151Committee Report on Relief to Prisoners, [8 January] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, VI, 329–30). Written by JM. Docketed by clerk “Report of Comee. on report of Comee. on letters from Gen. Washington of Decr. 8th &c. Read & Passed Jany 8th. 1781.” The Committee to whom was referred the Report of a Committee on Letters from Genl Washington &c. report the following Resolutions. Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to the States from N. Hamshire to...
152From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). The inclosed extract of a letter from General Washington No. 1 will give your Excellency a more particular account of the late embarkation from N. York than has been before obtained. On thursday last Congress were informed by General Potter & Col. Johnston who came expresses for the purpose that a general mutiny of the Pennsylvania line stationed near Morris Town...
153From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 9 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The address sheet is missing, but JM, probably late in life, wrote “To Mr. Pendleton” at the top. Pendleton docketed the letter “James Maddison Esq Jan. 9th. 1781.” I have again the pleasure to begin with acknowledg the receipt of a favor from you, that of the 1st. inst: having come to hand yesterday. On Thursday last Congress were informed by Genl. Potter & Col....
154To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed extract of a letter from General Washington No. 1 will give your Excellency a more particular account of the late embarkation from N. York than has been before obtained. On Thursday last Congress were informed by General Potter and Col. Johnston who came expresses for the purpose that a general mutiny of the Pennsylvania line stationed near Morris Town apart from the rest of the...
155From James Madison to Nathanael Greene, 13 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
Incomplete printed copy from Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 988 (29 January 1909), item 699. The original manuscript was sold in 1940 to a private collector by Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., of New York City (Catalogue No. 223 [30 October–1 November 1940], item 559). I enclose you an extract of a letter from General Washington of the 2d instant, giving a more precise account of the embarkation...
156From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 16 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I was very glad at not being disappointed in my expectations of a favor from you by yesterday’s post. Several reports in quick succession of the arrival & progress of the predatory band under Arnold had rendered us exceedingly anxious to hear the truth & particulars of the matter. Some letters by the post tell us that the Governor with Baron Steuben was wholly...
157To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 17 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Address sheet is missing, but the letter’s context and its presence in the Madison Papers permit no doubt that JM was the recipient. I was in doubt whether to write you by this post or not as I intend seting out in a day or two for Philadelphia and should probably have the pleasure of taking you by the hand before my Letter wod. arrive but as we have yet in this...
158To James Madison from Reverend James Madison, 18 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I intended to have sent you a Letter by ye. last post, but failed of an oppy. and by this Time I suppose you have heard thro’ many Channels of ye. Loss of our Capitol, & ye Disgrace of Virginia. True it is that Arnold with not more than 1500 men landed at Westover, marched within 24 Hours after ye Time of landing to Richmond, destroyed whatever was considered as...
159From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 23 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Mathematical notations by Pendleton appear on the cover sheet. I have nothing new this week for you but two reports: the first is that very great discontents prevail in N. York among the German Troops for causes pretty similar to those which produced the eruption in the Pennsylvania line. It is further said on this head that a party of 200 have deserted from Long...
160Motion on Navigation of Mississippi, [1 February] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Continental Congress Miscellany). Entirely in JM’s hand. Docketed by Charles Thomson, “Motion, Respecting the Mississipi by the delegates of Virginia Feby. 1. 1781.” The Delegates from Virginia have received an instruction from the General Assembly of that State which authorises them to inform Congress, that the zeal of their Constituents to promote the general object of the Union...
161Motion on Impost, [3 February] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, IV, 263). In JM’s hand. Endorsed “Motion for Amendment.” That it be earnestly recommended to the States, as indispensably necessary to the support of public credit and the prosecution of the war, immediately to pass laws laying an impost of 5 PerCt. ad valorem on all goods wares & merchandises imported into them respectively after the 1st. day of May next from any...
162Committee Report on Tax Status of Friendly Aliens, [5 February] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 20, I, 9–10). Report entirely in JM’s hand. Docketed “Report of the Committee on Presidt. Ware’s letter of the 20th. of Novr. 1780 part passed Feby 5. 1781.” The Committee to whom was referred the letter of the 20th. day of Novr. 1780 from Presidt. Ware with the papers enclosed having considered the subject to which they relate, and consulted the best sources of information...
163To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 5 February 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). I congratulate with you upon the very Agreable Intelligence from the South, of which you will have a full account ere this reaches you. I think Ld Cornwallis’s Army must be broken & can only depend for safety upon that at Cambden under Genl Lesly, & could we immediately fill up our line for the War, I think the termination of that evil would not be far distant. I...
164From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, [13] February 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I have your favor of the 5th. instant by the post. Col. Harrison arrived here yesterday, and as he mentions no circumstance which indicated an intended departure of the Enemy I am afraid your intelligence on that subject was not well founded. Immediately on the receipt of your former letter relating to an exchange of C. Taylor I applied to the Admiralty department,...
165Amendment to Committee Report on Hartford Convention, [ca. 23 February] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 33, fol. 427). Undated. Endorsed by Charles Thomson, “Amend proposd.” The amendment is in JM’s hand. to report to Congress thereon, except such as in the opinion of the Committee require order to be taken by the respective departments, which the Committee shall lay before Congress in the first instance with such their Opinion. After commissioners from the four New England...
166To James Madison from David Jameson, 3 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Mar. 3, 1781.” At my return from York I found your two favours of the 6t. & 13t. ult. The six Mils. ordered to be struck by the Assembly and the addl. four Millions wch. the Executive were permitted to issue if necessary, being found far short of what it would require to keep the Govert. in motion till May —the apparent necessity...
167To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 5 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Maddison jr Esqr Philada.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 123–24. I have yr favr of the 13th past and thank you for the foreign Intelligence, on which head we are made to expect something more Interesting this week, by an Account which a Gentleman Affirms he...
168To James Madison from the Reverend James Madison, 9 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “James Madison Esqr. Member of the Hon the Congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “Revd. J Madison March 9. 1781.” I rec’d. your Letter by C. Kelly and was much rejoiced at the agreable Intelligence, nor do I doubt, but the Member of Parliament will find that the delenda est Carthag [ o ] is not so easily effected as he wd. fain hope. I rejoiced at the...
169To James Madison from David Jameson, 10 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “March 10 1781.” In my letter by last post I mentioned to you that I had been absent sometime looking into my affairs in the lower Country, as an apology for not writing. I forgot then to acquaint you that the Auditors have recd. the box of Papers, but have not opened it. We have recd. no intelligence from Gen. Greenes Camp since...
170Proposed Amendment of Articles of Confederation, [12 March] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 24, fols. 25–26). Written by JM. A copy, also in JM’s hand, is in LC : Madison Papers. Whereas it is stipulated and declared in the 13th. Article of the Confederation “that every State shall abide by the determinations of the United States in Congress assembled on all questions which by this Confederation are submitted to them. And that the Articles of this Confederation...
171Motion for Complete Non-Intercourse with Great Britain, [16 March] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 123, 129–30). Written by JM. Docketed by Charles Thomson, “Motion of Mr Madison Mr Duane March 16. 1781. Monday assigned for the consideration thereof.” Whereas in order to afford to the Virtuous individuals of G. B. an asylum from the tyranny against which these States had taken arms, and to favor the importation of such warlike stores as were necessary for the...
172To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 19 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 124–25. Yr favr of the 27th was closely followed by Col. Harrison who gave me much information; I had the Satisfaction, among other things, to learn that your health was re-establish’d, which I had entertain’d...
173To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 22 March 1781 [1782] (Madison Papers)
The roads have been hitherto so bad, that we have been able to accomplish no more of our journey, than about 80 miles. Tomorrow we shall see Baltimore; and unless my arrangements miscarry, I shall revisit Richmond on Sunday se’ennight. For a few minutes this afternoon I thumbed the body of Maryland laws. In the preface to Bacon’s edition of them, I found a recital of an act of the Lords...
174To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 26 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Docketed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 125–26. I have yr favr of the 13th which announces Mr Jones’s intention of coming to Virginia; so that you will have for a time at least, the whole burthen of my Correspondence on your hands, as I am in this...
175Expense Account as Delegate in Congress, 27 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
MSS (Virginia State Library). JM addressed the covering letter to “The Auditors of Public Accounts for the State of Virginia at Richmond.” The statement of debits and credits is in JM’s hand. Also in the Virginia State Library is the auditors’ ledger page for JM. The only entry on it which supplements the information furnished by JM’s own statement is mentioned in a footnote. The inclosed is a...
176To James Madison from Nathanael Greene, 1 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Draft (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan). With the exception of a few corrections by General Greene, the text of the letter was penned by his aide-de-camp, Captain Nathaniel Pendleton. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, & to thank you, for your Obliging Letter of January 13th. I am uncertain whether I have not done this before, but am fearfull thro’ the hurry of a...
177From James Madison, enclosing a Communication to La Luzerne, 2–3 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favor of the 23d. of March . The publication of which you wish to have a copy for your private use is not yet finished; as soon as it is I shall take care to provide one for you. I have repeatedly reminded Dr. Smith of his promise with respect to the map, but have never obtained any thing more than a repetition of the promise. He is at present an inhabitant of Maryland....
178To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 2 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Since my last I have Mr Jones’s favr of the 20th. but as I hear he is now at home, I write you, as I shall continue to do weekly in future. Mr Jones mentions the Anxiety in Phila for the event of an expectd meeting between the French & british Fleets. In this perhaps you may be relieved by some Intelligence which has...
179From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Governor of Virginia” and franked by JM. Docketed, “Madison Jas April 3. 1781,” by Jefferson. I have received your favor of the 23d of March. The publication of which you wish to have a copy for your private use is not yet finished; as soon as it is I shall take care to provide one for you. I have repeatedly...
180To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 3 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I arrived here the 7th. day after my departure from Philadelphia. the sanguine hopes entertained before I set out of taking Arnold and his party at Portsmouth, lessened as I advanced and at length were entirely lost by certain information that the British Fleet were in the Bay after engaging that of the French off the Capes. The issue of the conflict has been...
181Motion Commending French Fleet, [4 April] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, IV, 503). Docketed, “Motion of Mr. Madison. Respecting Monsr. De touches Commandr. of H M. C Majesty’s Squadron.” This note is written on a cover addressed to “His Excellency The President of Congress.” [Resolved,] That the President inform Monsr. Destouches Commander of the Squadron consigned by his M. C. Majesty to the Succour of his Allies, that the United States in...
182To James Madison from David Jameson, 7 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Endorsed, “Apl. 7. 1781,” by JM. In one of my former letters I acquainted you with some of the abuses committed by some of the Officers Gen Greene sent out to impress Horses for the Cavalry when he was obliged to retreat to Virga. they seized some of the most valuable stud horses they could meet with, one of which was valued at £750 Specie, others...
183To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 7 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 127–28. I have yr favr of the 27th past, which gave us the first certain account what had become of the French Fleet since the Engagement off our Capes. It is confidently affirmed the british took a 64 or 74 & have her now with their fleet. I do not believe it...
184To James Madison from David Jameson, 14 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Endorsed by JM, “Apl. 14. 1781.” I am very glad you have determined to send on the Stores &ca. that came from Rhode Island We are much in want of them. Steps are taking to pay the transportation. The British Vessels left in the Bay are now taking the most effectual measures to distress us—one of them has run up to Burwells ferry, one lies in York...
185From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed, “Madison Jas,” by Jefferson. The inclosed paper is a copy of a report from a Committee now lying on the table of Congress for Consideration. The delicacy and importance of the subject makes me wish for your judgment on it before it undergoes the final decision of Congress. The necessity of arming Congress with coercive powers arises from the shameful...
186To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 16 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” I have yr favr of the 3d & Am glad to hear the Pennsa. line are coming on & hope the Marquis’s Corps or some other will be added to the Southern Army, as I fear without it, we are not in a Condition to oppose the force designed to act in that quarter. Genl Green’s new Manoeuvre I consider as a hazardous one, which may...
187To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed paper is a copy of a report from a Committee now lying on the table of Congress for Consideration. The delicacy and importance of the subject makes me wish for your judgment on it before it undergoes the final decision of Congress. The necessity of arming Congress with coercive powers arises from the shameful deficiency of some of the States which are most capable of yielding...
188To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 23 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 129. Since my last nothing material has come to my knowledge, the Fleet up Potowmack proved as I expected a mere plundering party, or if they meant any thing hostile against Alexandria or Fredericksburg, they were...
189To James Madison from David Jameson, 28 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Endorsed, “Apl. 28. 1781,” by JM. I have recd your two favours of the 10th. & 17h. I have not failed to write by every Post. Friday the 20th. the Enemy entd. Wmsburg & at the same time a party went to York. at the latter place they contd. but a few hours—destroyed the Cannon &ca belonging to the Battery hoisted the British flag & left it flying....
190From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 29 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Your’s of the 7th. was handed to me a few days ago by Mr. Newman who is to call on me this evening for an answer. 700 dollars were enclosed in it. As I cannot get any wire of the description you direct, nor indeed any but a little fitted for bolting according to the flour model, and that at a price more than double the old one I have declined laying out the money. Should you be in great want &...
191To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 129–30. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). Since my last yr. two favrs of the 10th & 17th have come to hand together, a week’s mail having fail’d to come to...
192From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Endorsed, “Madison Jas.,” by Jefferson. On the receipt of your request as to the map I procured a copy with one of the pamphlets & have put it under the care of Col. Febiger who will have it conveyed. it is effectually secured against injury on its passage. I inclose your Excellency a letter from Mazzei although indeed its contents are of no great moment. I have not...
193From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 1 May 1781—Misdated (Madison Papers)
Letter misdated. 1 May 1781 [ 2 ]. Three of the earlier editions of the papers of JM printed portions of his letter, allegedly written on 1 May 1781, to Edmund Randolph, attorney general of Virginia and delegate from that state in Congress beginning on 14 June 1781 ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 90–93; Madison,...
194To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the receipt of your request as to the map I procured a copy with one of the pamphlets and have put it under the care of Col. Febiger who will have it conveyed. It is effectually secured against injury on its passage. I inclose your Excellency a letter from Mazzei although indeed its contents are of no great moment. I have not received the antecedant one referred to in it. The Executive have...
195From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr” and marked “private.” Docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas May 5. 1781.” In compliance with your request I have procured and now send you a copy of the Constitutions &c published by order of Congress. I know not why the order in which they stand in the Resolution was varied by the committee in binding them up. The...
196To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with your request I have procured and now send you a copy of the Constitutions &c. published by order of Congress. I know not why the order in which they stand in the Resolution was varied by the Committee in binding them up. The encomium on the inhabitants of Rhode Island was a flourish of a Delegate from [that] State who furnished the Committee with the account of its...
197To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 7 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 131–32. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). I have yr favr of the 24th past, which contain’d & inclosed much Intelligence —from the various accounts of French &...
198Motion on Pay of Troops, [10 May] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 179). Docketed: “Motion of Mr Madison seconded by Carroll Referred to Mr Bland Mr Van Dyke Mr Carrol Delivered May 14. 1781 Entd. Read. Passed May 15. 1781.” That Warrants issue in favor of J. P. paymaster general upon the loan offices of the States of Delaware, Maryland & Virginia in the following proportions in bills of the new emission arising from the 4/10 of the...
199To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 132–33. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). I was disappointed in receiving no letter from you by the last post, which was the greater, as I was anxious to be...
200To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 133–34. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). Yr obliging favr of the 1st hath raised my curiosity Yet I cannot but approve your Caution, and notwithstanding my keen...