1251From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 21 October 1815 (Madison Papers)
¶ To an Unidentified Correspondent. Letter not found. 21 October 1815. Offered for sale by Charles F. Heartman, Catalogue No. 233, Important Washingtoniana and Rare Americana (1932), item 299, and described as a two-page autograph letter, signed, written at Washington, “referring to financial matters and mentioning Mrs. Washington.”
1252Presidential Proclamation, [6 February 1815] (Madison Papers)
Among the many evils produced by the wars, which, with little intermission, have afflicted Europe, and extended their ravages into other quarters of the globe, for a period exceeding twenty years, the dispersion of a considerable portion of the inhabitants of different countries, in sorrow and in want, has not been the least injurious to human happiness, nor the least severe in the trial of...
1253Commission for James Monroe, 1 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
The office of Secretary of State being now vacant, I do, in pursuance of the act passed on the 13th of February 1795, entitled “An act to amend the act entitled An act making alterations in the Treasury and War Departments,” authorize and appoint you to discharge the duties thereof, until a regular appointment be made. Given under my hand at the City of Washington the first day of October...
1254Presidential Proclamation, [17 June 1814] (Madison Papers)
Whereas, information has been received that a number of individuals, who have deserted from the Army of the United States, have become sensible of their offences, and are desirous of returning to their duty: A full pardon is hereby granted and proclaimed to each and all such individuals as shall within three months from the date hereof, surrender themselves to the commanding officer of any...
1255Resolution in the Maryland Senate, 29 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
Nathaniel Williams, Esq. in the Senate of Maryland, moved the following resolution, which was read and unanimously assented to: By the Senate, Jan. 29, 1816. Resolved by the Senate of Maryland, That the wisdom, valor and patriotism, so signally manifested, during the late arduous war with Great Britain, by JAMES MADISON , President of the United States, and by those statesmen and heroes who...
1256Executive Pardon, 20 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 July 1812. “Whereas it has been made to appear to me that a certain D. McKenny, a private in the Marine Corps of the United States, has been sentenced, by a Court Martial to suffer death—Now be it known, That I James Madison, President of the UStates, for divers good causes and considerations, do by these presents pardon and remit the sentence aforesaid; requiring all persons whom it may...
1257Drafts of a Message to Congress, [ca. 19 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
In every sacrifice which the war may require, we have the animating recollection that it was our choice, neither in its origin nor in its continuance. It was long made on us before it was returned on the Enemy. Besides a catalogue of other wrongs, we had borne the capture of nearly a thousand ships, and the impressment of thousands of our seafaring Citizens. We had borne these aggressions in...
1258Remission for Members of the Maryland Militia, [ca. 20 November 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that of the District of Maryland, have been adjudged guilty of violating the Militia Laws of the United States, whereupon they were sentenced to pay pecuniary fines to the United States, by Reason whereof they are now in the Custody of the Marshal for said District, having failed to satisfy the said fines or any part thereof. Now therefore be it known...
1259Account of a Conversation with John Lowrey, [22 February 1816] (Madison Papers)
Colo. Lowry. “Father. I now have the pleasure to be in Your presence. I am directed by my National council to take you, Our Father—by the hand. This day was appointed by the Great Spirit for us to see One Another. It makes my heart as glad to enter your house as does when I enter my own house. When I left my Nation I expected to have seen You before now but this being the day chosen by the...
1260Transfer of Naval Appropriations, 6 July 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Transfer of Naval Appropriations. 6 July 1815. “In pursuance of the authority vested in the President of the United States, by the act of Congress passed on the 3d of March, 1809, entitled “An Act further to amend the several Acts for the establishment and regulation of the Treasury, War, and Navy Departments,” I do hereby direct, that out of the Appropriation for The Purchase of Timber,...
1261Pardon for William McKenzie, 28 October 1815 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been made to appear to me that a certain William McKensie, of George Town, in the State of South Carolina, was, at a Circuit Court of the United States lately held for the District of South Carolina, duly convicted of a misdemeanor, in buying and concealing certain goods contrary to law, and in violation of the Collection Act of the United States, whereupon he was sentenced by...
1262Pardon for Gaude Petit, alias Frederick, 24 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a late Court of the United States for the District of Louisiana, Gaude Petit, Alias Frederick, was indicted for Piracy, where upon he was found guilty by the Jury, and condemned by the Court; and whereas it has been represented to me, that this is the first criminal offence with which the said Gaude Petit alias Frederick has ever been charged in...
1263Presidential Proclamation, 2 January 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Presidential Proclamation. 2 January 1815. Revises building terms and conditions for the city of Washington. Suspends the first and third articles of the 17 Oct. 1791 building regulations until 1 Jan. 1816. Adds an exception that “no wooden house covering more than three hundred and twenty square feet, or higher than twelve feet from the sill to the eve [ sic ] shall be erected, nor shall...
1264Memorandum of Conversations with John Armstrong, 24 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
In the morning, a note by an Express from Genl. Winder was handed me. It was addressed to the Secretary of war. Not doubting the urgency of the occasion, I opened & read it; and it went on immediately by the Express to Genl. Armstrong who lodged in the seven Buildings. Finding by the note that the General requested the speediest Counsel, I proceeded to his Head Quarters on the Eastern Branch,...
1265First Inaugural Address, [4 March] 1809 (Madison Papers)
Unwilling to depart from examples, of the most revered authority, I avail myself of the occasion now presented, to express the profound impression made on me, by the call of my Country to the station, to the duties of which I am about to pledge myself, by the most solemn of sanctions. So distinguished a mark of confidence, proceeding from the deliberate and tranquil suffrage of a free and...
1266Presidential Proclamation, 8 April 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Presidential Proclamation. 8 April 1816, Washington. Proclaims the treaty with the Cherokee Indians to be in force (see JM to the Senate, 26 Mar. 1816, and n. 1). Printed copy ( Daily National Intelligencer, 18 Apr. 1816).
1267Draft 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...
1268Presidential Proclamation, [27 October] 1810 (Madison Papers)
By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation. Whereas the Territory South of the Mississippi Territory and Eastward of the river Mississippi, and extending to the River Perdido, of which possession was not delivered to the United States in pursuance of the Treaty concluded at Paris on the 30th April 1803, has at all times, as is well known, been considered and claimed by...
1269Thomas 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 ,
1270Remission for Charles Bird and Benjamin Walton, 26 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that Charles Bird and Benjamin Walton, trading under the firm of Bird and Walton, having imported a quantity of Goods, Wares and Merchandize from the Port of Liverpool in England in the ship Tiber, which vessel arrived in the River Delaware in the month of february 1813, and, with the cargo referred to, became liable to forfeiture to the United States, and...
1271Presidential Proclamation, 21 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
Whereas a Treaty between the United States of America and the Wyandot, Delaware, Shanoese, Seneca, and Miamie Nations of Indians, was concluded and signed on the twenty second day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fourteen, by the Commissioners of both nations, fully and respectively authorized for that purpose, and was duly ratified and confirmed by the President...
1272Circular Letter Concerning Ambrose Rose, 19 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
He has just entered his 15th year is about 5 feet high, Square built and stoops a little in his shoulders has a fair skin and ruddy complexion light brown hair cut short large blue eyes but not prominent dark brown eye brows rather large eye lashes of the same colour and very long, his nose short and inclined to turn up his lips too short to cover his teeth which makes him keep generally his...
1273Account of a Conversation with David Bailie Warden, [26 January] 1811 (Madison Papers)
Conversation with the President observed respecting My appointement that he would be as open to my [ sic ] as I had been to him that the place was given to my [ sic ] by general A[r]mstrong—that it was only ⟨precarious?⟩ that he had appointed another—that by reappointing Me he might offend G. as a friend—Besides the place was destined for Mr. Russel who May wish to occupy it when appointed by...
1274Executive Pardon, 29 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 January 1810, Washington. JM grants “a full and entire pardon” to five enlisted men court-martialed at New Orleans and Terre aux Boeufs between April and July 1809 and sentenced to be “shot to Death.” Tr ( DNA : RG 107, LSMA ). 1 p.
1275Pardon for Charles Clayton, 27 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that Charles Clayton, a youth of the State of New york, and the son of a respectable Individual of that state, had enlisted, as a Private, during the late war between the United States and Great Britain, in the army of the United States, and that the said Charles Clayton deserted therefrom, and took refuge in the British Province of upper Canada, where he...
1276Presidential Proclamation, 1 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas by the Act entitled “An Act providing for the sale of certain lands in the Indiana Territory and for other purposes,” passed the 30th of April, 1810, it was enacted that a part of the said lands should be offered for sale to the highest bidder, under the direction of the Register of the Land Office and of the Receiver of public monies at the places respectively where the Land offices...
1277Presidential Proclamation, 16 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 January 1810, Washington. On 2 Jan. the president, with the advice and consent of the Senate, ratified and confirmed the treaty concluded at Fort Wayne on 30 Sept. 1809 between the U.S. and the Delaware, Potawatomi, Miami, and Eel River Indians. Requires all officeholders and citizens “faithfully to observe and fulfil” the treaty. Ms , two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages; and...
1278Presidential Proclamation, 19 July 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 July 1810, Montpelier, Virginia. Instructs customs collectors, under section 61 of “An Act to regulate the collection of duties on imports and tonnage, passed 2 March 1799,” to estimate the value of the Norwegian dollar, now circulating “with a considerable depreciation,” in order to levy duties on goods and merchandise imported from Norway. Directs that the value of the dollar is to be...
1279Statement of Appropriations for the Navy and Marine Corps, 24 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Balances in the hands of the Secy of Treasury Balances in the hands of Treasurer Over Pay &c of Officers & Seamen 780 119 95 25.810 65 Provisions 289.757 6 822 52½ Medicines &c 19.000 446 37 Repairs of Vessels 2.329 24 Contingent &c 11.000 1.222 79½ Navy yards 28.000 230 68
1280Remission for Daniel Hewes Jr., 11 July 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Remission for Daniel Hewes Jr. 11 July 1815. “Whereas it has been represented to me that a certain Daniel Hewes junior, was duly convicted in the Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Massachusetts, in the year one thousand eight hundred & twelve, of a Breach of the act of Congress, prohibiting Commercial Intercourse with Great Britain and her Colonies, whereupon judgment...
1281Account of a Meeting with Isaac Briggs, 26 February 1816 (Madison Papers)
“I then made a visit to the President, who received me and entertained and instructed me, as has always been his custom, in a free, social and friendly conversation. The subject was American Manufactures, for the effectual protection of which he is a decided advocate. He began by again praising my pamphlet in high and strong terms. He then, in a very luminous manner, exhibited the present...
1282Presidential Proclamation, 8 March 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1810, Washington. On 5 Mar. the president, with the advice and consent of the Senate, ratified and confirmed the treaty concluded at Vincennes on 9 Dec. 1809 between the U.S. and the Kickapoo Indians. Requires all officeholders and citizens “faithfully to observe and fulfil” the treaty. Printed copy ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages). Enclosed in JM’s 15 Mar. message to Congress ....
1283Pardon and Remission for Moses Thorndike, [27 July 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been made to appear to me that a certain Moses Thorndike, of the District of Maine, was, at a District Court of the United States, held at Portland in the said District, in May last, duly convicted of the offence of aiding and abetting in the year 1814, certain prisoners of War, subjects of Great Britain, in making their escape from the custody of the Marshal; and thereupon the...
1284Presidential Proclamation, 1 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1813. Revises building terms and conditions for the city of Washington. Suspends the first and third articles of the 17 Oct. 1791 building regulations until 1 Jan. 1814. Adds an exception that “no wooden covering more than three hundred twenty square feet, or higher than twelve feet from the sill to the eve [ sic ] shall be erected, nor shall any such house be placed within twenty...
1285Memorandum on Defense of the City of Washington, 1 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
Estimate of force & preparation for defence of the City, made up in Cabinet meeting July 1. 1814 Cavalry City of W. 120 Cavalry from Carlisle say 200 Regular Infantry 1000 District Infy. 1000 Marines 120 District Arty. 200 2640 Of Barneys corps 500 3140 10,000 Militia to be designated & held in readiness 10,000 Arms & Camp Equipage to be brought forward for use
1286Presidential Proclamation, [23 July] 1813 (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 U. States with religious solemnity, as a day of Public Humiliation and Prayer ; and whereas in times of public calamity, such as that of the war, brought on the U. States by the injustice of a foreign government, it is...
1287Remission for Bohl and John Bohlen, 23 June 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Remission for Bohl and John Bohlen. 23 June 1815. “Whereas it has been represented to me that Bohl and John Bohlen, Merchants, of the City of Philadelphia, became the Purchasers, in the year Eighteen hundred and ten, of a quantity of Coffee which had been imported into the town of Baltimore, contrary to the provisions of the act of Congress, entitled “An act to interdict the Commercial...
1288Presidential Proclamation, 1 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1810, Washington. Suspends building regulations laid down in the first and third sections of the act of 17 Oct. 1791 for the city of Washington. FC ( DLC : Commissioners of the District of Columbia Collection, 1791–1869). Fragment. These provisions, requiring the outer walls of all houses to be built of either brick or stone and regulating the height of house walls, had been...
1289Memorandum of a Conversation with John Armstrong, [29 August 1814] (Madison Papers)
In the evening of the 29th. of Augst. (1814) Being on Horseback I stopped at General Armstrong’s lodgings for the purpose of communicating with him on the state of things in the District, then under apprehensions of an immediate visit from the force of the Enemy at Alexandria. I observed to him that he could not be unaware of the great excitement in the District produced by the unfortunate...
1290Presidential Proclamation, 17 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas, by the act of Congress passed the 26th of March, 1804, entitled “An act making provision for the disposal of the public lands in the Indiana territory, and for other purposes”; and by the act passed the third of March, 1805, supplementary to the act above recited, it was enacted, that a land office should be established at Kaskaskia, for the disposal of certain lands described in the...
1291Presidential Proclamation, 29 June 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 June 1811. Under the act of Congress, passed on 25 Feb. 1811, authorizing the president of the U.S. to remove the land office established for the sale of lands ceded by the Cherokee and Chickasaw in the Mississippi Territory from Nashville to any place he judges most proper within the district for which it was established, he directs that the said land office be removed to “Huntsville...
1292Draft of a Treaty with Spain, [ca. December 1810] (Madison Papers)
The President of the united States of America & his most Catholic Majesty the King of Spain in Consequence of the treaty which has been this day Signed between A. B. Charged with the affairs of the American Legation near the Government of France on the part of the United States & by. C. D. on the part of his Most Catholic Majesty the King of Spain and desiring to regulate definitively every...
1293Presidential Proclamation, 7 July 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 July 1810, Washington. Announces a sale for the disposal of the “quarter Sections of land adjacent [to] the old Indian boundary line, in the Indiana Territory, and East of the second principal Meridian,” to be held at Jeffersonville, Indiana Territory, on the [third Monday] in [November] 1810. Issues the proclamation in conformity with the authority conferred by the following acts: the...
1294Sketch for an Autobiography, [ca. 30 September 1816] (Madison Papers)
James Madison was born on the 16th. of March 1751. His parents James Madison, and Nelly Madison (before her Marriage Nelly Conway) resided in the County of Orange in Virginia. At the time of his birth they were on a visit to her mother who resided on the Rappahannock in the County of King George. At the age of about 12. years, he was placed by his father under the tuition of Donald Robertson,...
1295Pardon for John Steward, [2 May 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that John Steward, of the State of Pennsylvania, has been lately convicted before the Circuit Court in Philadelphia of a Criminal Offence, in smuggling, or receiving and concealing smuggled goods; and whereas it has been made satisfactorily to appear to me that the said John Steward was ignorant of the nature of the offence with which he was charged, and...
1296Remission for Joseph Osbourn, 28 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that Joseph Osbourn was convicted some time ago before the Circuit Court of the United States for the County of Washington, in the District of Columbia of a misdemeanor, in uttering and passing counterfeited Bank notes, knowing the same to be counterfeited, whereupon he was sentenced by the said Court to be imprisoned for the term of six months, and to pay...
1297Notes on a British Commercial Treaty, [post–22 December 1815] (Madison Papers)
Are not British vessels, with articles of British European produce, coming from Any foreign port other than British Colonial ports, within the equalizing stipulatn.? Does not the equalization of drawbacks extend to re-exportations to a foreign nation, untill a change or diminution by the Competent authy. (Congress) be made? Is it clear that B. Vessels arriving on the 22d. of Decr. are not...
1298Power of Attorney for Callender Irvine, 1 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
Know all men by these presents, that I James Madison, President of the United States do make, constitute and appoint Callender Irvine Esquire, my true and lawful attorney for me, and in my name, to transfer to the books of the Treasury of the United States, all Stock standing in the name of the President of the United States in trust for the Seneca Nation of Indians, in the books of the...
1299Memorandum on Cabinet Meeting, 23 & 24 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
Rush for awaiting further information from Europe. turn over Ms ( DLC ); Tr ( DLC , series 3). Ms dated 27 June 1814 in the Index to the James Madison Papers. JM ’s memorandum on his 27 June 1814 meeting with the cabinet was written on the verso.
1300Indenture 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...