1To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 13 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Caroline, 13 July 1791 . He has just received a letter from his nephew, Nathaniel Pendleton, Jr., of Georgia, informing him of the resignation of Mr. Rutledge as “one of the Judges of the Supreme Fœdral Court” and asking his influence in being appointed. He hands TJ his pretentions founded on supposition that the vacancy will be filled by a citizen of the Southern District; that, as North and...
2To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 13 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of troubling you once more in behalf of my Nephew Nathaniel Pendleton junr. of Georgia, who wishes to succeed Mr. Rutlidge in the Office he has resigned as a Judge of the Supreme Fœdral Court. He supposes a resident in the Southern district will be appointed, and that from Georgia, as the Carolinas have been already gratified; in which case he hopes his present rank of...
3To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 November 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your favr. of the 14th. with the Packet of papers by Mr. Hoomes was a banquet indeed for which you’l please to accept my warmest Acknowledgements. It was the more so, as my Appetite for that kind of food had not been gratified for the Summer past, in consequence of my having taken it into my head that the tax on papers was unconstitutional, as tending to give Government a power over the...
4To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 2 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 2 April 1790. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 13 Apr. 1790 . The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that the letter consisted of one page and calendars it as follows: “Further objections to Hamilton’s plan. The progress of liberty in Europe.”
5To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 8 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 February 1792. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 21 Feb. 1792 . The list of JM’s correspondence probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that this letter consisted of one page and calendars it as follows: “Larger representation in Congress. The Report on manufactures. Manufactures not conducive to the interests of the southern states. Eastern monopolies.”
6To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
… The Presidents getting the Representation Bill placed on constitutional ground by his Negative, and the stand made by the Judge against an unconstitutional Law, seem [to] give Gen’l pleasure, some few present Members of our Assembly & those who have imbibed prejudices there formerly, excepted as to the Judges. An Impeachment is said to be talked of, they don’t seem to approve so much the...
7To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, ca. 20 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 20 January 1790. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 4 Mar. 1790 . Recommends Dr. David Morrow for a federal appointment.
8To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 9 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am to thank you for several favrs. & inclosures, the last May the 17th. I am much pleased with your new Gazzette, which I think promises to be as respectable as it’s name sake of London. The tardy progress of yr. revenue System, has I imagine produced all the mischief it was capable of, in letting the Spring importations escape it’s operation; however I do not mean to insinu[a]te blame to...
9To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 March 1790. The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that the letter consisted of two pages and calendars it as follows: “Hamilton’s plan. Mr. Pendleton’s criticisms thereon.”
10To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 3 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
Yr. Obliging favr. of the 21st. past, is just come to hand. The question concerning the power of removing Officers was important, and ’twas much better to investigate it fully, tho’ at the expence of a weeks discussion, than take a wrong step in it. I concur in Sentiment with the Decision. The Argument that the Power of removal should follow that of Creation, has weight, but is abundantly...
11To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 9 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
… Having spent 6 days in Richmond in hearing two Gent’n on each side argue the great Question respecting the recovery of British debts, I have for y’r amusement thrown together what I recollect of the General head of the Argument, which may not comprehend the whole of those since I took no notes, & give it from a faulty memory. They spake well on both sides, but Mr Henry was truly Great, & for...
12To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [3 July] 1789 (Madison Papers)
… The question concerning the power of removing Officers was important, and twas much better to investigate it fully, tho’ at the expense of a weeks discussion, than take a wrong step in it. I concur in sentiment with the decision. The Argument that the Power of removal should follow that of Creation has weight, but is abundantly overballanced by the objection that an Executive Officer might...
13To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 December 1794 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 30 December 1794. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 8 Jan. 1795 . Congratulates JM and his wife on their marriage.
14To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 2 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
I should have sooner acknowledged yr. obliging favr. of March 4th., but was taken wth. a Cold about the time of it’s receipt, which, as usual, brought on a fever & short breathing, from which I am but now relieved. I thank you for your Attention to Dr. Murrow’s application. The Secretary’s Plan of finance is really too deep for my comprehension, I cannot however accord with his position that...
15To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
I have just received yr. very obliging favr. of the 2d. & have particularly to thank you for yr. Judicious Ansrs. to my several queries on the Subject of British debts, which I can truly say will have great weight with me; whether they will prove Satisfactory in removing my doubts, my head is not in a condition to decide, being just got through a Violent fever, with which I was taken on my...
16To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 June 1789. The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that Pendleton wrote a two-page letter to JM on this day. The summary reads: “Commending Nathaniel Pendleton jr for the appointment of District Court Judge in Georgia” (see JM to Pendleton, 15 July 1789 and n. 3).
17To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 January 1791. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 13 Feb. 1791 . The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that the letter consisted of three pages and calendars it as follows: “British debts. The Bank system. The Judiciary. Direct taxes. Impost. Disposal of the Public Lands. The public debt. The Militia bill. Meeting ⟨of?⟩ debtors to British...
18To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 March [1792] (Madison Papers)
I am further Obliged by yr. Esteemed favr. of the 21st. & the Papers, a feast to a recluse shut up from Intelligence for a long spell of frosty weather. Yr. sudden Animadversions on the Subject of bounties to Classes of men in a few States, prove you needed not any hints from me on the Occasion, nor had I a conception you did, when I hazarded my thoughts on that important affair, or do so, on...
19To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 March 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 March 1791. According to the list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany), Pendleton wrote a one-page letter to JM this day. The summary reads: “Stock speculations. Should a member of Congress be a Bank Director. The succession to the Presidency.”
20To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
… I am happy to find that Potowmac stands on so good grounds as the Permanent seat of Congress. I could not help wishing that the temporary Residence had remain’d at New York, as a recompense for their expence in y’r Accommodation; to save the expence & trouble of a double removal of the Public Offices, and from a conviction, that Philadelphia is in bad order for y’r reception, & must incur a...
21To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 3 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 3 May 1789. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 17 May 1789 . The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that Pendleton wrote a two-page letter to JM from Virginia on this day. The summary reads: “Organization of the new government. Mr. Madison’s proposition for making provision for revenue. Virginia’s disqualifying act. Anti-federal State Elections....
22To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 January 1795 (Madison Papers)
I have to thank you for two favrs. covering some Papers and the Anti-Lee Pamphlet. I recollect to have seen in the course of the Summer a Puff in some paper recommending it to the Voters to chuse representatives of the principles of that Gentn., who had distinguished himself from his Colleagues for true patriotism, but little immagined he would have ventured on a Serious Address to his...
23To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 March 1792. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 25 Mar. 1792 . Says “ ‘that the Northern Cocks are true game’” and “ ‘that they die hard in the Representation bill.’”
24To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 November 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 28 November 1792. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 6 Dec. 1792 . Expresses concern over the fate of the French.
25To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 3 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am obliged by yr. two kind favrs. of the 8th. & 19th. Past. I was indeed surprised, & in some measure Chagrined at the tardy Assembling of the members of the fœdral legislature, betraying a want of Zeal Which is rather unfavorable, tho’ it might, & I hope did, proceed from causes less reprehensible, & which may be manifested by future dilligence. Before this time the Government will have...
26To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [9 June] 1789 (Madison Papers)
… I hope the idea of titles is sent to eternal repose. I know nothing which in my judgment would more strengthen opposition than the adoption of such a measure, giving countenance to all the suspicions hitherto forged only, of a tendency in the Goverment to fav’r Aristocratic principles.… Printed extract (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892]). The list probably kept by Peter Force ( DLC :...
27To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have recieved a Letter from my nephew Nathaniel Pendleton junr. of Georgia stating his information that besides the Judges of the Superior Court, one Fœdral Judge is to be appointed in each State I suppose for the trial of suits within the Appellate Jurisdiction: That he had written to his friends in New-York to sollicit for his appointment to that in Georgia, & as he had not...
28To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
I am further Obliged by your Favr. of the 4th. & two Packets of papers accompanying it. I congratulate you on having that ill-judged & improper measure of Assuming the State debts, ’ere this determined; & tho’ a large Majority on so important a Subject, was desirable, yet I shall be glad to hear it is finally negatived even by a decis[i]on from the Chair. It has fix’d a Suspicion of a...
29To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 2 September 1789 (Madison Papers)
Besides several Packets of papers I am indebted for your two favrs. of July 15th. & Augt. 21st. reced. since my last. I congratulate you upon having got through the Amendments to the Constitution, As I was very Anxious that it should be done before yr. Adjournment, since it will have a good effect in quieting the minds of many well meaning Citizens, tho’ I am of Opinion that nothing was...
30To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 1796? (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 1796? . Described as a one-page letter about private matters in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2).
31To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 6 January 1796 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 6 January 1796. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 7 Feb. 1796 . Asks JM to edit for publication Pendleton’s essay on the carriage tax, which Pendleton has given to William Branch Giles.
32To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [2 September] 1789 (Madison Papers)
… I congratulate you upon having got through the Amendments to the Constitution, as I was very anxious that it should be done before y’r adjournment, since it will have a good effect in quieting the minds of many well meaning Citizens, tho’ I am of opinion that nothing was further from the wish of some, who covered their Opposition to the Government under the masque of uncommon zeal for...
33To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
I am indebted to you for two or three Letters, besides Packets of papers, An Arrear probably as convenient to you in yr. Congressional Engagements, affording little liesure for reading uninteresting letters, as it was unavoidable by me, having been for more than 3 weeks closely confined in Attending the Court of Appeals, wherein we dispatched much buisiness [ sic ], none worth communicating as...
34To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 9 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
Having spent 6 days in Richmond in hearing two Gentn. on each side argue the great Question respecting the recovery of British debts, I have for yr. amusement thrown together what I recollect of the General heads of the Argument, which may not comprehend the whole of those since I took no Notes, & give it from a faulty memory. They spake well on both sides, but Mr. Henry was truly great, & for...
35To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 8 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your obliging favr. of the 21st. past has just made it’s way hither through the Frost, and with it’s inclosures, was a high treat in my present houseburnt state. I think anticipating the taking another Census, & shortning the Operation of any fractional inconvenience arising from the former, a happy expedient, & more constitutional than any Arrangement of those fractions, which it seems to me...
36To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
I know not whether this will find you in Phila. but I steal a moment to acknowledge, & thank you for 2 Packets received since I came here. The Presidents getting the Representation Bill placed on constitutional ground by his Negative, and the Stand made by the Judges agt. an unconstitul. Law, seem [to] give Genl. pleasure; Some few present Members of Our Assembly, & those who have imbibed...
37From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 16 November 1792 (Madison Papers)
I make use of the opportunity afforded by the return of Col. Hoomes to inclose a parcel of the late newspapers, which may contain some things not in the other papers you get. You will find in them all the particulars known here concerning the affairs of France; and sketches of the business as yet brought before Congress. The Presidents Speech & the two answers are I believe also in the...
38From George Washington to Edmund Pendleton, 14 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
The letter with which you were pleased to favor me—dated the 9th instt—overtook me at Littlepages bridge the 11th. The hurry into which I was thrown by a variety of occurrances at Richmond, prevented my acknowledging the receipt of it before I left that City. I now do it, with assurances that it gave me sincere pleasure to find by it that you were well. The general arrangement of the Surveys...
39From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 22 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
The pressure of business as the session approaches its term, the earlier hour at which the House of Representatives has for some time met, and the necessity of devoting a part of the interval to exercise, after so long a confinement, have obliged me to deny myself the pleasure of communicating regularly with my friends. I regret much that this violation of my wishes has unavoidably extended...
40From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 23 February 1793 (Madison Papers)
Since we had the pleasure of Col: Taylor’s arrival I have left in his better hands the trust of keeping you supplied with whatever communications might interest or amuse you. As the political scene here, is however soon to be suspended, I can not refuse myself the last opportunity I shall have before a dispersion of the dramatis personæ takes place, of enjoying the pleasure I always feel in...
41From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 13 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the 2d. instant. From the sentiments expressed in it you will hear with pleasure that the proposed assumption of the State debts, was yesterday negatived, after many days deliberation, by 31 vs 29. We hoped that this vote would have been mortal to the project. It seems however that it is not yet to be abandoned. The other part of the Secretary’s Report has been...
42From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 25 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 14th. came to hand yesterday. You were right in saying “that the Northern Cocks are true game” but have erred in adding “that they die hard on the Representation bill.” Their perseverance has gained them a final victory. The bill passed on friday last in the form in which it was sent from the Senate; that is with the distribution of 120 members among the States, and the...
43From George Washington to Edmund Pendleton, 23 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
With very sincere pleasure I received your private letter of the 11th instant. This pleasure was not a little enhanced by your reiterated assurance of my still holding that place in your estimation which, on more occasions than one, you have given me the most flattering testimony—highly gratifying to my mind. This assurance came opportunely, as I had begun to conceive (though unable to assign...
44From George Washington to Edmund Pendleton, 22 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
From a long acquaintance with, and a sincere regard for you, I always feel pleasure in hearing from you—and of you—consequently, your letter of the 30th ult. was an acceptable annuity. Notwithstanding you have passed your 73 year, whilst you enjoy tolerable health, and retain your faculties in the vigor they are, I wish as well on public, as on private account, that length of days may be added...
45From George Washington to Edmund Pendleton, 28 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
I write to you, my dear Sir, on a subject which has engaged much of my reflection, and to which I am persuaded I shall obtain your ready and candid attention. Regarding the due administration of Justice as the corner stone of good government, I have considered the first arrangement of the judicial department as essential to the happiness of our country, and to the stability of its’ political...
46From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 21 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 8th. did not come to hand till this afternoon. I thank you for the very just & interesting observations contained in it. I have not yet met with an oppy. of forwarding the Report on Manufactures; nor has that subject been yet regularly taken up. The constitutional doctrine however advanced in the Report has been anticipated on another occasion, by its zealous friends; and I...
47From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 21 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have delayed for some time writing in the daily expectation that I should be able to resume the subject of the Representation-bill the progress & fate of which were mentioned in my last. A motion for reviving it in another form has been some days on the table and is now the order of the day, but has been kept back partly by a general torpor resulting from the critical loss of the bill and...
48From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 18 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of afforded me much pleasure by the information it gave of the return of such flourishing health, and has laid me under great obligation by the valuable state it inclosed, of the great question lately argued in the federal Court at Richmond. We are all anxious to learn the decision of the Judges, though there is a report, that they decline giving their opinions, & were that not so,...
49From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 8 January 1795 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 30 Ult: and am joined by my partner in the sincerest returns for your kind congratulations and friendly wishes. I hope this will find you in more confirmed health, and enjoying the commencement of a new year with every prospect that can make it a happy one. One of the papers inclosed gives you the latest news from Europe. It is to be hoped that the dawn of peace...
50From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 15 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am particularly obliged by your favor of the 3d. which incloses your remarks on the Judiciary bill. It came to hand yesterday only, and I have not had time to compare your suggestions with the plan of the Senate. Nor do I know the alterations which may have taken place in it since it has been under discussion. In many points, even supposing the outline a good one, which I have always viewed...