3051To James Madison from James Barbour, 19 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
The office of District Judge for this State having been vacated by the death of Judge Tyler, I presume, a successor will, shortly, be appointed. Knowing that a difficulty some times occurs in making a Judicious selection, from a want of knowledge of fit Characters, I take the liberty (unsolicited) to present to your view Mr George Hay. His standing both as to talents, and integrity is so high,...
3052To James Madison from David Holmes, 19 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 January 1813 , “ Town of Washington .” “By the inclosed transcript from the journals of the House of Representatives of this Territory [not found], you will see that Nathaniel A Ware, and Abner Green, are nominated to supply a vacancy in the Council, occasioned by the death of Alexander Montgomery Esq. Both the Gentlemen in Nomination are respectable. From the Number of votes that Mr. Ware...
3053To James Madison from Christopher Meyer, 19 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 January 1813, Bordeaux. Requests an appointment as U.S. consul for “the port of Bayonne or any other port in the French Empire.” RC ( DLC ); RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Meyer”). First RC 1 p.; docketed by JM. Meyer served as chancellor and subsequently as vice-consul in the port of Bordeaux from October 1803 to January 1813 (see Meyer to Monroe, 19 Jan. 1813 [ibid.]).
3054To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 20 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
In several of our publick prints, I have observed the conduct and character of Col. Hawkins, one of our agents of indian affairs, ungenerously attacked. Having been acquainted with Col. Hawkins for more than 20 years, I can say with truth, that during the whole of that period, I have not known a more humane, and benevolent character, nor a firmer friend to the interest, and liberty of his...
3055To James Madison from Thomas Ewell, 20 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
The unnoticed note I addressed to you a few days since —was intended in the highest feelings of respect; altho its fate suggests the fear that it was otherwise considered. It is in the same feeling & with the same motive, of securing reparation to the good Mr. Hamilton & to myself, that again I entreat a moment of your consideration. Assuredly the greatest man in the country would not be...
3056To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Franklin County, Indiana Territory, 20 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1813. “At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Franklin County Indiana Territory at the House of William H. Eady in Brookville,” the citizens resolved unanimously “that when we examine the Frontier of an extensive Territory and its exposed situation to savage ferocity and also the many insults and depredations committed and offered to us by the British, and add to that their influence...
3057To James Madison from Mathew Carey, 21 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I hope & trust, you will believe that I sit down to trespass on you once more, with no small degree of diffidence & reluctance. There is so strong an appearance, at least, of presumption in an obscure individual obtruding his opinions, liable from his situation to great error, on a chief magistrate whose means of information are so much superior, that nothing short of the alarming explosion...
3058To James Madison from Charles W. Goldsborough, 21 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received information, which I deem it my duty to lay before you without a moments delay. A gentleman of great integrity & patriotism—has stated to me that Mr. Salvador Catalano Sailing master in the navy & generally employed to prove the powder &c. residing near the navy Yard here, is ready to make oath. 1st that Capt Tingey gave him orders to pass all the powder, made at...
3059To James Madison from Richard M. Johnson, 21 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have just been informed by the chairman of a select committee of the Senate to whom was refered the nomination of Docr. Hanson Catlett that his name is improperly Spelt. vz. “Catett” this I was requested to communicate for correction. Ten days since I handed to Mr Munroe the resignation of Governor Harrison. The letter was enclosed to me. He is under a hope that he will be appointed Maj...
3060To James Madison from Charles W. Goldsborough, 22 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have just received some samples of powder—which appear to confirm the correctness of Mr. Catalano’s opinion. Mr. Catalano says the powder of which these are Samples is now in the Magazine in this city—that that which was manufactured by Mr. Lorman (at ⅔rds the price given to Docr Ewell) was proved by him—that Docr. Ewell’s was proved & certified by capt. Tingey himself—that these are...
3061To James Madison from Jonas Humbert Jr., 22 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
Impelled by a sence of Duty I owe to myself, and wishing to be informed from yourself of the rectitude of my conduct, while doing Duty on the Fortress on Ellis’s Island relative to my takeing away therefrom a quantity of Wood, that has caused the then General Armstrong to Issue an Order causeing the stopage of My pay for One Month and an Half, Amounting to about $73. inclusive of Rations...
3062To James Madison from William Plumer, 22 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
As a law has recently passed for building ships of the line, with an additional number of frigates, permit me to suggest for your consideration, the propriety & expediency of building one of the seventy fours at Portsmouth in this State. The harbor is not only good, but the situation & means for building is convenient. In that place the America was built, the only ship of the line, I beleive...
3063From James Madison to Congress, 22 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 January 1813. Transmits “copies of a correspondence between John Mitchell, agent for American Prisoners of War at Halifax, and the British Admiral commanding at that station.” Also transmits “copies of a letter from commodore Rodgers to the Secretary of the Navy.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC...
3064To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 22 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 January 1813, Treasury Department. Submits statements in conformity with the resolution of the Senate dated 20 Jan. “For all the Treasury notes which have been disposed of, credit has been given, by the respective Banks, to the Treasurer of the United States, on the days from which such notes, respectively, were dated & commenced to bear interest.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46,...
3065To James Madison from James Dill, 22 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I had the Honour last spring of addressing to you one or two letters, which amongst a multiplicity of business will no doubt have been forgotten, I again take the liberty of writing on a subject different from the former but from the same motive; the good of the people of this Territory. Ere this reaches you a number of petitions intended to reflect on the official conduct of Judge Taylor and...
3066To James Madison from Samuel Latham Mitchill, 23 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
At the request of the Governor of Newyork, I have the honour of submitting to the eye of the President Judge Tiffany’s Description of the peninsula of Upper Canada. Though I have personally visited the region which lies between the great Lakes, I must confess, the present writer has given me much additional information. My persuasion that it may be relied upon for its genuineness and...
3067To James Madison from Mathew Carey, 25 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
Had the associations which I recommended in my last letter, been adopted fo[u]r or five years since, when they were first urged, they could not, I am persuaded, have failed of success. At that period, the spirit of treason, insurrection, & rebellion, was in its cradle, & might easily have been strangled. It was confined to a few persons, part of them probably in the pay of England, and the...
3068To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, [ca. 25 January] 1813 (Madison Papers)
I enclose the recommendations &a. for sundry offices either vacant or where removals should take place. The pressure of more important business had prevented an earlier attention to those minor subjects, all of which have been delayed too long & most of which are earnestly urged by the respective members of the vicinities. The designations of offices and names of candidates are as followeth....
3069To James Madison from James Ewell, 25 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 January 1813, Washington. Submits for JM’s perusal letters to be presented to the head of the Navy Department. “If the recommendations submitted to you should be deemed sufficient to entitle me to the office I solicit, I shall ever be grateful for your acquiescence which I flatter myself will be the only thing wanting to ensure me success.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Addressee not indicated....
3070To James Madison from James Monroe, 25 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 January 1813. “The Secretary of State to whom was referred the Resolution of the Senate of the 18th. Instant, has the honor to submit to the President the enclosed Papers marked A & B.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E3). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Monroe. Enclosures (20 pp.) forwarded by JM in a letter to the Senate dated 26 Jan. 1813 (ibid.; 1 p.; in...
3071To James Madison from Simon Snyder, 25 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 January 1813, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. “Having my attention accidentally drawn to an act of the Legislature of this Commonwealth, passed 20th of March 1811, a certified Copy of which I have the honor herewith to transmit, I perceive by the 4th section thereof that its preceeding sections cannot go into operation without the consent of the Congress of the U. States. I have deemed it my duty...
3072To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 26 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
Accept my sincere thanks for your friendly favor, without date; & for the cheerful manner of your meeting my request. At the time prescribed, & before the District Judge & a circle of my friends, I propose to take the oath, agreably to your information; unless it should be requisite, for public purposes, to be then at Washington, in which event I shall claim no indulgence. Nothing delights me...
3073To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 26 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
The mournful event of mr. Barlows, death, has placed in my hands, the affairs of the Legation. In supplying this vacancy, it shall be my utmost endeavor to merit your approbation. It is unfortunate, that the negotiation is averted, at a moment, when the mind of this Government seems earnest for arrangement. Dr. Stephens, whom I send as a confidential messenger, will communicate to you the...
3074To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 26 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
The advantages resulting from having Command of the Lakes are so many and so great that effectual measures ought to be taken to destroy the Naval force of the Enemy as soon as the weather will permit. This object is so very important that to ensure its success all the Ship builders from the Atlantic ports and all the Sailors from our Vessels of war if requisite should be ordered to those parts...
3075To James Madison from Shadrach Bond, Edward Hempstead, and John B. C. Lucas, 26 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 January 1813, Washington. Recommend Silas Bent of St. Louis to fill the “Vacancy in the office of Judge of the Superior Court of the Territory of Missouri, occasioned by the resignation of Mr: Coburn.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Bent”). 2 pp. A note at the foot of the RC is signed by A. Lacock, A. Lyle, Robert Brown, and David Bard as concurring in the recommendation....
3076From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I snatch a moment to intimate that Dr. T. Ewell is under circumstances which induce him to surround himself with respectable names as far as he can. Yours has been already brought into print, and he is availing himself to the utmost of your alledged patronage of him. I think it probable that he will endeavor to draw from you by letter whatever may be yielded by your politeness or benevolence;...
3077To James Madison from David H. Robinson, 27 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
That I am an American Citizen must be my appology for the liberty I take in addressing you: but through the medium of my address you will not view a Sycophant standing cap-in hand soliciting an appointment; nor a petulant Censor faulting measures for which his imbecile brain cannot suggest a reason. No Sir, I am none of those, I profess that my motive is publick good: You will readily agree...
3078To James Madison from St. George Tucker, 27 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment concluded an official Letter to the Secretary of State, notifying my Acceptance of the Commission which by your direction was sent to me from his office the last week. In that Letter I took the Liberty of offering you my respectful acknowledgements for what I deemed a testimonial of your approbation and Confidence; but the sense I entertain of your Conduct on this Occasion...
3079From James Madison to the Senate, 27 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 January 1813. “I transmit to the Senate a Report of the Secretary of War, complying with their Resolution of the 7th instant.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, 12B-D2). RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures, see n. 1. On 7 Jan. 1813 the Senate passed a resolution that had been presented by Samuel Smith of Maryland on the previous day,...
3080To James Madison from Thomas Gholson, 27 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 January 1813. Encloses a recommendation [not found] of Judge Waller Taylor for the office of governor of the Indiana Territory. “Mr. Taylor is certainly a meritorious man. I have been long acquainted with him. He is honorable intelligent & brave; and if it be reconcileable with the views & policy of the Government to appoint a person residing within the Territory, I imagine Judge Taylor...
3081James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 January 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I sna t ch a moment to intimate that D r T. Ewell is under circumstances which induce him to surround himself with respectable names as far as he can. Yours has been already brought into print, and he is availing himself to the utmost of your alledged patronage of him. I think it probable that he will endeavor to draw from you by letter whatever may be yielded by your politeness or...
3082To James Madison from Armand Duplantier, 28 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
Jai L’honneur de vous joindre ici copie de La Collocation que jai faite pour Le gl. Lafayette des terres appartenant à L’état, derierre Les Communes de La ville, Le Long du canal Carondelet, Comme je Crois vous en avoir prevenus dans Le tems. Jais quelques raison pour croire que Les representant de L’état de La Louisianne pourroit en faire La demande au Congres. C’est pour Cette raison que jai...
3083To James Madison from William Eustis, 29 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I cannot bear to see the recruiting season which expires in the month of March, passing away without the success which I am confident would result from proper measures & exertions. By a late arrangement Colo. Ripley stationed in Portland has charge of a district in Maine Lt Colo. Darrington in N. Hampshire, Colo. Tuttle in Boston, Colo. Larned in Pittsfield Masstts., with a view it is presumed...
3084From John Adams to James Madison, 31 January 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have subscribed with Mr Gray and others a recommendation of Hendrick W Gordon Esquire a copy of which is enclosed. As he requests a separate Certificate, I enclose his letter and can sincerely say that from an acquaintance with him, of several years, I believe that what is said of him, in the Certificate, and in his letter, to be no more than he deserves; He is a civil, well bred man,...
3085To James Madison from John Adams, 31 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have subscribed with Mr Gray and others a recommendation of Hendrick W Gordon Esquire a copy of which is enclosed. As he requests a seperate Certificate, I enclose his letter and can sincerely say that from an acquaintance with him, of several years, I believe that what is said of him, in the Certificate, and in his letter, to be no more than he deserves; He is a civil, well bred man,...
3086To James Madison from James Monroe, 31 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
By the enclosed communication from General Dearborn, it appears, that Genl Prevost declines the proposed exchange of Genl Hull, & the officers designated here, for a reason, which is not warranted by any fact known to us. I suspect, it is a sequel, of the ⟨arbritary?⟩ exchanges made at Halifax without our consent. The letter to Genl Dearborn, written in haste, wh. I leave open for your...
3087To James Madison from James Taylor, 31 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I most sincerely congratulate you on the Certainty of your being again called on to Preside over the destinies of my beloved Country, but I more particularly congratulate my country, as I conci[e]ve it a most fortunate occurrence that could have happened, both as it relates to the Man & principle. I hope Genl Harrison will be more fortunate with the Present N. W. Army than the a[r]mies lower...
3088To James Madison from Edmund Edrington, 1 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
You will no doubt be surprised at being addressed by an obscure individual and an utter stranger to you; and perhaps still more so when the cause which has induced him to address you is know[n]: it is to ask a favour, and a pecuniary one too, that I have presumed to trespass upon your important engagements: I am a young man of a respectable but not wealthy family, and of a somewhat better...
3089To James Madison from James Taylor, [ca. 1 February] 1813 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of seeing Govr. Howard lately and was much pleased in hearing from his own lips an account of his efforts in protecting the frontier of his Territory. Would it not be well to confer the rank of Brigadier Genl on Gov Howard. He is a Military Man & it appears to me that all the Troops in his Territory ought to be under his command. He would accept of it & receive either the...
3090From John Adams to James Madison, 2 February 1813 (Adams Papers)
I am very apprehensive that the liberties I so frequently take of writing to you will appear importunate if not impertinent But I beg it may be fully understood that none of my letters are to be answered; and that I shall perfectly acquiesce in your decisions well knowing the multiplicity of Candidates, the difficulty of making the selections & that the President is the only ultimate and...
3091To James Madison from John Adams, 2 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I am very apprehensive that the liberties I So frequently take of writing to you, will appear importunate, if not impertinent. But I beg it may be fully understood that none of my letters are to be answered; and that I shall perfectly acquiesce, in your decisions well knowing the multiplicity of Candidates, the difficulty of making the Selections and that The President is the only Ultimate and...
3092To James Madison from James Monroe, 2 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 February 1813, War Department. Lists proposed promotions in the U.S. Army for JM’s approval. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). JM forwarded the list of promotions in the Light Artillery Regiment, the First Light Dragoon Regiment, the Rifle Regiment, and the First through Seventh Infantry Regiments to the Senate in a message of 3 Feb. 1813 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the...
3093To James Madison from John Melish, 5 [February] 1813 (Madison Papers)
I duly received your esteemed favour of the 30th. ulto., in compliance with which I have sent by this mail a Copy of the Travels in plain binding, price $6.—which may be remitted to myself. The work, I trust, will meet your approbation on perusual [ sic ]. I had a letter sometime ago from Mr Jefferson in which he bestows on it almost unqualified approbation; and concludes by stating that he...
3094From James Madison to Henry Dearborn, 6 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
Your two favors of Decr have lain long without acknowledgment. For some after they came to hand I delayed it in expectation of such further information as to Gen. Smith, as would enable me to judge better of his case; and latterly I considered it as probable that I might have an opportunity, not now expected, of making that as well as other matters, subjects of conversation with you here. I...
3095To James Madison from John Love, 6 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
A company which has been incorporated by an act of the virga. assembly, are now engaged in making a road from a point in the little-river turnpike road, towards Thorntons gap, passing near Fauquier court house and affording the most direct rout from Washington to the Kanhawa country, a few miles in the commencement of the road are finished and as many more contracted to be made as will afford...
3096To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 6 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
On reading in one of our Public prints a definition of Treason given as by one of the Circuit Judges of the United States I was led to reflect whether or not it be timely and Advisable to amend or modify the Constitution of the United States so as to make it Treasonable to attempt to dissolve the Union or to aid or encourage it by writing publishing or pronouncing anything that might be...
3097To James Madison from John Binns and Others, 6 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 February 1813. “The Naturalized Citizens of the United States residing in the City and vicinity of Philadelphia, natives of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland have at various meetings had under their serious consideration the Proclamation of the Prince Regent under date of the 26th. October 1812, upon which subject, with all the respect due to the enlightened Chief Magistrate of...
3098To James Madison from William Blackledge, 7 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
Captain James Taylor late Collector of the Port of Ocracock is at this time in the City of Washington with his two daughter [ sic ] & one Son, I have known him for more than twenty years, and much the greater part of the time intimately. Captain Taylor is reduced in circumstances by Causes which few men could have withstood. Had he been corruptable he might have been as wealthy as he pleased....
3099To James Madison from S. Potter, 7 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
It has once more gain’d belief with me, that you will again be call’d by the American people to fill the chief Chair of state, & as I told you Sir, four yea[r]s past, so I now tell you, that in my humble opinion, its a great indignity to the Chair to fill it with a man who is in any degree concern’d in enslaveing any part of the human family. To say the least of such a man, he is dishonest,...
3100To James Madison from Charles P. Harrison, 7 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 February 1813, Philadelphia. “Desirous of engaging the patronage of the enlightened and most distinguished men of our country, I submit to you the accompanying annunciation for a subscription list, which I am anxious to render as honourable to the patriotism of the present period in our annals, as contributory to the advancement of the Fine Arts in the United States: arts which have ever...