1051To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 January 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was dated in Philada. Octr. 17. I reached this place the 14th. day after that fixed for the meeting of the Assembly and was in time for the commencement of business. Yesterday put an end to the tedious Session. According to my promise I subjoin a brief review of its most material proceedings. An act for the establishment of Courts of Assize . This act was carried through the House of...
1052From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday yours covering the letter of Mr. Spafford, which was forwarded to him as you suggested: His object in communicating it I collect only from its contents. He probably exhibited it as a proof of the spirit and views of the Eastern States during the late war. As with you the weather here has of late been remarkable both for the degree & continuance of Cold, and the winter...
1053To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 April 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
My last acknowledged yours by Christ: Mcpherson. I have nothing new to add, but the accts. I have from the elections in a few neighboring Counties . In this Davis & Barbour have succeeded: in the adjoing one, Hill & Early: In Louisa Yancy & Garland Anderson Jr—in Culpeper the two former ones. You will probably learn from Albemarle that F. Walker & a Mr. Garland have prevailed agst. Woods &...
1054To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 2 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of yesterday was duly delivered by the Rider. I have informed him, that I do not wish him to make any additional trips on my account. It is my purpose to set out for Washington a day or two after you do. I shall be able to fix the day by the time you call on us. which I hope you will find it not inconvenient to do on your way. If you should return in the course you came, it will be an...
1055From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 October 1785 (Madison Papers)
In pursuance of the plan intimated in my last I came to this City about three weeks ago, from which I continued my trip to New York. I returned last night and in a day or two shall start for Virginia. Col: Monroe had left Philada. a few days before I reached it, on his way to a treaty to be held with the Indians about the end of this month on the Wabash. If a visit to the Eastern States had...
1056To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Count de Moustier I received your favour of the 8th. of October. I received by his hands also the watch which you have been so good as to provide for me, and for which I beg you to accept my particular thanks. During the short trial I have made she goes with great exactness. Since the arrival of the Count de Moustier, I have received also by the Packet Mr. Calonne’s publication for...
1057From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
(1) placed us under that national Govt. which constitutes the safety of every part, by uniting for its protection the strength of the whole (2) with indifference (3) & to enervate a resistance to their oppressions (4) propagated (5) into any course that would eventually make them subservient to foreign views equally adverse to the political strength and commercial importance of their own...
1058To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The mail not having returned from Milton when my messenger left the Court House on monday evening, & it having been inconvenient to send thither at any time since, I can not now acknowledge any favor which may have come from you since my last. Among the letters inclosed is one from Higginson seconding the application from Philada. for your patronage to a demand on the vice Govt of the La plata...
1059From 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...
1060From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. of Jany. inclosing one of Sepr. last did not get to hand till a few days ago. The idea which the latter evolves is a great one, and suggests many interesting reflections to legislators; particularly when contracting and providing for public debts. Whether it can be received in the extent your reasonings give it, is a question which I ought to turn more in my thoughts...
1061From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1797 (Madison Papers)
I have let Col. Monroe know that you was furnished with a draught on a House in Philada. for 250 drs. & finding that it would be convenient to him, have authorised him to draw on you for that sum. I have also given him a draught on Genl. Moylan, of which the inclosed is a letter of advice. I reserve the note of Bailey towards covering the advance made by you, unless it should be otherwise...
1062From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday your two favors of the 15 & 16th. Among those now inclosed is a renewal of Pichon’s complaints which strengthens your observations in the close of yours of the last date. He is well founded in the view he takes of the abuse made by the British ships of their connection with the Harbour of N. Y. He exacts too much however in requiring our effective “ surveillance ” over the...
1063From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. In the right margin of the second page, Jefferson wrote in ink, now much faded, what appears to have been “to dispute Buffon theory of temperature.” Upon recovering the letter many years later, JM docketed it by inserting “Decr. 10. 1783” between the two lines of Jefferson’s comment. Using the JM-Jefferson Code No. 2, JM encoded the words that are...
1064Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [14 June] 1804 (Madison Papers)
£50 paid to John Chisholm Extract from Mr. King’s explanatory remarks “It will be recollected that Chisholm was confederated with Blount and others in a project to invade the Floridas from the Territories of the United States —that he went to England with letters from the B. Minister Mr. Liston, introducing him and his project to the English Ministry. Mr. King obtained from Chisholm a full...
1065To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, [18 or 19 February 1798] (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last I have recd. yours of Feby. 8. with a continuation of the Gazettes down to that date, with the exception only mentioned already, of the gazette of Jany. 23. I am glad to find the public opinion to be taking the turn you describe on the subject of arming. For the public opinion alone can now save us from the rash measures of our hot-heated Executive; it being evident from some...
1066From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have nothing new since my last either from Europe or the W. Indies. The elections in N. York are not yet finally known. It is suggested that the efforts of the minority have prevailed beyond the apprehensions of the majority. Cabot accepts his mission on the terms proposed to him. I have just recd. letters from Erving shewing the turn which the affair took in London, to be such as was...
1067From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 May 1794 (Madison Papers)
Col. Monroe wrote you last week, and I refer to his letter for the state of things up to that date. The H. of Reps. has been since employed chiefly on the new taxes. The Report of the Committee which was the work of a subcommittee in understanding with the Fiscal Department, was filled with a variety of items copied as usual from the British Revenue laws. It particularly included, besides...
1068To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 January 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received yours of the 6 th with the letters of M r Cabell, M r Gerry, and Judge Johnson. The letter from M r C. proposing an Extra Meeting of the Visitors, & referred to in yours was not sent, and of course is not among those returned. The friends of the University in the Assembly seem to have a delicate task on their hands. They have the best means of knowing what is best to be...
1069From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 22 August] 1793 (Madison Papers)
I left home the day before yesterday which was the date of my last. It was to be accompanied by 2. & perhaps tho’ not probably 3 additional Nos. of H—l—vd—s. The last towit No. 5. contained two paragraphs the one relating to the accession of S. & P. to the war against F. the other to the answer’s of the P. to the addresses on his proclamation, which I particularly requested you to revise, and...
1070From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 May 1784 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 7th. inst: with another pr. of spectacles inclosed came safe to hand on thursday last. I shall leave the person for whose use they were intended to take choice of the most suitable & will return the other pr. to Mr. Dudley by the first conveyance, unless I meet with a purchaser which I do not expect. The arrangement which is to carry you to Europe has been made known to me by...
1071From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd yours of the 13. covering the papers from Govr. Mercer. The act of Maryland is I believe in the Office of State, having been sent thither by the Govr. after his return to Annapolis. The object of it in requiring the sanction of the President to the measures of the Ex. of the State, was I believe to prevent an interference with national measures, as well as to be a check in...
1072James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have yours of the 24 . The enquiry as to Franzoni will be made as soon as an opp y offers. F. Page had been app d before your letter was rec d , & his Comission forwarded. We have letters from Erving to Jan y
1073James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 June 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d a private letter of Mar. 30. from Gen l Armstrong , in which he desires me “to present him most respectfully and cordially to you, and inform you that by the next public ship that goes to America , he shall have the pleasure to send you, an alteration of M r Guillaumes ’ plough, which in light soils, is a great improvement upon the old one.” To me he adds, “By the same vessel I...
1074To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 November 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By the conveyance through which you will receive this the Delegates have communicated to the State the proceedings in Congress to which the territorial cessions have given birth. The complexion of them will I suppose be somewhat unexpected, and produce no small irritation. They clearly speak the hostile machinations of some of the States against our territorial claims, and afford suspicions...
1075To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Foreign Relations. + Insert “since” before “taken place” at the Beginning of line 11. The preceeding delay did not altogether proceed from events independent of the will of one of the parties, and those who are chargeable with it, ought not to be acquitted of the consequences. Perhaps England. + the following change would of the whole sentence or might answer, The delays which have since taken...
1076To 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...
1077From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 May 1798 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 3d. instant. My last acknowledged your preceding one. The successful use of the Despatches in kindling a flame among the people, and of the flame in extending taxes armies & prerogative, are solemn lessons which I hope will have their proper effect when the infatuation of the moment is over. The management of foreign relations appears to be the most susceptible...
1078From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed herewith are several letters & papers for perusal. Among the former you are troubled with another from Thornton. You will observe that the Declaration of the Master of the British Vessel carried into Boston, states only that the Prisoners were French Spanish Danish &c &c. without saying whether they were taken in the French service, or that of their respective countries. This...
1079From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1798 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. yours of the 17th. accompanied by the Direct tax bill which I have not yet been able to run thro’. Every thing I perceive is carried as the war party chuse. They will of course be the more responsible for consequences. The disposition to continue the Session is a proof that the operation of the irritating proceedings here on those of France is expected to furnish fresh fuel...
1080To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The mail of wednesday brought the despatches from France which ought to have come in the preceding one. I enclose them with sundry other letters &c. They would have been sent yesterday but an express could not readily be procured. I have engaged the Bearer a free negro of good character to deliver them to you as early today as he can accomplish the ride. He is to receive a dollar & a half per...
1081To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 7 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Lear arrived here the day before yesterday a few minutes after your departure. He confirms the information as to the imprisonment of Capt: Rodgers & Davidson . Inclosed is a copy of le Clerc’s explanation on the subject, of my letter to Pichon with his answer, and of a letter to Mr. Livingston which I shall forward to Philada. this evening, that it may overtake the despatches already in...
1082From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letters came under cover to me, by the Hornet. France has done nothing towards adjusting our differences with her. It is understood that the B. & M. Decrees are not in force agst. the U. S. and no contravention of them can be established agst. her. On the contrary positive cases rebut the allegation. Still the manner of the F. Govt. betrays the design of leaving G. B. a pretext...
1083James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 27 th . Young Gelston is here preparing to take his passage for France as bearer and expositor of dispatches, in the Syren sloop of war which is waiting for him at Baltimore . He leaves this tomorrow morning. M r Gallatin has had a conversation with
1084From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 November 1789 (Madison Papers)
In the letter left for you in N. York on my leaving that place I omitted to mention to you three names which solicit a Clerkship in the office which will be under your direction. They are Mr. Fisher, Mr. Smith, & Mr. Orr. The first has vouchers of his pretensions which will enable You to decide readily on them. The second is a son of Merriwether Smith. I am not personally acquainted with him,...
1085To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d from M r H. Wheeler who is engaged in a Biography of the late W. Pinkney a letter w ch I enclose 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 M r Wheaton to be...
1086To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 23 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
My last went vià England in the hands of a Swiss gentleman who had married an American lady, and was returning with her to his own country. He proposed to take Paris in his way. By that opportunity I inclosed copies of the proceedings of this State on the subject of the Constitution. North Carolina was then in Convention, and it was generally expected would in some form or other have fallen...
1087From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 October 1794 (Madison Papers)
On my return to Orange I dropped you a few lines on the subject of the deer. On my way into this part of the Country I passed Col. John Thornton of Culpeper, who has a Park, and will spare you with pleasure two or three, if you can not be otherwise supplied. He thinks he could by advertizing a premium of 10 or 12 dollars a head procure from his neighbors as many fawns to he delivered at...
1088From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
Yours without date was recd. last night by the rider who went up & came down without a Valize. I presume he explained the cause of this which explained the failure of the mail due from Fredg. Whether the B. Decree is to be renounced to Congs. must depend on intermediate accts. from London. If nothing changes the posture of things with Spain, very serious questions must arise with respect to...
1089From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed communications from Pinkney threaten some unexpected difficulties at Madrid. In the conduct of the Spanish Govt. we see pretty clearly the passions of Yrujo, and the policy of reserving matter for negociating restrictions of Louisiana. It may be presumed that the posture of things there will hasten the departure of Monroe from London. Pinkney had not recd. the explanation of the...
1090To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 April 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 24 of March with a letter inclosed for Mr. Marbois came to hand yesterday. I intreat that you will not suffer the chance of a speedy and final determination of the territorial question by Congress to affect your purpose of tracing the title of Virga. to her claims. It is in the first place very uncertain when a determination will take place, even if it takes place at all; and...
1091To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The returns from N. Hampshire, Vermont, S.C. and Georga. are still to come in, and leave the event of the Election in some remaining uncertainty. It is but barely possible that Adams may fail of the highest number. It is highly probable, tho’ not absolutely certain, that Pinkney will be third only on the list. You must prepare yourself therefore to be summoned to the place Mr. Adams now fills....
1092To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 April 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
My last answered yours of the 21. since which I recd. on friday last your three favors of the 29 Ult. of Apl. 5 & 6. I have no reason to suspect that any of your letters have miscarried, or been opened by the way. I am less able to say whether mine have all reached you, as I have generally written them in haste, & neglected to keep a note of their dates. I will thank you to mention in your...
1093From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 September 1824 (Madison Papers)
On the rect. of yours of Aug. 8. I turned my thoughts to its request on the subject of a Theological Catalogue for the Library of the University: and not being aware that so early an answer was wished, as I now find was the case, I had proceeded very leisurely in noting such Authors as seemed proper for the Collection. Supposing also, that altho’ Theology was not to be taught in the...
1094To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 29 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you two or three days ago with an inclosure of Newspapers &c since which I have been favored with yours of the 19th. I thank you for the plans and observations which far exceeded the trouble I meant to give you. The sentiments expressed by Genest would be of infinite service at this crisis. As a regular publication of them cannot be expected till the meeting of Congress, if then, it...
1095James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 June 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d your favor of and now return the letter of Doc r Waterhouse , with the Newspapers sent with it. He appears to be a man of Ability & learning, and to have been rendered interesting to several distinguished friends to the Administration by the persecutions he has suffered from its Enemies. Like many others however I see at present no reward for him, but in his own virtues. The Treasury...
1096To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
My last of the 19th. of June intimated that my next would be from N. York or this place. I expected it would rather have been from the former which I left a few days ago, but my time was so taken up there with my friends and some business that I thought it best to postpone it till my return here. My ride through Virga. Maryd. and Pena. was in the midst of harvest. I found the crops of wheat in...
1097To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed herewith are the letters last recd from Mr. Pinkney, with some communications from the Mediterranean, and from the Comissrs under the 7th. art: of the British Treaty. The capture by Capt: Preble was in some respects very apropos; but is there not danger that it may give umbrage to the Grand Seignor? I have nothing to add but assurances of my respectful attachment. Not knowing the...
1098To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 March 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recd. your favor of Mar: 2. with a continuation of the Gazettes, with an omission however of Feby. 23. I apprized you before of a like omission of Jany. 23. I think the Whigs acted very properly in attending the Birthnight on the principle of appropriating it to the person and not to the office of the late President. It is a pity that the non-attendance of the adamites is not presented...
1099From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 September 1823 (Madison Papers)
I return the two communications from the President inclosed in your letter of Aug. 30. I am afraid the people of Spain as well as of Portugal need still further light & heat too from the American example before they will be a match for the Armies, the intrigues & the bribes of their enemies, the treachery of their leaders, and what is most of all to be dreaded, their priests & their...
1100To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 31 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received yours without date inclosing the letter of M r Cabell & your answer. I approve entirely the course you recommend to the friends of the University at Richmond, on the proposed removal of the College at Williamsburg. It would be fortunate if the occasion could be improved for the purpose of filling up the general plan of Education, by the introduction of the grade of Seminaries...