51From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 21 November 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Your favor of the 13th. came safe yesterday. The past week has brought forth very little of consequence, except the disagreeable and I fear certain information of the arrival of the Corke fleet. Our last account of the embarkation at N. york was that the Ships had fallen down to the Hook, that the number of troops was quite unknown, as well as their destination,...
52To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 27 November 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). My last Account of the Enemy was the 18th. when they were all embarked, but whether with a design to leave the State or to make an impression on some other part of it was doubtful. There was something Mysterious in their leaving their Slaves on shore & some Captur’d Vessels in the harbour at Portsmouth, & indicated their having designs of further Hostility—unless...
53To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 4 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Since my last I am indebted for yr two favrs of the 14th & 21st past. Every thing wears the Appearance of confirming the Intention of the Enemy to make a Winter campaign to the Southward; The Fleet who lately left us it is said divided off the Capes part steering Eastward the Others to the South. if those & the late Embarkation from New York should meet at Charles...
54From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 5 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I have your favor of the 27th. ulto. and congratulate you on the deliverance of our Country from the distresses of actual invasion. The spirit it has shewn on this occasion will I hope in some degree protect it from a second visit. Congress yesterday received letters from Mr. Jay & Mr. Carmichael as late as the 4 & 9th of Sepr. The general tenor of them is that we...
55To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 11 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). I take up the Pen merely to ask you how you do? Having nothing foreign or domestic to entertain you with; I have not even heard a word from the Assembly this two weeks; Yes I have one very unlucky circumstance to mention which tho’ it may seem of little consequence, I fear will have important effects in [the ] future. Our militia who turn’d out with the greatest...
56From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, [12] December 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Besides Pendleton’s docketing identification, the cover sheet bears the following notes: ( a ) “omit” in JM’s hand, signifying that he decided to exclude the letter from his papers being assembled for publication; ( b ) “cop.,” probably a jotting by William C. Rives’s clerk after transcribing it for inclusion in Madison, Letters (Cong. ed.) [William C. Rives and...
57From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 19 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). You preserve your character for punctuality so well that I always have the pleasure to begin with acknowledging the receipt of a favor from you. That of the 11 instant came to hand yesterday. As the sufferings of your Militia are ascribed to the conduct of their Commanding Officer, I hope the disgust will be only local. A general disgust would be a very serious...
58From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 26 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I have your favor of the 18th. inst: inclosing another relating to Capt: C. Taylor with a certificate of his situation, to which I shall pay the necessary attention but cannot undertake to predict certain success. The Danish Declaration with the step taken in consequence by the Ct. of London mentioned in the inclosed are the chief news of this week. There is a report...
59To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 1 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). I have forfeited my reputation for punctuality, by omitting to pay you my Respects by last post, Which being Christmas day, I had fancied the rider would not move, but he did so, & without my letter. I am afraid you’l say it would have been no loss, If I had repeated the Mistake to-day, since I have not a Sylable of Intelligence foreign or domestic, except that we...
60From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 2 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Yesterday’s post was the first that has failed to bring me a line from you since our correspondence commenced. I hope it has not been owing to any cause which concerns your health. We had it yesterday from under Genl Washington[’s] hand that another embarkation is actually departed from N. York, amoun[ting] to abt. 2500 troops. There is little d[oubt] that they will...
61From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 9 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The address sheet is missing, but JM, probably late in life, wrote “To Mr. Pendleton” at the top. Pendleton docketed the letter “James Maddison Esq Jan. 9th. 1781.” I have again the pleasure to begin with acknowledg the receipt of a favor from you, that of the 1st. inst: having come to hand yesterday. On Thursday last Congress were informed by Genl. Potter & Col....
62From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 16 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I was very glad at not being disappointed in my expectations of a favor from you by yesterday’s post. Several reports in quick succession of the arrival & progress of the predatory band under Arnold had rendered us exceedingly anxious to hear the truth & particulars of the matter. Some letters by the post tell us that the Governor with Baron Steuben was wholly...
63From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 23 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Mathematical notations by Pendleton appear on the cover sheet. I have nothing new this week for you but two reports: the first is that very great discontents prevail in N. York among the German Troops for causes pretty similar to those which produced the eruption in the Pennsylvania line. It is further said on this head that a party of 200 have deserted from Long...
64To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 5 February 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). I congratulate with you upon the very Agreable Intelligence from the South, of which you will have a full account ere this reaches you. I think Ld Cornwallis’s Army must be broken & can only depend for safety upon that at Cambden under Genl Lesly, & could we immediately fill up our line for the War, I think the termination of that evil would not be far distant. I...
65From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, [13] February 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I have your favor of the 5th. instant by the post. Col. Harrison arrived here yesterday, and as he mentions no circumstance which indicated an intended departure of the Enemy I am afraid your intelligence on that subject was not well founded. Immediately on the receipt of your former letter relating to an exchange of C. Taylor I applied to the Admiralty department,...
66To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 5 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Maddison jr Esqr Philada.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 123–24. I have yr favr of the 13th past and thank you for the foreign Intelligence, on which head we are made to expect something more Interesting this week, by an Account which a Gentleman Affirms he...
67To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 19 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 124–25. Yr favr of the 27th was closely followed by Col. Harrison who gave me much information; I had the Satisfaction, among other things, to learn that your health was re-establish’d, which I had entertain’d...
68To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 26 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Docketed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 125–26. I have yr favr of the 13th which announces Mr Jones’s intention of coming to Virginia; so that you will have for a time at least, the whole burthen of my Correspondence on your hands, as I am in this...
69To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 2 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Since my last I have Mr Jones’s favr of the 20th. but as I hear he is now at home, I write you, as I shall continue to do weekly in future. Mr Jones mentions the Anxiety in Phila for the event of an expectd meeting between the French & british Fleets. In this perhaps you may be relieved by some Intelligence which has...
70To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 7 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 127–28. I have yr favr of the 27th past, which gave us the first certain account what had become of the French Fleet since the Engagement off our Capes. It is confidently affirmed the british took a 64 or 74 & have her now with their fleet. I do not believe it...
71To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 16 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” I have yr favr of the 3d & Am glad to hear the Pennsa. line are coming on & hope the Marquis’s Corps or some other will be added to the Southern Army, as I fear without it, we are not in a Condition to oppose the force designed to act in that quarter. Genl Green’s new Manoeuvre I consider as a hazardous one, which may...
72To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 23 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 129. Since my last nothing material has come to my knowledge, the Fleet up Potowmack proved as I expected a mere plundering party, or if they meant any thing hostile against Alexandria or Fredericksburg, they were...
73To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 129–30. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). Since my last yr. two favrs of the 10th & 17th have come to hand together, a week’s mail having fail’d to come to...
74To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 7 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 131–32. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). I have yr favr of the 24th past, which contain’d & inclosed much Intelligence —from the various accounts of French &...
75To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 132–33. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). I was disappointed in receiving no letter from you by the last post, which was the greater, as I was anxious to be...
76To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 133–34. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). Yr obliging favr of the 1st hath raised my curiosity Yet I cannot but approve your Caution, and notwithstanding my keen...
77To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 135–36. An extract from the missing original is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). Since my last I have yr two favrs of the 8th & 15th—the former have met wth a circuitous passage thro’ several Post...
78From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 29 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” The two circumstances relating to the proposed duty on trade mentioned in your favor of the 1st. instant were subjects of discussion when the measure was on the anvil. It was evident that the disposition of the States to invest Congress with such a power wd. be influenced by the length of the...
79To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 6 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). At the bottom, the clerk noted, “The signature cut off by some Autograph hunter.” The letter is addressed, “The Honble James Maddison jun. Esqr Philada[,] Hond by E. Randolph, Esqr.” Edmund Randolph took his seat in Congress on 16 July 1781 ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington,...
80To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 23 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble. James Maddison Jr Esqr Philadelphia.” This letter, with the exception of the last paragraph and complimentary close, is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 137–38. My last to Mr Jones inform’d you of my return home from a fugitive trip of near two Months, which however I spent very...
81From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 31 July 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but the letter is docketed by Pendleton, “James Maddison jr. Esqr. July 31. 1781.” I have the pleasure of your’s of the 23d. I congratulate you on your return to Caroline and on the safety of your estate from the ravages of the Enemy. The mail of last week having been intercepted near Wilmington has kept back the post a day later than his usual...
82To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 6 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Maddison, Esqr Philadelphia.” A copy, also made from the original manuscript, is in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., IX (1905), 138–39. Judge of my Anxiety at having pass’d two Long-Long weeks without a line from you or my friend Jones at so critical a juncture, when we hear a busy & importt scene...
83From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 14 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble. Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” I have your favor of the 6th. inst: before me. The defect of intelligence from your correspondents here must have been removed soon after you wrote, unless a miscarriage befell my letter as well as that of Mr. Jones who wrote the week before by the intercepted mail. Such accidents or sickness...
84To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 27 August 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Maddison jr Esqr Philadelphia.” Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 139–40. An extract from the missing original is printed in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). Finding on my return from a Visit yr kind favr of the 14th with one from Mr Jones of the 7th &...
85From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 3 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble. Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” I am favored with yours of the 27th. ultimo. This letter will be the most agreeable of any I have long had the pleasure of writing. I begin with informing you that the Commander in chief and the Ct. Rochambeau, the former with a part of the American Army, and the latter with the whole of the...
86To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 10 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Maddison jr Esqr Philadelphia.” Another copy, made from the missing original, is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 140–41. An extract is given in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue, No. 694 (1892). Very little important hath happened here, at least that has come to my knowledge, since...
87From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 18 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Pendleton, “James Maddison Esqr. Sepr. 18th. 1781.” I was yesterday favored with yours of the 10th. instant. The various reports arrived of late from Chesapeake prepared us for a confirmation from our correspondents of a fortunate rencontre between the 2 fleets. A continuation of these reports although unsupported by any authentic evidence still keeps up...
88From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 2 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Only a fragment of the cover remains. It reads, “Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” Yours of 24th. ulto. came safe by yesterdays post. In addition to the paper of this day I enclose you two of the preceding week in one of which you will find a very entertaining & interesting speech by Mr. Fox, and in the other a handsome forensic discussion of a case...
89To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 8 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Maddison jr Esqr Philadelphia.” Another copy, made from the original manuscript, is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 141–42. I have yr favr of the 18th Past and felt the justice of yr remark as to the benefits derived & in prospect to Virginia from the presence of the Commander...
90From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 9 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia” Having sent you the arguments on one side of the judiciary question relating to the property of Virga. seized by Mr. Nathan, it is but reasonable that you should see what was contended on the other side. With this view, although I in some measure usurp the task of Mr. Jones, I enclose the paper...
91From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 16 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but the letter is docketed in Pendleton’s hand, “Jas. Madison jr. Esqr. Octr. 16. 1781.” When you get a sight of the Resolution of the Gen: Ass: referred to in your favor of the 8th. you will readily judge from the tenor of it what steps would be taken by the Delegates. It necessarily submitted the fate of the object in question to the...
92From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 30 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). On the cover is this note: “Colo. Pendleton will be so Obliging as to bring the form he promised to Church next Sunday T. Jones.” Pendleton and Thomas Jones (d. 1782), a planter, lived in St. Mary’s Parish, Caroline County, and were members of the same congregation of the Church of England. JM addressed the letter to “The Honble Edmund Pendleton Esqr Caroline County...
93From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 13 November 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The honble Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” I was favored with yours of the 5th. yesterday. There are some flattering reports here of a meeting between the fleets which brought another drubbing on the English, but the most probable report is that the British fleet have returned to their station at the Hook, judging it inadvisable to...
94To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 19 November 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison jr Esqr Philadelphia.” The entire letter, with the exception of the complimentary close, appears in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 144. An extract is given in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). I am now to thank you for yr favr of the 30th past. The Official returns of...
95From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, [27 November] 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but Pendleton docketed the letter, “James Madison Esqr. Novr. 27. 1781.” Your favor of the 19th. instant came to hand yesterday. On the same evening arrived our illustrious General returning to his position on the North river. We shall probably however have his company here for some days at least, where he will be able to give Congress very...
96To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 3 December 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison jr Esqr Philadelphia.” Another copy of the letter, also made from the missing original, is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 143. I thank you for your favr. of the 13th past. of the territorial Cession offer’d by Virginia I have perhaps already said too much & shall only...
97From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 11 December 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but Pendleton docketed the letter, “James Madison Esqr. Decr. 11. 1781.” I am favored with yours of the 3d. instant. Other letters by the same conveyance confirm your report of the election of Mr. Harrison to the chief Magistracy. Several other appointments are mentioned which I make no doubt are all well known to you. On whatever side Mr....
98From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 25 December 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but the letter is docketed in Pendleton’s hand, “James Maddison Esq. Decr. 25 1781.” You only do me justice in ascribing your disappointment in the post of the week preceding your favor of the 16th. instant, to some other cause than my neglect. If I were less disposed to punctuality your example wd. preserve me from transgressing it. As the lost...
99To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 31 December 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison jr Esqr Philadelphia.” Another version is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 144–45. Since my last Mr Jefferson’s honourable acquittal of the loose sensure thrown out at Random on his character, hath come to my hand, and I send you a copy, which I doubt not you’l have...
100From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 8 January 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Pendleton, “James Madison, Esq. Jan. 8, 1782.” I have before me your favor of the 31st. Ulto. I regret much the refusal of Mr. J. to become a member of the Virga. delegation, not only as it deprives his country of that particular service, but as I fear it proceeds from a fixed disinclination to all public employments. Yesterday was opened for the first...