11To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned, but in Randolph’s hand. Cover addressed to “The honorable James Madison jr esq. of congress now in Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “August 23. 1783.” My trip to Baltimore, from which I returned last sunday, has occasioned the chasm in my correspondence. Mr. Nathan met me according to appointment, with an elaborate argument, prepared on paper by Mr. Sargent....
12To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 18 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpt (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892], p. 94). In LC: Madison Miscellany, a list, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force or by his clerk, calendars this letter as follows: “1783 August 18 Virginia To James Madison The address of the Citizens of Philadelphia to Congress. Prospect of return from Prince Town … 1 page foli[o].” The Address of the Citizens of Philad’a...
13From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 18 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Aug: 18. 1783.” I have not this week any more than the last the pleasure of acknowledging a favor from you. Perhaps I may find one at Princeton when I get there. On thursday a question for returning to Philada. was put and decided in the Negative by a large majority. The friends of the measure foreseeing its fate, and supposing that...
14To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 18 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Yr. favr. of the 5th. was not fraught with a confirmation of the definitive treaty’s Arrival as I expected; however as I do not discover it to be the Interest of any of the powers concerned, to stop a Peace, I still flatter my self the delay is produced rather by some adjustment of forms than real contentions wch. may endanger the final ratification of the Preliminaries; I wish Carlton was...
15To James Madison from John Francis Mercer, [14 August] 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover franked by Mercer and addressed to “Honble James Madison Esq. Philadelphia.” Cover docketed twice by JM—once, “Mercer J. F Aug. 14 1783,” and once, “Augst. 14. 1783. Jno. F. Mercer.” Before I left Phila. I made enquiry for a Bill on me for 200 Dollars & wch had been presented & accepted but by whom had entirely escaped my recollection. according to the perverse...
16From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 12 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by “J. Madison Jr.” and addressed by him to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Aug: 12, 1783.” The arrival of yesterday’s mail has not enabled me to acknowledge the rect. of a favor. perhaps the post office may be again in fault. Our late belief of the arrival of the Defin: Treaty at N. York...
17From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. After recovering the letter, JM docketed it, “Madison Jas Aug: 11. 1783.” Probably also at that time he heavily excised in ink all of his first paragraph except its opening two and closing two sentences. To the partial decipherments of the thirteen obliterated lines by Irving Brant in his biography of Madison (II, 286, 450, n. 7) and Julian P. Boyd in...
18To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 11 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is copied from a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and the manuscript consisted of “2 pages 4°.” Williamsburgh as a seat of Government. Some seat on the Potomac. The jurisdiction of Congress over the territory aquired for a seat of Government. For the...
19To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 11 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Yr. favr. of the 29th. past has raised my expectation of receiving by yr. next a confirmation of the Arrival of the definitive treaty, & I hope in consequence, a more prompt evacuation of New York, than Carlton has hitherto shewn a disposition for. I wish them gone if it was only to preserve our people from Mercant[i]le impositions, founded on doubts that the War is not over. Nay it was only...
20To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 August 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
At the date of my letter in April I expected to have had the pleasure by this time of being with you in Virginia. My disappointment has proceeded from several dilatory circumstances on which I had not calculated. [One of them was the uncertain state into which the object I was then pursuing has been brought by one of those incidents to which such affairs are liable. The result has rendered the...
21To James Madison from Benjamin Hawkins, 9 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Addressed to “The Hon’ble Mr. Maddison.” Long after JM received the letter, probably he or someone at his bidding placed a bracket at the close of the fourth paragraph. If JM meant that the first four paragraphs should be included in the earliest published collection of his papers, his wish was disregarded by Henry D. Gilpin, perhaps because the...
22From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 5 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Aug: 5. 1783.” Your favor of the 18th. ult. which my last did not acknowledge was in the mail & was shortly after recd. Your succeeding one of the 25th. inclosing the pamphlet came to hand yesterday. The Gazette which I inclose will give you a sight of the Philada. Address to Congress and their answer. Since I left...
23To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 4 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). No docket or cover. The last post brot. me a Letter from the Treasurer which determines my visit to Congress. He informs me he has bills to the amount of upwards of twelve hundred pounds on Philadelphia which he wishes to apply to the use of the Delegation and had written to you and also to me informing us of it, that our Correspondents, and those of the other...
24To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 4 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is in a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and the manuscript was made up of “2 pages folio.” Contrary reports concerning peace. The debate in the Massachusetts Assembly. Redemption of our obligations. Pay the holder the money he has really advanced and...
25To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 4 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for the Sentiment wch. Suggested yr. favr. of the 21st. past, and for emploing a moment of unexpected liesure in the P. S. We have Now two contrary reports respecting Peace, neither of them much worthy of credit, The one that the definitive treaty is arrived, the other that the British Army are intrenching afresh in N. York, and every movement indicates intentions Opposite to that...
26Report on Maryland’s Payment to Troops, [28 July] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, IV, 411–13). Docketed: “Report of Come. on Lettr. from Supt of Finance of June 20. 1783, with the papers inclosed relative to certain proceedings of the State of Maryland. Mr Madison Mr. Hawkins Mr. Duane Delivered July 28. 1783 read.” The first three paragraphs of the report are in JM’s hand, the last five in that of Benjamin Hawkins. The Committee to whom was referred...
27To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 28 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned and not docketed but in Jones’s hand. Spring Hill was his estate. Yours of the 7th. inst. came duly to hand. It is strange we have yet no satisfactory accounts of the definitive Treaty. the settlemt. of a British Ministry, I hoped, wod. have speedily brought that important matter to a close; but for any thing we are at present informed the time of its...
28From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, [28 July] 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpts (William Cabell Rives, History of the Life and Times of James Madison [3 vols.; Boston, 1859–68], I, 490–91). These excerpts, except for differences in punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations, and one minor instance of phraseology, are identical with the passage on the same topic in the manuscript of JM’s letter to Edmund Randolph on the same date ( q.v. ). If little weight...
29To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpt (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892], p. 94). Below this excerpt the present editors have appended a notation, probably made about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk, of two additional topics mentioned in the letter. The clerk described the manuscript as “1 page folio” ( LC : Madison Miscellany). I expect that the citizens of Philad’a whilst they are retailing their merit to...
30From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, [28 July] 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked “J. Madison Jr.,” and addressed by him to “Edmund [Rand]olph Esqr. Richmond.” The brackets enclose a syllable which has faded out except for the first stroke of the “R.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison July 28 1783.” Yesterday’s mail brought me no letter from you. The Address from the Citizens of Pa. came before Congs. on...
31To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
In acknowledging the rect. of yr. favr. of the 15th., I must as usual be very unentertaining in our total dearth of Interesting intelligence, whether foreign or domestic, all I can say of the latter kind is, that we have a very dry Season, wch., at this critical juncture, threatens a disappointment in the fair prospect we lately had of plentiful Crops of all kinds, which however bountiful...
32Report on Memorial from Merchants of Hamburg, [26 July] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 41, X, 348). On 20 December 1782 Caspar Voght and Company of the “neutral free and imperial City” of Hamburg, “happily situated upon the River Elbe ,” addressed a memorial to “His Excellency the President, and the Honorable Members of the Congress of the United States of North America, in Council assembled,” asking that the attention of American merchants be drawn to the...
33Report on Treaty with Sweden, [24 July] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 29, fols. 323–25). In JM’s hand. Docketed: “Rept. of Ratification & Proclamation of Treaty with Sweeden. Mr. Madison Mr. Higginson Mr. Hamilton Q. if the letter of 15 April from Mr. Franklin is returned? Report delivered July 24. 1783 Entd. read. The ratification Passed July 29. 1783 The proclamation postponed Passed Septr. 25th, 1783.” The brackets are in the manuscript....
34To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 21 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Lacks docket and cover. I find mine to you of the last week was not in Town in time for the Mail which it seems is now made up at ten o’Clock in the forenoon and is rather inconvenient for those of the Country near the Town as they cannot receive and answer letters the same week unless in Town. my letter will I presume go forward this week. I did suppose Congress...
35To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpt (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892], pp. 93–94). About 1850 the present letter was calendared, probably by a clerk of Peter Force, as follows: “More about the Soldier offence. Williamsburg the most convenient place for Congress to meet, excepting New York. The temper of an Eastern legislature. Treaty with Sweden. The Definitive treaty. 1 page folio” (LC: Madison...
36From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 21 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The fragment of cover is stamped “ free ” and addressed in JM’s hand to “Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J Madison.” Upon recovering the letter many years later, JM added “July. 21. 1783” to the docket. This will serve merely to prevent a chasm in my correspondence, having nothing whatever of consequence to make a subject of it. We hear nothing from...
37To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
With yr. last favr. of the 8th. Instt. came the missing one of June 24th. containing the Account of the behavr. of the soldiers in their insult to Congress. I wish the conspiracy may be traced to it’s real source, and the motives truly investigated, when I still think it will not terminate in public good, or the redress of real Injury in the Army; the Citizens I suppose cannot be well pleased...
38To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 19 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by JM over the date line, “Livingston R. R,” and in the right margin at the close of the letter, “Rob. Livingston July 19. 1783.” The draft copy, among the Robert R. Livingston Papers in the New-York Historical Society, frequently varies in text from that received by JM. I have this moment been informed that the definitive treaty is concluded,...
39To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 18 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Cover addressed by him to “The honble James Madison esqr Congress Princeton.” Docketed by JM, “July 18. 1783.” I have received by the last mail your two favors of June 30. & July 8. They satisfy me of what was before problematical, the propriety of the removal of congress to Princeton. But with what decency can you retreat from thence...
40From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. JM docketed the letter, upon recovering it many years later, “Madison, Jas. July 17. 1783.” Your two favors of the 1 & 17 of June, with the debates of Congress and the letter for Miss Floyd and the Cyphers inclosed in the former, and your amendments to the Constitution inclosed in the latter, have been duly recd. The latter came by yesterday’s mail. I...
41To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 July 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of the 1 and 17 of June, with the debates of Congress and the letter for Miss Floyd and the Cyphers inclosed in the former, and your amendments to the Constitution inclosed in the latter, have been duly received. The latter came by yesterdays mail. I feel too sensibly the value of these communications to omit my particular acknowledgments for them. The usual reserve of our...
42To James Madison from David Jameson, 16 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 78, XIII, 285–88). Cover missing. Addressee uncertain but probably JM. Docketed by Charles Thomson, secretary of Congress, “Letter 16 July 1783 David Jameson.” Lacking the cover or mention of the addressee in the text, this letter may have been written to someone in Congress other than JM. Although Jameson calls his correspondent “my friend,” this designation serves only to...
43From James Madison to John Francis Mercer, 16 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Cover addressed to, “The Honble J. F. Mercer. Blackpoint N. Jersey.” Docketed by Mercer, “Jas. Madison July 16. 1783.” The lucky arrival of our brother Lee who is gone on to Princeton has relieved me from the necessity of obeying your summons by Mr. Hawkins. You will not therefore expect any Congressional news by this conveyance. A letter by the post...
44From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by him and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison July. 15. 1783.” Many years later, after recovering this letter, JM wrote “1783” on the docket under Randolph’s indistinct notation of that year. Yesterdays post brought me no letter from you. The Contents of the inclosed paper make up...
45To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 14 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Undocketed and cover missing but undoubtedly written to JM. Your favor of the 30th. ult. I have duly recd. giving the history of the proceedings that brought about the removal of Congress to Princeton. that two of the members of the Comtee: were disposed to advise the Predsident to the Measure which his inclination encouraged them to adopt I have no doubt, but why so...
46To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is in a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and that the manuscript consisted of “2 pages 4°.” The offence of the soldier to Congress. The neglect of the Executive of Pennsylvania. The flight of Congress. Speculation in Continental Money. Mr. Pendleton’s views of...
47To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
I have your favr. Of the 30th., that of the preceeding date hath not yet come to hand; an unexpected call from home last Post day prevented my paying you my respects then, so that you will miss that Lre. I am sorry to hear of the Insult offer’d to Congress, and the more so for the little respect shewn to their dignity by the Executive of Pennsylvania; even poor dispised Virga. I think would...
48To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 12 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Addressed by him to “The honble James Madison jr. esq of congress Princeton New Jersey.” Docketed by JM, “July 12. 17[83].” Your flight to Princeton has, I presume, been the cause of the post of thursday bringing no letter from you. The proclamation, issued by the executive last week, has occasioned much uneasiness in the minds of...
49From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 8 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by him and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J Madison July 8. 1783.” Yours of the 28. of June like the preceding one found me at this place, where my preparations for leaving Congs. will keep me much of the remainder of my time. The footing on which the Impost is placed by the Assembly is...
50From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [6 July 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
On my arrival in this city I am more convinced than I was before of the necessity of giving a just state of facts to the public. The current runs strongly against Congress and in a great measure for want of information. When facts are explained they make an impression and incline to conclusions more favourable to us. I have no copy of the reports in my possession, which puts it out of my power...
51To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, 6 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Hamilton’s hand. Cover missing. Docketed by JM, “Alex. Hamilton Philadelphia July 6h. 1783.” On my arrival in this city I am more convinced than I was before of the necessity of giving a just state of facts to the public. The current runs strongly against Congress and in a great measure for want of information. When facts are explained they make an...
52To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 5 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover addressed to “The Honobl. James Madison of Congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “July 5. 1783.” I still hope the Gentlemen in Congress will enable me to adjust the Accounts of the Treasury in a regular mode, by transmitting a Certificate expressing the share of each, of the Remittances made in the course of this Year, & directing the Auditors to issue...
53To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpt (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892]). In LC: Madison Miscellany, a list, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force or by his clerk, calendars this letter as follows: “1783, June 30 Virginia To James Madison Virginia rejects Mr. Madison’s plan for raising a revenue. Virginia offers the Public buildings and lands and £100,000 if the seat of Government is located at...
54From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 30 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by JM and addressed to “The honble Edmund Randolph Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J Madison June. 30. 1783.” My last informed you of the mutinous insult which was offered to Congs. on the Saturday preceding. On the Evening after the insult Congs. met and resolved that the Executive Council sd. be informed that in their...
55To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
I assure you that neither my health nor punctuality were tardy in the disappt. you mention in yr. favr. of the 17th. —but either the Post Office or some impertinent Curiosity by the way, intercepting my letter of the 9th., wch. I wrote, and put into the usual course; however you will have abundant proofs that the loss was probably small. If the troops were not furlough’d without Mutinous...
56From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [29 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed that among other disagreeable things said about the removal of Congress from Philadelphia it is insinuated that it was a contrivance of some members to get them out of the state of Pensylvania into one of those to which they belonged and I am told that this insinuation has been pointed at me in particular. Though I am persuaded that all distinterested persons will justify...
57To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, 29 June 1783—Note on Letter (Madison Papers)
FC ( LC : Hamilton Papers). Lacks salutation and the signature has been excised. Dated by Hamilton, “Princeton June 29. 178[3],” and docketed by him, “1783 29 June—To Mr Madison abt. the removal of Congress.” 29 June 1783. Several circumstances appear to warrant the belief that Hamilton did not post this letter: (1) the RC is not among the Madison Papers in the Library of Congress; (2) in his...
58To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 28 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “June 28. 1783.” Cover missing. I have your favours by the Post and by the Secretary of War. The day before yesterday the bill for granting a revenue to Congress upon the 3d. reading was ordered to lay on the Table [.] Tas—ll then moved for leave to bring in another under a different Title which was agreed to and yesterday it was presented and on the...
59To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 28 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Cover addressed to “The honble James Madison jr. esq. of congress Philadelphia To go by the post.” Erroneously docketed by JM, “June 8. 1783.” The last post brought, as usual, your esteemed favor. The friends to the impost, as recommended by congress, finding, that the adoption of that measure in the form of the bill, then depending...
60From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison June 24. 1783.” Cover missing. I cannot break in upon my punctuality so far as to omit acknowledging your favor by yesterday’s post, though I can scarce do more than refer you to the official letter to the Govr. and mine to Mr. Jones, which you will see, whether he be absent or present, having addressed it to you on the first...