51To James Madison from William Blackledge, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
At the time I had the honor to meet you at the Presidents you expressed a desire to be informed whether Mr: Martin of Newbern if appointed a Judge of the New Orleans, or Mississippi Territories would accept of the appointmen t. I am this day favored with his answer to a letter I wrote him directly after on the subject in which he authorizes me to State that he will accept of an appointment at...
52To James Madison from John Smilie, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
The undersigned composing a part of the Representation from the State of Pennsylvania, having been informed that, David Holmes Esqr. of Virginia, is mentioned, as a fit and proper person, to be appointed Governor of the Mississippi Territory, beg leave to tender to the President of the United States, this testimonial of their approbation of Mr. Holmes, for that appointment. The public...
53To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit the copy of a letter this moment received from Mr. Champagny, informing me that His Majesty the Emperor has directed the Embargo on American vessels in the Ports of France to be raised. With very high respect I am, Sir, your most obedient and very humble Servant, DNA : RG 59—DD—Diplomatic Despatches, France.
54To James Madison from Noah Webster, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am engaged in a literary pursuit, which I believe to be very interesting to my country, & in this opinion I have the concurrence of Gentlemen of the first talents in this State. In this pursuit however I have neither assistance nor patronage. I want many books which are not to be procured in America, & which cannot easily be obtained by orders, as some of them are rare in Europe. In addition...
55To James Madison from William Lewis, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
To form a rough coating or casting, for the out-side of a wall, or even for pillars that will bear all weather--harden by time and last forever, you have only to take sharp gritty sand free from earth, and that it may be perfectly so, put into Tubs or troughs of water, & after stirring it, let the water be bailed off till no particles of earth remain. This done, add no more lime to the sand...
56To James Madison from John Douglass, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Some time in Jan: 1808, I informed you that De Witt Clinton at a caucus held at Ben: Cheethams, of what he called his house of Nobles, declaired that he was in possession of information which induced him to beleive that Mr. Jefferson and yourself were acting under the Secret influance of Bonaparte, and that you had a Majority in Congress attached to you & were hostile to the liberties &...
57To James Madison from Elisha Tracy, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Notwithstanding our Legislature is to be convened this Week notwithstanding they May pass some warm Resolutions & even warmer May be Urged by a branch of the Essex Junto at New Haven; I am persuaded the peace of this State may be Voched for & the Laws of the Union May be enforsed here; I should Not be afraid even at the expence of My Head to be answerable for that part of our State lying East...
58To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
When you can find leisure, read this & the paper enclosed; & I will promise you not to request your attention again political subjects. They relate to our concerns with France & G Britain. On the 27th. of January last, a town meeting was held here, on the subject of the last embargo act. As the federalists conducting it were leading characters, & extremely opposed to Government, & their party...
59To James Madison from Louis-Marie Turreau de Garambouville, 19 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
J’ai reçu plusieurs fois des plaintes du Vice Consul de Sa Majesté à Savannah relativement aux vexations Qu’éprouvent les Français non naturalisés par rapport au Service militaire. Dernièrement on a tiré au Sort, et des Français Sujets de S. M. ont été désignés même pendant leur absence; des Officiers Subalternes ont été chez eux pour les toiser et Sur leur refus les ont menacés d’user de...
60To James Madison from William Harris Crawford, 18 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
The undersigned having been informed, that the Honbl. Judge Bruin of the Mississippi Territory has resigned his appointment of Judge of the said Territory from & after the 3d. day of March next, beg leave to recommend as a person well qualified to fill that vacancy, Obadiah Jones Esquire of the State of Georgia. If individual merit, strict integrity, and a warm & sincere attachment to the...
61To James Madison from Tench Ringgold, 18 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
As the period is fast approaching, when you will become the first magistrate of the United states, in whom the discretion of making all appointments is confided, I have presumed, to hold myself up to your consideration, as a candidate for some appointment in the district of Columbia. When the motive, which has induced me to make application to you, at this time, is explained, I feel confident...
62To James Madison from Donald Fraser, 18 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Permit me the honor of congratulating you, with Sincerity, upon Your elevation to the most honourable Station on Earth, That of Chief magistrate of your beloved Country: Far more hounerable than the Title of Emperor, King or Prince, Frequently usurped by Ambitious tyrants; or, devolved upon Knaves or fools, by hereditary descent. But, you were elected to preside over the destinies of your...
63To James Madison from William Crawford, 18 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is a recommendation in favor of Obadiah Jones Esquire of the State of Georgia. He is the gentleman who was appointed to the same office in the year 1804 or 5 upon the recommendation of the whole of the then representation of the State of Georgia. The appointment was solicited for him without his Knowledge or approbation, and having no desire to remove to that territory he declined to...
64To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 17 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
My reason for mentioning to you this Morning the subject we conversed about, was that this is the mail day for Detroit, so that if you wished it you might have it in your power to counteract the effects of the intimation that has been given. It is said the Gentn. who is appointed a general in New-York, will not accept the appointment. Perhaps this appointment wou’d be accepted as full...
65To James Madison from William Armistead Burwell, 17 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
It is said that Mr. Hull is to be appointed secretary of War; whether this is true, I know not. For myself, I am so entirely unacquainted with this Gentleman that I could not if required give any opinion, nor shall I be understood as giving one in what I now write. But I should be wanting in the respect due you if I did not inform you that I have heard very strong objections from persons whose...
66To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 17 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
While making the experiments in France and England on Torpedo Attack, they were constantly opposed by the majority of persons interested in the marine, and it needs but little penetration to discover that the gentlemen of the Marine at Washington are not favorable to it. I excuse them as a would a Pope who rejected a profession of faith which might destroy his infalibility; But the nation and...
67To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 16 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I sincerely congratulate you on your election to the Presidential Chair: an event which has saved the Country, in my opinion, from innumerable evils. The object of this, is to bring to your veiw an application which, as I am informed, was preferred by the late Governor Sullivan, Mr. Blake our district Attorney, six out of seven senators, & thirty Representatives from Maine, in favour of Nathan...
68To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 16 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
My last dispatch was dated on the 2d. of Jany. and for wants of more direct conveyance, was necessarily sent by the way of Holland and England. The Emperors return to Paris, which took place on the 22d. of Jany. was equally Sudden and unexpected, and is said to have been the consequence of the Success of his arms in Spain, and of the new uses he is likely to have for them in Germany. Of both...
69To James Madison from William Branch Giles, 15 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
It was perhaps one of the most unfortunate circumstances in Mr. Jefferson’s administration, that he differed so materially respecting the characters of individuals, from his friends in the Senate, and elsewhere; I am induced to make this observation from hearing this evening, that it was proposed to nominate Governor Hull to supply the vacancy in the war department occasioned by the...
70To James Madison from Thomas Leiper, 15 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Doctor Samuel Betton informs me that business of a very particular nature obliges him to sail to the Island of Jamaica in 5 or 6 weeks from this time but that he goes with a full determination to return to Philadelphia (where he leaves his property and Two Sons) as soon as he can finish his business he goes upon which I understand is to take possession of an Estate transferrd to him by his...
71To James Madison from George W. Erving, 14 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to write to you by the Ship "Bourdeaux" Richard Law Mr., which left this a short time since for the port of N. York, in my dispatch No. 60 (dated Jany. 28th.) stating the amount of the intelligence then received respecting the last military operations in this country: By subsequent & more particular accounts we are now assured, that in the attack made upon the Duke of...
72To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 14 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Some of our friends have a great anxiety that the non intercourse law should expire at the end of the next session of Congress, and that a clause shou’d be added to the bill repealing all the embargo laws at the same time. You seemed to disapprove of it, and I have given no encouragement to the idea. Mumford & Masters say if this is done all the New Yorkers will vote for the bill, and the New...
73To James Madison from Samuel Houston, 14 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having lately read Neckar on the importance of Religious opinions I was much affected with his excellent concluding Chapter, especially the following lines, "It is a God we feel the want of, a God such as religion presents; a God powerful and good, the first source of happiness, and who only can secure it to the human race." My mind instantly thought of my Country now in the midst of straits...
74To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
A Mail from Washington, by the way of Fort Stoddart arrived on this morning, but has brought me no official Communications. Mr. Julien Poydras, (who is avowedly friendly to the General and local Administration) has been elected by the Territorial Legislature a Delegate to Congress, for the ensuing two years; Doctor Watkins, was the candidate in opposition & is understood here, to have received...
75To James Madison from Joseph Desha, 13 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to recomend to your consideration Walker Reid, as a suitable person to fill the office of Judge in the Illinois Territory, if it should not interfere with your arrangements. I can vouch for his being a man of talents and integrity, a Republican in principle, and a firm adherent, and supporter of the present administration. He origionated from Loudon County Virginia. He has been an...
76To James Madison from Henry Joseph Hutchins, 13 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
An individual, the 1/ 6,000,000th. part of the people of the United States of America, now begs leave to address a few remarks to you before you exchange the arduous office of Secretary of State for the easy and independent station of President. No one individual in the United States possesses so thoroughly as yourself a knowledge of the real situation of this Country, its rights and policy...
77To James Madison from Cole Digges, 12 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Permit Me to state my case to You & to ask your assistance to procure for Me an appointment, to a publick office, under the general government, that may be in some degree lucrative; if you think my pretentions are founded upon merit. The following is a true & correct statement of my services, rendered to my Country, in the revolutionary War, & the patriotic Zeal which urged Me to sacrafice my...
78To James Madison from Valentin de Foronda, 12 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Siento mucho verme en la precisíon de hacer presente a S. E. el Señor Presidente pr. Medio de V.S. que he leído con la mayor sorpresa en la Gazeta de ayer 11. de Mr. Relf que Mr. Macon presentó en la Sala de los Representantes un memoríal de varios Habítantes del Territorio del Míssisipi, suplícando se dén algunos pasos para asegurarles la Navegacíon de la Mobila. La Gazeta de Bradford del...
79To James Madison from H. Potter, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am just informed that Mr. Francis X Martin has been named to the President as a proper character to fill a vacancy on the bench of the Orleans Territory, and am desired to commmunicate to Our Senators in Congress such knowledge as I Possess of his Character. He is a frenchman, as you know, but I think him a correct Lawyer & a man of honesty & integrity. His standing at the bar has been very...
80To James Madison from Jesse B. Thomas, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
In a recent conversation with Mr. John Boyle of Kentucky I took Occasion to solicit him to suffer me to name him to the President of the United States as a suitable Person to fill the Office of Governor of the Illinois Territory; He has since signified to me his willingness to Accept that Office Should he be Appointed. If it does not interfere with Your Arrangements and should you think proper...
81To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
A British vessel being upon the point of Departure, I embrace the opportunity of forwarding to you herewith the last papers which contains information which may be useful. No late news from Spain, nor from South America, since my last worthy of notice. I have already forwarded to you Some papers by the Same opportunity. I have the Honor to be, Sir, very respectfully, Your Mo. Ob Servt. DNA :...
82To James Madison from Benjamin Howard, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Confidence we have in the Fitness of Mr. Nathaniel Pope of Upper Louisiana to fill the Office of Secretary in the newly created Territory of Illinois induces us to propose him to you for that Appointment. Mr. Pope has resided for some years at St. Geneviève, within a few Miles of Kaskaskia the Seat of Government of the new Territory; he has been well educated, and his Character stands fair...
83To James Madison from Andrew Moore, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am Requested by Mr Joseph Grigsby of Rockbridge Cy. Va. To offer his Services as Secretary in the Ilinoise Territory. Mr. Grigsby is a Very Respectable Character Has been for some years past A Representative in the State Legislature, A Good Clerk, Possesses Information & an Accuracy in doing Business fully equal (In my Opinion to the faithfull Discharge of the Trust. Should He obtain the...
84To James Madison from Andrew Moore, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
We are told that Governor Williams of the Mississippi Territory has resigned. The Divisions which we have heard to have subsisted during Governor Williams’s Administration, between that Gentleman and his Friends, and many of the Citizens and which we have Reason to believe had produced much Heat & Animosity, makes it desireable that his Successor should be of a Character not only calculated to...
85To James Madison from Henry Lee, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will soon be placed in a station first in honor as first in responsibility & at a period full of difficulty & danger. On yr. magnanimity yr. wisdom & your pure patriotism the good Americans of all political partys look for releif & comfort. They confidently expect this boon from your long tried character. I am one among those who must wish, as well as most expect it. It is in yr. power to...
86To James Madison from George Poindexter, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having been informed that Governor Williams of the Mississippi territory, has transmitted to the President of the United States his resignation, to take effect on the 4th: day of March next, I feel it incumbent on me to offer you my opinion in relation to the appointment of a successor, to the office which he has vacated. The political ferment which existed in the territory under the...
87To James Madison from John Pope, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having Reason to believe that Mr. John Boyle of Kentucky would accept the Office of Governor of the new Territory of Illinois, We take the Liberty of proposing him to you for that Place. Mr. Boyle is too well known, to require any attestation from us either to his Virtue or Talents. If however we were to say any Thing in Regard to them, we might with great Confidence & Justice speak in Terms...
88To James Madison from Richard Mentor Johnson, 10 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having mentioned & recommended, to your consideration, Mr. Thomas, deligate from the Indiana Territory, for a Judicial appointment, in the Illinois Territory; & Nathaniel Pope Esq for the office of Secretary of sd. Territory, that duty which I owe to you, & which I hope ever to feel, induces me to state in writing, their pretensions to your confidence. Mr Thomas has been in the Practice of...
89To James Madison from David Holmes, 10 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
The act of congress passed a few days ago for the division of the Indiana Territory creates the usual Offices for the establishment of a Government in the new Territory Mr. J B Thomas the present Delegate is Willing to accept that of a Judge. From the unequivocal testimony the People have given of their confidence in this Gentln. I cannot doubt but that his Appointment to the Office would be...
90To James Madison from Wheeler Martin, 10 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I understood those Gentlemen of this Town who denominate themselves republicans had in part recommended Jeremiah B Howell and Thomas Coles as Suitable persons as Collector for the Port of Providence. Your Excellency perhaps is informed that nine tenths of the Ship holders of Providence are Federalist. If you are not so informed it is afact. I believe your Excellency would wish to make an...
91To James Madison from Francis Taliaferro, 10 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
The appointment of one of my Gd. Sons in the army of the United States I attribute to your Friendly aid for which you have my grateful acknowledgements and beg leave to trouble you at this time by introducing to your acquaintance Mr. Francis T. Helm Brother to the former. They are both Sons of Mr. Wm. Helm of the state of New York. He is very anxious to obtain a Midshipmans commission in the...
92From George Ic to James Madison, 9 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
If you may please to look over these lines, thinking of their Merit. In the year 1766 or when I was about fourteen years of age, when I was looking for fishworms, for Angle fishing, the foundation of my Since Experience, toke place in my Understanding, with such a demonstration that it was left without any Doubt. I can give my reasons for it. N ear 20 years ago, I tried it with potatoes. It...
93To James Madison from James Blake, 9 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I again take the liberty of enclosing to you other testimonials in my favour, in addition to those I have already had the honour of sending you. The Certificates and Letters (including one from myself) which I forwarded to Mr. Jefferson some days ago; I presume, at the expiration of his term, will be transfered to you, and to which I beg leave also to draw your attention. Should you deem me...
94To James Madison from Peder Pedersen, 9 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Pedersen has the Honor to present his Compliments to the Secretary of State, and to acknowledge the receipt of his Note of the 4th. instant enclosing a Letter from the President of the United States to His Majesty the King of Denmark and Norway, and also a Copy of the Same for His Excellency the Minister of foreign affairs. DNA : RG 59-NFL-Notes from Foreign Legations, Denmark.
95To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 9 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
As I leave this for New York on wednesday the 15th. inst., I have invited some members of the Senate and house of representatives, to call at Kalorama on sunday next at One Oclock to see the experiments in performing and investigate the principles of Torpedo attack; As this will perhaps be the only good Opportunity which I Shall have of giving you exact Ideas on the whole system of operations...
96To James Madison from James Madison, 8 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I congratulate you & our common Country, most sincerely, on the Issue of the late presidential Election; nor have I a Doubt of the succeeding Administration being as distinguished for Patriotism & Wisdom, as the preceding. You will indeed, I fear, have a stormy Time to encounter; but that is the Season in which the Pilot discovers his superior Skill. Mr. Crittenden, who is from Kentucky, & has...
97To James Madison from Martin De Garay, 8 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
La Supma. Junta Gubernativa de España e Indias que en ausencia del Sor. Rey Dn. Fernando 7o. administra sur Reinos y Dominios, deseosa de continuar y estrechar las relaciones de amistad y buena correspondencia con los Estados-Unidos de America; ha tenido a bien disponer que continuando Dn. Valentin de Foronda en su empleo de Consul General y Encargado de Negocios cerca de ese Govierno se le...
98To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 8 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
By a foreign Vessel upon the point of departure for a Southern Port, I embrace the opportunity of forwarding to you herewith Enclosed the Messenger and Aurora of this day, also a Statement of the Imports and exports for the year ending 31. December 1808. There will be an extra paper in the course of the day, giving some further details of the Grand Battle, Stated to have been fought between...
99To James Madison from William Pinkney, 8 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed sent to Mr. Pinkney by a Mr. Stephen Kingston. DNA : RG 59--DD-Diplomatic Despatches, Great Britain.
100To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 7 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
It is impossible for me to express the veneration I have for your talents & your political principles. The pleasure therefore I have felt at your election to the presidency has been without alloy. That office could not in my opinion be placed in better hands. But it must be considered that the moment which brings you into office is eventful beyond any example since the adoption of the present...