101Minutes of Central College Board of Visitors, 28 July 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
At a called meeting of the Visitors of the Central College , held at the House of M r Madison in Orange , Thomas Jefferson , James Madison , John Hartwell Cocke , and Joseph C. Cabell , being present: The plan of the first Pavilion to be erected, and the proceedings thereupon, having been stated and agreed to It is agreed that application be made to Doctor Knox
102Enclosure: Circular from Hezekiah Niles to Prominent Subscribers, 31 July 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
After revolving upon some suitable apology for intruding myself with the following statement and request, I have thought it most respectful to decline offering any, except to observe that if ought appears to your better judgement improper in either, that you will attribute it to any thing else than a willingness on my part to act so, in any respect towards you. For six years ending with the...
103To James Madison from Thomas Todd, 6 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
Since my return from Lexington from whence I wrote you, Mrs. T. has received two letters from her son Walter, pressing for permission to spend the ensuing winter in Philadelphia & attend the lectures of Dr. Cooper. As the request is complied with, I have to solicit the favour of you to advance to him (if convenient) such sum of money as you deem necessary for the outfit & to fix him there til...
104From James Madison to the Committee of the 1776 Association of Charleston, South Carolina, 8 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 August 1817, Montpelier. Offered for sale in Charles Hamilton Catalog No. 77 (2 May 1974), item 255, where it is described as a one-page letter thanking the committee for “an oration delivered by Mr. Elliott on the 4th of July last, which you transmitted by direction of ‘the ’76 Association’ … my thanks for the opportunity of perusing such a specimen of vigorous talents...
105From James Madison to George Joy, 15 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your several favors, the last bearing date the day of , on the subject of your translation from Rotterdam to Amsterdam; and have expressed to the President the sentiments which my knowlege of your exertions in the cause of your Country, and my friendly dispositions I have entertained towards you, suggested. He has been for a considerable period on a tour along our E. & N....
106From James Madison to James Monroe, 22 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of July 27. from Plattsburg was duly received, and I am very glad to learn from it, that the fatiguing scenes through which you have passed, had not prevented some improvement in your health. The sequel of your journey will have been still more friendly to it, as affording a larger proportion of the salutary part of your exercise. I hope you will find an ample reward for all the...
107To James Madison from Joseph C. Cabell, 22 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
As soon after the afflicting scene produced by the death of my mother as I could find time to write I have copied the enclosed papers for the loan of which I return you my sincere thanks. It is to be regretted that such tables are not kept at all the colleges along the atlantic Coast, as well. They would soon throw abundant light on the nature of our climate. I have sent subscription papers...
108To James Madison from Charles Bagot, 26 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
We had hoped to have availed ourselves during the present month of Mrs. Madisons & your kind invitation to visit you in Virginia. Nothing but the intense heats, which have confined us almost entirely to the house, prevented our proposing to have this pleasure a fortnight ago. We anxiously hope that we are still not too late to be permitted to profit by your goodness, and we shall feel greatly...
109To James Madison from John French, 26 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
It is the Pride of an American citizen that he can under its republican institutions address his rulers without the Monarchical formalities which disgrace Euroupe. Under these impressions and during a time that tried “Men’s souls” under your administration, when a faction sought to have riven assunder our sacred blood bought Cinch of the Nation, (the Constitution), I had the presumtion to...
110From James Madison to John Coffee, 28 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce to you Robert Taylor Esqr, lately Speaker of the Senate of Virginia. He is on a visit to the Country expected to be soon offered for public sale; and will be gratified by an opportunity of being acquainted with you. His worth is so well known to me, that I ask the favor of your civilities to him, without any apology but what is required by my own want of personal...
111To James Madison from Donald Fraser Sr., 30 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to present, for the honour of Your acceptance, a copy of a few verses of mine; which, may afford you a few minutes’ amusement, at a leisure hour. For, triffles, light as air, may amuse a Philosopher, after profound reflection. I have the honour to be, very respectfully, Sir, Your Obdt. humble Servant P. S. A recent anecdote . When the President of the U. S. Landed in this City, a...
112To James Madison from Charles Stuart Waugh, 30 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
Could I take the liberty of asking the loan of Rollins Roman History?; or any other written on the Roman Commonwealth in yr library? Should the work be in the French language, it will be acceptable. The esteem and respect, with which you honored my Father, and which was duly appreciated by him; and above all yr love for the advancement of literature, will be I hope a sufficient apology for the...
113From James Madison to Charles Bagot, 31 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have but this moment received your agreeable favor of the 26th, which ought to have come [to] hand a day or two sooner; and from the arrangement of the mail days, this will not reach Washington so soon by a day or two, as the mere distance would permit. Mrs. Madison and myself learn with sincere pleasure that we shall not be disappointed of the kind visit promised us: We shall be at home...
114From James Madison to Charles Fenton Mercer, [ca. 31] August 1817 (Madison Papers)
It has been decided by the Visitors of the Central College about to be established near Charlottesville, that among other Counties, subscriptions for the purposes of the College should be opened in Loudon; and it is deemed proper that one of the papers should be placed in your hands. It would be very superfluous, Sir, to point out to you the great advantages of such an Institution; and full...
115To James Madison from Jeremy Bentham, [September] 1817 (Madison Papers)
Length of intervals considered, our correspondence has been better suited to an antediluvian life, than to one which is so near its close as mine is. I mention this—not in the way of reproach to yourself, from whom at no time, to such an address as mine, was any answer at all matter of debt, but purely in the way of regret on my own account. Two works of mine—not to mention a number of others...
116To James Madison from Lewis Deblois, 3 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
It is with great reluctance I presume to address you on the subject of my private concerns, but the extreme anxiety of my family and friends on account of my present indigent situation, and the great need we have of succour from some source obliges me once more to trouble you. I will be as brief in my statement, and take as little of your valuable time, as my ability will permit. It is only a...
117To James Madison from Charles Bagot, 5 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
I yesterday received your very kind letter of the 31st of last month, and we should immediately have set out on our journey to Montpellier, had I not just received some information which will make it unavoidably necessary for me to delay our journey for a few days. I am assured that the President is expected on the 10th or at latest on the 12th of this month in Washington, where He will remain...
118To James Madison from Antonio Capellano, 5 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
Understanding from Mr Lee that it was your desire I should go to your Seat to take your Bust in the month of September, I have the honour of informing you that I am now at leisure & will sett off at any moment you may be pleased to appoint. The price of a Bust, the natural size in Italian Marble is $800. I need not assure you Sir, that if you do me the honour of permitting me to take your...
119To James Madison from Richard Rush, 6 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
Considering the struggle that is now going on in Pennsylvania, as not wholly local, I have been led to dip my pen in it. A month ago I threw together some remarks for one of the newspapers. They unexpectedly came back to me a few days since in the form of a two-penny pamphlet. I venture to enclose you one of them for the amusement of a leisure moment. Although no official promulgation has yet...
120From James Madison to Hezekiah Niles, 7 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of July —— was not recd. till last evening. The Baltimore post mark is of Aug. 5. There is another post mark of Aug. 18. at a place not legible; and a manuscript endorsement “missent.” These are the only circumstances explaining the delay. I sincerely regret the difficulties you experience on continuing “The Weekly Register.[”] During the period of my public occupations, I was not...
121From James Madison to William Lee, [ca. 8 September] 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. the inclosed letter from Mr. Capellano, and write him the answer also inclosed. Be so good as to seal and forward it. As it is not presumable that a Model in clay without a Marble copy, would induce him to visit me, and as the expence of the latter is not to be thought of, it will be best to let the object vanish, in a manner most delicate towards the artist; and I must...
122From James Madison to Antonio Capellano, 8 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 5th. inst: and thank you for your disposition to accommodate yourself to my conveniency. Unforeseen engagements will deprive me of the pleasure of seeing you at Montpellier during the present month; and it is probable that the period will be somewhat prolonged. Under these circumstances I can not do better than to leave the favor of a visit from you to be...
123To James Madison from Charles Stuart Waugh, 8 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
If it is not giving you too much trouble, it will be doing me a great Kindness to be favoured with the loan of Hook; and I thank you extremely for your friendly offer. I have taken the liberty of sending you a Chemico, Agricultural work by Sir, Humphrey Davy. If it is new to you, you will be pleased with it. I have been told that you are devoted to the subject embraced in this work. I have the...
124From James Madison to George Graham, 10 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
Will you be so good as to have the files of the War Dept. searched for the letters referred to in the inclosed, and to forward them if found ⟨to⟩ the ⟨writer.⟩ Friendly respects RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , M–317:10). Docketed by a War Department clerk in September 1817, with the note: “James Madison Esq. requesting that the papers mentioned in the enclosed letter be forwarded to the person.” At...
125To James Madison from William Eustis, 13 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
I should be wanting in justice to those feelings of respect and friendship which your invariable kindness and friendship have inspired if I neglected any longer to acknowlege your Letter of March last borne as I presume by Mr Preston to England and transmitted to me at Brussels a short time before my leaving that city for the Hague. A long time on its route it was the more welcome as an...
126To James Madison from George Graham, 15 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 10th Inst. covering a Letter to you from Mr. French was duly received. On examining the files of this Dept. it appears that his recommendations for a Commission in the Army were placed on file, but burnt with all the other papers of that description when the enemy were at this place. I return you Mr. French’s letter, And am with great respect & esteem—yours &c RC ( DLC ). Docketed...
127To James Madison from Armistead T. Mason, 15 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your favor of the Ultimo covering a subscription paper for the Central College of Va. Altho’ my knowledge of the deficiency of public spirit in this section of the state forbids me to hope for any considerable contributions in this County towards that Institution, yet it is an object so interesting & important that I will not be discouraged from making every...
128To James Madison from Morris Birkbeck, 18 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
I should have had the pleasure of presenting the inclosed letter to you on my way through Virginia in May, had not the circumstance of my travelling with a numerous family confined me in the direct route to Pittsburg. My motive for transmitting it to you now is the hope of interesting you in a plan for the benefit of a number of my countrymen, who, like myself, not having partaken of the...
129To James Madison from Joshua Stow, 20 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
Our semi-anual election for the State Legislature, was held this week on monday; the result of which, is the complete change of Connecticut. Hierarchy and Aristocracy no longer rule this state. In the House of Representatives there will be about two republicans to one federalist, and the republican-ticket for the nomination of twenty persons (from whom the twelve who compose the Governors...
130To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 25 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
I took the liberty to cover to you, by a late mail, a couple of printed copies of the Memoir on cotton, with some material additions, since it was returned in March last: It is not thought safe to publish it in the News papers, or, in any other way, to suffer the suggestions to come into the view of rival foreign governments or cotton growers. A ship, with 2200 bales of British E. I. cotton,...
131From James Madison to Charles Bagot, 26 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. from the hand of Mr. Harris your favor of the 20th. However much we regret the delays which have suspended your journey, we could not wish that the gratification it holds out to us should be at the cost of your official obligations. We flatter ourselves that no further impediments will deprive us of it, in the early part of the ensuing Month. For myself, I am compelled as a...
132From James Madison to Domenico A. Azuni, October 1817 (Madison Papers)
The 3 Copies of your work on Piracy were duly recd; and 2 of them disposed of, one for the library of Congress, the other for that of the Department of State. For the 3d. presented to myself, I pray you to accept my thanks. An historical, juridical, & remedial view of Piracy, was a subject, which merited the researches & disquisition you have bestowed on it; and I have perused this gift of...
133From James Madison to Charles Kelsall, October 1817 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. the Copy of the “Phantasm of an University” which you were so obliging as to send me; and I owe you many thanks for so learned and interesting a work. The recommendation of a National University in the U. S. has not yet been successful. But a Central Institution is just now on foot in the State of Virga., which in its development will embrace an extensive circle of Sciences; and...
134Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the Central College, 7 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors &c. held at Charlottesville 7. Oct: 1817. On information of the amount of the subscriptions to the Central College, known to be made, and others understood to be so, the board resolves, that the Pavilion now erecting be completed as heretofore directed, with the 20. dormitories attached to it, and that two other pavilions be contracted for and executed the next...
135Minutes of Central College Board of Visitors, 7 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors & c held at Charlottesville 7 Oct: 1817. On information of the amount of the subscriptions to the Central College , known to be made, and others understood to be so, the board resolves, that the Pavilion now erecting be completed as heretofore directed, with the 20. dormitories attached to it, and that two other pavilions be contracted for and executed the next...
136Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the Central College, 8 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors &c. 8. Oct: 1817. Certain letters from Doctor Thos. Cooper to Th: Jefferson, dated Sep. 17. & 19. received since the meeting of yesterday being communicated to the board of Visitors, and taken into consideration with his former letter of Sep. 16. they are of opinion that it will be for the interest of the College to modify the terms of agreement which might be...
137From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 12 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 8th. has been duly recd. as was that from Mrs. C. to her sister. I thank you for your attention to the Gardiner. Bizet has indicated a disposition to remain with us; and it is probable will suit the place better than a stranger, till we shall be able to avoid the expence altogether. The entire ignorance of our language and of the habits of the blacks wd be serious...
138To James Madison from William Harris Crawford, 12 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
The long and dangerous indisposition of my son at Hallifax Court house, so entirely deranged my plans for the continuance of journey through Amherst & Nelson, and return through Albemarle & orange to the city that I was compelled to retrace my steps by the same rout, without even being able to call at Monpellier to enquire after your health & that of Mrs Madison & Mr Todd: Unfortunately after...
139To James Madison from Thomas Mann Randolph, 14 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to make known to you, that on Tuesday the 7th. instant, at Charlottesville, a number of respectable Gentlemen of Albemarle and the adjacent Counties, who had held a prior meeting in form on the preceding evening with that view, united themselves to constitute an agricultural Society. An Organization was completed, many regulations were adopted, and the title of “Agricultural...
140To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
Our carriage arrivd sooner, somedays, than we expected, in consequence of which, and other considerations, connected with affrs at Washington (our horses also hir’d), I am forc’d to hurry on there. It was our intention to have been with you last night, but hearing that Mr Bagot is with you, we are under the necessity, on account of our equipment, our baggage being sent on, by Richmond, to...
141From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 18th. was handed to me by your servant, at a moment & place which did not permit me to acknowlege it by him. We regretted very much the circumstances which deprived us of the expected pleasure of seeing you all on your way to Washington. I inclose the copy of your letter to Gen: Jackson. Your reasonings on the singular step taken by him can scarcely fail to convince him of...
142From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 24 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
… I feel more satisfaction than surprise at the excess of the Revenue beyond the estimated amount. It is principally drawn from imposts, and these will generally tally with the value of exports, which has, of late, been enhanced by good crops, or good prices overbalancing deficient crops. The difficulty of finding objects for our ways and means will startle foreign Governments, who husband...
143From James Madison to Thomas Mann Randolph, 24 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. on the 22d. inst: your letter of the 14th. making known to me, “that the Agricultural Society of Albemarle &c” had been pleased to make choice of me, for its “Honorary Head.” The high degree in which I value the objects of the Institution, and the particular respect I entertain for its members, do not permit me to decline so flattering a distinction. I shd. accept it nevertheless with...
144To James Madison from John Gardiner, 29 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
I take leave to present to you a Map (of the military bounty Lands in the Illinois Territory) which I have had engraved for the use of the Soldiers of the late Army; the utility of the Map, & the moderate price which I demand for it from such Soldiers as wish to have one, (a dollar) will I trust meet your approbation of its publication: permit me to add, that your directions “to Keep out of...
145To James Madison from Edmond Kelly, [ca. 30] October 1817 (Madison Papers)
It is almost unnecessary for me to mention that the diligence with which I am watched by the friends of England Caused that Inspection of all I write by which Traitors found themselves discovered. I find it has only encreased their Caution but not stopped their progress their hopes from recent promises of an Invasion seem to have encreased their Confidence. General perhaps Lord A Jackson has...
146From James Madison to Edward Caffarena, 1 November 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have just received your letter of July 12: and owe more apology than I well know how to make for not acknowleging your former one accompanying the little equestrian statue of Napoleon in Alabaster, which came safely to hand. In this as in other cases the best resort is the simple truth, which is that I was unwilling to accept such an article without some equivalent; and I was not able to...
147To James Madison from Hezekiah Niles, [1 November] 1817 (Madison Papers)
National Education. Respectfully Addressed to Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, Past Presidents of the United States. It is not a common occasion, venerable fathers of the republic, that could induce me to prefix your names to a public address. In my estimation, there is something in it that may make me liable to be considered indiscreet, if not impertinent, by some who will not take the...
148Hezekiah Niles to Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, [ca. 1 November 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
It is not a common occasion, venerable fathers of the republic, that could induce me to prefix your names to a public address. In my estimation, there is something in it that may make me liable to be considered indiscreet, if not impertinent, by some who will not take the trouble to ascertain whether I am influenced by an honest intention , or not. I am unwilling to be suspected of either of...
149To James Madison from William Taylor, 3 November 1817 (Madison Papers)
It was not until a few days ago that I returned to this City, and only yesterday that I had the pleasure to receive Your note of the 25 Augt Covering a Letter for the President which I shall this day present to him, and altho’ the Consulship at Amsterdam was disposd of, before my wishes were Known to the President (as he himself has been pleased to state) yet your Letter is not only highly...
150To James Madison from the Agricultural Society of Albemarle, [4 November] 1817 (Madison Papers)
Extract from the proceedings of the AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY of Albemarle. Resolved , That Messrs. Thomas M. Randolph, John H. Cocke, Joseph C. Cabell, David Watson and James Barbour, be a committee, whose duty it shall be to consider of, prepare and report to a meeting to be called for that purpose, the plans or methods of proceeding, best calculated in their estimation for the attainment of the...