1Commission of Albert Gallatin, John Quincy Adams, and James A. Bayard, [17 April] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Whereas his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias, as the common friend of the United States and Great Britain, has offered them his mediation, with a view to the restoration of Peace and the establishment of permanent harmony between them; and the invitation having been accepted on the part of the United States in contemplation of a like acceptance on the part of Great Britain: Now...
2Thomas Jefferson’s Memorandum on James Bowdoin’s Letter, 18 September 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Bowdoin’s letter of May 1. 1807 with Ch. M. Somers’ affidavit as to the negociation for 3. millions of a s of land in the Floridas between Omeely ,
3Indenture for Land at Fort Warburton, 31 August 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Indenture for Land at Fort Warburton. 31 August 1815. “This Indenture … between Thomas Attwood Digges [and] William Dudley Digges both of Prince George’s County in the State of Maryland and Robert Brent of the City of Washington in the District of Columbia of the first part and James Madison President of the United States of America of the second part” conveys “unto the said James Madison...
4James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Gray , son of M r William Gray so distinguished for his wealth & his patriotism, wishing with his lady to pay their respects at Monticello , I can not do less than favor the opportunity by a line of introduction. I am unacquainted with him, otherwise than by his introduction thro’ a friend here; but doubt not that he will be found worthy of your civilities which will be acceptable to his...
5Draft of a Naval General Order, [ca. 29 July] 1813 (Madison Papers)
The palpable and criminal intercourse held with the enemys forces blockading and invading the waters and shores of the United States is in a military view an offence of so deep a die as to call for the vigilant interposition of all the Naval Officers of the United States. This intercourse is not only carried on by foreigners under the specious garb of friendly flags who convey provisions water...
6Account with Joel Barlow, 12 June 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 June 1811. Lists items “Bot. of Joel Barlow,” including seventy-three bottles of burgundy “called Clos de vegiot” at $1.50 per bottle; twenty-one dozen of porter and ale at $2.25 per dozen; eight bottles of “Old Chateaux Margaux this is the same wine as is usually sent to the President from Bordeaux with the difference that this has been in bottle 5 years,” at $1 per bottle; “2 Cases...
7Presidential Proclamation, 1 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
Whereas the enemy by a sudden incursion have succeeded in invading the capital of the nation, defended at the moment by troops less numerous than their own, and almost entirely of the militia: during their possession of which, though for a single day only, they wantonly destroyed the public edifices having no relation in their structure to operations of war, nor used at the time for military...
8From James Madison to Robert Smith, 26 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
I return herewith the letters from Vanderhorst, & Bernabeu. It would have been better if Lowry had more carefully concealed his destination. The case of the Spanish Goods landed from the French privateer, must be decided by the result of the judicial enquiry into the character of the latter. If equipped from our jurisdiction, the capture gives a claim to restitution. If not so equipped, the...
9From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I snatch a moment to intimate that Dr. T. Ewell is under circumstances which induce him to surround himself with respectable names as far as he can. Yours has been already brought into print, and he is availing himself to the utmost of your alledged patronage of him. I think it probable that he will endeavor to draw from you by letter whatever may be yielded by your politeness or benevolence;...
10From James Madison to Richard Rush, 15 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
The occasion which led to your favor of this morning merits all our congratulations, and I heartily join in those you have expressed. The terms of the peace will I hope be satisfactory to our Country. With the events of the war, they can not fail to command the respect of every other. … Be so good as to return the two papers after a leisurely perusal. The newspaper is the latest that has...
11From James Madison to John K. Smith, 12 April 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 12 April 1810. Acknowledged in Smith to JM, 15 May 1810 . Requests information about Lafayette’s Louisiana lands.
12From James Madison to Congress, 18 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1812. “I transmit … copies of a communication from Mr. Russell to the Secretary of State. It is connected with the correspondence accompanying my Message of the 12th instant, but had not at that date been received.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles,...
13From James Madison to the Senate, 26 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate of the United States. The considerations which led to the nomination of a Minister Plenipotentiary to Russia, being strengthened by evidence since received of the earnest desire of the Emperor to establish a diplomatic intercourse between the two Countries, and of a disposition in his Councils favorable to the extension of a commerce mutually advantageous; as will be seen by the...
14From James Madison to William Pinkney, 4 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Aug. 19. came duly to hand, and I tender my thanks for it. I have very little to add in return for your acceptable observations, especially as the opportunity, happens to be reduced to a very few minutes. Mr. Smith will send you the communications to Congs. with whatever else is important. The career of Mr. Jackson, has been equally short & singular. His correspondence as far as...
15From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 22 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 18th. inclosing a commission for me, as one of the Visitors of the Central College in Albemarle. With a reservation of the time required by my remaining duties at this place, I shall, with pleasure contribute my services in promoting the welfare of so beneficial an Institution. Accept Sir my esteem & great respect RC ( Vi : Executive Papers).
16From James Madison to Robert Brent, [ca. 11 September] 1813 (Madison Papers)
The mode provided in the letter to General Harrison, for distances in pay-offices, may answer. But blank Appointments would seem a more regular mode. The filling them implies the same confidence only, and in both cases the appts. are equally annullable. As assistant paymasters are not named in the act, it may be better to appt. additional paymasters in the same District with instructions...
17Presidential Proclamation, [9 July] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Whereas the Congress of the United States, by a joint Resolution of the two Houses, have signified a request, that a day may be recommended, to be observed by the People of the United States, with religious solemnity, as a day of public Humiliation and Prayer: and whereas such a recommendation will enable the several religious denominations and societies so disposed, to offer, at one and the...
18From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 23 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 20th inst. The claim of W. Knaggs involves an important question; what is the effect produced on the salaries of persons made prisoners by an Enemy, by and during their captivity? Civil officers are of two classes. 1st. Those holding during good behaviour 2dly. Those holding during pleasure. Whilst the offices of the 1st class continue and the officers are not removed...
19From James Madison to Congress, 26 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress, for their information, copies and extracts from the correspondence of the Secretary of State, and the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at Paris. These Documents will place before Congress the actual posture of our relations with France. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings,...
20From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 29 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
I duly received your letter of March 4. inclosing a Resolution of Feby. 22. by the General Assembly of Virginia; and urging the importance of providing for the protection of the Chesapeake Bay, which is the object of that Resolution. Concurring fully in the views you have presented of the extended interests which are connected with the Waters of the Bay, and of the use that can be made of them...
21From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 21 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 16th. inclosing the propositions of Mr. Hassler, the Report of the Collector of Philada. and the letter from Mr Irving. The importance of the object, and the peculiar fitness of Mr. Hassler for it, prescribe an acquiescence in his terms. Will it not be better to throw his paper into the form of instructions and explanations accompanying his appointment, than to let it...
22From James Madison to William Plumer, ca. 29 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 29 March 1813. Listed in the index to Plumer’s letterbook for 1809–1815 as filed on p. 597, which has been removed from the letterbook and which fell between letters dated 28 Mar. and 15 Apr. 1813 (DLC: William Plumer Papers).
23From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 26. and return the projected answer to Adml. Cochrane, with a few pencilled alterations, which you will perceive the Scope of; and adopt, or remodify as you may think best. The last one is intended to obviate the apparent inconsistency occurring to you. The only ground on which the B. Govt. could properly, or prudently call the attention of this to the affair in...
24From James Madison to Anthony Morris, 14 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
To the Depôts where prisoners of war are to be provided for & exchanged, is the Island of Bermuda; for which a Commissary is about to be appointed. His allowance is not fixed on, but will be not less than at the rate of $2000 per annum. A Cartel in which he will have a passage will be dispatched in about 10 days, and will probably proceed from the Delaware. If the charge should coincide with...
25From James Madison to James Monroe, [ca. 1 April] 1813 (Madison Papers)
The views with which the U.S. entered into the war, necessarily dispose them to a just peace. The promptitude with which the mediation of H.I.M. was accepted and the purpose of sending ministers to St.P. without waiting for the determination of G.B. is proof of this disposition. An armistice as sparing an effusion of blood, & as contemplating an auspicious result to the mediation, can not...
26From James Madison to Henry Dearborn, 13 November 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 7th. Tonningen being included in the Consulate of Mr. Forbes who resides at Hamburg, and being now the real commercial port of that Consulate, it would not consist with what is due to him, to comply with the wishes of Col. Russel. Mr. F. has acquitted himself as one of the most intelligent and active of the Consular Corps; and when not at Tonningen himself, is...
31 December 1810. Communicates a supplemental report from the secretary of state with information received since his message of 28 Dec. 1810. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure (5 pp.) is Robert Smith to JM, 31 Dec. 1810, forwarding a letter from John Armstrong to Robert Smith, 29 Dec. 1810 (marked D), which...
28James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d your two letters of the 25. & 30. Ult . I have not yet seen any of the Secretaries to whom you have written on the subject of the papers relating to the Batture . I take for granted they will readily comply with your request. M r Gallatin is absent on a visit to his Farm in the Western parts of Penns a . But his chief Clk will I presume be able to furnish the papers, if any, lying...
29From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 30 May 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 30 May 1810. Acknowledged in Cathcart to JM, 13 Aug. 1810 . Orders wine.
30From James Madison to the Senate, 21 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 December 1812. Nominates seven men, “Midshipmen since 1806, and now acting Lieutenants,” to be lieutenants in the U.S. Navy and nine, including Samuel P. Todd, to be pursers. Printed copy ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, 1828). , 2:312).
31From James Madison to Levi Lincoln, [ca. 2 January] 1811 (Madison Papers)
… You will see by the commission which will be forwarded from the Department of State, that I have taken the liberty of nominating you to the Senate as successor to Judge Cushing, notwithstanding your remonstrances against a recall into the national service. I was induced to this step, not only by my personal wishes, but by those of others, between whom and yourself exists all the reciprocal...
32Notes on War Department Correspondence, 23 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
Letter of June 18th. from Secy. of W. to Genl. Izard referred in that of from latter to former, omitted in the correspondence sent to J. M. ______ Secy. of War informs Izard that it is the determination Navy Dept not to increase McDonaugh’s force. That determination is to increase. ______ Genl. Harrison’s letter of Mar. 20. 1814 promises by next mail a Sketch of each of the Tribes on...
33From James Madison to John Drayton, ca. 1 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 1 May 1809. Thanks Governor Drayton for sending a copy of his View of South Carolina and would like to see a similar work from each state. “Examples such as yours cannot be without effect in promoting the desireable result” (extract from Parke-Bernet Catalogue No. 2235 [1963], which offered letter for sale).
34James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
On my arrival at O. C. House on thursday I found your favor of the 12 th inst: with the document expected, & the letters from Short & Warden enclosed. The two last whole are now returned. No copy of the document was in the Office of State, as you suppose must have been the case. This was owing to the letter being written by your own hand at Monticello , and being sent on to
35From James Madison to Congress, 22 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
At the request of the Legislature of New Jersey, I communicate to Congress, copies of its Resolutions, transmitted by the Governor of that State. Whereas in cases of great national concern, involving in their consequences the interests, the rights and the welfare, as well of the future as of the present generation; it cannot fail to be useful and acceptable, to those entrusted with the...
36Memorandum on John T. Mason and Robert Trimble, [post–2 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
Mess True & Parker Reptivs Fayette County Mr Bomar Senator from Woodford. Benj. Mills lives at the same place Paris—& Says what any good mans acquaintance would Say. George Walker personal & would not object to the other. Thomas Montgome[r]y, a proof of this being a party question as well as many others. Hubbard Taylor. Ve[r]y good man & influential in his part &c. but will make no bustle. He...
37Presidential Proclamation, [19 June] 1812 (Madison Papers)
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Whereas the Congress of the United States by virtue of the constitutional authority vested in them, have declared by their act bearing date the 18th day of the present month, that war exists between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the dependences thereof, and the United States of America and their Territories;...
38From James Madison to James Kidd, 20 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. some months ago your letter of the 29th. of March last, with the Books* which accompanied it. I delayed an acknowledget of these favors, in the hope that I might find time to look into works, the subjects of which are so well calculated to excite attention. In this hope I have been disappointed, by a crowd of public occupations greater than was foreseen. And as the epoch approaches,...
39From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 22 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 18th. has just reached me, enclosing two letters from Mr. Adams which are returned. Our engagements in Europe must be fulfilled both with a view to justice and to the public credit. In doing this there are so many reasons for preferring the purchase of bills to the sale of Stock abroad, where there is an approach to equality of loss, that I concur in your opinion in favor of the...
40From James Madison to George Watterston, 15 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. Having heretofore desired the Members of the Executive at Washington to attend to the difficulties connected with the rebuilding of the Capitol, I have referred the case which you state to their decision. Accept my friendly respects RC ( DLC : George Watterston Papers). Letter not found.
41From James Madison to John G. Jackson, 21 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I inclose with a few other Newspapers one containing the Decln. of war, which will supply the place of the Natl. Intelligencer, should this miscarry. I inclose also a handbill just recd. giving acct. of the Assassination of Percival. What effect this incident may have on the British Coun[c]ils, can not be anticipated without further knowledge of its causes & circumstances. It may possibly...
42From James Madison to William Pinkney and Others, 22 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. fellow Citizens, the congratulations upon the conclusion of an honorable peace with G. B, which you have communicated on the part of a numerous & respectable meeting of Republican Citizens of the City & precincts of Baltimore. A candid review of the trials to which our Country has been exposed, & of its conduct previous & subsequent to the appeal to arms, will always do equal...
43From James Madison to Joseph Anderson, 14 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Anderson, and informs him that he will, on Friday next, at 11 o’clock receive the Committee of the Senate instructed to communicate to the President their resolution of the 16th ultimo. The committee are apprized, by his late message to the Senate, of the grounds on which he will be obliged to decline the proposed conference with the committee upon the...
44Presidential Proclamation, [2 November] 1810 (Madison Papers)
By the President of the United States, A PROCLAMATION. Whereas by the fourth section of the act of Congress, passed on the first day of May, 1810, entitled “An act concerning the commercial intercourse between the United States and Great Britain and France and their dependencies and for other purposes,” it is provided “that in case either Great Britain or France shall, before the third day of...
45From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 27 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 25th. and return the letter from Mr. Kerr, who I presume is the former Senator from the State of Ohio. Not being acquainted with all the circumstances, which would throw light on the subject, among which is “the unfortunate circumstance mentioned in the Envelope,” not accompanying your letter, I cannot appreciate properly, the representation made to you. It is due to...
46From James Madison to Congress, 28 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 February 1811. Transmits a report of the secretary of state relative to deficiencies in the returns of the census. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E3). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure is Robert Smith to JM, 27 Feb. 1811 .
47From James Madison to James Jay, 5 July 1811 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 5 July 1811. Mentioned in Jay to JM, 11 July 1811 . States that it would be agreeable to him if Jay’s request for permission to travel to Europe in a U.S. vessel could be granted but the secretary of the navy has made arrangements that will not allow private passengers.
48From James Madison to James Monroe, 23 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 21st. is just recd. I am sorry to learn that your health continues to fluctuate, as well as that you are detained from your intended trip, which would doubtless aid it, by the causes you mention. I hope the next information will be more favorable. The omission to sanction the appt. of Commodore Lewis ⟨pr⟩oceeded from a misapprehension of your letter. I thought, on a hasty […] my...
49Remission for Philip Russell, 21 November 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Remission for Philip Russell. 21 November 1815. “Whereas it has been represented to me that Philip Russell was some time ago charged with a violation of the Revenue laws of the United States, in selling spirituous liquors in the first Collection District of Pennsylvania, without a license for so doing, and that he has been duly convicted before the District Court of the United States for the...
50From James Madison to Napoleon, 3 November 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 November 1810, Washington. “I have lately received the letter of your Imperial and Royal Majesty bearing date the 3 of April last, announcing the Marriage of your Majesty with the Arch Dutchess Maria Louisa of Austria.” Offers “our Cordial congratulation.” Tr ( AAE : Political Correspondence, U.S., 63:260). 1 p. PJM-PS Robert A. Rutland et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Presidential...