1To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 26 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am honored, dear Sir, by your letter of the 14th. instant in answer to mine of the 20th of february, stating, that “tho you do not enter into the aptitude of all my observations, you perceive in them a very interesting veiw of our public affairs.” Since the adoption of those measures, the relaxation of Government, in regard to the embargo, has happily changed the phrenzy, excited by the last...
2To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 20 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have heard, Dear Sir, with no small surprize, that charges have been preferred against Doctor Waterhouse, for misconduct as physician of the U. S. marine hospital at Charleston. I have been intimately acquainted with the Doctor for thirty years, so far at least as to have been able to form for myself, a correct opinion, which has ever been a respectful one, of his moral, political, &...
3To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 13 June 1810 (Madison Papers)
From some circumstances which have come to my knowledge, I am induced to think, that measures are adopted to shake the confidence of Government, in their district attorney, George Blake Esqr. If so, the grounds are said to be, his having had in his office, a brother, & his having associated with native & foreign gentlemen, of different politicks . I regret exceedingly, that reports of this...
4To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 22 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
The death of Judge Cushing, having produced a vacancy which must soon be filled, the general expectation in this quarter, I find is, that George Blake Esqr will be his successor. It is grounded, On the professional character of that Gentleman, which is supposed to be paramount to that of any person in this State, who can be a candidate for that office; On ten years practice in the federal...
5To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 4 October 1810 (Madison Papers)
On the 22d of Sepr last, I had the honor of addressing you a letter, on the subject of a candidate to supply the vacancy, caused by the death of Judge Cushing; & also of one for the office of district attorney, if that should be vacant by the promotion of the present incumbent. Being then in haste, I had omitted to mention, that my Son in law, by the appointment of Governor Sullivan, had...
6To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 17 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have read your message, with great attention & pleasure. It is clear, candid, firm & dignified, & cannot fail of convincing G Britain, that your object is just, your demands are reasonable, & that you will support them at all events. In this resolution, you will unite the eastern part of the nation; except british subjects, traders & partizans, who in case of a conflict, would soon...
7To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 12 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
The late President Adams communicated to me yesterday, in a friendly interveiw at my house, the enclosed extract of a letter; & expressed great apprehension, that if all the propositions, for enforcing the non intercourse act, should be adopted, they will overthrow the republican governments of the New England States & make them compleatly federal. The searching houses, as proposed before the...
8To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 27 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
I addressed a line to you yesterday on a minor subject; at this time, my mind is intent on a very important point. It has been confidentially communicated to me, that there are two revolutionary officers on the list of candidates for the office of Commander in chief of the national Army; Governor Hull & General Brooks. Governor Hull & General Dearbo[r]n were in my mind the most prominent...
9To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 31 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1811, Boston Council Chamber. Introduces Richard Devens Harris—“a young Gentleman of this place & of one of the most respectable families in it, of a liberal education, & of correct morals & politicks”—who wishes to pay his respects. “Mr Harris having spent two or three years at London, Paris &c has obtained much useful information; which qualifies him to serve his Country in many...
10To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 2 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Count de Crillon, son of the celebrated Duke, who beseiged Gibralter, & was famous as a great mi[li]tary character, arrived here a day or two past, & proposes to go on to Washington. He came from England in company with Captain Henry, formerly of our army; whom you probably know, is also a great military character, & in every point, truly respectable. He wishes to pay his personal respects...
11To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 3 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I addressed, at the request of some Gentlemen, a line to you yesterday, introducing the Count de Crillon to your Excellency; and think it expedient to inform you, that I am in every respect uninformed in regard to the politicks of that nobleman, he being to me an entire stranger. Respectfully your Excellency’s unfeigned Friend RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). Later docketed by JM,...
12To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 11 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
J. A. Henry Esq, who formerly commanded a company of Artillery of the U States, wishing to pay his respects to your Excellency, I take the liberty to introduce him to your acquaintance; as a Gentleman who has resided heretofore in this State & who for his professional, literary, & polite accomplishments, has been much respected by all his acquaintance. Accept, I pray you, dear Sir, assurances,...
13To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 12 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have heard with concern that the Yazoo Company in this State have agreed to divide their lands into small parcells, to locate & to dispose of them, under the title confirmed by the Judiciary of the UStates. His Excellency Governor Hull being fortunately here on a visit, & informed of this proceeding, has endeavoured to stop it; from a conviction of unpleasant consequences; & has also...
14To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 25 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a Resolve of the Legislature of this Commonwealth, respecting a supply of blankets & cloathing, for the information of your Excellency, &, if you think proper, of Congress; & to assure you, that with the highest esteem & respect I remain your Excellency’s obedt Sert RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC docketed by JM. For enclosure (2 pp.), see n. 1. Gerry enclosed a report...
15To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 16 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
The injuries which have resulted to me, by filling the office of Chief Magistrate of this Commonwealth; in consequence of the great expence thereof, of the smallness of the salary, & of the neglect of my private concerns—The state of the banks, in which is locked up, a great part of the circulating medium of the country—And other concurrent, unfortunate public & private events, have rendered...
16To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 25 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
On the 21st instant, I received a letter from the Secretary of War of the 15th, for detaching, pursuant to your directions, ten thousand of the militia of this Commonwealth; & immediately gave orders to the Adjutant General to make the arrangement, & to the Secretary to convene the Council, lest their aid may have been wanted. This day I have issued General Orders for compleating this...
17Elbridge Gerry to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for the pamphlet this day received, respecting “the intrusion of Edward Livingston ”; & for your polite & friendly manner of transmitting it. The publick is much indebted to you on this, & on numerous other occasions, for performances; to which few are equal, & still fewer have a disposition. The opportunity now presented, is highly appretiated; as it enables me to revive those...
18To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 19 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have been honored by your letter of the 9th, & having heard of two instances only, in which is manifested a disposition to embarrass the detachments, I flatter myself they will be generally successful. When I came into office there were seven federal of eleven Major Generals, & now there are but six of seventeen; being the number of existing militia divisions. The increase I effected as an...
19To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 20 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
In a letter which I addressed to You yesterday, I omitted to mention, that you have the entire confidence of the republicans in this quarter. They veiw with deep regret, every attempt of a few of the republican party to supplant you; with indignation, the proffered support of the federalists to your competitor; & with grief, the division, small as it is, which has been the result: but you may...
20To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 22 May 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 May 1812, Cambridge. “The letter enclose[d], I recd, from Colo Sherburne of Newport, an old revolutionary Officer. He has been always respected as a Soldier, a Gentleman & man of honor. I am not informed of his politicks, but if the office he applies for in the war department should be conferred on him, he would undoubtedly discharge it With fidelity.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 94,...
21To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 12 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am this day favoured by your highly esteemed letter of the 3d. We are informed that the House have passed the Rubicon; God grant to the Senate the same Wisdom & fortitude. Our anxiety is great, in a State of such awful Suspense; but we have great confidence in a majority of its members. On the 1st of May last I addressed a letter to our mutually revered Friend Mr Jefferson; & not having...
22Elbridge Gerry to Thomas Jefferson, 12 June 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 1 st of may I addressed to you a letter , of which a copy is annexed. I conceive, by having been intercepted, it has shared the fate, which often attends my letters. We are in anxious expectation, that the Cord will be cut, which has too long confined us to the views & interest of our commerical Competitors May God grant to us this event ; it will save our Country. RC ( DLC ); at foot...
23To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 5 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
War is declared, God be praised, Our Country is safe. But great care & caution, at this Time is necessary. The Castle, I understand, is under a Captain’s command, & he a Federalist; with a single company of Artillerists; & may be carried by a coup de main. This Prospect is the tory plan, as the best stratagem to change the Government. The Governor, I am informed, obstinately refuses the...
24To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 13 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I addressed a line to you on the 5th, & am happy to learn that Colo Porter has the command of Fort Independence; that he has upwards of three hundred men; & that he is daily receiving reinforcements. Sure I am, that nothing will be wanting on the part of the Republicans in this State, to aid General Dearborn, & to promote the veiws & orders of the national Government. It is impossible to say,...
25To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 22 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Since my recovery from indisposition, I have had an interview with General Dearborn, who informed me that he was soon to depart from Boston; & being informed by him of the state of our Castle, I enquired what was to prevent the Enemy, if apprized of our defenceless situation, from embarking all its regular troops at Nova Scotia, in transports trusting its defence for a short period to their...
26To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 15 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
If there is any medical, or other office, which is or may soon be vacant, in or near Boston, it cannot as I conceive be so well applied, as by giving it to Doctor Waterhouse. His history is singular. He has been a Professor thirty years, in our University, & this has long been in the hands of high federalists; such as Ch. Jus. Parsons, the “Boston Rebel,” & similar men. The Doctor was in the...
27Elbridge Gerry to Thomas Jefferson, 15 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of the 11 th of June , in my sick chamber, & the pure friendship which it breathed, raised my spirits, then under the inevitable depression of disease. Friendship increases by its duration, almost in geometrical proportion; & yours was prior to that of my eldest surviving friend, in Massachusetts . Your remarks in regard to the British faction, are (in my mind,)...
28To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 24 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
Our late Secretary, Benjamin Homans Esqr will have the honor of paying his respects, & presenting this to you. His object is to obtain some place, in which he may be employed for the mutual benefit of himself & the Publick. The Consulate to which he was lately appointed would not have enabled him to subsist himself, & his Family. His success in the present pursuit, would afford great pleasure...
29To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 8 November 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have read, my dear Sir, with inexpressible pleasure, your message to Congress; embracing, in my veiw of it, every important point, & every requisite observation thereon, compatible with elegant precision. Had Congress adjourned to an earlier period, this important document would have probably had a salutary influence on the elections. I observe with pleasure, that there is soon, to be a...
30To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 12 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am happy, extremely so, in the prospect of your re-election; for the reverse of this would, in my mind, have given to G Britain, a complete triumph over our most meritorious administration, & Legislature, & Would have been considered by her, & probably by all Europe, as a sure pledge of the Revocation of our Independence. If the issue of the Election should be such, as is here anticipated by...
31To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 19 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor on the 12th, to address a line to you, requesting information whether there probably will be a Session of Congress or of the Senate on the 4th of march next, & if so, of what duration? The principal object of this enquiry was to ascertain, in case of the success of the republican ticket for President & Vice President, & of no Session of Congress, or of the Senate on the day...
32To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 26 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
Accept my sincere thanks for your friendly favor, without date; & for the cheerful manner of your meeting my request. At the time prescribed, & before the District Judge & a circle of my friends, I propose to take the oath, agreably to your information; unless it should be requisite, for public purposes, to be then at Washington, in which event I shall claim no indulgence. Nothing delights me...
33To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 9 February 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have deferred an answer to the letter, which you did me the honor of addressing on the 28th of Jany, ’till I could see Capt John Delman of Marblehead; who has refreshed my memory with the following statement, which he made in a short interview, as the facts then were presented to his recollection. “That in the fall of the year 1775, General Washington commissioned Nicolas Broughton &...
34To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 9 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 February 1813, Cambridge. “The bearer John Appleton Esqr, one of the Consuls of the U.States, is a neighbour of mine, & proposes to pay his respects to you at Washington. His object, as he informs me, is to express his readiness, as he has much leisure time, to occupy it in any public employment which may be for the mutual benefit of the Publick & himself, in this quarter. Mr Appleton is a...
35To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 15 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor last week of addressing a line of introduction to yourself, of my neighbour John Appleton Esq, stating his desire to be occupied in some public office; and being apprized of his wish to administer the functions of the Marshalls office in regard to Prisoners, it is incumbent on me to be explicit on the subject, by declaring, that this was not my object, but that on the other...
36To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 20 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have this day the honor of receiving, by James M Varnum Esq, your letter of the fourteenth instant; enclosing a Certificate, from the Honble William H. Crawford President of the Senate pro tempore, that I have been duly elected Vice President of the United States agreably to the Constitution. This distinguished testimony of the Confidence of a majority of the Honorable Electors duly invested...
37To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 6 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your letters of the 11th of February has given me great pleasure. I regretted exceedingly that the incidents of the day, at our last interview, deprived me of the pleasure you then proposed, of conversing fully & freely on the subject of the Navy. I have this day written to Captain Selman (Commodore Broughton being no more) & have requested of him every information, & a copy of every document...
38To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 24 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed are two letters marked A,B, & four documents numbered from 1 to 4 inclusively, which Capt Selman agreably to my request, on the subject of our first naval enterprizes, has transmitted to me for your perusal. They are intended as records for your files of application. I have also received & included in this packet, a letter from B Austin Esq in regard to the same subject. I shall be...
39To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 25 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed petition I have the honor to transmit. It should have been directed to the supreme Executive, & affords me an opportunity of renewing my assurances of perfect esteem & respect, & of my remaining Yours most sincerely The petitioners I have reason to believe, are firm supporters of the national Government RC ( MdHi ). Enclosure not found, but a docket on the cover of the letter...
40To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 29 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have received a number of applications since the 4th instant, but have declined to comply with their objects, recommendations for various offices. But I cannot justify to my own mind, such a strict adherence to a rule prescribed by & for myself, as to conceal from the Supreme Executive, the high standing which the Honble Richard Cutts has in the estimation of the friends of the union &...
41To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 8 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have received from Benjn Austin Esqr, for your perusal, a collection of News papers, printed by Benjn Edes of Watertown, between the 5th June 1775 & the 9th of Decr 1776; & have committed them to the care of Mr Marston. The privateering act which I formerly mentioned, is printed in the Gazette of the 13th of Novr 1775. I shall probably be absent at the time you may wish to return this book...
42To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 10 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
I addressed a line to you yesterday, with a bound collection of Edes’ Gazettes printed in 1775 & 6, to the care of Mr. Marston. I now am honored by yours of the 2d & 9th instant, & am much obliged to you, for their impressive & instruct i ve contents. You are the only friend, & almost the only person of the United States, who is capable of giving full information on the subject of our...
43To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 21 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
I must apologize my dear Sir, for the troublesome request which I made; & for your ready compliance with it on the 2d of April in your letter which I had the honor of receiving, I must request your acceptance of my cordial Thanks. I recollect the epoch of 1789, & that about that period I gave mortal offence to the Count Mouchet, for declaring in Congress, that the French nation was indebted to...
44Elbridge Gerry to Thomas Jefferson, 11 June 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Here I am, my dear Sir, by the partiality of my friends, & discomfiture of my political enemies; again in the vortex of national politicks. My line of duty is plain & easy, & I shall endeavour to adhere to it. But I must confess, that I am much disappointed in a very pleasing anticipation, an interveiw at the seat of government with my ancient & highly respected friend of Monticello ; for I am...
45Elbridge Gerry to Thomas Jefferson, 6 July 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Your very friendly letter of the 19th of June has given me great pleasure. The preference you express for the office holden by me, to the first office of the Government, is correspondent with your veiw of the same subject, when you was elected at to the former place. The latter you then justly considered as a “station of splendid misery .” My opinion on both these points is perfectly...
46Elbridge Gerry to Thomas Jefferson, 4 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
My eldest Son will have the honor of presenting this. He is on a visit to his friends & relations at Pittsylvania , & it would have been impossible for him to have passed near to Monticello , with out manifesting that reverence & respect which he has always entertained for the friend & father of his Country. In presenting himself him to yourself & family, I am favored with an opportunity of...
47To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 12 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
Being informed, Dear Sir, by my friend General Bloomfield, that he proposes soon to pay his respects to you, permit me to introduce him to your acquaintance as a firm & important friend to the existing Government, an inflexible Patriot, & an influential Character in his own State, as well as in other parts of the Union. The General for a number of years filled with great dignity & energy, the...
48To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 26 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
By the request of Mr Wyer, lately appointed a Consul of the U States to Riga, I have the pleasure of introducing you to this Gentleman, who proposes soon to embark for Russia. Mr Wyer is governed by those principles of integrity & honor, & is possessed of such liberality & candor as cannot fail to meet your approbation & friendship. Permit me, With Mrs Gerry & my family, to express, in terms...
49To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 10 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I had the cordial satisfaction by our friend Mr Cutts of hearing, that your health was restored in so great a degree, as to enable you to mount a gay saddle horse, & to veiw your Plantation; also that your Lady & his were well. God be praised for all his mercies! I hope you will all enjoy, long enjoy, health & happiness. The arrival of a minister from Sweden is announced, & I presume will...
50To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 18 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit a letter received from Jacob Gerrish Esq of Newbury Port of the 16th instant, with the statements therein enclosed. As they relate to supplies for the enemy, I have no doubt thereof; & it is much to be regretted that your wise proposition for laying an embargo last session was not adopted. With the highest esteem & respect, I have the Honor to remain, Sir, yours...