1From George Washington to James Madison, 13 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for forwarding Mr Campbells letter; & whenever I shall have the pleasure of seeing you (for I would not put you to the trouble of calling for that purpose only) I will converse with you upon the subject of it. I confess, in the meantime, that I do not see upon what ground the application is made, to me. I can hardly suppose, Congress will disband the Troops now in Service, and...
2From George Washington to James Madison, 13 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
At as early an hour this evening as you can make it convenient, I should be glad to see you. yrs sincerely & affecly Sparks transcript , MH . The only year of GW’s presidency in which 13 Dec. fell on a Tuesday was 1791.
3To James Madison from George Washington, 27 October 1791 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed I return you the list of Sales in the Federal City. You will oblige me, by drafting a short answer to the Address, to be presented tomorrow, and sending it to me this Evening or in the Morning early. If you want the Address let me know it & it shall be sent to you. Yours—Sincerely & Affectly. RC (Hawaii State Archives: Cartwright Collection); Tr ( MH : Sparks Transcripts). RC...
4To James Madison from George Washington, 5 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
Notwithstanding the conviction I am under of the labour which is imposed upon you by Public Individuals as well as public bodies—Yet, as you have began, so I would wish you to finish, the good work in a short reply to the Address of the House of Representatives (which I now enclose) that there may be an accordance in this business. Thursday 12 O’clock, I have appointed to receive the Address....
5From George Washington to James Madison, 19 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
If Mr Madison could make it convenient to spare half an hour from other matters, G. W. would be glad to see him at 11 oclock to day. AL (photocopy), NjP : Armstrong Photostats; AL , sold by Christie, Manson & Woods, International, Inc, 1993. No evidence has been found confirming the subject of this meeting.
6From George Washington to James Madison, 11 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed were communicated to me, as you will perceive, to make a confidential use of—upon receipt of the first letter, I expressed a desire to be informed (if there was nothing improper in it) through what channel the report came, and what reliance could be placed in the authenticity of it—This gave rise to the second letter —As you are upon business which requires every information of...
7Circular Letter from George Washington and Others, ca. 14 February 1795 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 14 February 1795, Philadelphia. Solicits subscriptions for Giuseppe Ceracchi’s proposed monument to the American Revolution. Encloses a description. Printed copy ( Historical Magazine , 3 [1859]: 234–36). Addressed to JM, with the note, “From a copy in the hands of Peter Force, Esq.” Dated 14 June 1795, probably in error; date here assigned on the basis of the copy printed in Syrett and...
8From George Washington to James Madison, 12 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are the last dispatches I have rec’d from Mr Gouvr Morris. As they unfold, pretty evidently I think, the disposition of the British Ministry, I wish you to see them—Pray return them to me in the course of this day. Sincerely & Affectly, I am Yrs ALS , anonymous donor. The enclosures almost certainly included Gouverneur Morris’s letters of 18 and 21 Sept. 1790 reporting the failure of...
9From George Washington to James Madison, 22 January 1796 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letters, with the additional explanation that follows, will bring the case of young Fayette fully to your view. From the receipt of Mr Cabots letter until the latter end of Octr, I had not heard from, or of the young Gentleman. Then, a letter from Colo. Hamilton, to whom as you will see by Mr Cabots letter he had been introduced, informed me that he and his Tutor were in a retired...
10From George Washington to James Madison, 17 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Mr Madison having been so obliging as to draw the answer to the address of the House of Representatives—G.W. would thank him for doing the same to that of the Senate. If he receives it any time this day or tomorrow morning it will be sufficient. AL , DLC : Madison Papers. The date of this document is conjectural. Madison docketed the letter—apparently some years after the fact—“G. Washington...
11From George Washington to James Madison, 10 October 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to James Madison, 10 Oct. 1791. Sold by Stan V. Henkels, 1892, catalog 694, item 63.
12To James Madison from George Washington, [ca. 23 September] 1789 (Madison Papers)
My solicitude for drawing the first characters of the Union into the Judiciary, is such that, my cogitations on this subject last night (after I parted with you) have almost determined me (as well for the reason just mentioned, as to silence the clamours, or more properly, soften the disappointment of smaller characters [)] to nominate Mr Blair and Colo. Pendleton as Associate & District...
13To James Madison from George Washington, 11 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed were communicated to me (as you will perceive) to make a Confidential use of. Upon receipt of the first letter I expressed a desire to be informed (if there was nothing improper in it) through what channel the report came, and what reliance could be placed in the authenticity of it. This produced the sec’d letter. As you are upon business which requires every information of the...
14To James Madison from George Washington, [12 June?] 1789 (Madison Papers)
As the Communications herewith enclosed will not take much time to Read; As there are matters related which to me are new; and as the information respecting land transactions, and other things in the Western Country will require to be noticed & acted upon in some way or another, I send them to you together with a Gazette with a marked paragraph containing some suggestions that have not, I...
15From George Washington to James Madison, 12 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
As the Communications herewith enclosed will not take much time to read; As there are matters related which to me are new; and as the information respecting land transactions, and other things in the Western Country will require to be noticed & acted upon in some way or another, I send them to you together with a Gazette with a marked paragraph containing some suggestions that have not, I...
16To James Madison from George Washington, 19 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
If Mr. Madison could make it convenient to spare half an hour from other matters, GW would be glad to see him at 11 Oclock to day. RC (photostat, DLC : Washington Papers); Tr ( MH : Sparks Transcripts). RC addressed by Washington. The RC was offered for sale by Parke-Bernet Galleries in 1954. JM noted in his “Substance of a Conversation with the President” (see memorandum of 5 May 1792 ) that...
17From George Washington to James Madison, 27 April 1790 (Washington Papers)
If the weather will permit, & Mr Madison’s health suffer him to go out to day, the Presdt would be glad if he would give him a call before he goes to the House. Transcript, MH : Jared Sparks Collection. Madison was ill with influenza during the last week or so of April but was well enough to consult with GW on 27 April about the Foreign Intercourse Act ( Diaries Donald Jackson and Dorothy...
18From George Washington to James Madison, 16 December 1796 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States, requests the Pleasure of Mr Madison’s Company to Dine, on Thursday next, at 4 o’Clock. An answer is requested. D , DLC:GW . This document is an invitation card with the name, day, and time written in Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr.’s writing. The following Thursday was 22 December. No reply to GW from Madison has been found.
19To James Madison from George Washington, [ca. 8 September] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Confidential The points which at present occur to me, and on which I wish your aid, are brought to view in the enclosed statement—I give you the trouble of receiving this evening that you may (if other matter do not interfere) suffer them to run through your Mind between this and tomorrow afternoon when I shall expect to see you at the appointed time. Besides the enclosed Would it do now that...
20To James Madison from George Washington, [28 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
I return Mr. Jefferson’s letter with thanks for the perusal of it. I am glad he has resolved to accept the Appointment of Secretary of State, but sorry it is so repugnant to his own inclinations that it is done. Sincerely & Affectly. I am—Yrs. RC ( NjP ); Tr ( MH : Sparks Transcripts). RC addressed by Washington; docketed by JM late in life: “G. Washington—no date / 1789–90.” For dating of the...
21To James Madison from George Washington, 5 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
I want to communicate two matters to Congress; the substance of which is contained in the enclosed Paper. The first requires to be decided upon before the proposed adjournment shall take place—but my motive for commun[ic]ating the other, at this time, is only to fix the attention, & to promote enquiry against the next meeting. Whether would an Oral or written communication be best? If the...
22To James Madison from George Washington, [17 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison having been so obliging as to draw the answer to the Address of the House of Representatives—GW. would thank him for doing the same to that of the Senate. If he receives it any time this day or tomorrow morning it will be sufficient. RC ( DLC ); Tr ( MH ). Late in life JM docketed the RC : “G. Washington without date—(perhaps 1789,) 90 or 91.” Fitzpatrick ( Writings of Washington ,...
23To James Madison from George Washington, 13 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for forwarding Mr. Campbells letter; & whenever I shall have the pleasure of seeing you (for I would not put you to the trouble of calling for that purpose only) I will converse with you upon the subject of it. I confess, in the meantime, that I do not see upon what ground the application is made, to me . I can hardly suppose, Congress will disband the Troops now in Service, and...
24From George Washington to James Madison, 8 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
Confidential The points which at present occur to me, and on which I wish your aid, are brought to view in the enclosed statement—I give you the trouble of receiving this evening that you may (if other matter do not interfere) suffer them to run through your Mind between this and tomorrow afternoon when I shall expect to see you at the appointed time. Besides the enclosed Would it do now that...
25To James Madison from George Washington, 27 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
If the weather will permit, & Mr Madison’s health suffer him to go out to day, the Presdt. would be glad if he would give him a call before he goes to the House. Tr ( MH : Sparks Transcripts).
26From George Washington to James Madison, 9 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
Consequent of the enclosed resolution, I had a conference with the Commee therein named yesterday, when I expressed the Sentiments which you also have enclosed. I was assured by the Committee, that the only object the Senate had in view was to be informed of the mode of communication which would be most agreeable to the President, and that a perfect acquiescence would be yielded thereto. But I...
27From George Washington to James Madison, 8 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Agricultural Society of Philadelphia, are preparing the “out lines of a Plan for establishing a state Society of Agriculture in Pennsylvania” to be laid before the Legislature. Mr Peters—to whom sometime ago I mentioned the Pamphlets &ca which had been sent me by Sir John Sinclair; & who is appointed to prepare the business for the Legislature—wishes to have the perusal of those...
28From George Washington to James Madison, 10 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
Herewith you will receive Sundry Pamphlets &ca under the patronage of Sir John Sinclair. I send you his letters to me also, that the design may be better understood. From all these, you will be able to decide, whether a plan of enquiry similar to the one set on foot in G. Britn, would be likely to meet legislative or other encouragement, and of what kind, in this Country. These, or any other...
29To James Madison from George Washington, 16 December 1796 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1796. Invites JM “to dine on Thursday next at 4 oClock.” Requests an answer. FC ( DLC : Washington Papers). A printed card, with name, date, and time in a clerk’s hand.
30From George Washington to James Madison, 23 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
My solicitude for drawing the first characters of the Union into the Judiciary, is such that, my cogitations on this subject last night (after I parted with you) have almost determined me (as well for the reason just mentioned, as to silence the clamours, or more properly, soften the disappointment of smaller characters[)]—to nominate Mr Blair and Colo. Pendleton as Associate & District...
31To James Madison from George Washington, 6 December 1795 (Madison Papers)
The papers, of which I was speaking to you on friday evening, are herewith sent. In looking over Sir John Sinclair’s letter (since I spoke to you on this subject) I perceive it is to a Committee I am at liberty to communicate the extracts. This, however, I consider as sufficient authority to give you the perusal of them; as the project, if it can be accomplished, in this country, must be put...
32From George Washington to James Madison, 5 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding the conviction I am under of the labour which is imposed upon you by Public Individuals as well as public bodies—yet, as you have begun, so I could wish you to finish, the good work in a short reply to the Address of the House of Representatives (which I now enclose) that there may be an accordance in this business. Thursday 12 Oclock, I have appointed to receive the Address....
33From George Washington to James Madison, 11 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
Let me entreat you to finish the good Offices you have begun for me, by giving short answers (as can be with propriety) to the enclosed addresses—I must have them ready by Monday. AL , PWacD . The enclosures, which have not been found, were undoubtedly advance copies of the formal replies of the House and the Senate to GW’s address of 8 Dec. 1790 . For the text of these replies and GW’s brief...
34From George Washington to James Madison, 27 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I return you the list of Sales in the Federal City. You will oblige me, by drafting a short answer to the address, to be presented tomorrow, and sending it to me this Evening or in the Morning early. If you want the address let me know it & it shall be sent to you. Yours—Sincerely & Affectly ALS , H-Ar : Cartwright Collection. James Madison erroneously docketed the cover 22 Oct. 1791....
35To James Madison from George Washington, 22 January 1796 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letters, with the additional explanation that follows, will bring the case of young Fayette fully to your view. From the receipt of Mr. Cabots letter until the latter end of Octr, I had not heard from, or of the young Gentleman. Then, a letter from Colo. Hamilton, to whom as you will see by Mr. Cabots letter he had been introduced, informed me that he and his Tutor were in a...
36To James Madison from George Washington, 16 April 1794 (Madison Papers)
Not ’till yesterday did I receive the Agricultural Pamphlets from Mr: Peters. Knowing that you had not finished the perusal you intended to give them, I return them to you for that purp⟨ose⟩. After you have examined them at your leizure I wd. thank you for such remarks as shall have occurred to you on the occasion for I have yet to acknowledge Sir Jno. Sinclairs politeness in sending them to...
37To James Madison from George Washington, [ca. 31 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
… As far as a momentary consideration has enabled me to judge, I see nothing exceptionable in the proposed amendments. Some of them, in my opinion, are importantly necessary, others, though in themselves (in my conception) not very essential, are necessary to quiet the fears of some respectable characters and well meaning Men. Upon the whole, therefore, not foreseeing any evil consequences...
38From George Washington to James Madison, 31 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
As far as a momentary consideration has enabled me to judge, I see nothing exceptionable in the proposed amendments. Some of them, in my opinion, are importantly necessary; others, though of themselves (in my conception) not very essential, are necessary to quiet the fears of some respectable characters and well meaning men. Upon the whole, therefore, not foreseeing any evil consequences that...
39From George Washington to James Madison, 5 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
If Mr Madison can make it convenient to call upon the P——between eight and nine this forenoon and spend half an hour it would oblige him. If inconvenient, then at Six in the Afternoon. AL , PWacD .
40From George Washington to James Madison, 14 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
The calamitous situation of Philadelphia and the little prospect from present appearances of its eligibility to receive Congress by the first monday in Decembr involves a serious difficulty. It has been intimated by some, that the President ought, by Proclamation, to convene Congress a few days before the above period, at some other place—and by others, (although in extraordinary cases he has...
41From George Washington to James Madison, 20 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
As there is a possibility if not a probability, that I shall not see you on your return home; or, if I should see you, that it may be on the Road and under circumstances which will prevent my speaking to you on the subject we last conversed upon; I take the liberty of committing to paper the following thoughts, & requests. I have not been unmindful of the sentiments expressed by you in the...
42To James Madison from George Washington, 12 May 1796 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 May 1796. Invites JM “to dine on Thursday next at 4 oClock.” Requests an answer. FC ( DLC : Washington Papers). A printed card, with name, date, and time in Washington’s hand. There has been some speculation that this dinner invitation was connected with Washington’s decision to announce his retirement by issuing a farewell address. At this time, Washington was certainly considering ways in...
43From George Washington to James Madison, 12 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
To draw such a line for the conduct of the President as will please every body, I know is impossible; but to mark out and follow one (which by being consonant with reason) will meet general approbation, may be as practicable as it is desireable. The true medium I conceive must lye in pursuing such a course as will allow him time for all the official duties of his station—This should be the...
44To James Madison from George Washington, [ca. March 1791] (Madison Papers)
If under the existing circumstances of the newly established Bank you can add other & fitter characters than some who are proposed in the enclosed letter, you would oblige me by naming them, & returning the enclosed in an hour or two. Yrs sincerely Tr ( MH : Jared Sparks Collection of American Manuscripts, vol. 24). Undated; conjectural date assigned based on evidence in n. 1. The only...
45From George Washington to James Madison, 12 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States requests the Pleasure of Mr Madison’s Company to Dine, on Thursday next, at 4 o’Clock. An answer is requested. D (printed with manuscript insertions), DLC:GW . The next Thursday was 19 May. No reply has been found, but see Madison Papers , William T. Hutchinson et al., eds. The Papers of James Madison, Congressional Series . 17 vols. Chicago and...
46From George Washington to James Madison, 6 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
The papers, of which I was speaking to you on friday evening, are herewith sent. In looking over Sir John Sinclair’s letter (since I spoke to you on this subject) I perceive it is to a Committee I am at liberty to communicate the extracts. This, however, I consider as sufficient authority to give you the perusal of them; as the project, if it can be accomplished, in this country, must be put...
47From George Washington to James Madison, 5 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I want to communicate two matters to Congress; the substance of which is contained in the enclosed Paper —The first requires to be decided upon before the proposed adjournment shall take place—but my motive for communicating the other, at this time, is only to fix the attention, & to promote enquiry against the next meeting. Whether would an oral or written communication be best? If the first...
48To James Madison from George Washington, 6 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
As you are knowing to the situation of young Mr. Fayette; to the measures I have adopted in his behalf; to my wishes towards him; and to the restraints under which those wishes have been placed, from considerations of a public nature—And as I am unacquainted with the ground work, or the tendency of the motion made by Mr. Livingston, relative to this young gentleman; I flatter myself, that in...
49To James Madison from George Washington, 12 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
To draw such a line for the conduct of the President as will please every body, I know is impossible; but to mark out and follow one (which by being consonant with reason) will meet general approbation, may be as practicable as it is desireable. The true medium I conceive must lye in pursuing such a course as will allow him time for all the official duties of his station. This should be the...
50To James Madison from George Washington, 14 October 1793 (Madison Papers)
The calamitous situation of Philadelphia—and the little prospect from present appearances of its eligibility to receive Congress by the first Monday in Decemb’r involves a serious difficulty. It has been intimated by some, that the President ought, by Proclamation, to convene Congress a few days before the above period, at some other place—and by others, (although in extraordinary cases he has...