1951Edward Livingston to James Madison, 19 January 1833 (Madison Papers)
Your opinions on constitutional points are of so much value that when they are given even in private letters they are considered as public property and are published frequently I believe without your permission; I have never thought myself authorized to take such a liberty with any part of a private Correspondence, and therefore trouble you with this application. In acknowledging the receipt...
1952Thomas W. Griffith to James Madison, 25 January 1833 (Madison Papers)
The compilation, of which I have the honour to tender you a Copy herewith, was undertaken from an impression that the agitation of the subject of amending the Constitution of the United States, even by an obscure individual and very imperfect manner, would afford some aleviation to the irritated feelings of part of the Community. Having on the eve of different public Meetings on the...
1953Samuel L. Gouverneur to James Madison, 26 January 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have always understood from Mr. Monroe, that when he left this country he deposited with you, his packet of papers, relating to the investigation into the conduct &c of Genl. Hamilton—which was never opened, until it was returned by you to him, after his mission had terminated, and after the developement of its contents had been made from an other quarter. It would be very gratifying to me,...
1954R. H. C. Taylor to James Madison, 26 January 1833 (Madison Papers)
By recent information obtained from Washington City, we learn that thro’ our father, (late Majr Wm Taylor) myself and Sisters are entitled to some land scrip as the heirs (or a portion of them) of my uncle John, for services rendered by him in the war of the revolution. It appears that it is only necessary to prove that he was a midshipman in the service, or that it was understood by those who...
1955Andrew Stevenson to James Madison, 29 January 1833 (Madison Papers)
I fear you will dread the sight of a letter from me, inasmuch, as it may lay claim, to the compliment of an answer! I beg you however to consider this letter as waiving its priviledge at least until yr lame hand, & leisure, will enable you to do so, without the slightest inconvenience to yourself! Knowing well that you are not an indifferent spectator of the scenes that are passing, so full of...
1956Thomas S. Grimké to James Madison, 30 January 1833 (Madison Papers)
Accept my apology, not only for my inadvertence in addressing my last Pamphlet to Charlotte, instead of to Orange C. H. but likewise for my delay in replying to your letter of 10th of the present Month. Whilst I deeply regret your ill health, I cannot but on that account more deeply estimate the favor of so interesting and gratifying a letter from your pen. May your life be yet mercifully...
1957Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 5 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
January is past, and I am still here, without any immediate prospect of getting away. I still flatter myself, however, that I may yet, before this month passes over, make my appearance at Montpelier. My health is sensibly improved. Indeed every one tells me I look remarkably well; but with this, my feelings are still far from according. I yet suffer much from a general want of tone of body and...
1958Ferdinand Rudolph Hassler to James Madison, 6 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
In taking the Liberty to address to You herewith Copies of my Reports upon Weights and measures, I again make use of the priviledge, which I have often assumed to continue to give You some account of my employment of my time. The object of the present is most likely not without some Interest for You, the manner in which I have treated the subject is in many respects new, and I hope however...
1959William B. Sprague to James Madison, 6 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
You are no doubt apprized of the wonderful success which has attended the philanthropic efforts that have been made in this part of the country for the promotion of Temperance. Several gentlemen who are at the head of the operations of the NewYork State Temperance Society, are establishing a quarterly periodical in this city, to be devoted exclusively to the diffusion of light on this...
1960Ralph Randolph Gurley to James Madison, 12 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour & pleasure to inform you, that you were unanimously elected to the office of President of the American Colonization Society, (so lately vacated by the decease of the Ven. Charles Carroll of Carrolton) at the recent annual meeting of the Members of this Institution. With profound respect & esteem Honoured Sir Your faithful & obt st RC (DLC) .
1961Buckner Thruston to James Madison, 13 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
I rashly offered, when I had the pleasure of visiting you last September, to send you a latin Epitaph on those illustrious men, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, without reflecting, that I might expose a very crude performance, to the eyes of a very competent judge of such compositions: Having lent the pamphlet to a friend, I only received it back this day: I now acquit myself of my promise. It...
1962David Hoffman to James Madison, 14 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
I contemplate sailing for Europe in April, with the view of a hasty tour through England, France, Germany and Italy, during an absence of only about sixteen months. My main design therefore, will be to take an exterior view of things, but am still desirous to go well documented . I am particularly anxious to have a coup d’œil at least, of many of the savans of Europe . If it comports Entirely...
1963Thomas W. Griffith to James Madison, 15 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
I was duly honored by your Letter of the 5 Instant, acknowledging the receipt of the Pamphlet of proposed Alterations of the Constitution, and informing me of your impaired health, for which I am heartily sorry, and would have been more so, had I imposed on you the task of giving your opinions, with the reasons, thereon, which was by no means intended. Having reprinted these Alterations, with...
1964Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 20 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
The somersets which have been turned here since I last wrote have changed the aspect of things in more respects than one. It has opened prospects with regard to the prosecution of internal improvements, and among others the Chesapeake & Ohio canal, which will not be without their effect upon the value of property here. Should this new scheme be adopted, the inevitable effect will be a large...
1965Jesse Torrey, Jr. to James Madison, 3 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have forwarded a copy of the first number of the National Library, by mail, and hope you will do me the special favour of reading it entirely, as soon as convenient, if you have not already done so. I presume that your age and state of health are such that you do not read or write much, nor participate much in public concerns. You may perhaps recollect the conversation respecting free...
1966William C. Rives to James Madison, 5 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty, at the moment of leaving here, to send you a printed sheet containing some observations made by me on a recent occasion of considerable interest in the Senate. It is not, without great diffidence, that I submit any attempt of mine to interpret the true doctrines of ’98 & ’99, & the just theory of our constitution, to the discriminating view of their founder; an indiscretion...
1967George Joy to James Madison, 7 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
Should the Bearer Mr. James C. Fuller extend his travels to the peaceful shades of your retreat, you will greatly oblige me by giving him such countenance and advice as you may judge useful to a Gentleman Farmer, of the Society of friends, seeking where in the U. S. he may best pitch his Tent. He goes with his Son to survey the whole ground and judge for himself of the expediency of shipping...
1968Josiah Quincy to James Madison, 10 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
My Son in law Benjamin D. Greene Esq of Boston, with his lady, and another of my daughters are about visiting the Southern States, with combined views of health and curiosity. In their excursion they are about to pass, in the vicinity of your residence, and have that wish, which is at once so natural and honorable, personally to know and to be permitted to pay their respects to one, who has...
1969Andrew Stevenson to James Madison, 10 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to make you personally acquainted with Mr Longacre of Phia! Mr L. as you well know—is one of the most eminent artists in our Country and is engaged in a national work of great interest! He is extremely desirous of taking himself a likeness of you for his Portrait Gallery, & goes to Montpelier for that purpose! I hope you will not object to sitting & I beg leave to recommend this...
1970Joseph C. Cabell to James Madison, 20 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
Having discovered from the direction of the debate that it would be unnecessary and probably imprudent to use your letter to Judge Roane, in the discussion in the House of Delegates upon the subject of federal relations, and being hardly pressed by the opposition to my measures respecting the connection of the waters, I decided to suspend my communications with you till the end of the session,...
1971Benjamin O. Peers to James Madison, 22 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
Being engaged at present in making "a thorough revision of the Laws Course of studies &c" of Transylvania University, at the instance of the Board of Trustees who have recently elected me to the Presidency of this Institution; I am extremely anxious to avail myself of so favourable an opportunity to introduce such improvements as may have been made in other Colleges, together with such as may...
1972Joseph C. Cabell to James Madison, 27 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
In my late note from Warminster, covering the James River pamphlets, I indicated my intention to write you again very shortly. I attended Nelson Court on Monday, & came down in yesterday’s stage to this place. Having passed to-day at the University, I was preparing to take Montpellier in on way to Fredericksburg & Corrottoman & thence to Wms.burg. But hearing this evening that the Steam Boat...
1973Samuel Martin to James Madison, 10 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
It is with Some pleasure I can Say it is very probable a bill can be got up next Session for the purpose of reducing the postage The past Session it was lost by the Casting Vote of Speaker Stevenson a Vote that would disgrace any respectable member of the Cherokee Council I calculate on a vast deal of good arising from it In France & England it will be a Subject of discussion in their...
1974William Drayton and Others to James Madison, 11 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
At the period of the Revolution of the Acordada, which compelled the Congress of Mexico to reverse the election of Pedraza and place Guerrero in the Presidential Chair, the City was taken by assault, and the army of Guerrero attacked and plundered the houses of the European Spaniards, who are peculiarly odious to the native Mexicans. Many of these persons had taken refuge in the house of the...
1975H. Huntington, Jr. to James Madison, 12 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to address you on the subject of a History of the United States—more particularly that portion of it, subsequent to the War of the Revolution—In the great questions which now agitate the country or which have for the last few years, reference is constantly had to debates on the adoption of the constitution, & the Virginia resolutions. With the early History of the country...
1976George P. Morris to James Madison, 13 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I, intend, in the course of the coming Summer, to publish a Splendid National Engraving, containing the likenesses of all the Presidents,executed in the best manner, and by the most eminent Artists, a beautiful design has been furnished by Weir, and some of the heads have been already engraved by Durand. They have been copied from original paintings, politely furnished either by the...
1977Benjamin F. Pepoon to James Madison, 13 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
As an American Citizen, and one of the Committee to carry into effect the objects mention’d in the enclosed Circular I have taken the liberty of addressing one to you— Beleiving as I do that if exertions are not made, to the Contrary our young people will grow up with cold feelings towards the General Government I know of no one to whom I could more properly address myself than to the "Father...
1978John Griscom to James Madison, 17 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
The author of the accompanying Volumes has very often regretted that he did not comply with his inclination to present a Copy of them to President Madison at an early period after their publication. They are not offered to him at the present time from any belief that he will be interested in the books themselves, but only as a testimonial of his sincere regard & esteem for one whom he has long...
1979William Cabell Rives to James Madison, 18 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have trusted to your goodness to suggest the existence of involuntary & uncontrolable causes for the delay which has occurred in acknowledging your kind & most gratifying letter of 12th ult. Immediately after the adjournment of congress. I went to join my family in the county of Nelson, where I had not yet seen, since my return to the country, a numerous circle of friends & relations. In...
1980Robert B. Randolph to James Madison, 24 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I make no apology for the liberty I take of addressing a letter to you. Being a Virginian by nature, habit and character yourself, you will readily I am sure appreciate the feelings of one of her sons in surrendering to you the commission it was so much my honor and pride to receive from you: I was of course first commissioned as a midshipman and served with diligence and faithfulness until I...
1981George Washington Bassett to James Madison, 25 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
The President of the United States will assist in laying the Corner stone to the Monument, proposed to be erected to the memory of the Mother of Washington near this place: on the 7th of May next. The Monummental Comme. respectfully request the pleasure of your company upon that interesting occasion. I have the honor to be Dear Sir, with high consideration, yr. obt. st. RC (DLC) .
1982John H. J. Browere to James Madison, 29 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
Six years have elapsed since my visit to you at Montpellier. The <urbanity> attentions and Kindly feelings expressed towards me, will be forgotten but in death. The treatment I received was in accordance with your universally acknowledged characteristics, and therefore must be placed to the account of your native principles of philanthropy. The motives inducing my visit to...
1983R. H. C. Taylor to James Madison, 1 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
The heirs of my father the late Majr Wm Taylor Sr. have a Claim against the State of Virginia for Services rendered during the Revolutionary war. To obtain which it is material that we afford living evidence of his Service and rank, a memn in his own hand says that he joined Col. Talliaferros Company as a minute man in 1775. Soon after the battle of the great or long bridge he was taken into...
1984Monroe T. Allen to James Madison, 3 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
The presiding officer of an university most probably being the proper person for one to address on business pertaining to it, and understanding that your honor fills the place of rector of the University of Virginia, I have come to the conclusion of very respectfully requesting of you a copy of the catalogue of the studies pursued both before and after entering the university: the fact being...
1985Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 3 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
I intended that you should first hear from myself , of the plunge I have taken; but this step has but added to the pressure of things to be done, which was before intolerably great, by requiring that many should be immediately dispatched which might otherwise have waited a little—besides no small addition to the pressing agenda arising from the step itself. Mrs. Trist had, several days before...
1986Roberts Vaux to James Madison, 4 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
Allow me by this note to introduce the Marquis Charles Torrigiani of Florence, who is passing through our Country to enquire concerning its institutions, & observe the condition of our Citizens. He seeks especially to enjoy the society of individuals distinguished in the National career, and I commend him as worthy of thy regard should he be so fortunate as to be presented to thy notice. RC...
1987Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 6 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
At the recommendation of Commodore Elliot, (a gentleman of great intelligence who knows all about the West Indies, and Havana particularly) I have purchased a volume of letters, which none of us will have time to read for a couple of weeks or more. I have dipped into it, & think it will prove entertaining to Mrs Madison & yourself, independently of the interest the subject will derive from its...
1988Alexander Garrett to James Madison, 7 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
Above I send for your approval my check on the President & Directors of Literary Fund of Virginia, for Five thousand dollars, part of the annuity due the University the currrent year. This check is drawn rather earlier than heretofore practiced, to explain which, and for the purpose of affording you information in relation to the money of the University, in the hands of Baring & Brothers of...
1989Frank Carr to James Madison, 8 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
It has given me great pleasure to comply with your request as far as was practicable; and I have enclosed the papers, as you desired to President Peers, with the exception of the ground plot of the Buildings of the University. The impression made by Mr. Brockenbrough has been entirely exhausted, and not one was to be procured. The two revisions of the laws of the university which have been...
1990Lyman C. Draper to James Madison, 8 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
I am contemplating the compilation of a work to be entitled "The Lives of the Presidents of the United States"; and as I am rather destitute of materials for writing a full and accurate account of the public and private lives of Mr. John Quincy Adams, yourself, and your Successor in office, I have been compelled to resort to the former personage himself; the Son-in-law of Mr. Monroe, P. M. at...
1991Thomas S. Grimké to James Madison, 10 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of asking a few moments of your time, if it can be spared without serious inconvenience, for the bearer of this Mr Barnard, who brought me a letter of introduction from the Honble Gideon Tomlinson, one of the Senators of the U. S. from Connecticut and formerly Governor of that State. Mr B. is from Hartford Connecticut, and is desirous of seeing every thing that is most...
1992Robley Dunglison to James Madison, 14 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have this day received a Communication from the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the University of Maryland, informing me, that, at their meeting of the 9th Inst; they had unanimously appointed me Professor of Materia Medica, Therapeutics, Hygiene and Medical Jurisprudence in the Faculty of Physic in that Institution. In laying before you my resignation of the Chair I now hold in the...
1993Robley Dunglison to James Madison, 14 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
"Professor Davis begs of me to express to you officially his desire to occupy my Pavilion & grounds when I leave the University. May I beg of you to let his desire be placed before the Visitors at such time as you may think proper. It will be to my Interest, that he should take possession of it, but this ought not perhaps to be regarded." I have not heard for some time of your state of health:...
1994Alexander Garrett to James Madison, 17 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I send you the 3d. Bills of exchange, drawn upon Messrs. Baring Brothers & Co. of London for £172:14.8 Sterling, in their hands due the University—directed by your letter of the 10th instant; Most Respectfully Your Most Obt. Servant RC (DLC) .
1995William C. Rives to James Madison, 22 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
The long continued rains have, for the last fortnight, deprived us of the pleasure of our contemplated visit to Montpelier, & the horrible state in which they have left the roads compels us, with regret, still to postpone it, for a few days. We look forward, however, with confidence, to the enjoyment of this satisfaction, in the course of the next week. In the mean time, I send you, in the...
1996William H. Brodnax to James Madison, 24 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to have received your favour of the 16th inst. covering a communication from Doctr Dunglison announcing his resignation of the Professorship which he now holds in the University of Va. It is an event which I learn with very great regret. The loss, I fear, will be a heavy one to that now flourishing institution. I recd. by the same mail a letter from the University, [where I...
1997James C. Fuller to James Madison, 27 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
It would have afforded gratification to have personally presented the letter of introduction on the other half sheet which I had anticipated doing, having promised to myself a visit to Virginia and had progressed as far South as Washington where I was detained eleven days, nine of them in consequence of my Son having caught the Smallpox or what is here termed Valairoid. My object in going to...
1998Henry Clay to James Madison, 28 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
I received in due course of the Mail your obliging letter of the 6t. Ulto. and was extremely happy in the inference, from observing one paragraph and the superscription in your hand writing, that your health was improved. Other accounts have also assured me of that agreeable fact. May it be fully re-established, and you long spared to us! Your prediction as to the quieting effect, at least for...
1999Benjamin Waterhouse to James Madison, 30 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
It was a saying of one of the wise men of antiquity that a Great Book was a Great Evil ; thereby implying that a little book might be a good thing. Under this hope I here send for your amusement a little book ; which I made for a youth who sat out with about twenty others, older than himself, to go to the Pacific Ocean by land , by the way of the Rocky mountains; and absolutely proceeded to...
2000Chapman Johnson, to Governor John Floyd of Virginia to James Madison, 3 June 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have just received a letter from Mr. Madison, in which he says,— "It has been suggested that the governor may wait for Some regular notice of the death of Genl Breckinridge, before he fills the vacancy occasioned by it. I hope this is not the case—He has all the Evidence of the event possessed, by any of us,—and beyond That of the news papers, better means of ascertaining it, than I...