5201To James Madison from Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 15 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter sufficiently explains the occasion of this application to you in favour of Mr. Brewer. He wishes to remove to the western country, being incumbered with a large family which the salary & perquisites of his present office are not sufficient to support. Mr. Brewer has been Register of the land office in this State Several years, the duties of which he has discharged with...
5202To James Madison from William McIntosh and Others, 15 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
We hear much talk of the Cherokees wishing to exchange part or the whole of their land South & West of the Tennessee river with you, for lands West of the Mississippi river, this is a business of their own, and with which we have nothing to do, only So far as this, that about the time of our late troubles & war, the Cherokees attempted to lay claim to a large body of our land west of our...
5203To James Madison from Charles Jared Ingersoll, 16 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have the melancholy intelligence to communicate of the death of Mr. Dallas. He went about a fortnight since to Trenton to argue a cause of great importance depending there. During the discussion he was attacked with what his physicians here pronounce to be gout in the stomach, which affected him so severely, as, together with the anxiety of his mind respecting the business committed to his...
5204To James Madison from Richard M. Johnson, 16 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have this day rcd a letter from Majr Joseph Hawkins requesting to have his name withdrawn from the Senate for the office of surveyor on acct of the objections which he understood Some of the members from the State of Louisiana had urged against him for want of residence. Having learned that this objection is likely to operate against Mr Hawkins, I have thought it my duty to inform you of...
5205To James Madison from John Rhea, 16 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I may be prevented by bad weather or some thing Else from Seeing You previous to Your retiring from office—under this apprehension, I cannot avoid, and it affords me great pleasure, again to Express to You my high Sense of Gratitude, for the two appointments You honored me with in the time of last Summer—my fellow Citizens of the District of Washington had thought proper not to Elect me a...
5206To James Madison from Thomas Cooper, 17 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Mr Dallas is dead. Gout, brought on by professional fatigue, attacking alternately his Kidneys, his Stomach and his head, proved at length incureable. He had been attacked with it at Trenton about ten days before his death. I say nothing about the loss his friends sustain by this event: the loss is more to the public. He is dead, and cannot now say to you, what he intended to say, and probably...
5207To James Madison from Martin D. Hardin, 17 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have seen a representation signed by a number of the Members from the other house to you, requesting you to give permission to the commissioner for Claims for lost property to give out certificates on those cases which he considers clearly within the law & of Minor importance. I beg leave to Join in approbating the object of this application and to add my request that it may be attained. I...
5208To James Madison from William Cross, [ca. 18 January 1817] (Madison Papers)
The Petition of William Cross most respectfully represents. That he is a mechanic of the City of Washington, supporting a large family by his honest industry. That some time during the Session of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia for the County of Washington at December Term 1815, Your petitioner was fined by the Court for an assault and Battery of which he was convicted by the...
5209To James Madison from Thomas Clayton, 20 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have seen the statement of judge Fisher in the case of Mrs. Dauphine, and I should be highly gratified if you would be pleased to remit the forfeiture. I know nothing of the case further than is contained in that statement. But Mrs. Dauphine is a very worthy woman, and if the decree of the court is carried into execution, she and her children, will be left destitute of the means of support....
5210To James Madison from Armistead T. Mason, 20 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
It is with great reluctance that I tresspass on your time. I would not, on any consideration, expose myself to the imputation of intrusion, but, on the other hand, I should be sorry to neglect the discharge of a duty from motives of false delicacy. I am encouraged also, to address you, on this occasion, by the example of others, who whatever may be my claims, have not stronger than mine, to...
5211To James Madison from George Graham, 21 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Acting Secretary of War to whom has been referred the resolution of the Senate of the 8th. of this month “requesting that the President cause to be laid before the Senate the Amount of Money paid by the government of the UStates for the Services of militia during the late War, stating the amount to each respective state, and Distinguishing, as far as possible what has been paid for militia...
5212To James Madison from Robert Lewis Madison, 21 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
When you were in last summer you mentioned that you wished to procure two wild turkeys. I have now in my possession a male & a female which you are welcome to. By being kept up in a house with some tame ones they have become tolerably gentle & are well grown. My Father has been very sick but is now nearly restored. He was taken with a severe chill & for the first night was quite delerious. He...
5213To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 22 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I address you thus familiarly as an old friend, for the purpose of introducing to your acquaintance without ceremony the bearer Captn. Douglass of the Corps engineers, and assistant professor of natural and experimental philosophy in this seminary, a young gentleman equally distinguished for his scientific acquirements, and his knowledge of the theory and practice of engineering, in which he...
5214To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 23 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Had I not a great personal interest in seeing the Laws of the United States, relating to the granting of Patents, & the protection of the rights of Inventors, So Modified as to embrace a better security of these rights, I should not have devoted So much time & attention to this Subject: nor should I now presume to Solicit thy attention to it. The Essay of “Franklin,” published in Nos. 8 & 9 of...
5215To James Madison from Daniel D. Tompkins, 23 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Jasper Parish Esquire, agent for the six nations of Indians, proceeds to Washington on business interesting to those indians. Mr. Parish is well acquainted with the present wants of the Indians & with the reasons for the measure of removing more westwardly which you were pleased to sanction last winter. I beg leave to introduce Mr. Parish as a respectable & intelligent gentleman whose...
5216To James Madison from Richard M. Johnson, [ca. 25 January 1817] (Madison Papers)
The within letter relates to a Captive yet held as the Property of an indian; he is the only son of my near nieghbour, his Parents have long been amused with hopes of his being alive. I hope something may be done to liberate this young man from captivity. ⟨Wi⟩th g⟨rea⟩t respect your ob sert RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , J-17:10). Undated; conjectural date assigned based on the date...
5217To James Madison from Charles Massey Jr., 25 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I once more beg your goodness towards a poor and unfortunate child, that was taken from me a mere Infant by his uncle and carried To the state of pennsylvania and there his cruel uncle desearted him, and being young and thoughtless like all poor lost children there was a gentleman on the road gave him a letter and told him there was money In it, to put it in the post office, and he thoughtless...
5218To James Madison from the South Carolina Legislature, 25 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
We have the Honor to enclose you a Resolution passed by the Legislature of this State at their last Session and directed to be presented to you. Permit us at the same time to offer you our best wishes for a continuance of your happiness and valuable life and remain With great respect your Obedt Servts. Whereas the highest tribute of respect which a Rep[u]blican Government can pay its officers,...
5219To James Madison from Augustus B. Woodward, 25 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Woodward has the honor to present his respects to the President of the United States of America, and to submit to his perusal a discussion on the organization of the executive departments of the government of the United States. The papers are the property of the honorable Judge Duvall, of the Supreme Court of the United States; to whom Mr. Woodward solicits of the President the favor that...
5220To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 27 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to transmit, herewith Nominations to the Senate of the United States of the Revd. Nathaniel Andrews and the Revd. John Ireland, to be Chaplains; and Ashton Y. Humphreys, to be a Purser in the Navy of the United States. I have the honour to be, &c. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). JM forwarded the nominations to the Senate on 29 Jan. 1817 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings...
5221To James Madison from Stephen Pleasonton, 27 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State has directed me to submit to you the propriety of nominating to the Senate the following persons, viz Henry Wilson, of Maryland, at present the Consul at L’ Orient, to be Consul of the UStates at Nantz, vice, D. Strobel, resigned. Edward Church, of Kentucky, to be Consul at L’ Orient. John B. Frazier, of Massacts, to be Consul for the Island of Curracao. Stephen Bradley,...
5222To James Madison from John Lovett, 28 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to enclose the Petition of Leonard Blanchard , praying for a commission in the army of the U. States. I know not the man, personally, but cannot doubt of his merit when certified by so respectable authority as the Honorable Mr. Woods, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the State of NewYork, and, His Excellency, Governor Tompkins. I have the honour to be Sir, with...
5223To James Madison from Thomas Law, 1 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
In the accompanying Letters I have used my endeavors to be perspicuous, forcible & concise, without omitting any very essential argument to ensure the establishment of a national currency, an all important desideratum which I should rejoice to see effected before you close your political Career. I have never intruded but for public useful purposes. When it was proposed to make Treasury notes...
5224To James Madison from Thomas Law, 1 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Accept the accompanying Letters on a most important subject in which I have endeavored to introduce whatever remains to me of force & perspicuity in expressing of my sentiments. I wished & endeavored to obtain the great desideratum by every persuasion & entreaty, without claiming attention, but in vain, reluctantly therefore I have attempted to assail the Goliah Prejudice, with my sling &...
5225To James Madison from William Harris Crawford, [3 February 1817] (Madison Papers)
The enclosed papers are Submitted to the Consideration of the President. If the recommendation of the board of delegates Should be accepted, the difficulties of the treasury and of the Collection of the revenue are at an end. RC ( DLC ). Undated; date supplied from JM ’s docket “Feby. 3. 1817.” On the cover JM wrote: “arrangements for resuming specie payments” and “To be put with Mr. Crawfords...
5226To James Madison from John W. Taylor, 3 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose for the perusal of the President of the United States a letter from Gov. Tompkins relative to the employment of the State Prisoners of New York in the construction of certain military roads on the terms therein mentioned. Very respectfully Your Mo. obedt RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , T-45:10); draft of RC ( NHi : John W. Taylor Papers). For enclosure, see...
5227To James Madison from David Holmes, 4 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
When I was in Washington city last winter, I informed you, that it was my intention to resign the Office of Governor of this Territory, in the course of the succeeding summer. It afterwards occurred to me that a just regard for the Interests of the Militia who served in the field in the late war, required that I should remain in office, until the arrearages due to them should be paid, or at...
5228To James Madison from the Kentucky Legislature, 4 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Legislature of Kentucky present you with an expression, of their feelings, and sentiments at the close of your Administration. We know that the approbation of Republican Citizens is the noblest Reward that can be confered on their chief Majistrate, and your approaching retirement, will soon exhibit you on a level with other private citizens, distinguished by your Virtues and past...
5229To James Madison from William Harris Crawford, 5 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Secy of the Treasury presents his respects to the President & informs that no effort will be made to prevent the injustice to the State of Georgia unless it is brought before Congress by executive message—the inclosed Statement of the case is believed to be Sufficcient to shew the injustice of the act in question. It is supposed that a message would not be so full in stating the case....
5230To James Madison from James Monroe, 5 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State to whom has been referred the resolution of the Senate of the 28th. of last month, requesting the President to cause to be laid before the Senate such information as he may possess touching the execution of so much of the first article of the late Treaty of peace and amity between his Britannic Majesty and the United States of America as relates to the restitution of...
5231To James Madison from Robert Young and Christopher Neale, 5 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
The undersigned, Justices of the Peace for the Town & County of Alexandria, beg leave to represent, that the death of William Newton and the removal of Col: John McKenney to the Western Country, has lessened the number of Magistrates for this Town, while the increased Population requires an augmentation thereof. They therefore beg leave respectfully, to offer for the consideration of the...
5232To James Madison from John Marshall, 5 February 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Marshall. 5 February 1817. “Mr. Marshall accepts with pleasure the invitation of Mr & Mrs Madison to dine with them on Saturday next at four.” Tr (owned by Joseph Z. Willner, Chicago, Ill., 1961). 1 p.
5233To James Madison from George Graham, 6 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to lay before you a list of appointments to fill vacancies in the army. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). JM forwarded a one-page list of twenty-four names to the Senate on 7 Feb. 1817 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, D.C., 1828). , 3:75–76).
5234To James Madison from David Lenox and Others, 6 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Being requested as the standing Committee of the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati, to unite in the Application, which has been made to Congress by a Committee of the surviving Officers of the revolutionary Army, on the subject of the half pay for Life which was promised by the Resolves of Congress, it is with implicit reliance on those Sentiments and Opinions, which, during the War of...
5235To James Madison from Gabriel Slaughter, 6 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Pursuant to the request of the general Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky I have the honor to transmit you the enclosed Address. Please to accept assurances of the high respect & consideration of Your most Obt. & humble Sert. RC ( PHi ). Cover postmarked “Frankt. Ky,” 24 Feb. Docketed by JM “Recd. Mar. 20.” Enclosed the Kentucky Legislature to JM , 4 Feb. 1817 .
5236To James Madison from Robert Goodloe Harper, 6 February 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Goodloe Harper. “Thursday eveng” 6 February 1817. “Genl. Harper will have the honour of attending the President of the united States at dinner on Saturday next.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
5237To James Madison from Jared Mansfield, 7 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of addressing your Excellency on a subject of concern to myself as an Instructor, &, of great importance to the success of the Mil. Academy. It is certain, that the principal evils, & difficulties, which have occurred, & which have materially obstructed the successful progress of this Institution, have not resulted from the imperfection of the Laws, but from a non Observance...
5238To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 8 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
An affair in which I have no interest, but that of a citizen whose property is landed, has occurred to my observation with so much force, that I have considered it as duty to attempt to attract to it the most respectable notice. It is above thirty years since I submitted to you in our return from the convention at Annapolis, that the garden cultivation of cotton on the Chesapeak bay convinced...
5239To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 8 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
In a late letter from mr. Spafford of Albany I received the inclosed with a request that after perusal I would forward it to you, adding a desire that, when read, you would address it under cover to him, as he sets some value on the possession of it. His object in making the communication to either of us is not explained, but perhaps it may be understood by you. Your frank on a blank cover...
5240Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In a late letter from mr Spafford of Albany I received the inclosed with a request that after perusal I would forward it to you, adding a desire that, when read, you would address it under cover to him, as he sets some value on the possession of it. his object in desiring making the communication to either of us is not explained, but perhaps it may be understood by you. your frank on a blank...
5241To James Madison from Jacob Hoffman and Others, 10 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
The undersigned, understanding that William G. Adams late of Alexandria D.C. but resident at present at Marseilles is an applicant for the Consulate of the United States at that place, take pleasure in stating our conviction that his activity, experience and information will be faithfully directed to the fulfillment of the duties of the Office, should he be appointed, and do recommend his...
5242To James Madison from John McMahan, 10 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
As an Officer Who hath been in the Service of the United States, during the Late War on the Niagara Frontier, I do Consider it a duty I owe to you and to my Country, to give Some information respecting the Claims which are presented to Congress For the loss of Property Burnt and destroyed by the Enemy of the United States during Said War at Buffalo. During my Service at that place Both...
5243To James Madison from William Plumer, 10 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with a resolution of the legislature of this State, I have requested the Collector of the port of Portsmouth to send you by the first opportunity a box containing a Map of New Hampshire, to be left in the Collectors office in Alexandria in the District of Columbia. I have the honor to be with much respect and esteem, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant RC ( DNA : RG...
5244To James Madison from John Brewer, 12 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Addressing for the first time, the Chief Magistrate of My Country; and Sensible of my inabillity to approach you in a Style, Suitable to your known virtues and talents, You will readily believe me, when I express my embarrassment as greater than I have ever experienced. Encouraged by Your Characteristic indulgence, and pursuing my feelings, I will proceed; Conscious that your goodness, will...
5245To James Madison from Thomas Baldwin, 13 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honour to introduce to your Excellency’s notice, the Hone. Mr. Morrell, Senator from the State of New-Hampshire, by whom I send for your Excellency’s acceptance, Dr. Marshman’s Clavis Sinica , &c, presented by himself. I have for several years, forwarded to Mr. Marshman and the other Baptist Missionaries of Serampore, a periodical work, which I have edited called “The...
5246To James Madison from Charles Kelsall, 15 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Remarking in your message to Congress, that you suggested the expediency of raising an University worthy of the American States, I take the liberty of sending you a copy of my work, which if not judged to be corresponding with the views of the scientific part of your countrymen, may I trust, be serviceable in affording useful hints. I always thought good arrangement the great handmaid of...
5247To James Madison from Johan Albert von Kantzow, 15 February 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Johan Albert von Kantzow. 15 February 1817. “Mr: & Mrs: de Kantzow, will have the honor to pay Their respects to The President of The United States, and to Madame Madison, at dinner on Monday The 24th: Inst:, in conformity to The Invitation recieved.” RC ( PHi ). 1 p.
5248To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
The bearer hereof, mr. George Flower, is an English gentleman farmer, was the companion of mr. Burkbeck in his journey through France, and is the person to whom the dedication of that book is addressed, he came over on behalf of his own family and that of mr. Burkbeck, to chuse a settlement for them. Having made the tour of the temperate latitudes of the US. he has purchased a settlement near...
5249Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 16 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, mr George Flower , is an English gentleman farmer, was the companion of mr Burkbeck in his journey through France , and is the person to whom the dedication of that book is addressed, he came over on behalf of his own family and that of mr Burkbeck , to chuse a settlement for them. having made the tour of the temperate latitudes of the US. he has purchased a settlement near...
5250To James Madison from Johann Friedrich Le Plat, 17 February 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Johann Friedrich Le Plat. 17 February 1817, Merseburg, Saxony. It was made known in the public newspapers under the article of Baltimore February 2, 1816, that in order to increase internal traffic in the United States of America, JM intends to have several navigable canals built, so that the rivers can be made navigable, insofar as they are not already so, and to have works built along...