1From 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...
2James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday yours covering the letter of M r 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...
3From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [15 November 1815] (Madison Papers)
Mr. Gray, son of Mr. William Gray so distinguished for his wealth & his patriotism, wishing with his lady to pay their respects at Monticello, I can not do less than favor the opportunity by a line of introduction. I am unacquainted with him, otherwise than by his introduction thro’ a friend here; but doubt not that he will be found worthy of your civilities which will be acceptable to his...
4James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Gray , son of M r William Gray so distinguished for his wealth & his patriotism, wishing with his lady to pay their respects at Monticello , I can not do less than favor the opportunity by a line of introduction. I am unacquainted with him, otherwise than by his introduction thro’ a friend here; but doubt not that he will be found worthy of your civilities which will be acceptable to his...
5From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
It was long desireable that an Exposé of the causes and character of the War between the U. S. & G. B. should remedy the mischief produced by the Declaration of the Prince Regent & other mistatements which had poisoned the opinion of the World on the subject. Since the pacification in Europe & the effect of that and other occurrences in turning the attention of that quarter of the World...
6James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
It was long desireable that an Exposé of the causes and character of the War between the U.S. & G.B. should remedy the mischief produced by the Declaration of the Prince Regent & other mistatements which had poisoned the opinion of the World on the subject. Since the pacification in Europe & the effect of that and other occurrences in turning the attention of that quarter of the World towards...
7From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 15: and attended to your remarks on “ways & means.” I find that the variance in our ideas relates 1. to the probable quantity of circulating medium: 2. to the effect of an annual augmentation of it. I cannot persuade myself that in the present stagnation of private dealings, & the proposed limitation of taxes, the two great absorbents of money, the circulating sum...
8From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of Ocr . with that inclosed from Warden. His tale is plausibly told but entitled to little confidence. Be assured he is not the man he passed for with all of us originally. His apparent modesty & suavity cover ambition vanity avidity (from poverty at least) & intrigue. These traits began to betray themselves before he last left the U.S. On his arrival in Paris with his...
9James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 October 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 15: and attended to your remarks on “ways & means.” I find that the variance in our ideas relates 1. to the probable quantity of circulating medium: 2. to the effect of an annual augmentation of it. I cannot persuade myself that in the present stagnation of private dealings, & the proposed limitation of taxes, the two great absorbents of money, the circulating sum...
10James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 October 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of Oc r . with that inclosed from Warden . His tale is plausibly told but entitled to little confidence. Be assured he is not the man he passed for with all of us originally. His apparent modesty & suavity cover ambition vanity avidity (from poverty at least) & intrigue. These traits began to betray themselves before he last left the U.S. on his arrival in Paris with his...
11From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 24th. ult: came duly to hand. I learn that the Library Come. will report favorably on your proposition to supply the loss of books by Congs. It will prove a gain to them, if they have the wisdom to replace it by such a Collection as yours. Mr. Smith will doubtless write you on the subject. I have not yet read your last communication to Mr. Monroe on the subject of finance. It...
12James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 October 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 24 th ult: came duly to hand. I learn that the Library Com e will report favorably on your proposition to supply the loss of books by Cong s . It will prove a gain to them, if they have the wisdom to replace it by such a Collection as yours. M r Smith will doubtless write you on the subject. I have not yet read your last comunication to M r
13From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
Having particular occasion and the state of business at Washington not forbidding, I am on a short visit at my farm. Mrs. M. as well as myself would gladly extend it to Monticello; but with a certainty that our return to Washington must be very soon. I am obliged moreover to hold myself in readiness to hasten it, at any moment of notice. We must postpone therefore the pleasure of paying our...
14James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 May 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Having particular occasion an d the state of business at Washington not forbidding, I am on a short visit at my farm. M rs M. as well as myself would gladly extend it to Monticello ; but with a certainty that our return to Washington must be very soon. I am obliged moreover to hold myself in readiness to hasten it, at any moment of notice. We must postpone therefore the pleasure of paying our...
15From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
You will have noticed the propositions in the H. of Reps which tend to lift the veil which has so long covered the operations of the post off. Dept. They grew out of the disposition of Granger to appoint Leib to the vacant post office in Phila. in opposition to the known aversion of the City & of the whole State; & to the recommendation of the Pen: delegation in Congs. Having actually made the...
16James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
You will have noticed the propositions in the H. of Reps which tend to lift the veil which has So long covered the operations of the post off. Dep t . They grew out of the disposition of Granger to appoint Leib to the vacant post office in Phil a in opposition to the known aversion of the City & of the whole State; & to the recommendation of the Pen: delegation in Cong s . Having actually made...
17From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 August 1813, Montpelier. Listed in Jefferson’s Epistolary Record as received the same day (DLC: Jefferson Papers).
18From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
I recd. your favor of and now return the letter of Docr. 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 of...
19James 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...
20From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two favors of the 8 & 21. Ult. The conduct & character of the late Commander at Niagara, as pourtrayed in the narrative inclosed in the first, had been before sufficiently brought to our knowledge. Some of his disqualifications for such a trust were indeed understood when he was appointed Inspector General . General Dearborn seems not to have been apprized of some of the...
21James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d your two favors of the 8 & 21. Ult: The conduct & character of the late Commander at Niagara , as pourtrayed in the narrative inclosed in the first , had been before sufficiently brought to our knowledge. Some of his disqualifications for such a trust were indeed understood when he was appointed Inspector General . General Dearborn seems not to have been apprized of some of the...
22From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I snatch a moment to intimate that Dr. T. Ewell is under circumstances which induce him to surround himself with respectable names as far as he can. Yours has been already brought into print, and he is availing himself to the utmost of your alledged patronage of him. I think it probable that he will endeavor to draw from you by letter whatever may be yielded by your politeness or benevolence;...
23James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 January 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I sna t ch a moment to intimate that D r T. Ewell is under circumstances which induce him to surround himself with respectable names as far as he can. Yours has been already brought into print, and he is availing himself to the utmost of your alledged patronage of him. I think it probable that he will endeavor to draw from you by letter whatever may be yielded by your politeness or...
24From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 October 1812 (Madison Papers)
I recd. your favor of the 2d. inclosing the letter from Mr. Meigs. The place he wishes, has been long allotted to Mr. Mansfield, who preferred it to that of the Surveyorship held by him; and who has just obtained the exchange; and a Commission for the place vacated, has just been sent to Mr. Meigs, who was long ago recommended for it; and who it was understood wished it. It is the more...
25James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 October 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d your favor of the 2 d inclosing the letter from M r Meigs. The place he wishes, has been long allotted to M r Mansfield , who preferred it to that of the Surveyorship held by him; and who has just obtained the exchange; and a Commission for the place vacated, has just been sent to M r Meigs , who was long ago recommended for it; and who it was understood wished it. It is the more...
26From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 17 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of the 10th. and return as you request, the letter of Mr. Higginbotham. He will probably have understood from Col: Monroe that the consulate of Lisbon is the object of numerous & respectable candidates. The seditious opposition in Mass. & Cont. with the intrigues elsewhere insidiously co-operating with it, have so clogged the wheels of the war, that I fear the campaign will...
27James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 17 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 10 th and return as you request, the letter of M r Higginbotham . He will probably have understood from Col: Monroe that the Consulate of Lisbon was is the object of numerous & respectable candidates. The seditious opposition in
28From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 22 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter was sent to me with a request that I wd. forward it. The reason assigned was, that the one of which it is a duplicate, was presumed to have miscarried, no answer to it having been recd. An answer will of course be expected. I inclose a Paper containing the Declaration of war &c. merely to supply a possible miscarriage of others usually recd. by you. It is understood that...
29James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 22 June 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter was sent to me with a request that I w d forward it. The reason assigned was, that the one of which it is a duplicate, was presumed to have miscarried, no answerd answer to it having been rec d . An answer will of course be expected. I inclose a Paper containing the Declaration of war &c. merely to supply a possible miscarriage of others usually rec d by you. It is...
30From 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...
31James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 May 1812 (Jefferson 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 ag st the U. S. and no contravention of them can be established ag st her. On the contrary positive cases rebut the allegation. Still the manner of the F. Gov t betrays the design of leaving G. B.
32From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your favor of the 17th. The same mail brings me the “Proceedings of the Govt. of the U. S. relative to the Batture” for which you will accept my thanks. I had not supposed that so great a proportion of produce, particularly of Wheat & flour, was still in the hands of the farmers. In Penna. it was known to be the case. In N. Y. almost the whole of the last crop, is in the...
33James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just rec d your favor of the 17 th . The same mail brings me the “Proceedings of the Gov t of the U.S. relative to the Batture” for which you will accept my thanks. I had not supposed that so great a proportion of produce, particularly of Wheat & flour, was still in the hands of the farmers. In Penn a it was known to be the case. In N.Y. almost the whole of the last crop, is in the...
34From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 26th. and have made to the members of the Cabinet the communication you suggest with respect to your printed memoir on the Batture. I learn from the Department of State that some books were recd. for you, and duly forwarded. What they were was not ascertained or remembered. If they do not on their arrival correspond with your expectation, let me know, & further...
35James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d your favor of the 26 th and have made to the members of the Cabinet the communication you suggest with respect to your printed memoir on the Batture . I learn from the Department of State that some books were rec d for you, and duly forwarded. What they were was not ascertained or remembered. If they do not on their arrival correspond with your expectation, let me know, & further...
36From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [9 March] 1812 (Madison Papers)
As the Intelligencer will not publish the Message & documents just laid before Congs. for the present Mail, I send you a copy of the former. It is justified by the Documents, among which are the original credential & instructions from the Govr. of Canada, and an original dispatch from the Earl of Liverpool to him approving the conduct of the Secret Agent. This discovery, or rather formal proof...
37James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [9 March 1812] (Jefferson Papers)
As the Intelligencer will not publish the Message & documents just laid before Cong s for the present Mail, I send you a copy of the former. It is justified by the Documents, among which are the original credential & in s tructions from the Gov r
38From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter from Foronda inclosed in yours of the 19th. Feby. I find I shall not be able to read his lucrubations [ sic ] in print. The letter from Dr. Guantt [ sic ] is in the hands of the Secy. of war, and will not be unheeded; but the course the nominations have taken makes it doubtful whether the wishes in behalf of his son, can be fulfilled. You will see that Congs. or rather the...
39James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letter from Foronda inclosed in yours of the 19 th Feb y . I find I shall not be able to read his lucubrations in print. Your The letter of subsequent date from D r
40From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. several letters from you which not requiring special answers, I now beg leave to acknowledge in the lump. I have delayed it in the hope that I might add something on our public affairs not uninteresting. If there be any thing at present of this character it will be found in the inclosed paper from N. York. We have no late official information from Europe; but all that we see from...
41James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d several letters from you which not requiring special answers, I now beg leave to acknowledge in the lump. I have delayed it in the hope that I might add something of on our public affairs not uninteresting. If there be any thing at present of this character it will be found in the inclosed paper from N. York . will We have no late official information from Europe
42From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 July 1811 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 3d. came duly to hand. You will have noticed in the Nat: Intelligencer that the wicked publication of Mr Smith is not to escape with impunity. It is impossible however that the whole turpitude of his conduct can be understood without disclosures to be made by myself alone, and of course, as he knows, not to be made at all. Without these his infamy is daily fastening itself...
43James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 July 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 3 d came duly to hand. You will have noticed in the Nat: Intelligencer that the wicked publication of M r Smith is not to escape with impunity. It is impossible however that the whole turpitude of his conduct can be understood without disclosures to be made by myself alone, and of course, as he knows, not to be made at all. Without these his infamy is daily fastening itself...
44From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 June 1811 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter from you to D. on the subject of Mr. G. He seems to be incorrigible. If I am not misinformed, his eyes are opening to the conduct & character of Mr. S, with respect to both of which he has suffered himself to be misled partly by his own passions, partly by those who took advantage of them. You see the new shapes our foreign relations are taking. The occurrence between...
45James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 June 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letter from you to D. on the subject of M r G. he seems to be incorrigible. If I am not misinformed, his eyes are opening to the conduct & character of M r S, with respect to both of which he has suffered himself to be misled partly by his own passions, partly by those who took advantage of them. You see the new shapes our foreign relations are taking. The occurrence between...
46From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 May 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 24 Apl. and return the letter inclosed in it; after having made the communication intended for Mr Gallatin. Your expostulations with Duane could not be improved; but he gives proofs of a want of candor, as well as of temperance, that will probably repel advice however rational or friendly. The great fulcrum of his attacks on Mr. Gallatin, is Erskine’s statement of his...
47James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 May 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 24 Ap l and return the letter inclosed in it ; after having made the communication intended for M r Gallatin . Your expostulations with Duane could not be improved; but he gives proofs of a want of candor, as well as of temperance, that will probably repel advice however rational or friendly. The great fulcrum of his attacks on M r Gallatin , is Erskine’s
48From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 19 April 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of containing the requested extract from Armstrong’s letter relating to Warden. A. has entangled himself in such gross inconsistencies, that he may perhaps not execute this threat to vindicate his removal of W. agst. my reinstatement of him. This consideration alone will restrain his enmity agst. both of us. You will see the conflict in which he is engaged with Fulton....
49James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 19 April 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d your favor of containing the requested extract from Armstrong’s letter relating to Warden . A. has entangled himself in such gross inconsistencies, that he may perhaps not execute this threat to vindicate his removal of W. ag st my reinstatement of him. This consideration alone will restrain his enmity ag st both of us. You will see the conflict in which he is engaged with Fulton
50From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 April 1811 (Madison Papers)
I intimated to you the offence taken by Armstrong at the re-enstatement of Warden. It is not improbable that it will be the ground of an open hostility. This will call into view his present denunciations of W. which are pointed agst. him as an Adventurer & Impostor from the commencement to the end of his career, in comparison with the patronage so long continued to him, and the sentiments...