2051To James Madison from John Tayloe, 22 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 January 1812. “From the existing state of affairs, & beleiving War to be unavoidable, I beg leave to tender you my services— in any way you may think I can be, most serviceable to my Country .… I should be honored by an appointment near your person (for no doubt such you will make) as an aid de Camp—& military Secretary.” Believes he could be useful in this capacity. Is not seeking “ pay or...
2052To James Madison from William Preston, 25 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 January 1812, Fincastle. Declares that when the councils of the nation have decided on war, “It becomes the duty of each individual in society attached to his Government of every political denomination to yield minor considerations and rally around the national flag that the enemies of our country may be combated with unanimity and certain effect.” Refers to his “more than seven years...
2053From James Madison to Henry Dearborn, 28 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. from the Senate their concurrence (23 to 9 votes) in your nomination as a Majr. General. I give you the earliest notice, that without waiting for a formal communication, you may hasten your setting out for Washington. It is understood that your collectorship is to cease only on your being called into service, at which date your military emoluments will commence. In order to...
2054To James Madison from George Armitage, 28 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
My name aving apeared several times of late in the Aurora concerning the making of the yallow Metal Buttons—I make bold to state to You— That about 10 Years sinc I was encouraged by Mr. Whelen to cumenc the Manafacture wich I did to the satisfaction of all and to aney number wanted But when Mr. Cox came in that Offic he cumenced his Injustice by refuseing to take the Buttons I ad made by the...
2055To James Madison from Hugh Nelson, 28 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
Understanding that there is a vacancy on the Bench in the Mississippi Territory by the resignation of Judge Fitts, I have presumed to name to the Government my friend Mr. Joseph Jones Monroe, a Gentleman of the Bar, who has resided for some time at Charlottesville engaged in the practice of the Law. This Gentleman has stood at the Bar for some years, sustaining a character respectable for his...
2056To James Madison from Julien Poydras de Lalande, 28 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Representatives of the People of the Territory of Orleans in Convention assembled have now the honour to submit to the consideration of Congress, the Constitution or form of Government, the result of their joint deliberations, under the act, providing for the admission of this Country, into the Union of the States. Motives of peculiar urgency connected with the repose and security of the...
2057To James Madison from John Geddes, 29 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of receiving by this days Mail, your letter acknowledging the receipt of the Address of the House of Representatives of this state which I had the honor of transmitting to you on the 22d. ultimo; as well as your highly patriotic answer thereto, which shall be laid before the Members of that body at the next meeting of the Legislature of this state. It gives me individually...
2058To James Madison from James Barbour, 29 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 January 1812, Richmond. Transmits at the request of the General Assembly of Virginia “the enclosed preamble and resolutions of that body, concerning certain measures of the General Government connected with our Foreign relations.” The General Assembly of Virginia have beheld with deep sensibility the flagrant violations which the great Belligerents of Europe have practiced upon the rights...
2059To James Madison from Robert Brent, 30 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 January 1812, Washington. Has received a letter from St. Louis, handed to him by Colonel Hammond, asking him to mention James F. Hull for appointment to a judgeship which has been rendered vacant by the expiration of Judge Coburn’s term and the death of Judge Shrader. Has no personal knowledge of Hull, but he is said to be “a man of probity and Talents acting as attorney at Law … and altho...
2060To James Madison from William Eustis, 30 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 January 1812, War Department. Lists proposed promotions and 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. JM forwarded the RC , listing promotions in the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Infantry Regiments and appointments in the Fifth and Seventh Infantry Regiments as well as in the...
2061To James Madison from John Decker and James Campbell, 31 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I sailed from New York about Fifteen Months back in the Febra Schooner belonging to Boston, bound to Terragona, and on our Passage was taken by a French Privateer and carried into Marseilles, where I lost the protection I got from the Custom House Philadelphi. The Consul at Marseilles having seen my Protection as soon as we were carried in and having Proofs of my being an American, gave me...
2062To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 31 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
It being provided by the 7th Section of the Act entitled “an Act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland in the State of Maryland to the State of Ohio” (8th Vol. page 34) that the President should lay before Congress an annual statement of the proceedings under the act, I have addressed to you the enclosed letter which together with the documents accompanying it may, I...
2063To James Madison from Michael Leib, 31 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 January 1812. “M Leib received the enclosed recommendation this morning, and in compliance with the wishes of the recommenders he submits it, with a former one, to the consideration of the President.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p. Readdressed by JM to “The Secretary of State” and docketed by Monroe. Leib may have forwarded to JM a 30 Jan. 1812 letter from Pennsylvania representatives Abner...
2064To James Madison from the Right Reverend James Madison, 1 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I must once more take the Liberty of requesting your Attention to a Solicitation on Behalf of others. My Son in Law, Mr Robert G. Scott, Son of Genl Scott of Georgia, is anxious to be appointed Collector of the Revenue for the District in which Williamsburg, & the adjacent Counties may fall, according to Mr Gallatins proposed Division of the States; provided such a Measure shall be adopted by...
2065From James Madison to Congress, 1 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 February 1812. Transmits a report of the secretary of the treasury containing a statement of proceedings under the “Act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland in the State of Maryland to the State of Ohio.” RC , two copies ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E4; and DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. For...
2066To James Madison from Richard Rush, 3 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
While the military nominations are under consideration, I have ventured to think that it would not be unwelcome to the executive to receive, from every source, information in regard to characters in our country who may have pretensions in this line. Under this impression I took the liberty, a few days ago, to hand to the secretary of war a paper of which the enclosed is a copy. It is with his...
2067To James Madison from Francis Smith, 4 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 February 1812, Milledgeville, Georgia. Forwards at the request of the officers of the Baldwin County Regiment an address “which was this day unanimously agreed to by the Officers of Said Regiment.” Expresses his wish that “the gathering Storm that has so long threatened our beloved Country may yet be disipated on honorable terms.” Prompted by a Strong desire of Joining with Our fellow...
2068To James Madison from the Chiefs and Sachems of the Wyandot Nation, 5 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
The petition of your children, the principal chiefs, and sachems of the nation of Wyandots, in behalf of themselves, their warriors, their women and children. Fathers : Listen to your children the Wyandots, who are now desirous of letting you know their sentiments. Fathers, listen ! We, your children, now address you, on a subject of the utmost concern to ourselves, our women, and children; we...
2069To James Madison from Joseph Wheaton, 5 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
At the war office on Monday the Secretary observed to me that I must get myself placed on Some State List of applicants for the present Army or I Should be Left out. New York is the State of my Nativity, I Served in the Rhode Island line of the continental Army in the revolution—and if now residing in this City is to deprive me of all claim to imploy in the Army—is it not Singular? Born a...
2070To James Madison from Alexander Kerr, 6 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 February 1812, Washington. Mentions that the business of the office he is in “is nearly closed” and that “after a short period there will be no farther occasion” for his services. Having “a large family & this not being a place of much field for Commercial pursuit,” he will be at a loss to know where to turn. Offers his services in “some situation in the General Government” for which JM...
2071From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. several letters from you which not requiring special answers, I now beg leave to acknowledge in the lump. I have delayed it in the hope that I might add something on our public affairs not uninteresting. If there be any thing at present of this character it will be found in the inclosed paper from N. York. We have no late official information from Europe; but all that we see from...
2072To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 7 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of 15. Novr. last—and beg you to accept my acknowledgments for your obliging attention to the Circumstances, which though merely of a private nature, to myself had made it my duty to decline the highly honourable office, to which you had called me, and had prevented my return to the United States, on receiving your permission to that...
2073Presidential Proclamation, [7 February] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Whereas information has been received, that a number of individuals, who have deserted from the army of the United States, have become sensible of their Offence, and are desirous of returning to their duty. A full pardon is hereby granted & proclaimed, to each and all such individuals as shall, within four months from the date hereof, surrender themselves to the Commanding Officer of any...
2074James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d several letters from you which not requiring special answers, I now beg leave to acknowledge in the lump. I have delayed it in the hope that I might add something of on our public affairs not uninteresting. If there be any thing at present of this character it will be found in the inclosed paper from N. York . will We have no late official information from Europe
2075To James Madison from Ebenezer Sage, 8 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I received the inclosed a few days since, with a request to transmit it to the President of the U. S. With the highest respect I am Sr. your most hum Servt. At a meeting of republicans held at the House of Richard Allen innkeeper in the Town of Fredericksburgh opposite the village of Oswego on wednesday the 1. day of January 1812. Joseph Whitney Esquire being appointed Chairman and Henry...
2076To James Madison from James Taylor, 8 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty of troubleing you very frequenly lately on the subject of my freinds, I must now say a word or two as to my self. You Know that I have for many years done the duty of U:States agent in this State, and I trust I have discharged the trust with punctuality and fidelity. I suppose from the present appearances of our Affairs that there will be some purchases to be made in...
2077To James Madison from William Eustis, 8 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 February 1812, War Department. Recommends four persons from the Indiana Territory for appointment to a company of rangers. RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. JM nominated the candidates to the Senate on 11 Feb. 1812 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, 1828). , 2:211).
2078To James Madison from Thomas Digges, 9 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
Mr Digges’s Compliments & best regards to Mr Madison. He has been a miserable victim to confinement for the last fortnight or He would have waited on Mrs. & Mr Madison: But rubs , at the age too of 68, are the intermediate tributes that we are forced to pay, in some shape or other, to our wretched nature, ’till we pay the last great one of all. I cannot complete a white thorn Hedge at my lower...
2079To James Madison from Robert G. Scott, 9 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
Some days since I addressed a letter to you as the Chief Executive magistrate of the nation, tendering my services to my country, in any capacity, in which its administration might think, I could be usefully employed. Should the proposition of Mr Gallatin’s for taxing the States, and dividing them into districts to each of which, a Collector of Revenue should be appointed, meet the approbation...
2080To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 11 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
With much diffidence I submit the enclosed to you, which I would have done sooner if I had been allowed any time even to think on the subject. My mind tells me that the sketch is imperfect, and I must confess that I have never, in my life, approached a case so awfully intricate and perplexing as is this of Genl. W.’[s] Trial. If in the view I offer I shall contribute any aid to you on this...
2081To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 12 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have heard with concern that the Yazoo Company in this State have agreed to divide their lands into small parcells, to locate & to dispose of them, under the title confirmed by the Judiciary of the UStates. His Excellency Governor Hull being fortunately here on a visit, & informed of this proceeding, has endeavoured to stop it; from a conviction of unpleasant consequences; & has also...
2082To 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...
2083To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 13 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 February 1812, Fort Stoddert. Is reluctant to trouble JM at a time of crisis with “a tedious communication” on a “mere personal concern,” but “the cause of Justice … is as interesting as the cause of War: and the Chief of the Union … will never be insensible to the importance of maintaining at home, the good order of society, the vigour of the laws, and the Character of the Government.” Has...
2084To James Madison from John Cox, 15 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
Having an unexpected call for more money to day than I have by me, will you allow me to ask you for the loan of fifteen Hundred Dollars until this day week when it shall be Returned to you without fail. With much respect Your ob st RC ( NN ). Undated; date assigned here on the basis of the endorsement at the foot of the page. Below the signature is the following note: “Geo: Town Saturday Feby...
2085To James Madison from George Joy, 15 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed will shew you the cause and the sole cause, of my continuing ’till this time in England. The magnitude of the object and the encouragement of some friends have induced this attempt, against my own opinion of any advantage being derived from it. And to the general discouragement, arising from the prejudices complained of therein, I have an addition in a note this moment received...
2086To James Madison from William Eustis, 15 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 February 1812, War Department. Transmits a “general return of the Militia of the United States, taken from the latest returns received by this Department from the several States and Territories” [not found]. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 1 p.
2087To James Madison from William Eustis, 17 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 February 1812, War Department. Presents for consideration “a system of field exercise and manoevers of Infantry, adapted to the militia and regular troops of the United States, conformable to a resolution of the house of Representatives of the 17 Decr. 1811.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 1 p. Enclosure not found, but see n. 1. The resolution requesting the president to have...
2088To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 17 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 February 1812, Fort Stoddert. Is uncertain whether he has deviated from “etiquette” in addressing a public letter to JM personally, rather than to the secretary of state. “The idea … was suggested by a friend, and there was not time enough then to avail myself of it without losing another week.… I feel that I have lost too many weeks already, occasioned at first by a total ignorance of the...
2089To James Madison from William Lambert, 18 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
In a late conversation with the Secretary of State, he assured me that, in his opinion, the President of the United States was favorably disposed towards me. I am glad to hear that the mean persecution I have met with from others, has not a tendency to lessen me in his estimation. Permit me to state, that I have not only now, but ever had a high respect for your talents and character; and if a...
2090To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 18 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to recieve your polite & friendly favour of the 10th: ultimo & shall do myself the pleasure to write you more at length as soon as I see the Course our public affairs will take after you hear from Europe. My object at present is to mention the death of Judge Bee the Judge of this district, & to recommend John D Heath Esquire to fill his place, a Gentleman of the Bar of this...
2091To James Madison from Gabriel Barbour, 19 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
On my return to Washington I found that the merits of the several applicants for Commissions in the new military establishment had been submited to the delegation from each state. I do not expect however that the Executive will consider itself bound by their recommendations where there is manifest impropriety in them. In several instances that have come under my observation the representative...
2092To James Madison from John D. Heath, 19 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
In acknowledging the receipt of a letter which I had some time since the honor of addressing to your excellency, you were pleased kindly to observe, that I had your “good wishes.” I do not presume that the observation flowed from any other source than your general philanthropy; as you must have been necessarily ignorant (from a want of personal acquaintance) whether I individually merited your...
2093To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 19 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 12th. has been duly recieved. I have much doubted whether, in case of a war, Congress would find it practicable to do their part of the business. That a body containing 100. lawyers in it, should direct the measures of a war is, I fear, impossible; and that thus that member of our constitution, which is it’s bulwark, will prove to be an impracticable one from it’s cacoethes...
2094Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 19 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 12 th has been duly recieved. I have much doubted whether, in case of a war, Congress would find it practicable to do their part of the business. that a body containing 100. lawyers in it, should direct the measures of a war is, I fear, impossible; and that thus that member of our constitution, which is it’s bulwark, will prove to be an impracticable one from it’s cacoethes...
2095To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 20 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to inform you, that on my arrival, at Paris, I ascertained, that a person, of New york, named Strong, was the author of the charge, concerning which you were pleased to ask an explanation, previous to my Consular appointment. I take the liberty of inclosing a narrative of the case, which I have written for the purpose of evincing to you the correctness of my conduct, and the great...
2096To James Madison from Jacob Read, 20 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 February 1812, Charleston. Mentions the recent and long anticipated death of district judge Thomas Bee. Uses “the freedom of an Old Acquaintance” to seek the position for himself. Mentions that President Adams nominated him for this office and that he was confirmed by the Senate in February 1801 and received a commission from acting attorney general Levi Lincoln, which “has never been...
2097To James Madison from George Joy, 22 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I did not intend troubling you with triplica⟨tes⟩ of these sheets but finding that the Orbit is about sailing in ballast from Liverpool, and may probably arrive before the William & Henry for Boston, or the Friends for Norfolk; I send them herewith to Mr: Maury for that purpose. The Resolution of the Captn: of the Orbit to sail in ballast arises from the News just received, that the Goods...
2098To James Madison from Nicholas Townsend Heard, 22 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 February 1812, New York. Solicits an appointment as U.S. consul in London. Has resided for several years in England as the partner of an American mercantile house and believes he has acquired the knowledge to fulfill the duties of the appointment. Appreciates the difficulty of assessing the qualifications of applicants for office; therefore provides testimony on his behalf. Adds that he is...
2099To James Madison from James Jones Wilmer, 22 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 February 1812, Chelsea, Harford County, Maryland. States that as a result of a recent “demise,” which JM may have seen in the newspapers, he is “placed in peculiar adverse circumstances,” which he considers “hard” after his services to his country and now that he is in his sixty-second year. Seeks a “personal interview” to convince JM “of the propriety of this application.” Asks JM to...
2100To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 23 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
The illicit commerce between Great Britain & the United States, through the Channels of Halifax, and amelia Island, being, as is supposed, unquestionable, would it not be adviseable to prohibit any Intercourse whatever with those places, and generally, with every place in the possession, &c. of G. B. on the Continent of North America, or within one hundred leagues thereof, or such other...