51To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 31 May 1788 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure to inclose you by the last post the British Act of Parliament upon the subject of our Trade. You will now receive in one of the papers inclosed an ordinance of the Province of Quebec, for regulating the inland Commerce of that Province with the Neighbouring States, or in other words the U. S. The intention doubtless is, that these two Acts, shall co-operate to give that...
52To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 17 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 6th. of June—it gives great satisfaction not only to myself, but all the Freinds of Federalism to whom I have had an opportunity to commun[i]cate its contents. You very prudently hazard no decided opinions as to the event, but it appears to me that we may calculate with certainty upon a considerable Majority from the facts you communicate. It is...
53To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 26 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
Since my last it is decided that Monroe is to be your opponent. The Interest of both Gabel & Strother will be combined in his favor. I wish you could be in the district as no pains will be spared to impress the minds of the people with prejudices against you—the ground taken is that you are utterly against any kind of alteration in the Govt. The Election throughout the State is to be on the...
54To James Madison from Martha Jefferson Carr, 18 April 1785 (Madison Papers)
I received by your Brother your polite favour and am Sorry it is not in my power to give a more Satisfactory account of my Sons being placed at School agreeable to your Appointments. My Eldest Son was taken last fall with a fever which with repeated relapses kept him Extreemly weak & low till about the first of Janry from that time till the first of April he was detained at home by the...
55To James Madison from Martha Jefferson Carr, 21 August 1786 (Madison Papers)
Your kind attention to my Sons, excites in me an Anxciety to acquaint you with every change in their situations. They have both been placed agreeable to your appointments but by a letter which I have just receiv’d from my Eldest son I find he now only boards with Mr Maury, and at the particular request of Mr Wythe is going through a course of reading with him, laid down by his Uncle Jefferson....
56To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 28 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Yr. favor from G Town came to hand, likewise yrs. of the 10th. Instant I receiv’d a few days past. As I do not know of an opportunity of conveying this to you, it is probable you will see in the papers, the result of the proceedings of our Convention, before this reaches you. It is expected this day will close the important business, if it was not determin’d yesterday. Our Convention consists...
57To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 28 October 1787 (Madison Papers)
Yr. favor of the 17th Instant came to hand Yesterday. Since my return I have been so engag’d, particularly by attending on an aged sick parent, that I have not been in the way of obtaining any intelligence to be depended on, untill last monday when I saw General Washington at a meeting of the Potomack Compy. The information from him was pleasing; Docr. Stuart, Representative for Fairfax,...
58To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 28 May 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have much to say confidentially , and but little time afforded for it. In my last I intimated, that I shoud communicate something respecting our Elections. I shall confine myself to that for Annarundall County. Untill a very few days before that Election, it was generally beleiv’d, there wou’d be no opposition to Mr Carroll of Carrollton and the other 3 federal Candidates. The two Chases,...
59To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 28 May 1788 (Madison Papers)
Yr. favor (I beleive of the 10th Ulto) came to hand. Inclosd is a paper containing the address of the minority of our Convention. I wish it may be in my power to convey by Docr. Stueart, a State drawn up by Mr. Hanson (one of the Committee) of the proceedings, which will disclose some matters not mention’d in the Address, & may give a different cast to those proceedings—he promisd to send it...
60To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 13 March 1786 (Madison Papers)
Our General Assembly adjournd this day after a Session of 4 Months. The proposition from yr. Assembly, for a meeting of Commissioners, from all the States, to adjust a general commercial System, reach’d us not long before the conclusion of the Session. Our House of Delegates propos’d Commissioners for that purpose. The measure appear’d to the Senate, tho’ undoubtedly adopted by yr. Assembly...
61To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 10 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
On my Brother’s returning from N York he inform’d me, that you had left that City for Pha, in yr. way to Virga. I was at Annapolis, and had just then wrote you the proceedings in Assembly respecting the federal Constitution. Not knowing how to forward it to you with safety, must account for my Silence, untill this moment when I am inform’d by a Letter from my Brother, that you are in N. York;...
62To James Madison from Jean August Marie Chevallié, 27 August 1785 (Madison Papers)
Me. Chevallié merchant of Rockefort, my father embarked in 1778 in the Caracter of supercargo upon the Ship le fier Roderigue belonging to Me. Caron de Beaumarchais, and treated of the Cargo with the State of Virginia. Some Contestations having been raised after wards among them, my father having manifested to Me. Caron de Beaumarchais the désire to discontinue all Connection, the latter gave...
63To James Madison from Joseph Chew, 6 November 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “James Madison Esqr. jr.” Cover missing. Under the heading of the letter, JM wrote “Chew Jos.” I find I omitted many things in my Letter of yesterday as I dare say I shall in this let me Request you in the first Place to let me hear from you on the Receipt of that Letter as soon as Possible direct for me to be Left at the Commissry Generals in the Next...
64To James Madison from Abraham Clark, 23 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
You desired me to inform you of the sentiments of the Legislature of New Jersey respecting the Western Country: this I have waited some time to do with Certainty but am not able to do it fully. I am not in the Legislature and much a Stranger to their present System of Politicks, but as yet believe they are generally of the same Sentiments with my self, which you are fully Acquainted with so...
65Pay Voucher as Delegate to the General Assembly, [28 January] 1786 (Madison Papers)
Comwlth of Virga. to Js. Madison Jr. Orange Novr. Session. To Attendance as Delegate to 21. Jany. 21. 1786. inclusive 89 days £44.10 To travelling to & from Richmond 150 Miles 3 — £47.10 Ms ( Vi ). Docketed by John Beckley.
66To James Madison from Francis Corbin, [21 October] 1788 (Madison Papers)
Without making any apology for the Liberty I am about to take in commencing a Correspondence which I have been long desirous of holding with you, being well satisfied that the motive will be it’s own Excuse, I proceed, sans ceremonie, to request, My Dear Sir, that you will have the goodness to forward to me, if they can be procured, the Acts of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts respecting the...
67To James Madison from Francis Corbin, 12 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received your Letter, and, tho’ in a state of perplexity, about the measures necessary to be adopted with respect to the Circular Letter &c which are to be the Subjects of Tomorrows Debate, yet I cannot, flattered as I am with a prospect of Establishing a Correspondence no less beneficial to our Common Country than pleasing and instructive to myself, forego the pleasure of...
68To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 21 October 1787 (Madison Papers)
I recd. your letter acknowleging the rect. of the three papers in the Gazetteer. At the request of Mr. Wilson, Dr. Rush and another friend or two I added a 4th. paper, calculated to shew the general advantages & obviate some of the Objections to the System. It was desired by these Gentlemen for the purpose of inserting in one of several handbills, which it was proposed to circulate thro our...
69To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 27 January 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been here about a Fortnight during which time we have not made a Congress. So. Carolina, Virga, Pennsa, N. Jersey, & Massachussets are represented. There is one Member from each of the States of Rhode Island, N. Carolina & Georgia, but none from New Hampshire, Connecticut N. York, Delaware or Maryland. I very much wish we may make a house in a week or ten days, as I think the...
70To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 23 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
Since you left Philadelphia I have kept my attention awake to the conduct of the most able—as well as the most active members of the late opposition. I find those who were excessively violent, active & unreserved in their opposition are perfectly silent. Their conduct carries more of ceasing to oppose, than of acquiescence. But some of the most sensible, cautious and artful characters express...
71To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 10 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
You were good enough to subscribe for a set of the letters of Publius at my request. I have recd. the Books, but as there was to be a remainder of subscription paid I shall be obliged to you, if in some future letter, you will note the amount. It has been affirmed to me with some confidence that a part of those papers were written by you. It would give me great pleasure before I read the work...
72To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 11 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
We have been made very happy by the accots from Richmond by yesterday’s post which were to the 5th. of June. From them we learn that Governor R. has acquiesced in the evident sense of the Majority of the States and of the people & that all Questions were to be defer’d till the whole should be considered in parts—and a letter from the head of the Convention expresses the fullest belief, that...
73To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 18 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have this afternoon obtained from a friend of Col. Geo. Morgan a copy of his handbill which was put into the hands of confidential people in N. Jersey & Pennsylvania for the purpose of procuring followers. I know your solicitude about the western Country, and have therefore enclosed you a copy, which after you have done with it be pleased to give to Mr. Jay when you have an opty. I am this...
74To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 19 May 1788 (Madison Papers)
The fate of the new constitution is now hastening to a crisis. The decision of Virginia in its favor ensures its existence, for South Carolina will most certainly adopt it before you can be organized. If on the other hand your Convention should reject the Government it will be rendered extremely uncertain in New York, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. Had our friends been less sanguine in New...
75To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 27 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
My anxiety in favor of the new federal Constitution has induced me to attempt some comments on it, that might render it more clear and agreeable to the people at large, than the concise manner, in which it was necessarily drawn up, would admit of. A friend, with whom I ventured to converse on the Subject, has pressed me to pass them thro the papers of Virginia and New York. This will apologize...
76To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 6 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
I trouble you with the last No. (3) of the freeman. In the paper N. 1. signed a Pennsylvanian I have opened a regular examination of the state of the opposition here, & shall endeavour to add a refutation of some of the objections of the minority. Consolidation I shall of course retouch, & therefore wish any thing you meet on that Subject to be enclosed. No. 44, & 45 of Publius are very...
77To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 24 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you a few lines some days ago, which I hope you have received. The letter contained Col. Morgan’s propositions to our farmers & tradesmen. On sunday last I sat down to make a few notes on some points which appear necessary to be considered in forming our System of impost. Enclosed you will find a copy of them hastily transcribed, of which you will make any use you see proper. Some of...
78To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 18 August 1787 (Madison Papers)
Some matters of a good deal of consequence to myself render it necessary for me to be known to Mr. Jefferson—just so far as to take the liberty of addressing two or three letters to him. You will oblige me very much by favoring me with two copies of a short letter of introduction to go by different opportunities. It will be much more agreeable to me to receive them from you sealed than open....
79To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 22 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
As I know your anxiety upon the Subject of the State legislatures, I have great Satisfaction in assuring you that by the returns of our new house at least 38 are firmly attached to the Constitution. The whole number is 69, but we have no returns of the greater part of the remainder. I think we have the best ground to believe the house will be 40 to 29 at least—and a very able man, Mr. Findlay,...
80To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 28 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
I trouble you once more with an Attempt of mine to explain a point connected wth. the new federal constitution. Finding from a conversation with Mr. Wilson & Dr. Rush that an Idea in Mr. R. H Lee’s letter to your Governor concerning the commercial powers of Congress was doing mischief in Virginia I devoted last Sunday to an investigation of it. I take the liberty of enclosing a couple of...
81To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 27 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
From your letter with respect to the Convention at B. I have been anxious to procure the Remr. of Mr. Lloyd’s debates to send to Mr. King. There were some pages more struck off, which I have obtained and cover them to you with a letter to be forwarded as before. I beg your pardon for the trouble I give & the freedom I have used. I find our Opposition were possessed of the temper of the Western...
82To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 15 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
If you thought it worth attention to publish N. 1. of the Pennsylvanian perhaps No. 2, enclosed may also be properly inserted in the same paper. The first was in Hall & Sellers’s of 6th. sent before. I wish to believe the accot. of the 11th from New York informing of the Adoption by Massachussets on 5th instant—but we wait for the Numbers, the form, the more perfect Certainty. To Morrow I...
83To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 16 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have obtained from the Editor about sixty pages of the debates of our State Convention, wch. I am anxious to get into the hands of Mr. King, for the use of the gentlemen in the Massachussets convention. Uncertain whether he is in New York or Boston I have taken the liberty of enclosing it to you with a request that you will as early as possible have it sent forward to him under a franked...
84To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 28 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
I troubled you with a few lines by Mr Moore, in which I promised myself the pleasure of sending you the third Number of the American Citizen, which I have now the pleasure to enclose. Our house is at this Moment on the Adoption of the plan. A Motion to postpone was made by our Western Members, but on the Question only 12 were for the postponement. The house are now proceeding, and the...
85To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 16 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
A very long acquaintance with Col. Saml. Hanson, who will have the honor to deliver you this letter, and the respectability and number of testimonials of his merits, which he carries with him to New York have induced me to trespass on your friendship. He goes as a candidate for some public employment for which his talents may be thought equal, and I wish to give him a chance of your support....
86To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 21 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
Having for some time felt a great deal of anxiety about the consequences to the United States, which appear likely to rise out of the Affairs of the Western Country I have turned my attention a good deal to considering that Subject, and as I know you also have had a very great solicitude about it I shall trouble you with such thoughts or facts relating to it as I think may possibly be of use....
87To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 23 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
I am truely sorry that appearances are not more promising in Massachussets than I learn from your letter of 20th instant. The pamphlet may be of signal service as things unhappily are so circumstanced & I rejoice in having sent it. I hope the movements of the tradesmen will have an influence on a principal Character. The peculiar situation of Maine is unfortunate. The greatest difficulty will...
88To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 26 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
I am favored with your last by post & am much obliged to you for the News papers, and your remarks concerning the Views of the opposition in several places. I would not by any means wish a request of the circle of gentlemen, who wrote the papers under the Signature of Publius, which I think with you would be disagreeable and improper. I am to ask your pardon for the trouble I have given you on...
89To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 5 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am very much at a loss how to address you on the subject, which has induced me to trouble you with this letter. It would have the complexion to most men of mere private gratification and advantage. I could not therefore touch the matter to you had I not pursued in my former correspondence only Objects connected with political truth and the public interests. Omitting therefore any further...
90To James Madison from Elijah Craig, September 1786 (Madison Papers)
I Take the liberty to Request your Attention to a petition from our County For a division of the saim which is not Yit ready and is a matter of Considerable Consiquence, and as we know their will Be violent opposition against it from intrestd Men who are byased by selfintrest. My Greatest reasons for wishing a division Is we are so numerous our roads veary bad And much the greatest in the...
91To James Madison from James Craik, 21 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
Presuming on my former acquaintance with you I take the liberty to trouble you on a subject now before Congress. I wrote Colo. Benjamin Walker some time last summer respecting the settlement of my Account with the Publick for my services during the late War he being appointed by Congress to adjust the Accounts of the Hospital Department. Some time in October I received a letter from the Colo....
92To James Madison from John Dawson, 18 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
It is now several months since I was honord with a letter from you. During the recess of Congress, while your attention was not closely confind to public business, and while the situation of the Union must have furnishd you with daily information which woud have been interesting to you, I flatterd myself you woud not have neglected your friend. The approaching elections are the subject of...
93To James Madison from John Dawson, 25 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
On my arrival in this town, on the last evening, I was much disappointed in receiving no letter from you. The proceedings of the Convention have been forwarded by Mr. Randolph to Messrs. Mercer and Monroe, and are at this moment the subject of general conversation in every part of the town, and will soon be in every quarter of the state. Opinions have already been deliver’d, and that work,...
94To James Madison from John Dawson, 20 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
When you were in this town I took the liberty of mentioning to you that I expected a bill from Mr. Ambler, which I thought might be forwarded to New York. This bill has not come to hand and my finances being rather low I have taken the liberty of drawing on you in favour of Colo Coles for seven Guineas; a liberty which I hope you will excuse, and may be assurd that I will forward a bill on New...
95To James Madison from John Dawson, [ca. 10 November] 1787 (Madison Papers)
Accept my thanks, my dear Sir, for your two favours of the 21st. and 28th. of the last month, which, with the enclosures, came to hand in due time. On the receipt of a letter from you, some time since, I calld the attention of the Legislature to the Act of the last session, which is the subject of Mr. Vanburkels complaint. That it is a violation , tho not an intended one, appears to be the...
96To James Madison from John Dawson, 14 July 1787 (Madison Papers)
It is now some time since I was honourd with a letter from you. Either your engagements in public business, or the want of something new, I presume has been the cause of it. Nothing has taken place in this state worth communicating. The people in general appear much discontented. To make property receivable in payment of debts appears to be the most favour’d plan at present. The people of this...
97To James Madison from John Dawson, [22 March] 1789 (Madison Papers)
You will be surpris’d at the receipt of a letter from me dated at Philadelphia on the 22d March. I have been detaind here much Longer than I expected, but shall set out on wednesday. I trust I need not apologize to you for mentioning that, if in the general arraignment, there shoud be any office, worthy my attention, and the duties of which you think me adequate to, you will have my name...
98To James Madison from John Dawson, 15 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I am honourd with your letter of the 1 Int. and must request you to receive this, not as a piece of cold formality, nor simply as a return for yours but as a testimony of a much dearer principle; a principle of honest friendship—our acquaintance I esteem too high ever to forget it—I wish it continued. I wish it cultivated. I flatter myself the desire may be mutual and with pleasure did I...
99To James Madison from John Dawson, 30 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
A spraind wrist, which is by no means well, has prevented my answering your two letters receivd in due time. The attention of every person in this place has been taken up by one Willet and Lindley, men who were some days since apprehended, and committed to goal on suspicion of counterfeiting continental final settlement certificates. On Friday last they were try’d by the court of this...
100To James Madison from John Dawson, 20 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have not been honour’d with a letter from you since your return to New York, for which I must express my disappointment, altho I am more willing to attribute it to the many engagements which you have than to any other cause—the want of something new has prevented my writing. The rejection of the constitution by the State of N. Carolina, at this period, has been the cause of as much surprise...