11To James Madison from the Republican Meeting of Kent County, Maryland, 4 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1809. With Dr. John Thomas presiding and Cornelius Comegys serving as secretary the citizens offer JM congratulations upon his taking “the presidential chair” and hail the continuance of republicanism as it was practiced under President Jefferson. “Although a wise and just policy has thus preserved us from the political vortex of Europe,” the war now waging there constitutes a threat...
12To James Madison from the Republican Meeting of Garrard County, Kentucky, 4 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Document not found. 4 March 1809, Lancaster, Kentucky. Acknowledged in JM to the chairman of the meeting, 29 Apr. 1809 . A set of resolutions lauding JM on his inauguration and expressing a willingness to support the administration against foes at home and abroad.
13Students of Jefferson College to Thomas Jefferson, 4 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
As you now retire from the great theatre of political action, after having spent a number of years in the immediate service of your country—Permit us to hail your retreat from the important office you so lately filled with honor and dignity—to the calm retreats of domestic life. With hearts abounding with gratitude to you as an instrument in the hand of divine Providence, in promoting the...
14Margaret Bayard Smith’s Account of Madison’s Inauguration and Ball, [4 March 1809] (Jefferson Papers)
On the morning of Mr Madison ’s inauguration, he asked Mr Jefferson to ride in his carriage with him to the Capitol , but this he declined, & in answer to a friend one who enquired of him why he had not accompanied his friend—he smiled & replied, “I wished not to divide with him the honors of the day—it pleased me better to see them all bestowed on him.” A large procession of citizens, some in...
15Citizens of Washington, D.C., to Thomas Jefferson, 4 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Citizens of Washington cannot forego the last opportunity, which may, perhaps ever occur, to bid you a respectful and affectionate farewell. As members of the great and flourishing nation, over which you have so illustriously presided, your virtues, talents, and services command their esteem, admiration and gratitude. Embarked in the fate of this solitary republic of the world, they have...
16Thomas Jefferson to the Citizens of Washington, D.C., 4 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieve with peculiar gratification the affectionate address of the citizens of Washington , and in the patriotic sentiments it expresses, I see the true character of the National Metropolis . the station which we occupy among the nations of the earth is honourable, but awful. trusted with the destinies of this solitary republic of the world, the only monument of human rights, & the sole...
We have at length got through the argument on the Cause for which I came here. It was finished yesterday after having taken up nearly four days—The opinion of the Court will probably be given in the course of the week, and my intention is to leave this place, to-morrow week, which will be the 13th:—I depend therefore upon the pleasure of seeing you again at latest in three weeks from this day....
18To James Madison from Louis Dubois, 5 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I send you a march which I composed in your honor, I take the liberty to offer it to you as the tribute of a Stranger to your eminent talents and patriotism which brought you to the first seat of these united States. It is only a march, but in the scale of society, who pay his Share of talents and usefulness to the common good, has done his duty; as the head of this Enlightened Republic, I...
19To James Madison from Henry Lee, 5 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Yr. speech which reached here last night is so far as my information reaches much approved, for its modesty & generality & reserve of promises. A few think you might have well avoided that positive decleration about impartiality of the late admn. to foreign nations, as the public mind is divided on that question & the published state documents authorize a great deal to be said in contradiction...
20John G. Jackson to Dolley Madison, [5 March 1809] (Madison Papers)
Farewell my dear Sister & say good bye for me to my beloved friend Madison. He carries with him into the Presidency the most affectionate good wishes of my heart: produced by an intimate acquaintance with his public & private virtues for nine years past; & I can say with great truth that not one single act of his life during the period I speak of has excited a momentary doubt as to its...