1From James Madison to Congress, 6 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
On comparing the fourth section of the Act of Congress passed March 31st. 1814 providing for the indemnification of certain claimants of public lands in the Missippi [ sic ] Territory, with the Articles of agreement and cession between the United States and State of Georgia, bearing date April 30th. 1802, it appears that the engagements entered into with the claimants interfere with the rights...
2From James Madison to Congress, 3 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Government of Great Britain, induced by the posture of the relations with the United States which succeeded the conclusion of the recent commercial convention, issued an order on the 17th day of August 1815, discontinuing the discriminating duties payable in British ports on American vessels and their Cargoes. It was not until the 22d December following, that a corresponding discontinuance...
3From James Madison to Congress, 31 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. The Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of His most Christian Majesty having renewed, under Special instructions from his Government, the claim of the Representative of Caron de Beau Marchais for One million of livres, which were debited to him in the settlement of his accounts with the United States, I lay before...
4From James Madison to Congress, 25 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. I lay before Congress, copies of ratified Treaties between the United States and the following Indian Tribes. First. The Wea and Kickapoo. Second. The united Tribes of Ottawas, Chipawas, & Potowotomies, residing on the Illinois and Melwakee rivers and their waters, and on the Southwestern parts of lake Michigan Third. That...
5From James Madison to Congress, 17 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. I transmit to Congress an account of the contingent expences of the Government for the year one thousand eight hundred and sixteen. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 14A–D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 14A–E2). Both RCs in John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM ....
6From James Madison to Congress, 26 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. It is found that the existing laws have not the efficacy necessary to prevent violations of the obligations of the United States, as a nation at peace towards belligerent parties, and other unlawful acts on the high Seas, by armed vessels equipped within the waters of the United States. With a view to maintain more effectually...
7From James Madison to Congress, 6 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The 9th Section of the act passed at the last session of Congress “to authorise the payment for property, lost captured or destroyed by the Enemy, while in the military service of the United States, and for other purposes” having received a construction giving to it a scope of great and uncertain extent, I thought it proper that proceedings relative to claims under that part of the Act should...
8Annual Message to Congress, 3 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
In reviewing the present state of our country, our attention cannot be withheld from the effect produced by peculiar seasons; which have very generally impaired the annual gifts of the Earth, and threaten scarcity in particular districts. Such, however, is the variety of soils, of climates and of products, within our extensive limits, that the aggregate resources for subsistance, are more than...
9From James Madison to Congress, 16 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress copies of a convention concluded between the United States and the Cherokee Indians on the second day of March last, as the same has been duly ratified and Proclaimed, And I recommend that Such provision be made by Congress as the Stipulations therein contained may require. RC , two copies, and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 14A–D1; and DNA :...
10From James Madison to Congress, 11 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
With a view to the more convenient management of the important and growing business connected with the grant of exclusive rights to Inventors & Authors; I recommend the establishment of a distinct Office, within the Department of State, to be charged therewith, under a director, with a Salary adequate to his services; and with the privelege of franking communications by mail from and to the...
11Remonstrance of the Mayor and Council of the Town of Alexandria to Congress, 23 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
To the honorable the Senate and House of representatives of the United States of America in Congress Assembled The Remonstrance of the Mayor & Common Council of the Town of Alexandria on behalf of the Citizens of the said town & others, most respectfully sheweth that they have seen with surprize and regret that a bill is depending before the honorable the Senate, the object of which is to...
12From James Madison to Congress, 9 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress a statement of the Militia of the United States, according to the latest returns received by the Department of War. RC , two copies, and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 14A–E6; and DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 14A–D1). Each RC in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM . RC and enclosure printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents,...
13From James Madison to Congress, 6 February 1816 (Madison Papers)
It is represented that the lands in the Michigan Territory designated by law towards satisfying the land bounties promised to the Soldiers of the late army, are so covered with swamps and lakes or otherwise unfit for cultivation, that a very inconsiderable proportion can be applied to the intended grants. I recommend therefore that other lands be designated by Congress for the purpose of...
14From James Madison to Congress, 18 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
The accompanying extract from the occurrences at Fort Jackson, in August 1814 during the negociation of a Treaty with the Indians, shews that the friendly Creeks wishing to give to General Jackson, Benjamin Hawkins and others a national mark of their gratitude and regard, conveyed to them respectively a donation of land, with a request that the grant might be duly confirmed by the Government...
15Annual Message to Congress, 5 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the satisfaction, on our present meeting, of being able to communicate to you, the successful termination of the war, which had been commenced against the United States by the regency of Algiers. The Squadron in advance, on that service, under Commodore Decatur, lost not a moment after its arrival in the mediterranean, in seeking the naval force of the Enemy, then cruising in that sea;...
16From 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...
17From James Madison to Congress, 23 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
Congress will have seen, by the communication from the Consul General of the United States at Algiers, laid before them on the 17th of November 1812, the hostile proceedings of the Dey against that Functionary. These have been followed by acts of more overt and direct warfare against the Citizens of the United States trading in the Mediterranean, some of whom are still detained in captivity,...
18From James Madison to Congress, 22 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress copies of two ratified Treaties which were entered into on the part of the United States, one on the 22d day of July 1814 with the several Tribes of Indians called the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanees, senakas and Miamis; the other on the 9th day of August 1814 with the Creek Nation of Indians. It is referred to the Consideration of Congress how far Legislative provisions...
19From James Madison to Congress, 18 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress, copies of the Treaty of Peace and Amity, between the United States and His Britannic Majesty, which was signed by the commissioners of both parties, at Ghent, on the 24th of December 1814, and the ratifications of which have been duly exchanged. While performing this act, I congratulate you, and our constituents, upon an event which is highly honorable to the nation, and...
20From James Madison to Congress, 10 January 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Congress. 10 January 1815. “I transmit to Congress an account of the Contingent Expenses of the Government for the year one thousand eight hundred and fourteen.” 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.),...
21From James Madison to Congress, 2 January 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Congress. 2 January 1815. “I lay before Congress a Report of the Secretary of the Treasury, containing a statement of proceedings under the ‘Act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland in the State of Maryland to the State of Ohio.’” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 13A–E1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s...
22From James Madison to Congress, 1 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I transmit for the information of Congress the communications last received from the Ministers Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States at Ghent, explaining the course and actual state of their negociations with the Plenipotentiarys of Great Britain. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 13A–E1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s...
23From James Madison to Congress, 13 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
I now transmit to Congress copies of the Instructions to the Plenipotentiaries of the United States charged with negociating a peace with Great Britain as referred to in my message of the 10th instant. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 13A–E1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 13A–E2). Each RC in Edward Coles’s hand, signed by JM...
24From James Madison to Congress, 10 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress communications just received from the Plenipotentiaries of the United States charged with negotiating peace with Great Britain; shewing the conditions on which alone that Government is willing to put an end to the war. The Instructions to those Plenipotentiaries disclosing the grounds on which they were authorized to negotiate and conclude a Treaty of peace will be the...
25From James Madison to Congress, 26 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
I transmit to Congress for their information copies of a letter from Admiral Cockrane, commanding His Britannic Majesty’s Naval forces on the American station to the Secretary of State with his answer and of a reply from Admiral Cockrane. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 13A–E1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 13A–E2). Each RC...
26From James Madison to Congress, 31 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
Taking into view the mutual interest which the United States and the foreign nations in amity with them, have in a liberal commercial intercourse, and the extensive changes favorable thereto which have recently taken place; Taking into view also, the important advantages which may otherwise result, from adapting the state of our commercial laws to the circumstances now existing: I recommend to...
27From James Madison to Congress, 26 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
It has appeared that at the recovery of the Michigan Territory from the temporary possession of the Enemy, the Inhabitants thereof were left in so destitute and distressed a condition, as to require from the public stores certain supplies essential to their subsistance, which have been prolonged under the same necessity which called for them. The deplorable situation of the Savages thrown by...
28From James Madison to Congress, 18 January 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Congress. 18 January 1814. “I lay before Congress a report of the acting Secretary of the Treasury, containing a statement of proceedings under the ‘act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland in the State of Maryland to the State of Ohio.[’]” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 13A-E1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings,...
29From 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.),...
30From James Madison to Congress, 6 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
I transmit for the information of Congress, copies of a letter from the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, to the Secretary of State, with the answer of the latter. In appreciating the accepted proposal of the Government of Great Britain for instituting negociations for peace, Congress will not fail to keep in mind, that vigorous preparations for carrying on the war, can in no...
31From James Madison to Congress, 9 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
The tendency of our commercial and navigation laws in their present state, to favor the Enemy and thereby prolong the war, is more and more developed by experience. Supplies of the most essential kinds find their way, not only to British ports and British armies at a distance, but the armies in our neighbourhood, with which our own are contending, derive from our ports and outlets, a...
32From James Madison to Congress, 20 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
Confidential There being sufficient ground to infer, that it is the purpose of the Enemy to combine with the Blockade of our Ports, special licences to neutral vessels, or to British vessels in neutral disguises, whereby they may draw from our Country the precise kind and quantity of Exports essential to their wants, whilst its general commerce remains obstructed; keeping in view also the...
33From James Madison to Congress, 25 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives. At an early day after the close of the last Session of Congress, an offer was formally communicated from His Imperial Majesty, The Emperor of Russia, of his mediation, as the common friend of the United States and Great Britain, for the purpose of facilitating a peace between them. The high character of the Emperor Alexander,...
34From James Madison to Congress, 1 March 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 March 1813. “I lay before Congress a Report of the Secretary of the Treasury, containing a statement of proceedings under the ‘Act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland in the State of Maryland to the State of Ohio.’” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 12A-E4). Each...
35From James Madison to Congress, 24 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress copies of a Proclamation of the British Lieutenant Governor of the Island of Bermuda, which has appeared under circumstances leaving no doubt of its authenticity. It recites a British order in Council of the 26 of October last, providing for the supply of the British West Indies and other Colonial possessions, by a trade under special licences; and is accompanied by a...
36From James Madison to Congress, 22 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress a letter with accompanying documents from Captain Bainbridge, now commanding the United States Frigate “The Constitution,” reporting his capture and destruction of the British Frigate “The Java.” The circumstances and the issue of this combat, afford another example of the professional skill and heroic spirit, which prevail in our naval service. The signal display of...
37From James Madison to Congress, 22 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 January 1813. Transmits “copies of a correspondence between John Mitchell, agent for American Prisoners of War at Halifax, and the British Admiral commanding at that station.” Also transmits “copies of a letter from commodore Rodgers to the Secretary of the Navy.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC...
38From James Madison to Congress, 11 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
I transmit to Congress copies of a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, from Captain Decatur of the Frigate “United States,” reporting his combat and capture of the British Frigate, Macedonian. Too much praise cannot be bestowed on that officer and his companions on board, for the consummate skill and conspicuous valour, by which this Trophy has been added to the naval arms of the United...
39Draft of a Message to Congress, [ca. 8 December] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Considering that the U. S have a just claim on Spain for indemnities to a large amt. the justice of which has been admitted & for the satisfaction of which the Spanish possessions on the S Borders of the U. S. were brought into negociation; that these possessions, under the existing Circumstances of the Spanish Monarchy are every day liable to be occupied by the Enemy of the U. S. whence that...
40From 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,...
41From James Madison to Congress, 17 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 November 1812. Transmits “copies of a letter from the Consul General of the United States to Algeirs, stating the circumstances preceding and attending his departure from that Regency.” 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, signed by JM. For enclosure, see n. 1. JM...
42From James Madison to Congress, 12 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 November 1812. “For the further information of Congress relative to the pacific advances made on the part of this Government, to that of Great Britain, and the manner in which they have been met by the latter, I transmit the sequel of the communications on that subject received from the late chargé d’affaires at London.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages,...
43From James Madison to Congress, 6 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 November 1812. Transmits “copies of the correspondencies [ sic ] between the Department of War and the Governors of Massachusetts and Connecticut, refered to in my Message of the fourth instant.” RC and enclosures, 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, signed by JM. For enclosures (34...
44From James Madison to Congress, 5 November 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Bill entitled, “An Act supplementary to the Acts heretofore passed on the subject of an uniform rule of naturalization” which passed the two Houses at the last Session of Congress, having appeared to me liable to abuse by Aliens having no real purpose of effectuating a naturalization, and therefore not been signed; and having been presented at an hour too near the close of the Session to...
45Annual Message to Congress, 4 November 1812 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives On our present meeting, it is my first duty to invite your attention, to the providential favors which our Country has experienced, in the unusual degree of health dispensed to its inhabitants, and in the rich abundance with which the Earth has rewarded the labours bestowed on it. In the successful cultivation of other branches...
46From James Madison to Congress, 30 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
With a view, the better to adapt to the public service, the Volunteer force contemplated by the Act passed on the six [ sic ] day of February, I recommend to the consideration of Congress, the expediency of making the requisite provision for the officers thereof being commissioned by the authority of the United States. Considering the distribution of the military forces of the United States,...
47From James Madison to Congress, 22 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1812. “I communicate to Congress copies of a letter to the Secretary of State from the chargé d’Affaires of the United States at London, and of a note to him from the British Secretary for foreign Affairs.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by...
48From James Madison to Congress, 16 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 June 1812. “I transmit, for the information of Congress, copies of a letter to the Secretary of State from the Charge de Affaires of the United States at London, accompanied by a letter from the latter to the British Minister of foreign affairs.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in...
49From James Madison to Congress, 15 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 June 1812. “I transmit for the information of Congress copies of letters which have passed between the Secretary of State and the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For...
50From James Madison to Congress, 11 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 June 1812. “I transmit for the information of Congress copies of letters which have passed between the Secretary of State and the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For...