1From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 22 October 1824 (Madison Papers)
I return your letter to Gilmer as fairly copied. Will he understand that he is not to return without a Nat: Philosopher, tho’ bringing the other Professors named, and despairing of that one? There will however be time for final instructions on this point after hearing further from him. Yrs. affecty RC ( ViU : Special Collections); FC ( DLC ). Minor differences between the copies have not been...
2From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 6th. inclosing the letters to & from Dr. Cooper, and forward the former by this days mail, the first that has offered. The relinquishment of our claim on him was unavoidable, and but reasonable, and it could not have been made known to him in more suitable terms. RC ( DLC ). Fragment. Remainder of text, closing, and signature clipped. Docketed by Jefferson, “recd....
3To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 August 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Circular of the 4 th instant did not come to hand till yesterday. In the present attitude of things the reappointment of M r Gilmer to the Law Professorship seems a matter of course: though I am sorry to learn that there is some ground to apprehend that his qualifications are not as well understood & as highly estimated as they deserve to b DLC : Papers of James Madison.
4From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 March 1819 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday yours of the 11th. The letter from Mr. Cabell which I return is of very agreeable import. His other letter was returned several days ago, and probably reached Monticello soon after the date of yours. Health & all other happiness RC ( CtY ).
5From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 August 1822 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ To Thomas Jefferson. Letter not found. 8 August 1822 . Enclosed in Dolley Madison to Lewis J. Cist, 4 July 1842 ( DLC : Dolley Madison Papers). Acknowledged by Jefferson as received on 9 Aug. 1822 in his Epistolary Record ( DLC : Jefferson Papers), with his note: “Hite & Baldwin.”
¶ To Thomas Jefferson. Letter not found. 21 November 1823. Acknowledged in Jefferson’s Epistolary Record ( DLC : Jefferson Papers) as received 24 Nov.
7To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters & papers being addressed to you as well as me, I am not at liberty to withhold them. tho’ I know the disrelish you will feel for such appeals. I shall give an answer, in a manner for us both, intimating the propriety of our abstaining from any participation in the electioneering measures on foot. DLC : Papers of James Madison.
8From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 March 1818 (Madison Papers)
The day on which the first instalment for the Central College becomes due, being near at hand, I think it not amiss, as no conveyance of mine offers, to intimate, that it shall be paid on draft, or if requisite sent by a special hand. Yrs. affectionately RC ( MoHi ). Docketed by Jefferson, “recd Apr. 2.” JM subscribed $1,000 to the Central College fund (Cabell, Early History of the University...
9To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 29 April 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
What is the proper quetus for the solicitudes within expressed? DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
10To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 May 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not receive yours of the 12 th in time to be answered by the last mail. My thoughts, as heretofore intimated, had been turned to Judge Dade for the Law Chair; and with the recommendatory opinions which you enumerate, I cannot hesitate to concur in the offer of it as proposed. I concur also in the issuing of a Commission on the written sanctions of the Visitors without the formality of a...
11From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 31 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
Judge Todd accompanied by one of his sons being on his return thro’ your neighbourhood will call to pay his respects to you. His great worth justly entitles him to this introduction to your recollections. I propose to be with you tomorrow evening. Mrs. M. will not lose the opportunity of making a visit to the ladies of Monticello. Yours allways & affecy. RC ( NjP ).
12To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
It is very lucky that Gilmer was so soon able to relieve us from the alarm he had excited. He does not say whether his Mathematician is an Astronomer also; or does he look for one in a professor of Nat: Philo y ? If so, his remaining task will be greater than might be wished. His good spirits however authorize ours. CSmH : Emmet Collection.
13From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your Circular of the 4th. instant did not come to hand till yesterday. In the present attitude of things the reappointment of Mr. Gilmer to the Law professorship seems a matter of course; though I am sorry to learn that there is some ground to apprehend that his qualifications are not as well understood & as highly estimated as they deserve to RC ( DLC ). Fragment. Remainder of text, closure,...
14From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 29 April 1823] (Madison Papers)
What is the proper qui[e]tus for the solicitudes within expressed? RC ( DLC : Jefferson Papers). Undated; conjectural date based on Jefferson’s docket “recd. Apr. 29. 23.” JM probably enclosed Joseph C. Cabell’s letter to him of 16 Apr. 1823 , concerning the configuration of the lecture halls designed for the Rotunda. See Jefferson’s reply to JM , 30 Apr. 1823.
15To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return your letter to Gilmer as fairly copied. Will he understand that he is not to return without a Nat: Philosopher, tho’ bringing the other Professors named, and despairing of that one? There will however be time for final instructions on this point after hearing further from him. ViU .
¶ To Thomas Jefferson. Letter not found. Ca. 22 October 1823. Referred to in Jefferson to JM , 24 Oct. 1823 , and listed in Jefferson’s Epistolary Record as being received on 23 Oct. 1823 ( DLC : Jefferson Papers).
17To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 21 st The refusal of the Offer to M r Wirt. inviting as it was. does not suprize me. It is very gratifying to learn that M r Lomax takes so well with everybody, I hope his success will make some amends. for the delay in filling the Chair which is to receive him. I have made a beginning with Capt. Peyton as the consignee of my business at Richmond, as recommended in...
18To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I congratulate you on the loan, scanty as it is, for the University; in the confidence that it is a gift masked under that name; and in the hope that it is a pledge for any remnant of aid the Establishment may need in order to be totus teres atque rotundus . Can you not have the hands Set to work without the formality of a previous meeting of the Visitors? I have rec d no notice from Richmond...
19From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. H. Wheaton who is engaged in a Biography of the late W. Pinkney a letter wch. I inclose with my answer. If your recollection or memoranda can confirm or enlarge the information I have given with respect to the origin of the Embargo, be so good as to return my answer that it may be improved: If otherwise, it may be sealed & forwarded; the letter from Mr. Wheaton to be...
20To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 May 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letter from M r Cabell with your answer to it inclosed in yours of the 16 th just come to hand. It is not probable that a removal of the College from Williamsburg, will be espoused by a Majority of the Visitors, controuled as they will be by the popular voice in that quarter. If it should, Richmond will not be without competitors. The pretensions of Petersburg have already been...
21To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 13 April 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
When I suggested, some time ago, Judge Carr for the Law Chair in the University, I did not know that he had been taken into view by any other member of our Board; and inferring from the silent reception given to my letter, and the attractions of the place he now holds. that I ought not to persist in the idea of his appointment, my thoughts were turned altogether to other chances. By a letter...
22From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1819 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Mar. 3. came safe to hand, with the seeds you were so kind as to send with it. I return Mr. Cabell’s letter. I hope his fears exaggerate the hostility to the University; tho’ if there should be a dearth in the Treasury, there may be danger from the predilection in favor of the popular Schools. I begin to be uneasy on the subject of Cooper. It will be a dreadful shock to him if...
23To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 February 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday your two letters of the 12 & 15 th & return the letter from M r Cabell inclosed in one of them. I approve the course you have in view of obtaining an eventual meeting of the Visitors. The Judicial appointment of M r Barbour will, I understand, be accepted; and as it is in the road to the Court of Appeals, lessens the chance of him for the University. I am sorry you hear...
24From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
Having but little hope that Judge Dade will accept the place offered him, and having occasionally heard Mr. Lomax of Fredericksbg. spoken of favorably, I sought an occasion, yesterday, without disclosing my object, of learning more of him, from Judge Barbour, who has long been at the same Bar with him, and is otherwise well acquainted with his character. The Judge considers him as a man of...
25To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 October 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Browere (pronounced Brower) is so anxious to pay his respects to you that I can not refuse him a line of introduction His object is to take your likeness in plaster, much desired it appears by patrons of a Public Gallery. His success as an Artist is very highly attested. His bust of Gen l Lafayette is pronounced by other imitation Artists as a conspicuous proof of his talent. The little...
26From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
The letter for Judge Barbour inclosed in your last to me, did not reach him, till his return on saturday evening from his visit to Culpeper. Yesterday he called on me, on his way to his Court in this County. I found that he adhered to his purpose last communicated, and that such would be his answer to you. There can be no chance therefore of obtaining him for the University, unless the vacancy...
27From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
When I suggested, some time ago, Judge Carr for the Law Chair in the University, I did not know that he had been taken into view by any other member of our Board; and inferring from the silent reception given to my letter, and the attractions of the place he now holds, that I ought not to persist in the idea of his appointment, my thoughts were turned altogether to other chances. By a letter...
28From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 October 1819 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 18th. which authenticates your convalescence was most welcome, & I thank you much for your kindness in relieving me from the anxieties which preceded it. Fortunately the first account we had of your illness was accompanied with some encouragement to hope that the crisis had been passed favorably; & this hope was fostered by the information of Col: P. Barbour on his return...
29To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 January 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letters from Doc r Cooper inclosed in yours of the 7 th It is truly to be lamented that at his stage of life and in the midst of his valuable labours, he should experience the persecutions which torment , and depress him. Should he finally wish to exchange his present birth for one in our University, and make the proposition without any advances on our part, there could be no...
30From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter from Mr. Gilmer. It would have been more agreeable if he had not suspended his decision as to the ulterior object offered him: but he can not be blamed for yielding to the reasons he gives for it. There is weight in what he suggests as to an extension of his research into Germany: and there may be some advantage in the attraction wch. a professor from that quarter might...
31To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 December 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letter from M r Gilmer. It would have been more agreeable if he had not suspended his decision as to the ulterior object offered him: but he can not be blamed for yielding to the reasons he gives for it. There is weight in what he suggests as to an extension of his research into Germany; and there may be some advantage in the attraction w ch a professor from that quarter might...
32From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 March 1819 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday morning yours of the 8th. and return the several copies of letters inclosed in it. The letter to you from Mr. Cabell was returned by the mail before the last. I know not any course better to be taken in relation to Dr. Cooper, than your letters to him & Correa. I have not a particle of doubt that the answer of the latter will compleatly remove the objection brought forward...
33James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I fulfill the request of M r Rush by inclosing the letter in which it is made; and the rather as the letter is of pretty late date and touches on the affairs of Europe . I have heard of your intended visit to Bedford , but count on this reaching Monticello before you leave it. RC ( Heritage Auctions , auction 6182, Dallas, 19 Oct. 2017, lot 47062); endorsed by TJ as received 9 (reworked from...
34James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the several papers which accompanied yours of the 30 th Ult: I have interlined with a pencil for your consideration a very slight change in the petition to Congress , and another in the Report to the P. & D. of the Lit: Fund . The first is intended to parry objections from the reprinters of foreign books, by a phraseology not precluding exceptions in their favor. The exceptions can be...
35James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 April 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been detained in Washington untill the 6 th inst. I did not reach home till Tuesday night, and of course too late to comply with the arrangement notified in yours of the 10 th March by Bizet . I take for granted that the other Visitors met, and that for the present at least my attendance will not be needed. As it has always been our purpose to pay a visit to Monticello at no distant day...
36To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry M r Tucker requires time for deliberation. It shews the difficulty in our Country of withdrawing talents from rival pursuits into the service of Education. I do not think he will have chosen the best of literary careers, if he devotes himself to Novel writing. The public taste is nearly satiated with the fashionable, perhaps the best species, in which the success of Walter Scott has...
37From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 August 1824 (Madison Papers)
The bearer Mr. E. Tayloe, son of Col: Tayloe of Washington is desirous of making a respectful call at Monticello, and I can not refuse to his motive, the gratification of a line presenting him to you. He is at present a resident at Fredericksburg, reading Law with his kinsman Mr Lomax; and appears to be quite estimable & amiable. Mr T. is so good as to take charge of the 4 last volumes of Las...
38To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 April 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 9 th was not rec d till the evening before the last, and c d not be sooner answered tha n by the Mail which p asses our Court House today. As it is proper to give as wide an opening to the University as we can, I readily accede to the p rovision of an Anatomical as an 8 th Professor, which you propose as within a f air estimate of its resources. I think how ever that unless a...
39To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 3 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letters from M r Gilmer enclosed in yours of Nov r 30. His account of the engaged Professors is very encouraging. It is a happy circumstance that none of them are beyond the ages mentioned. They will be the less inflexible in their habits, the more improveable in their qualifications, and will last the longer. It would seem that Gilmer’s mind leans now to the station he declined...
40From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 April 1817 (Madison Papers)
Having been detained in Washington untill the 6th. inst. I did not reach home till Tuesday night, and of course too late to comply with the arrangement notified in yours of the 10th. March by Bizet. I take for granted that the other Visitors met, and that for the present at least my attendance will not be needed. As it has always been our purpose to pay a visit to Monticello at no distant day...
41From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 6th. My preference of F. Gilmer for the law professorship, to any other name brought into view, has not changed; & I know of no one better suited for the mission now declined by Mr. Cabell. It will be well I think to hold out, in the first instance at least, not more than $1500 for the Salary, as the reduction of the number of professors from 10 to 7. may not be...
42To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 6 th My preference of F Gilmer for the law professorship, to any other name brought into view, has not changed; & I know of no one better suited for the mission now declined by M r Cabell. It will be well I think to hold out, in the first instance at least, not more than $1500 for the Salary, as the reduction of the number of professors from 10 to 7. may not be...
43James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday yours of the 11 th . The letter from M r Cabell which I return is of very agreeable import. His other letter was returned several days ago, and probably reached Monticello soon after the date of yours . RC
44From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of the 15th. relating to a purchase of the parcels of land offered for sale by Mr. Perry, and very cheerfully concur in your proposition for making it. The advantage of thus connecting the separate parcels of the University, and securing the sources and ducts which are to supply it with water, seems well to justify the measure on the terms & in the mode explained by you. Even...
45James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not been able to learn a tittle of your health since I saw you . It has, I hope, been entirely re-established; I congratulate you on the success of the Report to the Legislature on the subject of the University . It does not yet appear what steps have been taken by the Governor towards giving effect to the law . Will you be so good as to have the inclosed forwarded when convenient to M...
46From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 August 1824 (Madison Papers)
I acknowledged in my last yours of the 8th. and now return the letters of Mr. Gilmer & Mr. Rush inclosed in it. It would be matter of much regret if insanity should befall such a man as Ivory; but it is to ⟨be⟩ hoped his condition will be fixed before he leaves Engd. or rather before any engagement of him. I hope Mr. Gilmer will be able to avoid also men much advanced in life. After a certain...
47From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
I return the correspondence inclosed in yours of the 3d. inst. The reluctance of Mr. Emmett, & probably of his colleagues, to the enlargement of their duties, is neither to be wondered at, nor yielded to. You have put the matter on a ground to which I can suggest no improvement. It may be well perhaps that what has passed should not be generally known. With some it might produce reflections on...
48James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [16 July 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
I have postponed the return of the two papers, to the present time, in consequence of your intimation , that you would not return from Bedford till about a week before the day of assembling at Rockfish , and I shall note that this letter is not to be forwarded from Monticello . RC ( ViU: TJP ); undated and possibly fragmentary; at foot of text: “M r Jefferson.” Recorded in SJL as a letter of...
49James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [29 March 1822] (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that the approaching meeting of the Visitors will furnish an exception to the punctuality of my attendance … I presume that my failure, even if it prevents a quorum, is rendered of little consequence by the obduracy of the Assembly to the pleas in behalf of the University , whose interests are certainly the best interests of their constituents … Extract, including ellipses, printed...
50From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 April 1824 (Madison Papers)
I inclose the letter dated Jany 24. 1796 referred to in your memorandum. You will observe that it acknowledges two of mine, one of Decr 27. 1795. the other of Jany 10. 1796. As these are not among the letters from me to you, which you were so good as to transfer from your files to mine, and as it may be proper for me to examine them, for the reasons you wished a return of the one inclosed, I...