylvania for his successor. Mr. Berard is a gentleman of uncommon talents and extensive literary acquirements, and would do credit...
2019To James Madison from Josiah Meigs, 12 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose herein, for your approbation, leases of two lead mines in the Territory of Missouri, executed by the Recorder of Land titles at St. Louis, to Saml. Hammond and to Hammond & Connor. I have the honor &c. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 49, Division C, Misc. Letters Sent). On 13 Dec. 1814 Meigs informed Frederick Bates, recorder of land titles at St. Louis, that JM had...
2020From John Adams to James Madison, 11 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
Francis C. Gray a Son of our late Lt. Governor, after an Education at Colledge, two Years travels in Europe under the Protection of your minister in Russia and three Years Study of the Law has been called to the Barr, and now has the laudable curiosity and noble Ambition of seeing his native Country. And who should he naturally wish to see in it so much as its first Magistrate. I hope he will...
2021To James Madison from John Adams, 11 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
Francis C. Gray a Son of our late Lt. Governor, after an Education at Colledge, two years travels in Europe under the Protection of your Minister in Russia and three years Study of the Law has been called to the Barr, and now has the laudable curiosity and noble Ambition of Seeing his native Country. And who should he naturally wish to see in it so much as its first Magistrate. I hope he will...
2022To James Madison from José Corrèa da Serra, 10 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
According to the permission you gave me I send you from this place my guesses on the branch of revenue which the U.S. could have in domains belonging to the union. But in Looking to the subject with attention I have found another instance of what you so justly observed to me, and what I have myself often experienced viz—that a foreigner who visits a country is apt to believe that what he does...
2023To James Madison from David Jones, 10 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have now before me, a Pamphlet writen by mr Melish with his remarks on Sine Qua non. He has done the subject Justice. I shall publish my Sentiments on the same subject in the aurora under the Signature of the old Soldier. My opinion about Indians, may fail of your approbation, yet I am Sure I am right. I have writen on the Subject more than 30 years, I fear with very little Success, as the...
2024To James Madison from Samuel Whiting and Others, 8 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of a respectable number of Citizens from the various parts of the District of Maine assembled at Portland on the 8th. of Decr. 1814 amongst whom were present Genl. Wm. King of Bath—Joshua Wingate Esqr of Do.—Josiah Hook Esq: of Hampden—Jos. Farley Esq: of Waldoborough—James Carr Esq: of Bangor—Honble. Moses Ca[r]lton Esq: Wiscassett—Majr. Jno. Spring, Standwich—Honble. Wm. Widgery...
2025To James Madison from Francis Kinloch, 7 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to trouble you with the inclosed to the Secretary of War —it is from my Son, to the obtaining of whose commission in the first instance you were so good as to contribute, & whose attachment to the profession you will, I am sure, be pleasd to know: his object is, looking beyond the war, to remain in the army, & he thinks it may promote his views to make a tender of his services thus...
2026To James Madison from William Lattimore, 6 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
William Crawford Esqr. of the town of Mobile, has requested me by letter to state, that he wishes to fill the vacancy of Attorney for the U. States in the Miss. Territory produced by the resignation of Mr. Anderson. I do not know Mr. C. personally; but his character & correspondence have given me a favorable opinion of his merits, and as I understand that he has acted as Attorney for the U.S....
2027To James Madison from Aylett Hawes, 5 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is a copy of the Will of Martin Kaufman Decd., which has been forwarded to me for the purpose of being submitted to you, in order that you might point out the mode in which you woud have the charitable Legacy disposed of. To the enquiry which you made, whether a poor house has been established in Shennandoah: I cannot say with certainty, but I have understood there is one. It is...
2028From James Madison to John Rodgers, 4 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. yours of the 29th. Ult. The wishes conveyed in mine which it answers, are far from being lessened by a diffidence of yourself, in which I can not participate. But I regret to find an insuperable obstacle to them, in your repugnance to exchange your present Commission for the one I had contemplated, & the legal incompatibility between them, according to an official exposition...
2029To James Madison from George W. Erving, 4 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
When I took the liberty of addressing you on the 6th Oct. it was to be expected that the negotiations at Gand woud be soon terminated, & I intended to send my letter by those of the commissioners who might return home; the private letters mentioned in the last paragraph of that letter I yet retain, to be sent either by Mr Clay or Mr Gallatin, not wishing to trust them by an ordinary hand. By...
2030To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry Jr., 4 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
In the hour of distress I am compelled to appeal to you for assistance, & support. The decease of my excellent Parent, has thrown a large & destitute family on their own exertions & the world, for subsistence. As the eldest son of a man, whose life & fortune were spent in the service of his country, I consider it an indispensable duty to seek some employment which will not degrade his...
2031To James Madison from Richard Rush, 4 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
In considering the case submitted to him yesterday by the President, the attorney general has the honor to report; that, in his opinion, the holding a commission and rank as captain in the navy would be incompatible under the laws with holding, at the same time, the office of secretary of the department of the navy. RC ( DLC ). See JM to John Rodgers, 4 Dec. 1814 .
2032To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
My affairs in Loudoun requiring in an urgent manner my presence, I shall go up to day & return on monday or tuesday next. A passport from the British Commander to take dispatches to Ghent being as I presume necessary, I have arrang’d in the dept. a letter to him for the purpose. I know of nothing that will suffer in my short absence. Respectfully your friend RC ( DLC : Rives Collection,...
2033To James Madison from Richard Rush, 3 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
R. Rush has the honor to enclose to the President, 1. A letter from the governor of Louisiana recommending, in relation to the pirates of Barataria, that a few of the more hardened offenders only should be prosecuted, and the conduct of the rest overlooked. 2. Another letter from the same, recommending Mr Duplessis as collector of New Orleans, in the room of Mr Dubourg, whose resignation is...
2034To James Madison from Peter Early, 2 December 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Peter Early. 2 December 1814, Milledgeville, Georgia. “In conformity with the directions of the Legislature of this State, I have now the honor of transmitting to you the inclosed copy of certain resolutions passed by that body at their late Session.” RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Early; docketed by JM . The enclosed resolutions (4 pp.), dated 18 Nov....
2035To James Madison from James Ogleby and David Winchester, 2 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
It is with real regret we for a moment withdraw your attention from national to individual interests. Having failed to receive any notice from every other quarter to our applications for the aid of Government in the prosecution of a just claim to restitution, must be our apology for intruding on your valuable time. The circumstances of our case are these: on the raising of the Embargo in the...
2036From James Madison to Congress, 1 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I transmit for the information of Congress the communications last received from the Ministers Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States at Ghent, explaining the course and actual state of their negociations with the Plenipotentiarys of Great Britain. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 13A–E1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s...
2037To James Madison from Tristram Dalton, 1 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
Having received a Commission of Surveyor of the Port of Boston & Charlestown, and another as Inspector of said Port, I beg leave to offer my sincere thanks for this renewed mark of your favour & confidence. Every attention, within my Power and abilities, shall be paid in the execution of the duties of these Offices, by which I will hope to merit the approbation of Government. With the warmest...
2038To James Madison from Josiah Meigs, 1 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Commissioner of the General Land Office respectfully represents to the President of the U States that by letters from the Governor of the Indiana Territory it appears that applications have been made to him for the purpose of obtaining leases of some reserved sections in that territory which exhibit appearances of salt springs—for the purpose of making experiments. By the 2d sect. of the...
2039To James Madison from John L. E. W. Shecut, [ca. November 1814] (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to intrude myself to your notice, in the hope, that altho almost incessantly engaged, in the most arduous concerns of the nation, you may at some leisure moment condescend to honour me with your attention. With somewhat more than nineteen years Practice and close observation, I have at length been enabled to digest a new Theory and Practice of medicine, adapted to all parts of the...
2040Memorandum for Alexander J. Dallas, [ca. November 1814] (Madison Papers)
Sketch put into the hands of Mr. Dallas as outline for the Exposition of the causes & character of the war. The rupture at Ghent, with the haughty demands of the Enemy producing it, invite an explanation to the impartial world of the causes & character of the war. This the more necessary as no pains have been spared by the B. Govt. to propagate deceptive views of it. They have represented the...
2041To James Madison from Joseph Bloomfield, 30 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
I hereby offer and solicit the acceptance, of my resignation, of Brigadier-General, in the army, of the United-States. It is impossible, for me to add to the high respect, with which, I have the honor to be Sir Your most faithful Obedient humble Servt. RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRUS , B-1814). Docketed by James Monroe. Enclosed in Bloomfield to Monroe, 30 Nov. 1814, which was docketed as received in...
2042To James Madison from William Jones, 30 November 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 30 November 1814, Navy Department. “The promotions and appointments designated on the enclosed paper are required for the naval service of the United States.” RC ( DLC ); enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3); letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). RC 1 p.; draft of JM
2043To James Madison from William Jones, 30 November 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 30 November 1814, Navy Department. “The promotion of the within names, is required to fill existing Vacancies in the marine Corps.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). The enclosed list (1 p.; printed in Senate Exec. Proceedings, Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington,...
2044To James Madison from John Rodgers, 29 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
Your Letter of the 24th Inst. did not reach me until last Night. The estimation in which you appear to hold my qualifications to fill the important Office of Secretary of the Navy, can not be otherwise than flattering to my pride, and I would fain add, as singularly auspicious to my views, did not my own reason but too forcibly tell me that my abilities are not of a kind to justify my...
2045To James Madison from William Jones, 29 November 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 29 November 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose, for your Signature the Brevet Commission herewith.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p.
2046From John Adams to James Madison, 28 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
When my Son departed for Russia, I injoined upon him to write nothing to me, which he was not willing should be published in French and English Newspapers. He has very scrupulously observed the rule.— I have been equally reserved in my letters to him: but the Principle on both sides has been to me a cruel privation, for his correspondence when absent, and his Conversation when present has been...
2047To James Madison from John Adams, 28 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
When my Son departed for Russia, I enjoined upon him to write nothing to me, which he was not willing Should be published in French and English Newspapers. He has very Scrupulously observed the rule. I have been equally reserved in my letters to him: but the Principle on both Sides has been to me a cruel privation, for his correspondence when Absent, and his Conversation when present has been...
2048To James Madison from Thomas Law, [ca. 18–26 November 1814] (Madison Papers)
When I heard of the conflagration of the Capitol &ca, I indulged the hope that a temporary misfortune would be converted to a benefit, & that I should have the satisfaction of witnessing prosperity here dated from your administration of Government. The enclosed proposition I submit to your perusal with all deference. In it I have considered the claims of the heads of departments, whose...
2049From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 26 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
I did not receive your favor of the 11th. instant till a few days ago; and I have till now been too much indisposed to acknowlege it. You are not mistaken in viewing the conduct of the Eastern States as the source of our greatest difficulties in carrying on the war; as it certainly is the greatest, if not the sole inducement with the Enemy to persevere in it. The greater part of the people in...
2050To James Madison from James Smith, 26 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
Permit Me to present My respects, and grant Me the liberty to trespass on your attention a few Moments. On the 28. of May 1800 I had the honour to bear a lieutenants Commission in the U.S. Navy, and attachd. to the U.S. Brig Generel pinckney, Under the Command of George Cross Esqr, and Samuel Haywood the latter, as second officer. The Brig pinckney being sold from the service, I got permission...