1From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since my last which went by the mail in course, the papers of my deceased father have been opened. His will was made thirteen years ago, since which two of my brothers have died, one of them leaving a large number of children mostly minors, and both of them intestate. The will itself, besides the lapsed legacies, does not cover all the property held at the time; & valuable parcels of property...
2From James Madison to Isaac Hite, [ca. 7 March 1801] (Madison Papers)
I communicated to you by the last mail the afflicting event which took place on the 27th. Ult. I said nothing on the subject of the testamentary dispensations which it is proper should be made known to all the parties interested in them, because at that time none of the papers had been looked into. I now inclose the copy of the Will found among them; and which tho’ of not so late a date as...
3To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 7 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last which went by the mail in course, the papers of my deceased father have been opened. His will was made thirteen years ago, since which two of my brothers have died, one of them leaving a large number of children mostly minors, and both of them intestate. The will itself, besides the lapsed legacies, does not cover all the property held at the time; & valuable parcels of property...
Ca. 10 March 1801. Lists JM’s valuation of slaves and land (except Montpelier) to be divided among the surviving children, the heirs of two deceased sons, and Nelly Conway Madison. Ms ( DLC ). 2 pp.; in JM’s hand; written in pencil. Filed at the end of 1787 in the Madison Papers ( DLC ). As executor for his father’s estate, JM was responsible for a division of the elder Madison’s property...
5From James Madison to Isaac Hite, 25 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of by which we learn that we cannot have the pleasure of your & my sister’s company, in paying the last tribute of our affection & duty, to our deceased parent. It was indeed rather wished than expected, that such a journey would be practicable at this season, & under other existing circumstances. The funeral is to take place on saturday next, and a sermon is to be...
6From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 25 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 25 March 1801. Mentioned in Randolph to JM, 29 June 1801 . Asks Randolph a series of legal questions concerning settlement of father’s estate.
7From James Madison to Charles Peale Polk, 19 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 19 April 1801. Acknowledged in Polk to JM, 14 May 1801 . Quoted in Polk to JM, 12 Oct. 1809 (DLC). Complains of indisposition. Gives assurances that JM will offer Polk and his family help if the opportunity arises.
8From James Madison to Alexander Fowler, 20 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I did not receive till lately your letter of Feby. 19. Having always been very favorably impressed with respect both to the integrity of your principles and the independance of your character, you will not doubt that it would give me real pleasure to see you enabled to serve the public in a manner conducive to your interest. In my present situation however, being still detained by peculiar...
9From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [22 April] 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 17th. came to hand by the last mail. You will find us at home on saturday. It would have been expedient on some accounts to have set out before that day, but it has been rendered impossible by several circumstances, particularly by an attack on my health which kept me in bed 3 or 4 days, and which has not yet permitted me to leave the House. I hope to be able to begin the...
10To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, [22 April 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 17th. came to hand by the last mail. You will find us at home on saturday. It would have been expedient on some accounts to have set out before that day, but it has been rendered impossible by several circumstances, particularly by an attack on my health which kept me in bed 3 or 4 days, and which has not yet permitted me to leave the House. I hope to be able to begin the...
11From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 23 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 23 April 1801. Mentioned in Randolph to JM, 29 June 1801 . Queries Randolph on his reference to inheritance case of Hoomes v. Hoomes .
12From James Madison to William Thornton, 24 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have been some time in debt for your very friendly letter of the 16th. Ult. For some time after I recd. it [it] was not improbable that I might be able to acknowledge it in person as soon as I could do it on paper. Since the visit of the President to Virga. which suspended my setting out for Washington for a definite period, I have been so occupied with pressing business, & of late have been...
13Assignment of Articles to Nelly Madison, [27 April] 1801 (Madison Papers)
I do hereby assign & convey to my mother Nelly Madison all my share under the Will of my father, in the sum of two hundred pounds in gold left in his Cabinet; also in the Chariot & harness, & two horses Dragon & Phillis, also in the Household & Kitchen furniture not given to her by the Will, excepting only the Cabinet & Clock directed by the Will to remain with the Mansion House; also in all...
14From James Madison to the Governor of Upper Canada, 5 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 May 1801, Department of State. Encloses certified copies of murder indictment and depositions against British soldier Levy Cole; requests extradition as provided for in article 27 of Jay treaty. RC and enclosures (Public Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC , vol. 1). RC 2 pp.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM; docketed by a clerk: “Recd. at York 28h Augt.”...
15From James Madison to James Monroe, 6 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Camp handed me yesterday your two favors of the 11 & 12 of March. I can say nothing determinate as to the prospect of him & Mr. Lambert, because I do not yet know what arrangements may be contemplated throughout the Departments. I think however it would be unwise in any of the Candidates to neglect other resources; the number of them being such as greatly to reduce the chance to...
16From James Madison to David Meade Randolph, 6 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 3rd. Instant addressed to Mr. Lincoln has been just received. According to the construction of the law actually applied to a case in the State of Pennsylvania, similar to that in Virginia, it has been decided, that the task of compleating the Census devolves on the two new Marshals, who are to take each the part of it unfinished within his district. It will be proper...
17From James Madison to Ebenezer Stevens, 6 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 May 1801, Department of State. Since his letter to Stevens of 4 May [not found] JM has learned that War Department will ship from Philadelphia gunpowder due Tunis; supply from navy unnecessary. RC ( NHi ). 1 p. In Wagner’s hand, signed and franked by JM. Stevens’s docket damaged by torn seal.
18From James Madison to Andrew Ellicott, 8 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 May 1801. Acknowledged in Ellicott to JM, 20 May 1801 . Offered for sale in Sotheby Parke Bernet, Fine Americana: Manuscript and Printed (25 Nov. 1975), item 408, which notes that the one-page letter, in JM’s hand, “informs Ellicott attempts will be made, in about twelve or fourteen days, to settle accounts due him for ‘… running the Southern Border .’”
19From James Madison to Andrew Ellicott, 8 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
On my arrival here to take charge of this department, I received several letters from you, urging the settlement of the accounts of the commission for running the Southern Boundary. I regret, that the weighty business, which has engrossed, and continues to demand, the attention of the head of this Department, has retarded the settlement. It is much to be wished, that you should be present,...
20From James Madison to William Billings, 9 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 9 May 1801. Acknowledged in Billings to JM, 21 May 1801 . Queries Billings on misuses of neutral flags and on British merchants’ chicanery in West Indies.
21From James Madison to Edward Thornton, 11 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to transmit herewith by direction of the President copies of certain acts of the Executive authority, bearing date in the years 1794 and 1795. These acts resulted from the circumstances which then existed, and from a just solicitude to maintain the laws and the rights of neutrality within the jurisdiction of the United States. The intervention of other circumstances rendered...
22From James Madison to David Lenox, 12 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I transmit herewith copies of sundry documents relating to impressed American seamen, whose names are noted below, and who are stated or supposed to be in British vessels of war on the English station. I request you to use the necessary means to procure their liberation. I am Sir &c. &c. Wm. F Lathom—on board the Princess of Orange Samuel Peabody—Earl Curso— Wm. Corbett Junr.—Robust Thomas...
23From James Madison to Henry Craig, 12 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 May 1801, Department of State. Encloses copies of documents in cases of Samuel Gawler and Daniel Clark, American citizens reportedly impressed by British naval officers at Martinique; orders Craig to “lose no time” in trying to obtain their release. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC , vol. 1). 1 p. Enclosures not found. JM wrote Craig again on 16 June 1801 concerning seaman Samuel Culver...
24From James Madison to Louis-André Pichon, 12 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 12 May 1801. Acknowledged in Pichon to JM, 17 May 1801 . Relays president’s directions concerning French ship La Sémillante at Norfolk. Returns commissions and conveys exequaturs from president.
25To James Madison from James Madison, 12 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I transmit herewith copies of certain documents in the cases of Samuel Gawler and Daniel Clark, two American citizens, who are stated to have been impressed at St. Piers. in Martinico, by a British vessel of war, supposed to be Le Legere, Capt. Quinton master, with the view of obtaining your good offices to effectuate their discharge. I request you therefore to lose no time in endeavouring to...
26From James Madison to Richard Cooper, 13 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 25th. ult, and regret, that the state of preparations for the expedition to Lake Superior should produce inconvenience to the individuals you had engaged. The obvious construction of the resolution under which you have acted is conceived to have required the completion of the expedition within a limited time, viz before the end of the last session of...
27From James Madison to Israel Whelen, 13 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 May 1801, Department of State . Inquires when full cargo will be ready for the George Washington , which is to begin loading for Algiers by 20 May. Encloses list of items to be obtained from navy stores, expediting shipment. In postscript instructs Whelen “not for the present [to] execute any order for goods intended for Bacri and Co.” RC ( NjP ). 1 p.; in Wagner’s hand, signed by JM....
28From James Madison to Joseph M. Yznardy, 14 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 May 1801. Referred to in Yznardy to JM, 6 June 1801 . Requests Yznardy to produce certain financial records of his service as consul at Cádiz.
29From James Madison to Israel Whelen, 18 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Be pleased to examine what timber is in Mr. Humphreys possession (except live-oak) which will suit the Algerine order and enquire what further quantity may be had at Philadelphia and on what terms. The utmost dispatch is necessary, in making your report. I am, Sir, very respectfully your most obed. servt. RC ( MB ). In Wagner’s hand, signed and franked by JM; docketed by a clerk as received 21...
30From James Madison to William Eaton, 20 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your letters of 2 & 18 Septr. 6 Octr. 1. 9. 10. 15. 16. 13. 25, 19, & 21 Novr. and 8th. Decr. have been received since the date of Mr. Lincoln’s letter by the Grand Turk, which sailed from New York in March last, with the third cargo of Regalia for Tunis. The proofs, which have been given by the Bashaw of Tripoli, of hostile designs against the United States, have, as you will learn from...
31Circular Letter to American Consuls, Mediterranean, 21 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The proofs which have been received of the hostile purposes of the Bashaw of Tripoli having imposed upon the President the obligation of providing immediately for the safety of our Mediterranean commerce, he has judged proper to send to the coast of Barbary a squadron of three frigates and a sloop of war, under the command of Commodore Dale. The squadron will sail in a very few days from this...
32Circular Letter to American Ministers, 21 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
For a considerable time past, suspicions have prevailed, that a rupture with the United States was intended by the Bashaw of Tripoli. Of late the alarms and proofs have been such, as to impose on the President the obligation of making immediately the most effectual provision within his authority, for the defence and protection of our Mediterranean commerce, in case it should be attacked from...
33From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 21 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The threat of hostilities against the trade of the United States by the Bashaw, certified in your communications, and issuing immediately from the Bashaw himself in a translation of his letter of 25th. May last, certified by his interpreter Farfara, has determined the President to send into the Mediterranean a squadron of three frigates and a sloop of war, under Commodore Dale, by whom this is...
34From James Madison to Richard O’Brien, 21 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The proofs which have been given by the Bashaw of Tripoli, of hostile designs against the United States, have, as you will learn from Commodore Dale, determined the President to send into the Mediterranean a Squadron of three frigates and a sloop of war, under the command of that officer. Should war have been declared or hostilities commenced this force will be immediately employed in the...
35From James Madison to Israel Whelen, 21 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 May 1801, Department of State. Outlines plans to draw on naval stores for parts of George Washington ’s cargo. RC ( PPAmP : Feinstone Collection). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM.
36From James Madison to Edward Thornton, 22 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your letter of the 16th acknowledging mine of the 11th. The disposition which it evinces towards the neutral rights of the United States, and the regulations for guarding them against infraction, justifies all the confidence which had been placed in it. On recurring to the circular letter to the Governors of the States, of which a copy was transmitted to you, I...
37From James Madison to Stephen Sayre, 23 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 23 May 1801. Acknowledged in Sayre to JM, 9 June 1801 . Reminds Sayre that president is unable to compensate every victim of injustice; congressional action necessary.
38From James Madison to Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 25 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 May 1801, Department of State . Responds to Yrujo’s 14 May request to suspend establishment of an American consulate in the Philippine Islands. A decision has been made not to establish such a post, but the matter may be reconsidered at a later time. Tr ( AHN : State Archives, vol. 5630). 1 p.; in Spanish. JM’s original letters to Yrujo for this period have not been found, but the...
39To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 26 May 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 20th enclosing one from Paris of March 23d. The Cession of Louisiana by Spain to the French Republic, referred to in the letter, had been previously signified to this Department from several sources, as an event believed to have taken place. Supposing you might wish to repossess the letter from Mr. C I herein return it. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your...
40From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 26 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 20th. enclosing one from Paris of March 23d. The Cession of Louisiana by Spain to the French Republic, referred to in the latter, had been previously signified to this Department from several sources, as an event believed to have taken place. Supposing you might wish to repossess the letter from Mr. C I herein return it. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your...
41From James Madison to the Executive Directory of the Batavian Republic, 30 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 May 1801, Washington. “The interests of the United States which were committed to the care of William Vans Murray, their Minister Resident near the Batavian Republic, admitting of his absence, we have yielded to his request to be permitted to return to America. He will accordingly take his leave of you, and will embrace that occasion to assure you of our friendship and sincere desire to...
42From James Madison to Tobias Lear, 1 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Herewith you will receive the commission under which you are to reside in St. Domingo, and a copy of the ordinary instructions given to Consuls. In the former you will observe that the title of your Predecessor is varied to that of General Commercial Agent &c. This change is understood however as having no effect either on the functions or advantages attached to your commission; but merely as...
43From James Madison to James Monroe, 1 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 23 Ult. Callendar made his appearance here some days ago in the same temper which is described in your letter. He seems implacable towards the principal object of his complaints and not to be satisfied in any respect, without an office. It has been my lot to bear the burden of receiving & repelling his claims. What feelings may have been excited by my plain...
44From James Madison to William Vans Murray, 1 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
The President being desirous of diminishing expense whenever economy can be reconciled with the Public good and thinking it expedient also that our diplomatic connections with Europe should be limited to cases indispensably requiring them, has concluded to discontinue the establishment of a Public Minister at the Hague. This measure is the more convenient at the present moment as no Minister...
45From James Madison to William Loughton Smith, 1 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 June 1801, Department of State. Recalls Smith for reasons of economy; requests him to assure Portuguese government of American friendly sentiments. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC , vol. 1). 2 pp. Virtually a copy of JM’s letter of the same day to William Vans Murray.
46From James Madison to David Lenox, 1 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 June 1801, Department of State. “In one of your Reports to this Office concerning Impressed seamen the name of John Stafford is mentioned, as an American Citizen, detained in a British Ship of War on the English Station. It is possible that this may be the person alluded to in the enclosed papers [not found], and for this reason they are transmitted to you.” Printed facsimile of RC (...
47Circular Letter to Federal District Attorneys, 2 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am directed by the President to obtain thro’ you information of the Causes which have been decided, as well as of those now depending in the Circuit Court for the district of Rhode Island —prior to the fifteenth day of June 1801. You will therefore please to procure and transmit as soon as convenient extracts of the Docket of such causes, classing them according to the nature of the suits,...
48From James Madison to Edward Stevens, 2 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of January 6th. 1801 containing a resignation of the appointment you have held in St. Domingo, having been received and the resignation accepted by the President, Tobias Lear Esqr. has been commissioned as your successor. The delay in his relieving you has been produced by circumstances which unavoidably had that effect. It will be particularly regretted if in its consequences it...
49From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 5 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 5 June 1801. Acknowledged in Coxe to JM, 11 June 1801 . Discusses Jacob Mayer’s recent visit to Washington (see Mayer to JM, 23 May and 1 June 1801 ). The date and contents coincide with a three-page letter from JM to an unnamed correspondent offered for sale by Parke-Bernet Galleries and described by them as including JM’s complaints of ill health, his cryptic discussion of...
50From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 5 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
The infirm state of health in which I came here and the circumstances which crowd into the present moment an unusual quantity of business, have hitherto put it out of my power to attend to the favors of my friends, or even, in your case, to thank you for your kind dispensation on that subject. My health has somewhat mended since my arrival, but it is cheifly so in comparison with the low state...