5221To James Madison from John Rogers and Others, 3 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The petition of John Rogers, Joshua Holt, Jeremiah Chapman & William Burdick all of the Town of New London in the County of New London & State of Connecticut humbly sheweth that on the 25 Day of August last the petitioners received Information that a Midshipman & two Sailors belonging to the Enemys Squadron in Long Island Sound were on shore at Gull Island & that their capture might be...
5222From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 2 September 1814 (Adams Papers)
Do not impute it to me, if from one Post-day to another I tell you different stories about the time of my expected departure to return to you. When I last wrote you, we had been promised a reply from our adverse parties without delay —They had then been in possession of our Note, five days, as much time as we had taken to prepare and send it in to them—We had been amply warned that we should...
5223From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 September 1814 (Adams Papers)
I was so fortunate as to recieve your No 25 on Wednesday which was the day in course but as it was the first time I mention it as something extraordinary I shall certainly be very cautious as you request about your letters— I cannot help smiling at your affected difficulty about filling a sheet of Paper and were it possible that a compliment from your wife could have any value I should almost...
5224To James Madison from Benjamin Joy, 2 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
I take the Liberty of addressing you to give you the following extract of a Letter which I have just received from my brother G Joy dated London 1st July 1814 not knowing but some importance may be attached to it. With the highest respect I am your most Obdt Servant “The Commissioners from this Government to meet those of the US at Ghent are expected to depart about the 8th Inst. They are the...
5225To James Madison from Henry Kenyon, 2 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The memorial of Henry Kenyon of the U.S. navy Respectfully represents That your memorialist served as the accompanying documents will shew a regular apprenticeship of five years in the East India trade to Thomas Truxton esqr. of this city. That after commanding a vessel for several years he was appointed a Lieutenant in the navy of the United States in which capacity he served for three years...
5226To James Madison from Christopher Manwaring and Others, 2 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
Believing the nomination of Mr Hezekiah Goddard for Quarter Master General of the 2nd. U.S. Military District, made by Brigr. Genl. Cushing, will not meet the approbation of the President, we take the liberty of recommending Majr. Simeon Smith of this place, as a Gentleman who is in every respect qualified for such an office. Majr. Smith is a Man of industry and integrity and has been...
5227To James Madison from Thomas L. McKenney, 2 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
When I had the pleasure of seeing you this morning you desired to know how we had succeeded in procuring horses for the Rifle corps. The answer which I gave you was founded on the progress that was made previous to my having left the Camp last night, to aid in detaching 300 men for Com. Rogers; also to select the artificers of the navy yard to report to Com. Tingy. This occupied me ’till late...
5228To James Madison from Thomas Toole, 2 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
Feeling sensibly for the premature and unexpected destruction of the Capitol, as well as your personal Loss, and distress of mind, Occasioned by the Enemy I therefore beg your Excellency will permit me as an humble Irishman to address You for the purpose of Suggesting a matter of great Inportance for the defence of this City as well as for the use of the army in general, Viz, To raise two or...
5229From John Quincy Adams to William Steuben Smith, 1 September 1814 (Adams Papers)
A Letter from Mrs: Adams, informs me that you sailed from Cronstadt, in an English vessel for Hull, on the 28th: of July—I hope therefore that this Letter will find you in England, if you should not be already on your way from thence to Holland—The John Adams in which I had obtained a passage for you and your family, sailed from the Texel Roads last Sunday, so that the chance of your going in...
5230To James Madison from William Jones, 1 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
Respectfully offered for the consideration of the President. The late disaster is the result of a desperate enterprise of the enemy and a too confident security on our part. It is strictly in the nature of a surprise and cannot again happen. The capitol, the Presidents mansion, the Treasury, War, & Navy Buildings have been destroyed, but in all other respects the seat of government remains the...
5231To James Madison from Thomas Leiper, 1 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Councils of this City past a Resolution which was enclosed to you a few days ago promising to make provission for the President Congress &ca in this city which is certainly better adapted for their reseption than any other place on the Continent. Where the greatest strength is there Congress should be. Then figure to yourself a state containing upwards of 100,000 Militia 30,000 of which...
5232Presidential 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...
5233Nicolas G. Dufief to Thomas Jefferson, 1 September 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Il m’a été impossible, Jusqu’à présent, de vous procurer l’ouvrage d’Evans . Je continuerai mes recherches. Vous avez du recevoir le 1 er & 2 d vol. de mon dictionnaire & l’histoire des Shakers Plusieurs Personnes Sont venus me trouver, d’après vos lettres, pour me prier de leur compter les petites Sommes qui leur sont dues J’ai promis de les leur envoyer dès que M r Gibson (a qui J’ai ecrit...
5234To James Madison from Ebenezer Breed, August 1814 (Madison Papers)
With a claw of an American Eagle taken on Nahant and presented by, and as a token of the high consideration and esteem with which I am their sincere friend RC ( ViU : Madison Family Papers, 1768–1866, Special Collections). Ebenezer Breed (1766–1839) was born into a Quaker family in Lynn, Massachusetts. As a young man he became a central figure in the fledgling Lynn shoe manufacturing industry,...
5235To James Madison from Eli Whitney, [ca. August 1814] (Madison Papers)
The Memorial of the Subscriber, Respectfully represents, That in the year 1812 he entered into a specific and formal Contract with the Secretary of War, to manufacture 15,000 muskets for the use of the UStates. That some time afterwards said Contract was placed in the hands of Callender Irvine Esq. Commsry. Genl. of purchases, with directions to see it executed; whereupon a correspondence...
5236To James Madison from James Barbour, 31 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Considering it important that, at this interesting period in the situation of our Country, every exertion should be made to render the defence of the state the most efficient and certain, I have taken the field as commander in chief of the militia called into service, and am now occupied in arranging and organizing a force which I trust will be adequate to the object. I am happy to find a...
5237To James Madison from James Monroe, 31 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Genl. winder will be in town, perhaps at McLeods this morning, if he is not already there. I am perfectly willing to resign to him the command, if the troops will act under him. I am aware that much is due to his feelings, especially after what occurrd at Baltimore. Still I am willing to command, it being understood that it is, at the request of the officers of the district, on the volunteer...
5238Thomas Jefferson Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, 31 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
You are no doubt anxious to hear what we are doing and what are our expectations as it respects defence, and the arrival of the enemy. Our governor as pompous, perhaps, as patriotic, has taken the field, and is encamped at fairfaild , two miles from town, with M r Lee Mercer , H. Nelson , aid, and about 2500, men under the immediate command of Gen. Cocke . There are 2,000 at Camp Holly
5239From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 30 August 1814 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 2d. instt. addressed directly to me at the Hotel des Pays-Bas, came safely to hand on Saturday the 27th: It had therefore been 25 days on the road, and further confirmed the opinion that the Post is somewhere transmitted only once a week; and that the Post that starts on Saturdays is the one that goes through without being stopp’d—I should therefore from the commencement of...
5240From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 August 1814 (Adams Papers)
Your No 21 and 22 were recieved by me as usual last Saturday, or rather Sunday morning, as it was so late at night they could not send them to me. I was particularly anxious to have them as Mr. H had been to me with a load of bad news, stating that the Mission was broken up, and that all prospect of a Peace was entirely at an end &.. &ca. The fact is however ascertained that the Ministers had...
5241To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 30 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
In proportion as new, solemn and unlooked for duties and trials come upon you, I find myself supported by my confidence in your heart and mind and public & personal exertions. Three of my sons are gone to the field in the Philada. volunteer corps which marched last week, one remains assistant Secy to the general committee of defence, and is enrolled in a company which forms part of stationary...
5242To James Madison from Thomas Digges, 30 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
In haste & almost fatigued to death I set down to address a line to You while my nephew Dr F. and a Gentn., whom you know, are taking a mouthful of refreshmt by one of whom you will I hope soon get this. You can more easily immagine than I can describe my own troubles & vexations, and the deep anxieties I have felt for you & Mrs. M since Wedy. last the 24th Int. nr the Capitol. Since which I...
5243Jeremiah Yancey (for Charles Yancey) to Thomas Jefferson, 30 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
The express of the name of Rody was here this morning, and said that he, promised cap t Samul Samuel Carr , to leave his horse at this place, provided that he could get another here, he made all the exertions that was in his power, but could not succeed consequently he rode cap t carrs horse, on to charlottesville, where he said he intended to leave him, I am with due respect yours &c....
5244From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 August 1814 (Adams Papers)
Hearing that a vessel was fitting out of Nyork to carry dispatches from government, I venture to write a few lines, altho I know not where you are, not having received a line from you of a later date than Febry last, as you will no doubt receive every information from the Secretary of State, of the situation of our Country, of the dangers which surround it, the determination of all parties to...
5245From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 29 August 1814 (Adams Papers)
I feel very grateful to my dear Sister, that though surrounded by agreeable, & dear Friends, she did not forget an absent Sister ; but could kindly retire a few moments to enquire after her health, & the welfare of her family, & acquaint her with the state of her own, in which she knew an affectionate relative must ever feel interested— The enfeebling disorder I mentioned to my Sister, left me...
5246To James Madison from Thomas Leiper and Liberty Browne, 29 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
We have the honour to enclose a Copy of a resolution of the Select & Common Councils of the City of Philadelphia offering (in the present unfortunate situation of the City of Washington) accomodations for the President Congress & the Departments provided they should think it proper to accept of the same. We have the Honor to be with Great respect Your most obedt Servants RC and enclosure ( DLC...
5247Memorandum 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...
5248John Barnes to Thomas Jefferson, 29 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Your fav r 20 th recd last Evening—I am really concerned to learn the sacrifice made to advance the $380—thro M r Gibson —who without remitting me—either in Bank Notes—or, depositing that Amo t in the Bank of Richmond and placed place g it to my Credit
5249Daniel F. Carr to Thomas Jefferson, 29 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Necessity compels me to call on you, for money at this time I am here on my way to Richmond with out any, and there is none to be had in town. If you can furnish me with any it will be particularly acceptable. You can send it by the boy and I will leave a Rec t for the same with any person you’ll name RC ( ViU : TJP-CC ); dateline beneath signature; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Eq r...
5250Thomas Jefferson to Daniel F. Carr, 29 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Having no cash in hand, I do the best in my power by sending you an order on Richmond for 50. Dollars which will be paid on sight. I am in hopes it may enable you to procure in Charlottesville enough for the road if that is wanting. I wish you health and success. PoC ( ViU : TJP-CC ); at foot of text: “M r Dan l F. Carr”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure not found.
5251Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Carr, 29 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Roland Goodman who has lived with me as a carpenter since January last, informs me he is a member of your company, now called into service, and desires me to inform you of the state of his health. in May last he broke a blood vessel, in the lungs as was supposed, and voided a vast quantity of blood from it by the mouth, insomuch that he was long in imminent danger of dying, & was under the...
5252Thomas Jefferson to William Caruthers, 29 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 17 th is duly recieved. there was a short time, about that of my leaving Washington , when to square my accounts there, I would have been willing to have parted with the Natural bridge and some other unproductive property; and that merely for the value of the soil as land, without attention to it’s value either as a site for machinery, or as a curiosity, certainly the...
5253Thomas Jefferson to George Hargraves, 29 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Aug. 4. came safe to hand, covering the description of a torpedo. I should readily have forwarded it to the government had it been within their plan to try the experiments which these machines require. but I understand that so many of these flowed in upon them as to oblige them to decline attention to them; and to leave it to individuals to put them in practice, offering a great...
5254James W. Wallace to Thomas Jefferson, 29 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I am pleased that the fish-Saw merits a place in your Hall. I hope soon to send you a pair of Swans, which, if not acceptable to you, I hope you will with my best wishes send to M rs Bankhead . I am anxious to get to Charlottsville but such is at present the state of private as well as public concerns that I can’t say exactly when I shall see you, for I expect an immediate call for all the...
5255Thomas Jefferson to Charles Yancey, 29 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for your letter of the 22 d and the information it contained. your proposal of continuing to favor me with the occurrences, now become doubly interesting, cannot but be acceptable; while I fear it would not be in my power to offer any thing interesting in exchange for your favors. here we believe ourselves free from danger, and all our young men therefore are thronging to the...
5256Thomas Jefferson to Charles Yancey, 29 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
An express of the name of Roddie , to whom Cap t Samuel Carr furnished a horse, promised to leave him at your house. in the mean time Cap t Carr being suddenly called on with his troop, I have furnished him with a horse, and he has given me the inclosed order to recieve his, for which the bearer now waits on you with the assurances of my respects. PoC ( DLC ); on verso of reused address cover...
5257James Monroe’s Draft Memoranda on the Events of 24–28 1814 August 1814 at Washington, [post–28 August] (Madison Papers)
The President cross’d the Potowk., after the affair of the 24th, accompanied by the attorney genl., & general mason, and remained on the south side of the river, a few miles above the lower falls, on the following day the secretary of State, likewise crossed the river, shortly after him with Mr Ringgold & rema[i]nd that night, in the same quarter, whence he proceeded & joind genl winder at...
5258From James Madison to Dolley Madison, [28 August 1814] (Madison Papers)
and I can not yet learn what has been the result. Should the fort have been taken, the British Ships with their barges will be able to throw the City again into alarm, and you may be again compelled to retire from it, which I find would have a disagreeable effect. Should the Ships have failed in their attack, you can not return too soon. ⟨I shall⟩ keep Freeman till the question is decided, and...
5259Richard Rush to James Monroe, 28 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
The more I have reflected upon the subject of a proclamation, in the more important lights does the immediate necessity for it strike me, and I have sketched and enclose you a few thoughts to look at. After an event so very marked in our public affairs and destined to be always prominent in our national history, I think some very marked notice should be taken of it, without, perhaps, too nice...
5260Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Delaplaine, 28 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 17 th is recieved. I have not the book of Muñoz containing the print of Columbus . that work came out after I left Europe , and we have not the same facility of acquiring new continental publications here as there. I have no doubt that entire credit is to be given to the account of the print rendered by him in the extract from his work, which you have sent me: and as you say...
5261Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s Extract from Theodor de Bry’s Preface to Americae Pars Quinta, with a Drawing Depicting … (Jefferson Papers)
PRÆFATIO In superiore libro historiae Americanae (benevole lector) in qua res novi orbis nuper inventi mirandae atq; insignes non tantum scripto recitantur sed et iconibus exprimuntur et repraesentantur, dictum est eas terras Christophori Columbi Genuensis industria mirabiliter ac praeter spem eorum omnium quos ea de re compellarat, repertas fuisse. Quoniam autem ille Columbus vir erat...
5262Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on the Likeness of Christopher Columbus, [ca. 28 August 1814] (Jefferson Papers)
Note by Th:J. The 1 st vol. of Debry was printed in 1590. & the 2 d to which the preface is here given, was printed in 1595. it was between these two dates then that the copy [exemplar] of the portrait which had been taken by order of the king & Queen , and of which his son made the miniature here exhibited, was given by his friend who recieved it from the painter himself [i.e. the copyist.]...
5263Thomas Jefferson to Louis H. Girardin, 28 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you the 1 st vol. of Tucker ’s Blackstone & the 1 st & 2 d of Botta . I think I have nothing on the fi Revolutionary finances which answers your view except the Article ‘Etats Unis’ of the Encyclopedie, which article I have seperately
5264From Elizabeth De Windt to Abigail Smith Adams, 27 August 1814 (Adams Papers)
Nothing could compensate so much for the disapointment of my Son’s not bringing your Caroline with him as the flattering letter he brought me from you, I Cannot describe my feelings when reading it, your Sentiments of him coincided So much with mine, that I could not help exclaiming he is all that this good & venerable lady thinks of him, to hear him praised for qualities that grace human...
5265From James Madison to John Armstrong, 27 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Enemy having evacuated the City of Washington & no obstacle remaining to a re-union of the members of the Executive there, J. Madison requests that this may take place with as little delay as may be. RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , P-80:8). In JM ’s hand. Docketed as received in the War Department in August 1814.
5266From James Madison to William Jones, 27 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
On our arrival at Montgomery Ct. H. we found, according to report, that the army had left it about noon, in full march towards Baltimore, whither the Enemy were supposed to be bending their course. We came to this place last evening with a view of joining the Secy. of State with the army, or of going with him to Washington as he might think best. I have just recd. a note from him, saying that...
5267From James Madison to Dolley Madison, 27 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Finding that our army had left Montgomery Court House, we pushed on to this place, with a view to join it, or proceed to the City, as further information might prescribe. I have just recd. a line from Col. Monroe, saying that the Enemy were out of Washington, & on the retreat to their Ships & advising our immediate return to Washington. We shall accordingly set out thither immediately. You...
5268To James Madison from Lewis Bemis, 27 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Respectfully sheweth Lewis Bemis a private in the first Regt. of Light Artillery that in July 1808 he enlisted a soldier under Capt. Learned Lamb and was after wards commanded by Capt. Return B. Brown after the forteages of the westearn campaign to the Prophets town under the command of Gov. Harrisson afterwards was made prisnor at Detroit by the surrender of Genl, Hull that while a prisnor...
5269To James Madison from James H. Blake, [27 August 1814] (Madison Papers)
I wrote you the inclosed last Even.g—but neither Horse or rider could then be procured to take it to you. I have been up all night patroleing the Streets & guarding public and private property—collecting arms & ammunition remaining dispersed about this City. And am happy to inform you all is perfectly still and quiet this morning. I observe this moment a few of our citizens returning. In haste...
5270To James Madison from James Witherell, 27 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Impressed with the nec[e]sstiy of having a secretary in the Territory, if that Office is vacant, I feel great confidence in recomme[n]ding Joseph Watson Esquire, as possessing the requisite qualifications —he is about thirty years old—of good natural, and acquired abilities, and temperate habits—he acquired the French language in Paris, when on a tuor with his Uncle, Elkanah Watson of...