5191To James Madison from George Mathews, 16 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
The duties attach’d to your important confidential trust as President of the United together with the numerous private applications you have to answer have been the causes why you have not receiv’d any private communications from me on the important & delicate trust repos’d in me as Commissioner of the U. States for East & West Florida. The Commission with which I am trusted is now I flatter...
5192To James Madison from William Blackledge, 16 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 April 1812, Capitol. Recommends Richard B. Jones, an attorney in Philadelphia, for the vacant consulate in Tripoli. Describes Jones as “liberally educated” at Princeton and mentions his service as a midshipman in the U.S. Navy, including his capture on the Philadelphia at Tripoli. After resigning from the navy, Jones studied law, got a license, commenced practice, married, and settled in...
5193To James Madison from William Eustis, 16 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 April 1812, War Department. Lists proposed additions and alterations in the “additional Army” of the U.S. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 1 p. A note in the margin reads: “Not sent to the Senate.” Eustis listed the names of eighteen nominees from North Carolina, Virginia, New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Most of them were forwarded to the Senate by JM in subsequent messages.
5194To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed papers will explain themselves. Their coming to me is the only thing not sufficiently explained. Your favor of the 3d. came duly to hand. Altho’ something of the kind had been apprehended, the embargo found the farmers and planters only getting their produce to market and selling as fast as they could get it there. I think it caught them in this part of the state with one third of...
5195To James Madison from Ambrose Spencer, 18 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
A Nephew of mine Philip D. Spencer, now a mid-shipman on board the President, has conceived a disgust to the sea-service & wishes very much a Lieutenancy in the Army. He is about 20 ys. old, of excellent size & I believe well qualified for that station. If Your Excellency, could bestow this appointment on him it would be gratefully received by the Father & son & oblige me. You will excuse this...
5196From James Madison to Congress, 20 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
Among the incidents to the unexampled increase and expanding interests of the American nation, under the fostering influence of free constitutions and just laws, has been a corresponding accumulation of duties in the several Departments of the Government: And this has been necessarily the greater, in consequence of the peculiar State of our foreign relations, and the connection of these with...
5197To James Madison from John Coghill, 20 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I feel myself infinitely obliged to General Lafayette for having done me the honor of introducing me to you in consequence of his having contributed in some measure to my becoming an Americain citizen, by the property he has sold me in Louissiana which increases doubly the desire I have to be made known to one of its most distinguished members, & I hope the interest I shall always take in the...
5198To James Madison from James Maury, 20 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am requested by Mr Joy to forward the inclosed. I wish there was a better prospect than now presents for amicable adjustment between our country & this. It daily appears more & more the determination of administration to continue the orders in council; yet petitions for their revocation increase; as do the prices of Grain & other articles of food, which, adding to the distresses of...
5199To James Madison from James Caller, 20 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 April 1812, Washington County, Mississippi Territory. Makes no apology for addressing the president “in the plain, unadorn’d language of Candor, and truth.” Describes himself as “a Citizen of this Territory, and of course of the U, States,” attached to his country and to its Constitution and laws, who gratefully contributes his share of the revenue required for its administration and who...
5200To James Madison from William Eustis, 20 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 April 1812, War Department. Lists proposed appointments in the U.S. Army for JM’s approval. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, 12B-A1); letterbook copies ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. Forwarded by JM to the Senate in a message of 20 Apr. 1812 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, 1828). ,...
5201To James Madison from William Robertson, Jr., 20 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 April 1812, Abbeville County, South Carolina. Transmits the sentiments of the company under his command and states that he is holding himself ready until he receives further instructions. Is anxious to learn “Whether We Are Accepted of or Not.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , R-79:6). RC and enclosure 3 pp. Docketed by a War Department clerk as received 11 May 1812. A note on the...
5202To James Madison from William Pinkney, 21 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I regret sincerely that my professional Engagements here are so pressing and importunate as to put out of my power to be where my Duty to you requires. I am sure, however, that you will make Allowances for me—especially when you are aware that I am not unmindful, though absent from the Seat of Government, of what I owe to the Strength and prosperity of your administration. The particular...
5203To James Madison from George Crowninshield, Jr., 21 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 April 1812, Salem. Introduces Capt. Holton J. Breed of the Salem brigantine Neptune , who expects to visit Washington. Has requested Breed to present to JM “a Small Bag of white Sumatra pepper, not for its value, but as a curiousity.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Docketed by JM. George Crowninshield, Jr., was one of the sons of George Crowninshield, Sr., founder of the Salem firm George Crowninshield...
5204To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 21 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 April 1812, New York. Having just learned that the government intends to appoint an additional judge for the district of New York, recommends John Ferguson of this city. “He is a man of honor and probity, and sincerely attached to the present Administration of the General Government.” Believes that Governor Tompkins and Mr. Sanford would confirm this. “The appointment of Mr Ferguson would...
5205To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 22 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have interested myself a good deal (not officially) in aid of General Lafayette for the sale of his Pointe Coupé lands. He has now sold them all & we think very well, but for the last two thousand acres he cannot recieve the money till he delivers the patents. He doubts not that you will send them as soon as convenient & will doubtless write you by this conveyance. But knowing the interest...
5206To James Madison from Elizabeth Reed Cooprew, 22 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am very sory to trouble with any complaints at all. A thing I dont make a practice off to any person in this World. And only to the Gods whos being is not in flesh and blood. But by your takeing no notice in the Litteral Sence of the Word of My complaints perha⟨ps⟩ you think I am Derang’d. But It is very far from it altho I am fully convinc’d that their has been Attempts made on My Life,...
5207To James Madison from Lafayette, 22 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Hornet is Going to Sail. By Her You Will Receive dispatches Which Make it Unnecessary for me to add farther informations. I the more Lament the Appearant dispositions of the british Ministry With Respect to the orders in Council as I More fervently Wish the U. S. May not be involved in a War. Our friend Mr. Barlow tells you the present state of His Negociations. I shall therefore Confine...
5208To James Madison from William Lee, 22 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
Having this moment arrived from an excursion in the country and finding Mr Barlow is to dispatch Mr Biddle this evening I have not time to say all I could wish to you upon the State of our affairs here which are by no means flattering. The fears and suspicions expressed in your private letter by the Wasp are too well founded and I regretted much on hearing it read that I had not sent a letter...
5209To James Madison from Edmund M. Blunt, 22 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 April 1812, New York. Solicits JM’s patronage for his nautical publications, to which he has devoted sixteen years. Two years ago he began republishing the Nautical Almanac , a work published in London at the expense of the British government. “An error in this work would be fatal to all Mariners who used it.” Mentions that the U.S. Navy now uses a similar work that is “replete with...
5210To James Madison from William Eustis, 22 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 April 1812, War Department. Lists proposed appointments and alterations in the U.S. Army for JM’s approval. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, 12B-A1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 2 pp. Forwarded by JM to the Senate in a message of 22 Apr. 1812 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.;...
5211To James Madison from James Monroe, 23 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State to whom was referred the Resolution of the Senate of the 4th. March last, has the honor to report, that the enclosed papers marked A. B & C contain all the information in this Department “relative to captures made by the Belligerants since the 1st. day of May 1811, of Vessels of the United States bound to or from the Baltic or with⟨in⟩ that Sea.” All which is...
5212To James Madison from Alexander Smyth, 23 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
Some weeks since my feelings compelled me to address to you a note offering some justificatory evidence. I now present it. I beg you to be assured, Sir, that there is no man who would with more reluctance give you a moments trouble, or pain; but it is a duty I owe to myself, and a family whose interests I have sacrificed to the nation, to enable you fairly to appreciate my pretensions. I have...
5213From James Madison to the Senate, 23 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 April 1812. Transmits a report of the secretary of state in compliance with the Senate resolution of 4 Mar. 1812. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E3). 1 p. In the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures, see Monroe to JM, 23 Apr. 1812 .
5214To James Madison from William Eustis, 23 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 April 1812, War Department. Lists proposed appointments and alterations in the U.S. Army for JM’s approval. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, 12B-A1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 2 pp. Forwarded by JM to the Senate in a message of 23 Apr. 1812 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America
5215From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your favor of the 17th. The same mail brings me the “Proceedings of the Govt. of the U. S. relative to the Batture” for which you will accept my thanks. I had not supposed that so great a proportion of produce, particularly of Wheat & flour, was still in the hands of the farmers. In Penna. it was known to be the case. In N. Y. almost the whole of the last crop, is in the...
5216To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 24 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose to you a copy of a paper, which is written, in part, with a view to exemplify the mode in which it is considered, that the press and the operations of the offices or of some proper agents ought steadily to develope the cardinal truths and the practical details, on which are to be founded those vast and important aids, which internal trade can afford to Agriculture....
5217To James Madison from Henry Lee, 24 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
I so reluctantly address you on private business, when I knew that yr. public dutys claim every moment of yr. time, that no consideration short of pecuniary importance could induce me to do it. Learning from the S of State that Congress might possibly send a present of provisions to the distressed inhabitants of the Carracas, I suggested the hope that I might be entrusted with its presentment....
5218To 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...
5219To James Madison from James Dill, 27 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 April 1812, Lawrenceburg, Dearborn County. Encloses a handbill received “yesterday” by express from Vincennes. Points out that the handbill instructs colonels commanding regiments to “adopt such remedies as the Laws authorize to make up any deficiencies which may exist amongst the Militia relative to arms and accoutrements.” The laws authorize fines of up to $1.50 per delinquency for...
5220To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 27 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 April 1812, Boston. Promised in his last not to trouble JM again. “But an Idea has since struck me In consequence of the difficulty you had in selling the 18 million and the enormous Interest you was obliged to give. … If you should again want 18 million of Dollars that for this 18 million there should be Issued from the treasury 36 Million of 3 P C Stock and that your Contracters for Navy...