1To James Madison from Elkanah Watson, 24 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 August 1802, Albany. Encloses a letter from Lieutenant Governor Van Rensselaer, “who has the honor of a personal acquaintance with you.” Wrote to the president on the same subject on 1 June, together with Van Rensselaer and state comptroller Jenkins, but they have had no reply. Solicits “the appointment of Consul for the Port of Nantes in behalf of my worthy friend Simon Lynch Esqr. a...
2To James Madison from Elkanah Watson, 12 October 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Inclosed Sample of Cloth was made of my wool—under my direction 12/4 wide from loom, finished a little Short off 7/4—with elegant hair lists. At the Cattle Show & Fair in this place—this ps. obtained the prize of 50$ a struggle of 4 Counties—which I surrendered to the workmen. The result fairly devolopes a very important item in the resources of Our Country, the ps. was 23 yds. long. One...
3To James Madison from Elkanah Watson, 12 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 December 1812, Pittsfield. Is gratified to hear from Ezekiel Bacon that JM has received the “elegant Cloth” Watson manufactured for a coat. Believes that if double duties continue on fine cloth, New England will soon rival Great Britain “in that essential prop to that Sinking power.” Though the recent state of things has generated in New England “a temporary and a lamentable predilection...
4To James Madison from Elkanah Watson, 25 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Previous to entering on the express object of this Letter—permit me in all humility, to appologize for the liberty I am about to take, in presumeing to invade one moment of your precious time. It may perhaps Sir—enter in to your recollection, that I have once before taken the liberty to write you on behalf of my nephew Josh. Watson Esq late off Detroit, and now a prisioner on parole, haveing...
5To James Madison from Elkanah Watson, 8 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
In a crisis like the present it is the duty of every true American to contribute his utmost to Save our Country. Resideing as I do on the Mountains of Berkshire amidst my Flocks—and promoteing manufactories—at an age too, which must preclude any question as to my seeking, or wishing any public imployement—and haveing the honor of a correspondence on the times with the late President Adams—and...
6To James Madison from Elkanah Watson, 18 August 1819 (Madison Papers)
Not knowing the names & residence of Presidents of Agricultural Societies in Virginia—I persuade myself You will take a pleasure in transmitting the enclosed directed to them—and this presumption must plead my appology. I am with profound respect and esteem Respectfully NB If not so many Societies in Virginia please to transmit One to a President in Maryland RC ( DLC ); enclosure ( DLC :...
7From James Madison to Elkanah Watson, 10 September 1819 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with yours of Aug. 10. and have complied with the request to forward the blank copies it inclosed of “Certificates of Honorable Testimony,” to the Presidents of Agricultural Societies in Virginia known to me. I have intimated to them also, that the Engravers & publishers will furnish at the prices they mention, “Diplomas of membership” from a handsome plate. Be pleased to...
8To James Madison from Elkanah Watson, 3 May 1820 (Madison Papers)
Having terminated my Canal and agricultural Labours, I take the liberty to enclose for your acceptance a work just published comprising a historical view of these objects. I am with profound respect RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Elkanah Watson, History of the Rise, Progress, and Existing Condition of the Western Canals in the State of New-York … Together with the Rise, Progress, and Existing...
9From James Madison to Elkanah Watson, 12 May 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir the little volume on Canals & Agricl Societies wch. you have been so obliging as to send me. The subjects of the publication, with the source from which it proceeds, sufficiently recommend it to the perusal which I shall take the first convenient leisure for giving it. In the mean time, I offer you my thanks with the renewed expression of my esteem & my friendly respects....
10To James Madison from Elkanah Watson, 8 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
Knowing as I do your devotion to the great cause of agricultural improvements must plead my appology for the liberty I take in addressing myself to you on that beloved theme which engrosses all my thoughts altho’ secluded from rural walks—buried in the smoak of a City. I have long contemplated the institution of a National bord of agriculture as of vital importance to our common Country. It...