2051To James Madison from Thomas Cooper, 3 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
The trustees of the College here, can afford to purchase but the one half of my time. It is an object of consequence with me to employ the rest beneficially for my family. Can you give me the collection of a district for the assessed taxes of which Cumberland County is a part? This did not occur to me when I wrote to you last, but as I promised nothing more than a mere testimonial, I find...
2052From James Madison to John Armstrong, 4 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 1st. inst: suggesting a recall of the vessels allotted for L. Huron &c. with a view to another destination of them. The force which can be assembled at the East end of L. Erie, by the 10th. of June is greater than I had relied on; and if employed towards Burlington heights & York, can not fail to have a salutary effect in different directions. Whether it...
2053To James Madison from Ebenezer Wilson and John Swan, 25 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
The gloom thrown over the emancipation of Europe, and the little prospect of enjoying rational Liberty for a long time, the continuance of partial and narrow systems of Religion, Politics, and Property, and the enormous burden of Taxation, all turn the attention of the lovers of freedom earnestly towards America, as one of the last retreats Liberty and the best bulwark of Independence....
2054To James Madison from Jonathan Thompson, 15 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of the death of our respected friend and fellow citizen Genl. John Smith, late Marshall of this district, many applications are said to be making for the Office, some of whom may be considered as improper candidates. In this State the Republican party has been torn to pieces by factions, principally arising from having improper persons appointed to Office, men whose views have...
2055To James Madison from John Armstrong, 24 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I hasten to forward to you Wilkinson’s dispatch received late last night. I have forwarded supplies of provision, amunition, & hospital stores &c. Instructions adapted to his new situation are also given. Without the limits of my Dept. but closely connected with it, are several thing’s deserving immediate attention. Your fleet must be increased on Ontario. One ought to be created on Lake...
2056To James Madison from William Eustis, 9 March 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 March 1812, War Department. Lists proposed appointments in the troops to be raised under the 11 Jan. 1812 act to raise an additional military force. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, 12B-A1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 8 pp. Forwarded by JM in his message to the Senate of 10 Mar. 1812 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the...
2057To James Madison from John Graham, 18 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed was received yesterday under Cover to mr Monroe with a Letter from mr Pinkney requesting him to forward it to you. As mr Monroe will not return until tomorrow I have thought that I should right in sending it by the mail of today. I hope that mrs Madison has entirely recovered her Health; and that you find the exercise and partial relaxation from Business, which you are permitted...
2058To James Madison from William Shaw and Others, 6 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
We the subscribers citizens of the City of Washington, who reside in the vicinity of the navy yard: Ask the liberty to state that whareas the vacancy in the office of Justice of the peace, in our neighbourhood occasioned by the Death of the late Henery Queen also the removeal from that neighbourhood of Joseph Forest Esqr. and the nonappointment of Charles Mannifee (deranged in mind) leaves at...
2059To James Madison from William Pinkney, [5 February 1814] (Madison Papers)
I beg your permission to mention to you that Mr. William Kilty calculates upon losing his office of Chancellor of Maryland, on account of federal ascendancy in that State, and that I have reason to believe he would be much gratified by having an opportunity of accepting the Station of Comptroller, which is said to be vacant. I believe Mr. Kilty is well known to you—and consequently that it is...
2060To James Madison from John L. Glaser, 30 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
To his Excellency James Madison, President of the United States of America, the Memorial of the Subscriber, John L Glaser, a citizen of the said United States, respectfully represents: That your Memorialist is a native of the city of Hamburg, and having been brought up to mercantile business, he emigrated from thence to the United States upward of ten years since, that he has during that time...
2061James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d your favor of the 19 th . You will see in the newspapers the result of the Advances made by G.B. Attempts were made to give shapes to the arrangement implying inconsistency and blame on our part. They were however met in a proper manner & readily abandoned; leaving these charges in their full force, as they now bear on the other side. The B. Cabinet must have changed its course...
2062To James Madison from George Graham, 26 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I hasten to forward you an extract of a Letter from Mr. Dallas to Mr. Monroe, & which he enclosed to me. “The Benjamin Franklin brings English papers in which an American Commercial Treaty, is admitted in parliament to have been signed. Messrs. Gallatin & Clay are in Liverpool on their way hither.” Yours very sincere[l]y RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM . Year not indicated; conjectural year...
2063To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 16 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I trouble you with a draft of the agreement with Mr. Hassler relative to the survey of the coast. The work is an important one, and must require both time and money to complete it. I am confident that Mr. Hassler is the only person equal in all respects to the undertaking, within the reach of the government. The circular to the banks is prepared for issuing, and the prospect of an accumulation...
2064To James Madison from William Eustis, 13 October 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 October 1812, War Department. By an act of 3 Mar. 1809, “it is provided that all warrants drawn by the Secretary of war, or the Secretary of the Navy, on the Treasurer shall specify the particular appropriation to which the same should be charged; and that on application of the Secretary of the proper department the President is authorized to direct that a portion of the monies appropriated...
2065To James Madison from Elizabeth Sergeant, 22 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
I must beg your indulgence for troubling you at a time, when you are no doubt, almost overwhelmed with public business and cares. But some respectable persons here, imagine my applying to you, in behalf of a Mrs. & Mr. Henry Gardiner, who come under the alien law, will procure his return, at an earlier period than could otherwise be accomplished. I am not personally acquainted with the...
2066To James Madison from Robert Brent, 25 April 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have ever been and am unwilling to trouble you in relation to any matters appertaining to my office, as paymaster, and the harmony of Intercourse that subsists between the head of the department, to which I belong, and myself has indeed rendered a recourse of this sort altogether unnecessary but on the present occasion, I trust that it will not be deem’d improper or indelicate by yourself or...
2067To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 18 October 1814] (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Navy respectfully submits the accompanying proceedings to the President and asks his decision on the sentence against Joseph Wallace. He also refers the President particularly to that part of the proceedings and testimony which develope the nefarious robbery committed upon the public magazine on the eastern Branch and the perpetrators of that act. The Secy intends to...
2068To James Madison from Azel Gates, 25 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
Please excuse the freedom I have taken in addressing myself to you, Contrary to the Customs of military usage. The apology which I have to offer for my intrution has been induced from the frequent application made by officers of the army to the War department, for their Commissions, which have not been furnished. I am informed that the Army is reduced to 10,000, and the third Lieutenants...
2069To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 17 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have received the papers for Mr Poinsett and delivered them to him. We have found a vessel which will sail for Rio Janeiro in two or three weeks; it is the only one bound to Brasils & there is none for La Plata even if it was advisable to go directly there. Every circumstance corroborates the opinion that England will try to govern the Spanish colonies through a nominal Spanish regency, and...
2070To James Madison from Thomas Hazard, Jr., 26 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 January 1811, Boston. Informs JM that his son Samuel is now in Russia where he intends to remain for several years on business. Requests he be appointed consul at Archangel, “a place of Considerable trade with the United States, Several hundred American vessels it is said, loaded there the last summer, and … the probability I presume is, that our trade will increase to that Country.” RC (...
2071To James Madison from E. Knight, 23 March 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 March 1813, Chatham, England , “ on board H.M.P. Ship Nassau .” “I take this oppertunity of Adressing You in behalf of myself & other Seamen confined on board this Ship, who have been impressed in & Discharged from the British Service. We have been informed that we was not to be exchanged which makes us very uneasy. We humbly solicit Your Excellency to be pleased to cause some arangement...
2072To James Madison from William Barton, 26 April 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 April 1811, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “Having the honour of being known to You, and being altogether unacquainted with the Secretary of War (to whom, in ordinary cases, applications of this kind ought regularly to be made),” seeks a discharge for Jacob Hoff, who enlisted “about fifteen months since” in Captain Johnson’s company of the Fifth U.S. Light Infantry Regiment. Hoff, who is a...
2073To John Adams from James Madison, 5 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor on the subject of Docr. Waterhouse, inclosing a letter from him which is now returned. Previous to this communication, the vacancy occasioned by the death of our Excellent friend, & the friend of mankind, had been filled by the appointment of his son Dr. James Rush. Besides the numerous & respectable interpositions in favor of it, I felt a pleasure, in putting this...
2074From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of Ocr . with that inclosed from Warden. His tale is plausibly told but entitled to little confidence. Be assured he is not the man he passed for with all of us originally. His apparent modesty & suavity cover ambition vanity avidity (from poverty at least) & intrigue. These traits began to betray themselves before he last left the U.S. On his arrival in Paris with his...
2075To James Madison from Claude Laurent, 25 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
J’ai pris la liberté de vous adresser, il y a environ trois ans, une flûte en Cristal de mon invention. Veuillez bien me permettre de vous témoigner le désir que j’aurais d’apprendre Si elle vous est parvenue & si ce faible hommage de mon industrie vous a été agréable. Je vous prie de vouloir bien agréer l’hommage de la considération la plus distinguée avec laquelle j’ai l’honneur d’être,...
2076To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 12 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Eustis, the late Secretary of War, on his way to Boston, remained two or three days here. During the time I conversed unreservedly with him. He informed me that it had been understood at Washington that I was in a very good way in business. I had no opportunity to learn from what source such a representation could have arisen. I understood that it had reached you & was probably credited by...
2077To James Madison from Thomas Cooper, 22 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
I received yesterday, the specimen of composition of the Congreve Rocket. I have not yet accurately analysed it, because it appeared to me from its obvious properties, that I could make a composition sufficiently similar. I have not returned it to you, because I take for granted you have reserved some of it: if not, as I have used very little of the lump you sent me, it can be returned. The...
2078To James Madison from John Graham, 21 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to forward to you by this Mail a copy of a Letter received yesterday from Mr Robertson, and also copies of a letter from Mr Pinkney and its inclosures. The originals have all been sent to the Secretary of State. I retained for you the Quarterly Review and Cobbets Register, which came with Mr Pinkneys Letter. You will receive them by the Mail which takes this. I was very happy...
2079To James Madison from William Irving, 23 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
At the suggestion of Commodore Decatur, I would presume on the liberty of naming to you James K Paulding Esqr. of new York; as a person suitable to fill the office of Secretary to the navy board, now contemplated by a law which has passed the house of Representatives. Mr. Paulding is a gentleman of high honour and of most amiable disposition. His talents are known to the government perhaps; as...
2080From James Madison to the Senate, 2 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate the persons named in the accompanying list for the Offices respectively, as stated in the letter from the Secretary of War. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 94, Letters Sent). RC in John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . For enclosures, see n. 1. JM enclosed a 28 Dec. 1815 letter from Secretary of War William...
2081From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 17 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
The arrangement proposed in yours of the 14th. just recd. with respect to Majrs. Butler & Hayne, appear to be eligible, tho’ the latter may not find it convenient, being, I understand, an inhabitant of S.C., to be allotted to the N. Division of the Army. It is desirable to gratify Gen. Jackson, and it is fortunate that in this case it can be done, with an accom[m]odation at the same time to...
2082From James Madison to St. George Tucker, 21 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I was duly favored with yours of the 8th. on the subject of the B. officer arrested near Norfolk. The circumstances which attracted your notice very justly exposed him to suspicion; and it is more than possible that he had the views tho’ not the full character of a Spy. It was thought best however to commence the war with an example of liberality, and he was permitted as a mere alien Enemy to...
2083To James Madison from Charles Haumont, 29 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 January 1810, Sapelo Island. Fears that the book manuscript [mentioned in his 25 Apr. 1809 letter to JM ] that he sent from Savannah on 5 July has miscarried. The president has not acknowledged it; hence his anxiety. His hope was that JM would recommend the work, for since illness and old age now plague him, he needs the benefits derived from a presidential endorsement. Refers to his...
2084To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 6 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The ordinary repairs of the Mint, the director has considered himself as authorized to make, from the annual appropriations for that purpose, without troubling the President with repeated applications for his sanction. But the repairs which the late fire has now rendered necessary, being so considerable, I would not venture to undertake, without your approbation; which is, therefore Sir, most...
2085To James Madison from Benjamin Smith Barton, 20 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 May 1810, Philadelphia. Has initiated at his personal expense a scientific expedition into the Northwest Territory “and the adjacent British settlements.” Thomas Nuttall leads the party, which is already, “I presume, at Detroit, without any passport.” An unanticipated difficulty arose owing to Nuttall’s British citizenship. Secretary of State Robert Smith has been uncooperative, in contrast...
2086To James Madison from John Armstrong, 11 April 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Armstrong. 11 April 1814, War Department. “I have the honor respectfully to propose for your approbation the following appointments in the Army of the United States.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B-A2); letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Armstrong. The appended list...
2087From James Madison to Henry Dearborn, 20 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 6th. came duly to hand. A letter about the same time was recd. by the Dept. of War, from Govr. Strong on the same subject. I desired Mr. Monroe to inclose you a copy of his answer, which will shew you the ground taken with the Govr. What will be his final ground with respect to the Genl. Govt. remains to be seen. In the mean time, and under the peculiarity of the Crisis, we must...
2088To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 22 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Since my recovery from indisposition, I have had an interview with General Dearborn, who informed me that he was soon to depart from Boston; & being informed by him of the state of our Castle, I enquired what was to prevent the Enemy, if apprized of our defenceless situation, from embarking all its regular troops at Nova Scotia, in transports trusting its defence for a short period to their...
2089To James Madison from William C. Garrard, 13 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
Be pleased to pardon the great liberty which I take in addressing you on the subject which nearest concerns me. I have been and am still applying to the navy department for a second Lieutenancy in the marine corps and take the present occasion to inform your excellency that I have been as well recommended as any other applicant for an office of a similar nature without wishing to cast the...
2090To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Troy, New York, 7 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Inhabitants of the town of Troy, feeling in common with their Fellow Citizens the calamities with which the disastrous policy of the Government has overwhelmed our Country, and apprehensive of evils in prospect still more destructive and extensive, and at the same time impressed with a belief that the baneful measures of their Rulers are adopted from a mistaken impression that they are...
2091From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 1 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 July 1812. “In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 26th of June, I transmit the information contained in the documents herein enclosed.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages). RC and enclosures printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States … (38 vols.; Washington, 1832–61)....
2092To James Madison from Elkanah Watson, 12 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 December 1812, Pittsfield. Is gratified to hear from Ezekiel Bacon that JM has received the “elegant Cloth” Watson manufactured for a coat. Believes that if double duties continue on fine cloth, New England will soon rival Great Britain “in that essential prop to that Sinking power.” Though the recent state of things has generated in New England “a temporary and a lamentable predilection...
2093To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 8 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Act of the 30. of April 1816 appropriates 250,000 Dollars for Custom-House establishments. It will, probably, be a sum sufficient for the five principal commercial Cities; but I have not received satisfactory information from any Collector, but the Collector of Boston, upon whose report I now transmit to you an official statement, which you will be so good as to return with your directions...
2094From James Madison to the Mother Superior of the Ursuline Convent, 24 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 11h of March, with the sentiments due for the respect and confidence which it expresses, on behalf of the pious Institution which you superintend. In a Country where all rights, religious as well as civil, are protected by the laws, and guaranteed by an enlightened public opinion, the best of securities exists for the tranquility and esteem of those, whose...
2095To James Madison from Jean Joseph Amable Humbert, 3 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
Permit a republican soldier to address you with frankness; I have served the Country I live in, and the general government of the United States both in my personal and political exertions: As yet I have not received a discharge from the Service, nor have My accounts been duly adjusted: to this fact the residents of Louisiana and the constituted Authorities can testify. In three months I could...
2096To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 8 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
In a late letter from mr. Spafford of Albany I received the inclosed with a request that after perusal I would forward it to you, adding a desire that, when read, you would address it under cover to him, as he sets some value on the possession of it. His object in making the communication to either of us is not explained, but perhaps it may be understood by you. Your frank on a blank cover...
2097To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 6 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
The acting Secretary of War, has the honor to represent to the President of the united States: That the appropriations for the Salary of the Commissary General, and for the Militia of the united States, for the years 1814 & 1815, are inadequate to the accomplishment of their objects, and that it has become necessary for the public Service that a portion of the monies appropriated for other...
2098From James Madison to William Jones, 24 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I return the Transfer signed as sent to me. The inclosed communication from the Vice President, is a striking proof of the traiterous & scandalous practices which escape punishment in certain quarters. It will merit whatever attention can be usefully given to it by the Navy or Treasury Dept. The fact charged on the Collector of Newbury Port, if verified, subjects him to the severest notice....
2099To James Madison from Roger Strong, 9 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
It is understood that there are many applications for the Office of Marshall, for the Southern District of NewYork, become vacant by the death of Genl. Smith, nevertheless I beg leave to say that if a Commission be given me for the purpose, I will assume the Duties of that Office, and use my best Endeavours to perform them faithfully and satisfactorily. At the same time Sir, I do not wish to...
2100To James Madison from Louis Bache, William Watts, and John Fox, 15 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
By the enclosed resolutions you will perceive that we are a committee appointed by the officers of the Volunteers & Militia residing within the County of Bucks & State of Pennsylvania who served in the campaign of 1814, to state to you wherein the troops believe that they are aggrieved. Whilst they believed that inability from want of funds was the reason for not paying them, the troops...