5701To James Madison from Toppan Webster and Others, 31 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
The undersigned, members of the City Council, residing, in the first ward, Beg leave to recommend Mr. William Waters of said ward as a suitable person for a magistrate, and as we are much in want of one in that section of the City, we pray his appointment to said office. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Waters”). JM also received a 1 Sept. 1812 letter on behalf of Waters from the...
5702Madison and the Problem of Mexican Independence: The Gutiérrez-Magee Raid of August 1812, 1 September 1812 (Editorial … (Madison Papers)
The “illegal enterprize” referred to by JM in his 1 September 1812 letter to Monroe was the Gutiérrez-Magee raid, a filibuster into the Spanish province of Texas that had commenced on 8 August 1812. Details of the background and the conduct of this expedition have frequently been recounted by historians with scholarly interests in either the origins of the movement for Texan independence or...
5703From James Madison to James Monroe, 1 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
The letter from Acheson, should be known in some of its contents. I inclose it to you for reasons on the face of it. I inclose also the letter from Gilbert Taylor, as a memento to the letter you are to write to the Govr. of Tennessee, on the subject of the illegal enterprize on foot in that State. We are so far well on our way. Yrs. RC ( DLC : Monroe Papers). JM probably enclosed the 25 Aug....
5704To James Madison from Thomas Acheson, 1 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I addressd. your excellency a few days ago on the rumourd. defeat and Surrender of Genl. Hull’s Army. Since which we have recd. the detail and it appears that the British have got possession of the important post of Detroit in the usual way. Can any faith be held with a Nation So lost to every principle of honor, and So degenerated as to employ no other weapons but bribery, corruption , and...
5705To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 1 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to write you a hasty line at day light yesterday morning. Suffer me to obtrude upon you a few personal and public considerations. I sincerely believe that a considerable portion of our present difficulties have arisen from the injuries to the operations & system of supply, which have grown out of the measures since the spring of 1809 upon the subject of its organization. I am...
5706To James Madison from Walker Reid, 1 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 September 1812, Washington, Kentucky. Encloses resolutions concerning the Nonimportation Act from Mason County, Kentucky. Apologizes for the poor copy, explaining that he is “in soldiers dress” and will “march in the morning to Join our beloved Harrison—with an elegant company of mounted Riflemen formed in 3 Days.” 1 September 1812. “A large and very respectable collection of citizens” met...
5707To James Madison from William Eustis, 2 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
In forming an answer to Govr. Strong I find some objections which induce me to enclose the papers for a second consideration. It appears that 3 of the 5 companies required for passamaquodda (which implies a greater extent of country than Eastport) have been ordered by the Govr for Eastport. The requisition of G. Dearborn is substantially complied with at this post . As it is a frontier post...
5708To James Madison from William Keteltas, 2 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Gnl. Hull and his Army Prisoners at the Onset Millions opposed to thousands in population In a word the United States opposed to two pitiful and Pitiable British provinces seperated from their Guardian by an Ocean of 3000 Miles. Oh Nature what a beginning. Error some where Methinks ignorance, has assumed the empire of Wisdom Vice of Virtue , wrong of right, for When opposed to the wrongs of...
5709To James Madison from James Monroe, 2 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Nothing new is recd. from England; or France. Mr Baker will remain at Fredericktown or some other interior town between this & Phila. Mr Serurier was with me yesterday. He stated many reasons for delay in his govt. to arrange our affairs, but dwelt most on changes in the treaty in discussion between it & Mr. Barlow, proposed by the latter. He mention’d several, all of a commercial nature. He...
5710To James Madison from Nelson Nicholas, 2 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I hope you will feel no disposition, as you certainly have no cause, to question my sincerity when I assure you, that the motives which induce me to address you are disinterested, and that my complaints against some of your sub-ministers are dictated by patriotism, and not by enmity to you, or any other individual in power. I wish briefly to disclose the situation of this country, and for a...
5711To James Madison from Thomas Todd, 2 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
My anxiety & solicitude for the success of the American arms must apologize for obtruding on you any statements or opinions as to military affairs—the disasters which have fallen on the Northwestern army, imperiously require effective measures to be taken—to enable you to do this, correct information is essentially necessary—to possess you of this has induced me to address you. I presume that...
5712To James Madison from Louis Fromenteau, 3 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Conçevant par votre Silence, concernant l’humble prière que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous faire par ma lettre du 21e Juillet dernier, que je ne puis espèrer, un emploi Civil, Sous ce Gouvernement, Selon que je m’en étoit flatté, je me Suis d’éterminé à retourner au Canada; a cet effect, après avoir fait m’à déclaration, chez Monsieur le Marshal Smith, Conformément à l’acte des Etrangers, je me...
5713To James Madison from Robert Johnson, 3 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Some of the people of Kentucky expected when warr was declared that 10,000 men would have been ordered to upper Canada to take that province and enex it to the United States, and at the Same time double the number or more ordered to lower Canada to prevent reinforcements from one place to the other. In this reasonable Expectation they have been (with regret) much disappointed. I have...
5714To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 4 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am charged by a numerous meeting of the military & Citizens held at this place on yesterday to forward a copy of their proceedings to you. It is their anxious wish to be employed in repelling the invasion of our Country & chastising the enemy. If 5000 men be a sufficient number to effect this 10,000 will meet with a feeble resistance, & it will be an economy of blood & treasure to strike a...
5715To James Madison from William Kelso, 4 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
After my asking your pardon I Will inform you that I have Seen this Day a Large Body of men Seting off from this place to assist the Volunteers that Ware Sent to Detroit after We Hard of General Hulls Conduct We Ware affected With it I feel a Very great ⟨etepthey?⟩ against him So great that I feel as although I Would of thanked god that it had of been my lott to haf been With Hull So that I...
5716To James Madison from John Mason, 4 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I entreat you to attribute the Subject of this letter to it’s true motive—the most honest and sincere desire to do public good, in however small a degree it may be in my power to contribute toward it. You will receive Sir, by this same mail a letter from Mr Rush, which has been written after several earnest and anxious conversations between him and myself, as to the present Crisis, and...
5717To James Madison from James Monroe, 4 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I send within a letter from Mr Russell & one from Mr Beasley, which are of no great importance except in relation to the blockade of May 1806. Every thing we hear of Genl. Hulls conduct increases the high sense at first entertaind of its impropriety. Col: Huntington from Ohio is here, & Col: Cass is expected to day. H. says that even at the moment of surrender our force was sufficient to have...
5718To James Madison from Richard Rush, 4 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
The extraordinary juncture of publick affairs emboldens me to trouble you with this letter, and while I do so with great diffidence I must seek the apology in the motive and proceed to its immediate subject with no other claim to indulgence beyond that which the subject, coupled with the most ardent desires for our countrys welfare, can beget. The shock given to the publick hopes in the...
5719From James Madison to William Eustis, 5 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
The death of Mr. Mifflin has produced the inclosed applications for the vacancy in the deputy commissiarte [ sic ] held by him. It is probable they will meet others addressed to yourself. If Irvin is to reside or be chiefly in Philada. it does not appear very essential that the office should be filled immediately, if at all. You can judge best. Mr. Coxe has again been brought to my attention;...
5720From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yours of the 2d. inst: last night. Your observations on the policy called for by the crisis produced by Hull’s surrender are entirely just; and I feel all the value of the aid you offer in meeting it in a proper manner. Both before & since our parting conversation on that subject, the idea has been revolved in the hope that some shape might be given to it worthy both of your standing...
5721To James Madison from Gabriel Duvall, 5 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Last evening, Genl. Mason & Mr. Rush made me acquainted with the subject of their letters of yesterday’s date to you. Promising that those letters have my entire approbation, I shall make no apology for thus co-operating with them; & my address, of course, will be short. I am aware that it is expecting a great deal, perhaps too much, of Mr. Jefferson to request at this day, his return to...
5722To James Madison from William Eustis, 5 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I enclose herewith a Letter from Colo McArthur by Mr Huntington who arrived the day before yesterday & who has this morning taken a carriage to bring in Colo. Cass left about 70 miles from the city in consequence of indisposition, and who may be expected in the course of the day. It appears to be an universal sentiment of the Officers who have come in that the surrender of the post & troops...
5723To James Madison from John Giles, 5 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I hope, your Excellency, will not deem me intrusive, in occupying a few minnets of your time. I am not insensible, of the number, nor of the weight, and vast importance of those objects; which must necessarily, claim your attention, and engross your moments. But feeling, and appreciating, as I do, the benefits which flow from your government; I am urgd to offer, this small tribute of my warm...
5724To James Madison from James Monroe, 5 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I send by the mail a communication from the chr de onis, which was presented to me by mr Chacon. He professes a willingness to make a treaty, but I suspect his powers do not extend to the cession of E. Florida, especially under the new constitution of Spain. Mr Chacon says that the chr. is extremely anxious to prevent hostilities being commenc’d under genl. Wilkn.—that the letter of the Govr....
5725From James Madison to William Eustis, 6 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have thought it proper to request the return of the inclosed letters; some of which, though stating facts, & shewing the public sentiment, and on that account worth perusing, contain what ought to consign them to the fire, rather than to the public archives. The more I hear of the alarm produced in the Western Country by Hull’s disaster, and of the incoherent efforts on foot to cure the...
5726From James Madison to James Monroe, 6 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I recd. last evening your favor of the 4th: with a subsequent note covering a letter from Mr. Graham. That from Duane, referred to as inclosed, was omitted. All the accts., printed & manuscript, coincide with the view given by Mr. Graham, of the Western feeling produced by Hull’s disaster. The great point is to seize it and give it proper direction. This requires one mind of the right sort,...
5727From James Madison to Samuel Spring, 6 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of Aug 26. I recollect our Collegiate friendship with the same impressions which it gives me pleasure to find you still retain. Nor have I forgotten the pleasant hours that passed between us at a much later day under my own roof. We all feel the weight of the times and it is to be regretted that all cannot unite in the measures opposed to them. If it were proper for...
5728To James Madison from James Monroe, 6 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you a letter from Col Humphreys & also one from Col. Pike. I am glad to see by the former that some expln. can be given of the proceedings in Connecticut different from what has been imputed & suspected. Mr Serurier was with me, to day, & repeated what he had before stated of the cause of delay at Paris, & intimated that if any plan could be devised within the limit of his govt’s...
5729To James Madison from William Crawford, 7 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I hope you will pardon this intrusion in the midst of those momentuous affairs which must now press upon your attention. At the request of Mr. Lloyd I now address you in his behalf. I have witnessed some experiments on his late discovery. I presume not on being competent to decide its merit. But it appears to me worthy of a full & fair trial. As, either in the army or navy, it might be...
5730To James Madison from William Eustis, 7 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
By the mail of this day I have only time to submit for consideration a suggestion which has been made of the expediency of detaining the Indian chiefs as hostages. If their tribes should become hostile it is in my mind doubtful whether they may not be useful with their influence among them; if they are not hostile detaining them will give great cause of offence. On the 24 Aug. Gov Meigs writes...
5731To James Madison from Thomas Magrath, 7 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
About the 25th ult I recd. a draught on me from the Bank of Columbia which I refused accep[t]ing not knowing what it was for & having no orders so to do, in conseq[u]ence of which I recd. the within letter which I thought to send you &c I remain Your Hble. Servt. RC and enclosures ( DLC ). For enclosures, see n. 1. Magrath enclosed a 4 Sept. 1812 letter (1 p.) from the firm of Heth and...
5732To James Madison from James Monroe, 7 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Nothing new has occurrd since mine of yesterday. I have yours of the 5th. Mr Eustis has been with me, & we have communicated on the subject of yours to him. He expresses a strong desire for me to take the command, & thinks that a volunteer comn., would serve the purpose. We will confer fully on this subject to day, and come to a decision, and by to morrow’s mail you shall have the result. The...
5733To James Madison from James Lloyd, 7 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 September 1812, Gettysburg, Adams County. “Having wrote you Sometime ago [not found] … and Reciving no answer thinking that it never Reached you being Desirous to know the result of an Experiment which has Cost me a great deal of t[i]me trouble & expence not only for my own good but that mankind Should be benefited by it. “When I was down at the City of washington trying my Combustable...
5734To James Madison from Christopher Raymond Perry, 7 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 September 1812, Newport. Explains that in 1808 he “procured letters from some of the first Republican characters in this state” recommending him for the office of superintendent of a navy yard but was too late in applying to receive an appointment. JM later appointed him superintendent of the navy yard at Charlestown, Massachusetts, but he was superseded when the previous superintendent...
5735From James Madison to William Eustis, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 5th. & return the letters accompanying it. Your last instruction to Wilkinson will I suppose have given him the idea which is for the present to regulate his policy towards the Spaniards. If it be true that a proclamation of neutrality issued at the Havanna, it is a proof that they will not court hostilities with us. In the mean time, the hostile use made of the...
5736From James Madison to James Monroe, 8 [September] 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 6th. I am sorry to find that Pike confides so little in our prospects. From a letter of Genl. Dearborn to the Secy. of War, it appears that the force at his disposal is more scanty than was hoped. I am not sure whether his immediate plan is to take advantage of the detachments of the B. force from Montreal, by directing his principal operations towards that place, or...
5737To James Madison from William Eustis, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
By Letters from General Dearborn Genl. Harrison and others from the western country it appears that events of great importance are almost daily occurring: and I cannot refrain from expressing my own with the hopes of all our friends that your return may be found not inconvenient. With great respect RC ( DLC ). Eustis probably referred to a 3 Sept. 1812 letter from Dearborn ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS...
5738To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 6th. I am willing & ready to act in either character alluded to. The effect on public opinion would be greater, if indeed any useful effect might be expected from it, by appointing me to command, than merely making a visit to the country. In the latter case, I would do every thing in my power to promote an organization of the forces, to digest their plan of operations, &...
5739To James Madison from the Democratic Citizens of Talbot County, Maryland, ca. 8 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 8 September 1812. Report that “a very numerous meeting … was held on the court-House green in Easton on Tuesday the 8th. Septr.” “The Democratic Citizens of Talbot County feel firmly attached to the constitution of the United States; and ardently adore the liberties we enjoy—actuated themselves by the principles of their revolutionary fathers, and warmly approbating the measures pursued by...
5740To James Madison from the Republican Citizens of Worcester County, Maryland, 8 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 September 1812. “Whereas certain Resolutions have recently been entered into by a part of our Fellow Citizens on Tuesday the 25th. Ultimo. at this place, calculated to impress a belief, that the public sentiment in this section of the United States, is Inimical to the present administration of our Government. Holding as we do a deep stake in the interest of this Community and viewing the...
5741From James Madison to Samuel Carswell, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 September 1812. Described as an “Autograph Letter, signed” in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 698 (1893), item 521.
5742To James Madison from James Monroe, 9 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have nothing from you to day. Col Cass has arrivd & gives the same acct. heretofore recd. from others of the surrender of Detroit. Genl Cushing thinks that a power to grant a volunteer comn., to give effect to the law, is a necessary construction of it. I shall, unless some other view be taken in the course of the day, accept such a comn. & set out in discharge of it, in a few days. A short...
5743To James Madison from Richard Forrest, 9 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 September 1812, Washington. “Agreeably to your request, I wrote to an excellent judge of Wine in Baltimore, to purchase (if he should approve of the quality) a pipe of the prize Wine then about to be sold there.” Encloses the letter he received in reply [not found] explaining that the purchase was not made. “The Victory of Capn. Hull, has given great animation to every class of persons...
5744From James Madison to William Eustis, 10 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have but a moment to inclose you the letters from Govr: Scott & others. You will communicate to Mr. Monroe what has been done in that quarter. His presence will be useful in getting every thing into system & subordination. A failure in the mail does not allow me time to examine the Volunteer Act, with reference to a Majr. Genl’s Comission to Mr. Monroe. But I see no evil from risking the...
5745From James Madison to James Monroe, 10 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment recd. yours of the 8th. & 9th. A failure in the mail, occasioned the recet. of them at the same time. I have not had time to examine the Volunteer Act, which has been forwarded to me, the present mail which brought it, remaining but a short period, & that being occupied in reading papers &c. now sent to the Secy. of War, & others requiring attention. He will shew you those...
5746To James Madison from Thomas Henderson, 10 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
It becomes my duty to inform you that pursuant to a publick notice, a large and respectable number of the Citizens of this County convened in the Court house on the 4th. Instant to take into Consideration the State of the Union, After the Assembly was Organised a committee was Appointed to prepare resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. The following preamble and resolutions were...
5747To James Madison from James Monroe, 10 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 8th. Having been engaged the whole day in communication with Col. Huntington & Cass, I have only a moment to drop you a line. Cass says that he came here as the representative of all the officers, and indeed as the organ of the army to explain the conduct of Genl. Hull in the sacrifice of the army. He is engaged in making a statment which he wishes to go before the public...
5748To James Madison from James Taylor, 10 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance Genl. James Findlay a particular friend of mine. The Genl. Commanded one of the Regiments from this state who were unfortunately Compeled to surrender prisoners of War at Detroit on the 16t. August. The Genl. has been induced to take Niagara and Genl. Dearborns head Quarter in his way to the City of Washington. I refer you to Genl. F for any...
5749From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 10 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 September 1812, Montpelier. “The bearer John Neilson has been employed between three and four years by me as a House Carpenter. He has appeared to be unusually skilfull in his profession and very faithfull in the work done by him, I have never heard any thing injurious in the slightest Degree to his integrity, and believe his character in every other respect to be worthy of Confidence.” RC...
5750To James Madison from the Republican Citizens of York County, District of Maine, 10 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 September 1812. A convention of “more than six hundred republican citizens,” members of the “solid yeomanry,” met on 10 Sept. “to consider and resolve on the momentous subjects of public affairs.” After attending church services and processing to the courthouse, the convention appointed a committee to prepare a report for consideration. The convention then unanimously approved the following...