1251From James Madison to Alexander C. Hanson, 1 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Objects interesting to the United States requiring that the Senate should be in session on the 4th ⟨of⟩ March next, to receive such communications as may be made to it on the part of the ⟨Ex⟩ecutive, your attendance in the Senate Chamber in th⟨is⟩ City on that day is accordingly requested. RC ( MdHi ). In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM . Copies of this letter were sent to all members of the...
1252James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 April 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letter of Mazzei , without however having ascertained the fact as to the remittance by the Sculptor. Latrobe I presume, will give the information in his answer to the letter which I have forwarded to him. He is now in Philad a . A Secretary of Legation with a sort of Extra establishment has just arrived from England , with despatches for Erskine . I have a private letter only from...
1253From James Madison to Jean-Baptiste Say, 4 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
I must trust to your goodness to pardon the long delay in offering my thanks for the Treatise on Political economy, & for the kind sentiments expressed in the letter which accompanied it. I regret that notwithstanding the delay, I have not been able to steal from my occupations the time necessary to do justice to such a work by an entire and continued perusal; and that I must postpone that...
1254From James Madison to John Barker, 21 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 17th. covering the Address & Resolutions adopted in the first Congressional District of the State of Penna. and avail myself of the same channel, for conveying an answer to the former. I tender at the same time, my acknowledgments for your kind expressions, and assurances of my respect & good wishes. To the Republican Citizens of the 1st. Congressional District...
1255From James Madison to William Plumer, 6 October 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 23. Sepr. Your observations on the deficiency of the inlistments & the remedy for it are entirely just. The recommence [ sic ] provided by law for those who are to serve in the ranks, whether of the regular army, or the volunteer corps, has every where failed to fill them. Justice as well as policy should make amends to the soldier for what is given up by...
1256From James Madison to William Jarvis, 17 June 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letters not found. 17 June 1810 (two letters). Acknowledged in Jarvis to JM, 26 Aug. 1810 . Expresses his gratitude on the receipt of the merinos sent by Jarvis and discusses the arrangements for the disposition of the lamb born since their arrival (see JM to Jefferson, 2 July 1810 ). Also places an order for old wine.
1257From James Madison to William Eustis, 7 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 26. That of the 19th. Ult. has been already acknowledged. Having written to Washington for the precedents in the case of calling out the Militia, & employing the regular force, to execute the Act of 1794. agst. unauthorized enterprizes on foreign nations, I have recd. a copy of Genl. Dearborns letter to Govr Greenup, now inclosed. In your absence from the Office,...
1258From James Madison to John Armstrong, 2 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of War will cause the supply of ammunition requested to be furnished. If the arrangements of Genl. Winder shd. not have anticipated the other want and the cannon can be furnished, orders to that effect will al⟨s⟩o be given. Draft ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC , series 3). JM labeled the draft: “On a letter from Genl. Stuart, requesting 200 rounds of Grape Cannister &c also a few 9s or...
1259From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 7 October 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 October 1812. In accordance with a 3 Mar. 1809 act of Congress, directs “that the sum of seventy thousand dollars be applied out of the appropriation of Pay & subsistence of the Navy to Contingent expenses.” RC ( DLC , series 7); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, entry 4, Letters to Secretary of Treasury). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. At the foot the letter is redirected in...
1260From James Madison to the Senate, 23 December 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To the Senate. 23 December 1815. “I nominate Joseph S. Morrison to be Collector of Direct taxes and Internal duties for the fourteenth collection district of Pennsylvania, in the room of David Reiley.” RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A1). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, dated and signed by JM . The Senate approved the nomination on 26 Dec. 1815 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings,...
1261From James Madison to John Graham, 3 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
The arrival of the Mail has just brought me yours of the 1st. inst: and with it the inclosed letters from Govr. Holmes. You will observe that he concurs with Mr. P. in three of the Selections; and that the two names on which he differs, stand first in the legislative nomination. I have signed the Commission, leaving the blanks to be filled; according to the Govrs. recommendation; substituting...
1262From James Madison to John Armstrong, 2 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
In analogy to the arrangement yesterday decided on in reference to this City & Baltimore and with a view to a systematic provision agst. invading armaments, the Secretary of war will digest & report to the President, corresponding precautionary means of defence, in reference to the other more important and exposed places along the Atlantic Frontier; particularly Boston, New York, Wilmington...
1263James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 January 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I sna t ch a moment to intimate that D r 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...
1264From James Madison to John Strode, 26 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 26 October 1809. Acknowledged in Strode to JM, 7 Feb. 1810 . Proposes an arrangement for repayment of debt owed by Strode. The Montpelier plantation manager, Gideon Gooch, will act on JM’s behalf.
1265From James Madison to Congress, 14 January 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Congress. 14 January 1814. “I transmit to Congress an account of the contingent expenses of the Government for the year one thousand eight hundred and thirteen.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 13A-E1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 13A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in Edward Coles’s hand, signed by JM . The enclosed account (1 p.),...
1266From James Madison to Elbridge Gerry, 5 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
I am in your debt for 3 letters of the 10. 11. & 25 June. General Boyd goes to N.Y. instead of N. Orleans. Weston was never even seen by me. The command of the Revenue Cutter is to be given to Trewitt who is strongly & extensively recommended. The last intelligence from Europe was as you will have inferred, no wise decisive with respect to our affairs with G.B: nor can it well be so, untill...
1267James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho’ the letter from M r Brown was probably intended for you, I could not hesitate in carrying it into effect; and finding that the Bill on the Navy Dep t will be paid, I inclose, in order to avoid the delay of a week, the sum drawn for in Bank notes. I send them to you rather than directly to M rs T. first because I do not know what the direct address ought to be, & 2 dly because it is...
1268Pardon for Thomas Dykes and Others, 1 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
Whereas at a General Court Martial began & holden at Carlisle Barracks in the State of Pennsylvania, on the 6th. & Continued by adjournment to the 13th. day of July 1815, of which Lieutenant Col: Chambers was President, Thomas Dykes, Corporal Powell, Thomas Gibbons, Jacob Haynes, Jacob Rose, John Mathews, John Johnston, Lewis Thomas & Seth Harman, of the army of the United States now at...
1269From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 25 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Since the rect. of your several letters relating to the Treasury proposition, and the decision of Bank Deputies at Philadelphia, my thoughts have been duly turned to the important and perplexing subject. Altho’ there may be no propriety in recalling the proposition, it seems now certain that it will fail of its effect. Should the Banks not represented at Philada. come into the measure, the...
1270From James Madison to Henry Dearborn, 4 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
Being desirous of obtaining for the Department of War, services which I thought you could render with peculiar advantage, & hoping that for a time at least you might consent to step into that Dept. I took the liberty, without a previous communication, for which there was not time, to nominate you as successor to Mr. Monroe who was called back to the Dept. of State. I had not a doubt from all...
1271Remission for Michael Coxe, 8 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas at a Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Pennsylvania, Michael Cox, Mariner, was lately convicted of a misdemeanor in forcibly confining the Captain of the Ship, in which he was employed, and keeping him in Duress, whereupon he was sentenced to pay a fine of Three hundred dollars to the United States, to be imprisoned twelve Calander months, and to remain in...
1272Presidential Proclamation, 16 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1811. Declares and makes known, in conformity with the provisions of section 12 of “An Act regulating the grants of land and providing for the disposal of the Lands of the United States, South of the State of Tennessee” (3 Mar. 1803), of the act attaching lands ceded by the Choctaw Nation in 1805 to the land district east of the Pearl River (31 Mar. 1808), and section 1 of “An Act...
1273From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 23 July 1811 (Madison Papers)
We are at length about to exchange Washington for Montpelier. The morning after tomorrow is fixt for our departure. The state of our affairs with France may be collected from the printed accts. Some obscurities hang over them as they respect the degree of our commerce with them. The Decrees seem not to be in operation in any sense giving pretext for the refusal of G. B. to revoke her orders in...
1274From James Madison to Congress, 3 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
The Act Authorizing a Detachment of one hundred thousand men from the Militia, will expire on the 30th. of Mar: next. It’s early revival is recommended, in order that timely steps may be taken for arrangements, such as the act contemplated. Without interfering with the modifications rendered necessary by the defects, or the inefficacy of the laws restrictive of commerce and navigation, or with...
1275From James Madison to Andrew Ellicott, 22 November 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have read your letter of the 14th., and shall consider any aid, in facilitating your intercourse with the National Institute at Paris, as too much due to the object of it, not to be readily afforded. Your letters forwarded either to me or to the Dept. of State will be always attended to, in making up the communications to our Minister at this place. With my friendly wishes accept assurances...
1276Proposal to Renew Nonintercourse, [ca. 5 April] 1810 (Madison Papers)
Re-enact the Non-Intercourse; with a proviso that its operation shall not commence untill the day of Unless in the meantime either G. B. or Fr. shall have repealed &c. its Edicts &c., & the other shall fail to do the same; in which case it shall be lawful for the P. by proclamation, to fix an earlier day on which the Act shall go into operation, towards the Nation so failing to revoke &c. Ms (...
1277From James Madison to Congress, 13 March 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 March 1812. Transmits a letter from the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the secretary of state. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E3). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosure (printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents, Legislative...
1278From James Madison to Congress, 18 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress two letters received from Governor Harrison of the Indiana Territory, reporting the particulars and the issue of the expedition under his command, of which notice was taken in my communication of November 5th. While it is deeply lamented that so many valuable lives have been lost in the action which took place on the 7th ulto., Congress will see with satisfaction the...
1279From James Madison to the Senate, 20 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate of the United States In compliance with the Resolution of the Senate of the 19th inst.; I transmit such information as has been received, respecting Exiles from Cuba, arrived, or expected within the United States; also, a letter from Genl. Turreau connected with that subject. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings). In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure was probably a...
1280From James Madison to John G. Jackson, 3 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of Oct: 29 covering the resolutions of the 119 Regiment of the Virginia Militia. The Spirit which these resolutions express, is the more to be approved and relied on, as it is the result of an examination into the foreign aggressions committed against the United States, & into the proceedings of the Government in consequence of them. A conviction of the justice of...
1281From James Madison to Jonathan Dayton, [17] March 1812 (Madison Papers)
In the latter end of the year 1808, & Spring of 1809, two anonymous letters were addressed, one to the then Secy. of State, the other to the P. of the U. S. They related to a projected severance of the Union, brought to the knowledge of the writer, which was to be undertaken in case of a rupture with G. B. under the managemt. of men of high standing; but was obviated for the time by the...
1282From James Madison to the Senate, Ca. 16 January 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To the Senate. Ca. 16 January 1817. “Commissions having issued during the recess to the following persons, I now nominate them to the Offices respectively attached to their names.” RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). 4 pp. Undated; conjectural date assigned based on Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of...
1283From James Madison to William Eustis, 7 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed commission will inform you that I have taken the liberty to nominate you to fill the Office of Secretary of War, vacated by the resignation of General Dearborn, and that the Senate have compleated the appointment. I transmit the Commission with a hope that I shall have the pleasure of learning that your Country will have the benefit of your services in that important station. I...
1284Presidential Proclamation, 3 May 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 May 1811. Declares, under the terms of the 30 Apr. 1810 act providing for the sale of certain lands in the Indiana Territory, that the tract of land to which the Indian title was extinguished under the 1809 Treaty of Fort Wayne and which adjoins the boundary line established by the Treaty of Greenville and was made part of the district of Cincinnati, “with the exception of such [lands] as...
1285From James Madison to William Eustis, 20 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 13th. I am glad to learn that you are so well satisfied with the ⟨present⟩ state of the armories; and that an inconveniency to the U.S. can be relieved by so seasonable a measure as that of distributing arms to the States. It is particularly agreeable also that the important works for the defence of N.Y. are so near their completion. Will it not be well to institute...
1286Remission for Jesse Cross, 6 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas Jesse Cross, a Private in the Corps of Artillery of the United States, has been convicted before the Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Columbia, now in session in this City, of having stolen a Horse, the Property of one Henry Clarke, in October last, whereupon he was sentenced by the said Court to be whipped with stripes and to pay a fine to the United States; and...
1287From James Madison to William Wirt, 13 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
¶ To William Wirt. Letter not found. 13 March 1816. Acknowledged in Wirt to JM , 17 Mar. 1816 as offering Wirt the position of United States attorney for Virginia.
1288From James Madison to William Eustis, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 7th. The detention of the Indians as hostages is liable to the most serious objections. The most extreme case only would justify it. And the policy of the measure is liable to those you suggest, under that view of the subject. The opinion of Clarke at least might to [ illegible ] favor of it. Is that known? The capture of Fort Wayne is I hope a mistake for the loss of...
1289From James Madison to the Senate, 8 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, Thomas Torrence of the Mississippi Territory to be a Legislative Councillor of the same Territory in the place of Ferdinand L. Claiborne deceased. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A1). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . The Senate approved the nomination on 11 Jan. 1816 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings, Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of...
1290From James Madison to John Mitchell Mason, 5 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 29th. January. The Form of a Constn. delineated by Genl. Hamilton, & put by him into my hands, being among my papers in Virga. a copy of it cannot be furnished till I shall have made a trip thither. I shall then not fail to make good my promise. The general mass of manuscript materials which I possess relative to the Convention, being under the circumstances...
1291From James Madison to George W. Campbell, 27 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 26th. resigning your office of Secretary of the Treasury. The considerations both personal & public which induced my desire that you should become a member of the Executive family, being undiminished, I cannot but deeply regret the event which separates you from it, and more especially the imperious cause which imposed such an alternative. With my sincerest...
1292From James Madison to William Plumer, 15 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Governour Plumer, with his thanks for the copy of his Speech to the Legislature of New Hampshire: which is so judiciously calculated to point their attention to the true source of the sufferings of our Country, and to prepare them for the only means left for redressing them. RC ( NhHi ). Unsigned. See Plumer to JM, 6 June 1812 .
1293From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday yours covering the letter of Mr. Spafford, which was forwarded to him as you suggested: His object in communicating it I collect only from its contents. He probably exhibited it as a proof of the spirit and views of the Eastern States during the late war. As with you the weather here has of late been remarkable both for the degree & continuance of Cold, and the winter...
1294From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 11 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
In the haste of my last letter to you, I omitted to notice the wish of Genl. Scott, for permission to visit Europe, without a discontinuance of official emoluments. He is certainly entitled to every admissible indulgence, and in this case, the public interests might be promoted, by the military instruction he might acquire on that theatre. His departure will of course be under the controul,...
1295From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have received from Mr Graham the Communications to you from Algiers, which being copies I do not return. The course before us is obvious. The ground taken in the last instructions must be adhered to. The Dey must distinctly understand, that altho’ we prefer peace we are prepared for War; and will make no change in the late treaty, nor concession of any sort to avoid it. It appears from Shaws...
1296From James Madison to William Eustis, 10 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. from the War office a copy of the letter of July 12. from Lt. Colo. Sparkes, the original of which addressed to you, had been forwarded. The present Mail allows me but a moment, to say that the request to have the garrison at Fort Stoddart reinforced, seems to be amply justified by the circumstances on which it is founded; at the same time that it accords with other...
1297From James Madison to the Senate, 2 February 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, John Page Junr, of New Hampshire to be principal assessor of the 5th Collection District of the same state in the place of Abel Merrile, resigned. William Tolley, of New York to be principal assessor of the 27th Collection district of the same state in the place of Andrew Backus, removed out of the District. William Roberts, of Maryland, to be principal assessor of the 2d...
1298From James Madison to Congress, 25 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
Peace having, happily, taken place, between the United States and Great Britain, it is desirable to guard against incidents, which, during periods of war in Europe, might tend to interrupt it: and, it is believed, in particular, that the navigation of American vessels exclusively by American Seamen, either natives, or such as are already naturalized, would not only conduce to the attainment of...
1299Notes on Jefferson’s “Statement” on the Batture at New Orleans, [ca. 12 August] 1810 (Madison Papers)
p. 16. form of stating the consultation seems to imply a more elaborate inquiry into the law than was then made: better to give a summary of the grounds; & appeal to the full view of the argts. in support of the opinion given. Id. too unqualified pre-eminence ascribed to Civil Law. 17. quer. the advantage of the note which seems rather erudite & curious, than strictly within the scope of the...
1300From James Madison to William Eustis, 15 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
It has been in view for some time to counterplace Mr. Changuion by an Envoy Extraordinary & Minister Plenipotentiary to his Sovereign Prince; and I have had you in my thoughts for the service. I postponed however consulting you on the subject, on the calculation that it could be done at any time without inconvenient delay to the object. Circumstances now exist which render an immediate...