1From James Madison to George Washington, 27 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 July 1788 . Acknowledged in Washington to JM, 3 Aug. 1788 . Reports ratification of the Constitution by the New York convention.
2From James Madison to George Washington, 20 October 1785 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 October 1785. In a letter of 29 October from Washington to JM he refers to JM’s “favor of the 20th.” with an enclosure, which contained suggestions of a suitable form for Washington’s letter to the General Assembly requesting the donation to some public institution of the Assembly’s gift of canal shares to Washington.
3To George Washington from James Madison, 11 December 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Madison, 11 Dec. 1784. On 28 Dec. GW wrote to Madison : “I have been favored with your letter of the 11th.”
4From James Madison to George Washington, 11 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 11 December 1784, Richmond . Washington had traveled to Annapolis to further his favored scheme for an interstate project to build a canal along the Potomac River. He acknowledged the arrival of this letter on 28 December. JM probably told Washington of the main business that had occupied the General Assembly since Washington’s departure from Richmond ca. 20 November.
5To George Washington from James Madison, 27 July 1788 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Madison, 27 July 1788. On 3 Aug. GW wrote Madison : “Your favors of the 21st & 27th of last month came duly to hand.”
6To George Washington from James Madison, 20 October 1785 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Madison, 20 Oct. 1785. On 29 Oct. GW wrote Madison : “Receive my thanks for your obliging favor of the 20th.”
7From James Madison to George Washington, 6 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
The arrival of R. H. Lee yesterday has made up a Quorum of the Senate. A Quorum in the other House was made on wednesday last. The ballots will be opened today unless an indisposition of Mr. Basset should prevent, which was not probable yesterday afternoon. The notifications to the President & Vice President will be left to the Senate. Mr. Charles Thomson will be the Messenger to the former....
8From James Madison to George Washington, 15 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have at length the pleasure to inclose you the favorable result of the Convention at Boston. The amendments are a blemish, but are in the least Offensive form. The minority also is very disagreeably large, but the temper of it is some atonement. I am assured by Mr. King that the leaders of it as well as the members of it in general are in good humour; and will countenance no irregular...
9From James Madison to George Washington, 21 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have deferred writing since my arrival here in the hourly hope of being enabled to communicate the final news from Poughkepsie. By a letter from Hamilton dated the day before yesterday I find that it is equally uncertain when the business will be closed, and what will be its definitive form. The inclosed gazettes state the form which the depending proposition bears. It is not a little...
10To George Washington from James Madison, 3 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
Another mail has arrived from Boston without terminating the conflict between our hopes and fears. I have a letter from Mr King of the 27 which after dilating somewhat on the ideas in his former letters, concludes with the following paragraph—“We have avoided every question which would have shewn the division of the House. Of consequence we are not positive of the numbers on each side. By the...
11To George Washington from James Madison, 27 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
The Convention came to a final adjournment to day. The inclosed is a copy of their act of ratification with the yeas & nays. A variety of amendments have been since recommended; several of them highly objectionable; but which could not be parried. The Minority are to sign an address this evening which is announced to be of a peace-making complexion. Having not seen it I can give no opinion of...
12To George Washington from James Madison, 20 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
The Count de Moustier arrived here a few days ago as successor to the Chevr de la Luzerne. His passage has been so tedious that I am not sure that the despatches from Mr Jefferson make any considerable addition to former intelligence. I have not yet seen them, but am told that this is the case. In general it appears that the affairs of Holland are put into pacific train. The Prussian troops...
13To George Washington from James Madison, 1 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have been here too short a time as yet to have collected fully the politics of the Session. In general appearances are favorable. On the question for a paper emission the measure was this day rejected in emphatical terms by a majority of 84 vs 17. The affair of the Missisippi is but imperfectly known. I find that its influence on the federal spirit will not be less than was apprehended. The...
14From James Madison to George Washington, 14 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Daily Advertizer of this date contains several important articles of information, which need only be referred to. I inclose it with a few other late papers. Neither French nor English packet is yet arrived; and the present weather would prevent their getting in if they should be on the Coast. I have heard nothing of Consequence from Massachussetts since my last. The accounts from New...
15From James Madison to George Washington, 20 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 7th. inst: and will attend to your wishes as to the political essays in the press. I have given notice to my friends in Orange that the County may command my services in the Convention if it pleases. I can say with great truth however that in this overture I sacrifice every private inclination to considerations not of a selfish nature. I foresee that the...
16From James Madison to George Washington, 1 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Eastern Mail which arrived yesterday brought me a letter from Mr. King, of which a copy follows. “Our prospects are gloomy, but hope is not entirely extinguished. Gerry has not returned to the Convention, and I think will not again be invited. We are now thinking of Amendments to be submitted not as a condition of our assent & ratification, but as the Opinion of the Convention subjoined to...
17To George Washington from James Madison, 26 September 1788 (Washington Papers)
I subjoin two resolutions lately taken by Congress in relation the Mississippi which I hope may have a critical and salutary effect on the temper of our western Brethren. In Congress Sepr 16 On report of the Committee &c. to whom was referred the Report of the Secy for For. Affairs on a motion of the Delegates of North Carolina, stating the uneasiness produced by a report “that Congress are...
18To George Washington from James Madison, 11 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with yours of the 3d instant. The length of the interval since my last has proceeded from a daily expectation of being able to communicate the final arrangements for introducing the new Government. The place of meeting has undergone much discussion as you conjectured and still remains to be fixed. Philada was first named, & negatived by a voice from Delaware. N. York...
19To George Washington from James Madison, 13 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of came to hand by the mail of Wednesday. I did not write by several late returns for two reasons; one the improbability of [your] having got back to Mount Vernon; the other a bilious indisposition which confined me for some days. I am again tolerably well recovered. Appearances at present are less favorable than at the date of my last. Our progress is slow and every advantage is...
20From James Madison to George Washington, 14 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
Along with this are inclosed a few of the latest gazettes containing the additional papers in favor of the federal Constitution. I find by letters from Richmond that the proceedings of the Assembly, are as usual, rapidly degenerating with the progress of the Session: and particularly that the force opposed to the Act of the Convention has gained the ascendance. There is still nevertheless a...
21From James Madison to George Washington, 20 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Count de Moustier arrived here a few days ago as Successor to the Chevr. de la Luzerne. His passage has been so tedious that I am not sure that the despatches from Mr. Jefferson make any considerable addition to former intelligence. I have not yet seen them, but am told that this is the case. In general it appears that the affairs of Holland are put into pacific train. The Prussian troops...
22From James Madison to George Washington, 8 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
The prospect in Massts. seems to brighten, if I view in the true light the following representation of it. “This day, (Jany. 30) for the first our President Mr. Handcock took his seat in Convention, and we shall probably terminate our business on saturday or tuesday next. I can not predict the issue, but our hopes are increasing. If Mr. Hancock does not disappoint our present expectations, our...
23To George Washington from James Madison, 3 March 1788 (Washington Papers)
The Convention of N. Hampshire has afforded a very disagreeable subject of communication. It has not rejected the Constitution, but it has failed to adopt it. Contrary to all the calculations that had been made it appeared on the meeting of the members that a majority of 3 or four was adverse to the object before them, and that on a final question on the merits, the decision would be in the...
24To George Washington from James Madison, 18 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
No question direct or indirect has yet been taken, by which the state of parties could be determined. of course each is left to enjoy the hopes resulting from its own partial calculations. It is probable the majority on either side will not exceed more than 3, 4, 5 or 6. I indulge a belief that at this time the friends of the Constitution have the advantage in point of number. Great moderation...
25From James Madison to George Washington, 11 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have been duly favored with yours of the 3d. instant. The length of the interval since my last has proceeded from a daily expectation of being able to communicate the final arrangements for introducing the new Government. The place of meeting has undergone much discussion as you conjectured and still remains to be fixed. Philada. was first named, & negatived by a voice from Delaware. N. York...
26From James Madison to George Washington, 3 March 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Convention of N. Hampshire has afforded a very disagreeable subject of communication. It has not rejected the Constitution; but it has failed to adopt it. Contrary to all the calculations that had been made it appeared on the meeting of the members that a majority of 3 or four was adverse to the object before them, and that on a final question on the merits, the decision would be in the...
27To George Washington from James Madison, 7 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
My last inclosed a continuation of the Fœderalist to number 14 inclusive. I now add the numbers which have succeeded. No authentic information has yet arrived concerning the posture of Europe. Reports, with some less doubtful symtoms, countenance the suspicions of war. I understand that the Constitution will certainly be adopted in Connecticut; the returns of the deputies being now known, and...
28From James Madison to George Washington, 2 July 1784 (Madison Papers)
The sanction given by your favor of the 12th. inst: to my desire of remunerating the genius which produced Common Sense , led to a trial for the purpose. The gift first proposed was a moiety of the tract on the Eastern Shore, known by the name of “the Secretary’s land.” The easy reception it found induced the friends of the measure to add the other moiety to the proposition which would have...
29From James Madison to George Washington, 26 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
I subjoin two resolutions lately taken by Congress in relation the Mississippi, which I hope may have a critical and salutary effect on the temper of our western Brethren. On report of the Committee &c to whom was referred the Report of the Secy. for For. Affairs on a motion of the Delegates of North Carolina, stating the uneasiness produced by a Report “that Congress are disposed to treat...
30To George Washington from James Madison, 28 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
The information which I have by the Eastern mail rather increases than removes the anxiety produced by the last. I give it to you as I have recd it in the words of Mr King. Boston 20 Jany 88 “Our Convention proceeds slowly. An apprehension that the liberties of the people are in danger, and a distrust of men of property or education have a more powerful effect upon the minds of our opponents...
31To George Washington from James Madison, 1 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
The Eastern Mail which arrived yesterday brought me a letter from Mr King, of which a copy follows. “Our prospects are gloomy, but hope is not entirely extinguished. Gerry has not returned to the Convention, and I think will not again be invited. We are now thinking of Amendments to be submitted not as a condition of our assent & ratification, but as the Opinion of the Convention subjoined to...
32From James Madison to George Washington, 14 January 1789 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. instant with the letters attending it never came to hand till last evening. I have good reason to believe that the delay happened between Alexanda. & Fredg. rather than at or from the latter place. Mr. F. Maury pays particular attention to all letters which arrive there for me, and forwards them to Orange by opportunities which are frequent & safe. I apprehend there will...
33From James Madison to George Washington, 26 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
I am just informed by a Delegate from New Hamshire that he has a letter from President Sullivan which tells him that the Legislature had unanimously agreed to call a convention as recommended, to meet in February. The second wednesday is the day if I have not mistaken it. We have no further information of much importance from Massachussetts. It appears that Cambridge the residence of Mr. Gerry...
34From James Madison to George Washington, 18 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
No question direct or indirect has yet been taken, by which the state of parties could be determined. Of course each is left to enjoy the hopes resulting from its own partial calculations. It is probable the majority on either side will not exceed more than 3, 4, or 5 or 6. I indulge a belief that at this time the friends of the Constitution have the advantage in point of number. Great...
35From James Madison to George Washington, 20 [30] November 1787 (Madison Papers)
My last inclosed the seven first numbers of the paper of which I gave you some account. I now add the seven following numbers, which close the first branch of the subject, the importance of the Union. The succeeding papers shall be forwarded from time to time as they come out. The latest authentic information from Europe, places the Dutch in a wretched situation. The patriots will probably...
36To George Washington from James Madison, 20 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 7th inst: and will attend to your wishes as to the political essays in the press. I have given notice to my friends in Orange that the County may command my services in the Convention, if it pleases. I can say with great truth however that in this overture I sacrifice every private inclination to considerations not of a selfish nature. I foresee that the...
37From James Madison to George Washington, 12 August 1784 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your favor of the 12th. of June during my attendance in the Legislature and of answering it a few days, before I left Richmond. Since my return home I have been informed that the gentleman into whose hands my answer was put has mislaid or lost it, and that I cannot rely on its ever finding its way to you. I have therefore to repeat, Sir, that the sanction which...
38From James Madison to George Washington, 7 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
My last inclosed a continuation of the Fœderalist to number 14. inclusive. I now add the numbers which have succeeded. No authentic information has yet arrived concerning the posture of Europe. Reports, with some less doubtful symtoms, countenance the suspicions of war. I understand that the Constitution will certainly be adopted in Connecticut; the returns of the deputies being now known, and...
39To George Washington from James Madison, 14 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
The Daily Advertizer of this date contains several important articles of information, which need only be referred to. I enclose it with a few other late papers. Neither French nor English packet is yet arrived; and the present weather would prevent their getting in if they should be on the Coast. I have heard nothing of Consequence from Massachusetts since my last. The accounts from New...
40To George Washington from James Madison, 14 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
Along with this are inclosed a few of the latest gazettes containing the additional papers in favor of the federal Constitution. I find by letters from Richmond that the proceedings of the Assembly, are as usual, rapidly degenerating with the progress of the Session: and particularly that the force opposed to the Act of the Convention has gained the ascendance. There is still nevertheless a...
41To George Washington from James Madison, 8 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
We arrived here yesterday evening where we have met with Mr Dawson just from New York. When he left it, 18 Representatives and 8 Senators had assembled. It is not certain when the deficiencies will [be] made up. The most favorable conjectures postpone it to Monday Sennight. The members attending are chiefly from the Eastward. I do not learn that a single member except Mr White is from a State...
42From James Madison to George Washington, 8 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here yesterday evening where we have met with Mr. Dawson just from New York. When he left it, 18 Representatives and 8 Senators had assembled. It is not certain when the deficiences will [be] made up. The most favorable conjectures postpone it to Monday Sev’-night. The members attending are cheifly from the Eastward. I do not learn that a single member except Mr. White is from a...
43To George Washington from James Madison, 25 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
On the question today for previous amendments, the votes stood 80 ays—88 noes—on the final question the ratification passed 89 ays—79 noes. Subsequent amendments will attend the act; but are yet to be settled. The temper of the minority will be better known tomorrow. The proceedings have been without flaw or pretext for it; and there is no doubt that acquiescence if not cordiality will be...
44To George Washington from James Madison, 10 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Having seen a part only of the names returned for the Convention, and being unacquainted with the political characters of many of them, I am a very incompetent prophet of the fate of the Constitution. My hopes however are much encouraged by my present conjectures. Those who have more data for their calculations than I have, augur a flattering issue to the deliberations of June. I find that...
45From James Madison to George Washington, 28 October 1787 (Madison Papers)
The mail of yesterday brought me your favor of the 22d. instant. The communications from Richmond give me as much pleasure, as they exceed my expectations. As I find by a letter from a Member of the Assembly, however, that Col. Mason had not got down, and it appears that Mr. Henry is not at bottom a friend, I am not without fears that their combined influence and management may yet create...
46From James Madison to George Washington, 25 [23] June 1788 (Madison Papers)
We got through the constitution by paragraphs today. Tomorrow some proposition for closing the business will be made. On our side a ratification involving a few declaratory truths not affecting its validity will be tendered. The opposition will urge previous amendments. Their conversation to day seemed to betray despair. Col. Mason in particular talked in a style which no other sentiment could...
47From James Madison to George Washington, 3 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
Another mail has arrived from Boston without terminating the conflict between our hopes and fears. I have a letter from Mr. King of the 27. which after dilating somewhat on the ideas in his former letters, concludes with the following paragraph. “We have avoided every question which would have shewn the division of the House. Of consequence we are not positive of the numbers on each side. By...
48To George Washington from James Madison, 30 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
My last inclosed the seven first numbers of the paper of which I gave you some account. I now add the seven following numbers, which close the first branch of the subject, the importance of the Union. The succeeding papers shall be forwarded from time to time as they come out. The latest authentic information from Europe, places the Dutch in a wretched situation. The patriots will probably...
49From James Madison to George Washington, 19 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
On our arrival here we found that the number of Representatives on the spot had been stationary from the second day of the Meeting. Mr. Page, Mr. Lee, & myself raised it to 21. and Mr. S. Griffin and Mr. Moore have been since added. The number of attending Senators continues at 8. When a Quorum will be made up in either House, rests on vague conjecture, rather than on any precise information....
50To George Washington from James Madison, 8 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
The prospect in Massts seems to brighten, if I view in the true light the following representation of it. “This day, (Jany 30) for the first our President Mr Handcock took his seat in Convention, and we shall probably terminate our business on Saturday or tuesday next. I can not predict the issue, but our hopes are increasing. If Mr Hancock does not disappoint our present expectations, our...