11To James Madison from William Tatham, 16 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
The conspiracy which has transpired northwardly, as just announced in the public prints, calls on every citizen to lend a helping hand towards defeating such plots, or repelling their evil consequences: I am stimulated by this consideration to mutilate my private collection of scarce and valuable documents, in favor of government; believing that, in the event of an explanation which is...
12To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1813. “I presume the late measures concerning the increase of the Navy will require wet and dry Docks for Seventy fours: Believing my experience in this branch to be at least at par with any other person, and my economical methods superior, I beg it may be understood that I offer my services as chief Engineer ⟨or?⟩ Supervisor.” Describes the process by which the engineers or...
13To James Madison from William Tatham, 16 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have this morning carefully traced on a copy of Mitchells Map of America (my own property, from the same plates from which the impression whereon the original boundary of the United States was traced, as testified by President Adams Mr. Jay and Doctor Franklin,) the boundary of the United States as it seems to have been settled by the discussion of our former Commissioners; Copies whereof,...
14To James Madison from William Tatham, 10 July 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1810, Norfolk. Believes it is important to add to his former communications the enclosed statement of facts concerning the legal right of the public to “the Desart” at Cape Henry. Is continuing his topographical work. Relates that his family is in distressed circumstances. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 2 pp. Printed in McPherson, “Letters of William Tatham,” WMQ William and Mary...
15To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The case called Charles Gobert’s is so very extraordinary that it cannot possibly be “ neuteral! ” Two years ago, I told you “I would be the last man to desert the President of the U. States;[”] and, if any yet live who really know me, they will testify that the word of my conscience, and the obligation of my legal responsibility, have been synonymous in my intentions through life; and that my...
16To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1809, Washington. Relates his financial losses suffered during and after the Revolution. Proposes a survey which would be sponsored by the federal government to create military maps of U.S. territories. RC ( DLC ). 8 pp. Docketed by JM.
17To James Madison from William Tatham, 4 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1811, Norfolk. “Perhaps there never was a period when speedy communication was more important to the safety and prosperity of the United states than the present; especially when we consider how difficult it must be to manage a population so far and widely expanding itself.” Encloses a sketch to demonstrate a method of telegraphic communication “whereby I deem it practicable to pass a...
18To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 May 1810, Norfolk. Gratefully acknowledges receipt of JM’s friendly reply to his 10 Mar. letter . He is recuperating from a long illness. Since last seeing JM in Washington, has never heard from Gallatin concerning his ideas on “the Coastwise improvement of the revenue powers.” About 10 Mar. he also wrote to the secretary of the navy regarding “Maritime improvements … far superior to the...
19To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1813. Suggests the “propriety of an immediate application to the State Sovereignties of Delaware Maryland Virginia and North Carolina (perhaps Circular to all the States might be well) for Acts authorizing the President of the United States to provide for the public safety, by causing surveys to be made of the inland hydrography of the Maritime frontier, by the construction of such...
20To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have faithfully attended to the two bills before Congress for authorizing the President to cause a survey of the inland coastwise navigation, and for authorising the Secretary at War to contract with me for my military models and apparatus and topographical charts, as instructed by the Honl. Secretary at War; but, unfortunately, both are laid over till December next, on the last day of the...