3451Benjamin Henry Latrobe to Dolley Madison, 8 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
Immediately after your departure I went to the President’s house in order to forward every part of the work which it was necessary to compleat before your return. I was however stopped in my intentions untill it could be ascertained whether the building fund would afford to pay for these operations. After this was ascertained, in order to strengthen the fund, I bought the two Chimney pieces...
3452To James Madison from Stephen S. Hallet, 9 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to propose to your Excelency what I think an Improvement to the President’s House. It is Montgolfier’s hydraulic ram improved, for which I have lately with a partener, obtained a patent of the United States. Dr. Wm. Thornton examined it Very Carefully, witnessed Some trials and was So kind as to take an active part in the Experiment we have exhibited in the City. As I could not...
3453To James Madison from George Joy, 9 September 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 September 1809, Harwich, England. Discusses British attempt to blockade the entire French coast and control U.S. trade. Informs JM of the unfortunate situation of American ships held captive in Denmark and describes his plans to spend time there endeavoring to free them. RC and duplicate ( DLC ). RC 16 pp. Duplicate 21 pp.; enclosed in Joy to JM, 5 Oct. 1809 ( DLC ).
3454To James Madison from William Eustis, 10 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge your Letter of the 30th of August. Instructions are forwarded by this mail to Genl. Wilkinson to repair to the seat of Govt. By the last letters received from the General (dated Aug. 10th) it is expected he will have reached the vicinity of Fort Adams or Natches with the troops, or at least the greater part of them, by the time Genl. Hampton who will take the...
3455From James Madison to the President of the Virginia Agricultural Society, 10 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 September 1809, Montpelier. The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that the letter consisted of one page and calendars it as: “Forwarding at the request of Elkanah Watson of Albany, N. Y. ’Certificates of honorable testimony,’ ’Diplomas of membership’ etc. With prices at which he will supply same.”
3456From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I send herewith a few papers which have come to my hands along with those addressed to myself. Jackson according to a note sent from Annapolis to Mr. Smith was to be in Washington on friday evening last. The letters from Mr. Pinkney brought by him, were dated June 23. and merely rehearsed a conversation with Canning; from which it would seem, that C. readily admitted that his second condition...
3457To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 11 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I did not write till I could inform you where I was going; as otherwise I had nothing to communicate. The lameness of my horses & the late season have induced me to give up my western excursion, instead of which I will treat Mrs. Gallatin with a short visit to her mother in New York. We will be there about the 21st instt., remain a week and return so as to be here about 2d or 3d Octer. I do...
3458To James Madison from John Graham, 11 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I was very much surprised this Morning when Mr Smith told me you had not received Genl. Turreau’s Letters—relating to a Vessel which is building at Baltimore, as he says “for the revolted Blacks of St Domingo”—for I was fully persuaded that I put them under Cover to you with the Laws of the last Session which you wrote for. I yet hope that this will turn out to be the case, for I cannot find...
3459To James Madison from the Republican Meeting of Nashville, Tennessee, [ca. 11] September 1809 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of sundry citizens of Nashville and its vicinity, convened by notice in the Impartial Review, to take into consideration the late perfidious conduct of the British Government towards the United states— Doctor William Dickson, was called to the chair & Alexr Porter Jr appointed secy— After some appropriate observations by several gentlemen Present, the following committee was...
3460To James Madison from Robert Smith, 11 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will herewith receive copies of letters which I have received from Erskine & Jackson and my answers. I have deemed it proper to introduce into my Answer to Jackson some Civility. It may do good. It can’t do harm. Besides, the Comity of Nations, as well as good sense, requires, and especially in the beginning, a style of deportment which would not imply a latent hostility. I have informed...
3461To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 12 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had intended to have been with you before this, but my daughter, who wishes to pay her respects to mrs. Madison & yourself at the same time, has been confined by the illness of her youngest child. He has been mending for some days, but slowly, & from the nature of his complaint (visceral) it will be some days yet before she can leave him. I think therefore, on the departure of our present...
3462Dolley Madison to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 12 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
Incredulous, indeed must be the ear that recieves, without belief the “Varnished tale”—but most happy would it be, for you, could you listen without emotion, to the variety of falsehoods, framed but to play, on your sensibility. The letter I have this moment recd. from you, gives me uneasiness; because I find my conduct, which always contradicted any opinion, or expression against you, has...
3463To James Madison from William McKinley, 13 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of adding my name to the list of those who have recomended Thos. Kenedy of Pittsburgh for a Commission in the Army. I left Philadela. on the 2d Inst. when I transacted Bussiness with all parties, and did not here a word of Grumbling or disrespect spoken respecting your administration. I recd your favour of the 28th last May. Accept my respects RC ( DLC ). West Liberty, Ohio...
3464To James Madison from the Republican Meeting of Washington County, New York, [14 September] 1809 (Madison Papers)
At a numerous and respectable Meeting of the Republican Citizens of the County of Washington in the State of Newyork held, pursuant to public Notice at the Court house at Sandy Hill in Said County on the 14th. of September 1809 the following address was unanimously adopted, and ordered to be forwarded by the Chairman and Secretary— To James Maddison, President of the United States. Sir, In...
3465From James Madison to Robert Smith, 15 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 11th. with the papers to which it refers. The determination of Jackson to withold even informal intimations of his authorized communications, previous to the ceremony of his reception, and his apparent patience under the delay of this preliminary, are sufficient proofs that his instructions are not of a nature to produce a conciliatory effect, and much less to change...
3466To James Madison from William Short, 15 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
Although my official relation to you has been suppressed, I think it proper to communicate to you the letter I have recieved from Count Romanzoff, of which a copy is annexed. You will see that it is an answer to mine addressed to him by order of the Sec. of State & conformably to your instructions. On the subject of Ct. Pahlen’s mission I immediately sent him the assurance he wished & referred...
3467To James Madison from the Republican Committee of New York, 15 September 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 September 1809, New York. Expresses esteem for JM and rejoices in his election as president. The U.S. has long sustained injuries “from the principal belligerent Nations of Europe.” While a peace “with honour” is essential, “we should deplore the necessity of resorting to more vigorous measures [but] we should become consoled by the reflection that Patriotism and Justice produced them.”...
3468To James Madison from Meriwether Lewis, 16 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here yesterday about P.M. very much exhausted from the heat of the climate, but having taken medicine feel much better this morning. My appreh[en]sion from the heat of the lower country and my fear of the original papers relative to my voyage to the Pacific ocean falling into the hands of the British has induced me to change my rout and proceed by land through the state of Tennesee...
3469To James Madison from James J. Wilmer, 16 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honour to enclose you an Epitome of the work contemplated. My Funds will not admit of printing the whole at present. Several writers have undertaken to write, as they call it, “a defence of Mr. Jefferson’s administration”; their mode may be right, but my manner of doing it will be viewed in the present specimen. There is something singular in this humble offering, that the very...
3470To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 17 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of presenting to you a memoir in the Case of the Jefferson , which was prepared and published at General Armstrongs’ request. I have transmitted, to the Secretary of State, a communication on the Subject of Prize Causes. I fondly hope, Sir, that you will be pleased to have my provisional Appointment confirmed. I shall do every thing in my power to be worthy of this trust. I...
3471To James Madison from John Armstrong, 18 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
A letter from the Emperor of the 9th instant Says, “I shall soon be at Paris and shall bring with me a beautiful female, called Peda. I am much satisfied with what has been done in Germany, and as to Poland, there is a perfect understanding between us and Russia.” Of the terms which have been either offered or accepted, on this occasion, we know nothing certainly, but rumor says, that Napoleon...
3472To James Madison from Daniel Baldwin, 18 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will not think strange that I offer an oppinion to your Honor in this dangerous hour, being an old soldier from the Walls of Quebec untill I lost my leg. Being confident in my own mind, that there never will be peace and tranquility in this noble parte of the world, as long as the British Retains one foot of Ground in our northern parts, ( Called Canada ,) Now I think is the time for us to...
3473To James Madison from John F. Price, 18 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Washington & Jefferson Artillery under my command have unanimously resolved to march at a moments warning when and wherever the exigences of our country may require the assistance of military aid; we had fondly flattered ourselves that from the arrangements made by Mr Erskin with our Secy. of state, we should have enjoyed the blessings of peace; but the nonfullfillment of the stipulations...
3474To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 18 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 18 September 1809. Jefferson hopes to visit Montpelier before JM returns to Washington and will make the trip if the health of his grandson Benjamin Franklin Randolph improves. Mrs. Thomas Mann Randolph, Jefferson’s daughter, will accompany him if the boy is sufficiently recovered (brief abstract in International Autographs Catalogue No. 5 [1954], item 140).
3475From James Madison to Samuel Dexter, 20 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. tho’ after some delay, your favor of the 30. Ult: and thank you for the friendly sentiments which you have been pleased to express. The situation into which our Country has been cast, by the violence, and particularly by the turn, given to the spirit of party, is deeply to be lamented. It has manifestly stimulated the foreign enemies of our prosperity, to presume on the debility...
3476From James Madison to David Ramsay, 20 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received the Resolutions of the Meeting of Citizens in Charlestown, on the 5th. instant, covered by your favor of the same date. These Resolutions comprize too many circumstances enhancing the value of the patriotism they breathe, not to afford particular satisfaction. However a difference of views may be indulged on subordinate questions of policy, a Union of all, on such as evidently...
3477To James Madison from John Armstrong, 20 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a note just received from Lafayette which confirms my belief in the interest M. F. takes in our business. Lafayette is not in the secret of the invitation stated in my letter of the 18: but his friend appears to be privy to the wishes and intentions of the Minister. I am very truly your most respectful & obedient humble servt RC ( DNA : RG 59, Diplomatic Despatches, France)....
3478To James Madison from Charles W. Goldsborough, 20 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
As you are probably less occupied now than you will be on your return to the seat of Government, I take the liberty of transmitting, for your perusal, the accompanying papers. Altho’ you may not, at this time, approve the project, yet it will I hope afford you pleasure to find that we have in our navy men of columbian ambition. The writer of these papers is not, I am persuaded, inferior in...
3479From James Madison to John Graham, 24 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I drop you this merely to intimate my purpose of setting out for Washington on friday next and to request that nothing may be forwarded after Wednesday next. Letters &c. put into the mail on that day will get to hand in time, as I shall be at home after the hour at which the Rider arrives. You will have noticed the return of the letter of Turreau, supposed to have been omitted at the office of...
3480From James Madison to the Republican Committee of New York, 24 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. fellow Citizens, your Address bearing date the 15th. instant, with a due sense of the kind sentiments it expresses, and of the favorable light in which it views my advancement to the Executive Trust, and the several considerations which led to it. In proportion as the present situation of our Country is interesting, it is consoling to find the conviction becoming universal, that...
3481From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 25 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your favor of the acquainting me with your proposed trip to N. York. I had entered into the same train of ideas with yours as to the probable state of Jackson’s situation and wishes. It is difficult at the same time to reconcile them with the tenor of Cannings last Conversation with Pinkney; especially as Erskine’s defensive explanations accompanying his arrangement, must have...
3482To James Madison from the Republican Meeting of McIntosh County, Georgia, 25 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of McIntosh County (Georgia) agreable to notice, for the purpose of expressing their Sentiments relative to the late overtures and arrangements enter’d into between our Government and the British Ministry, and since disgracefully disavowed on the part of Great Britain, by which shameful Finesse, our neutral commerce, has been exposed to the unprincipled rapacity...
3483From James Madison to John F. Price, 26 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your letter of the 18th. instant, communicating the Unanimous resolution of the Washington & Jefferson Artillery under your Command, making a tender of their services in Case the exigences of their Country should call for them. The best resource for the security of our Country & the maintenance of its rights, being in the unanimity and patriotic zeal of its Citizens, no greater...
3484From James Madison to the Chairman of the Republican Meeting of Washington County, Kentucky, 27 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. the resolutions of the inhabts. of Washington County, in Kentucky, assembled on the 28th. of Augst. The determination evinced by these Resolns. to maintain the national rights & honor, agst. aggressions from whatever quarter, can not but be acceptable to those to whose responsibility those essential objects are in a material degree committed. Persuaded that the difference in...
3485To James Madison from the Muskingum County, Ohio, Militia, 30 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Commissioned and Staff Officers of the fourth Brigade in the third Division of Ohio Militia, have seen and lamented in common with their fellow Citizens, that the efforts of an enlightened and patriotic Government, to secure to our country the enjoyment of her national rights, have been fruitless and unavailing. Amid the convulsions, which have agitated the ancient world, and which have...
3486To James Madison from George Bernard and Others, [ca. October] 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your petitioners George Bernard, William Langhorne, Henry D. Ende, and William M. Allen beg leave to shew that the great inconveniencies experienced by the people of our Western Country in going to market, with the benefits & advantages that would result from improvement of roads & countries through which they pass, have led us to contemplate the establishment of a turnpike and Stage road on...
3487To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, ca. 2 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 2 October 1809. Offered for sale in Parke-Bernet Catalogue No. 1516 (1954), item 274, which describes the letter as a ten-line note regarding the “claim of Govr. Harrison for an annual compensation … respectfully submitted to the President,” docketed at the top “Vincennes, August 30th, 1809,” and endorsed by JM, “Approved.” Also mentioned in Gallatin to William Henry...
3488To James Madison from William Ray, 4 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
Early last Spring I lodged a Book entitled “Horrors of Slavery” in the post Office, to be sent to you at Washington, together with a poetical epistle; and having some doubts respecting its safe arrival, on account of my not receiving any a[n]swer, I have taken the liberty to request you to let me know, as speedily as convenient, whether you have , or have not received it. The latter of which I...
3489From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, [5 October] 1809 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Smith has had an official conversation with Mr. Jackson, and is to see him again today at One OC. He is to be with me in the mean time at ½ after 10, when I wish you to join the consultation. RC ( NHi : Gallatin Papers). Docketed by Gallatin. For conjectural date, see n. 1. The only Thursday falling between 3 Oct., when British minister Francis James Jackson presented his credentials to...
3490To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 5 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have just met with Major Morrison on his Way to the City of Washington, and I cannot omit droping you a line. I wrote you since the return of Major J. Taylor, wherein I informed you of your Land business &C. and also took the liberty to say some thing on the subject of Leasing the Saline Salt Works, & probably I may have exceeded the limits of an individual. If so hope you will excuse it, as...
3491To James Madison from George Joy, 5 October 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 October 1809, Gothenburg, Sweden. Transmits copy of his letter to JM of 9 Sept. Awaits in Gothenburg the arrival of “the Documents necessary to support my Pretensions,” which have been delayed by irregular mail and wartime interruptions. If he does not receive papers within forty-eight hours, proposes proceeding to Copenhagen without them. The wind and weather make it possible that the...
3492From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
I inclose for perusal a letter from Mr. Dupont D. N. What does he mean by his desire “to contribute” to the Execution of his project of Education? You will observe that he has sent for you a copy of the Works of Turgot, as far as Edited. Be so good as to point out the mode in which you wish them to be transmitted. I expect a Waggon here next month which can take them to Orange, if you prefer...
3493To James Madison from Benjamin Rush, 6 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
My Son Richard Rush has requested me to beg the favor of you to accept of the enclosed pamphflet upon the Administration of Justice in Pennsylvania. At the same time, receive Dear Sir a copy of three lectures upon Animal life extracted from a new edition of my medical inquiries now in the press, a Mark of the great regard, of your sincere & Affectionate Old friend RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM....
3494To James Madison from James Riddle and Others, [ca. 8 October] 1809 (Madison Papers)
A representation has been forwarded to the Sec’y at war, praying that Lieutenant Small who Commands the Garrison in this Place may be bro’t to a court martial for his barbarous and inhuman Conduct towards his Soldiers and his abuse of the Inhabitants of the town. Reposing Unlimeted Confidence in you, Sir, as the Supreme Executive of the Nation and as Commander in Chief, of the Military We in...
3495From James Madison to the Republican Meeting of Washington County, New York, 9 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. fellow Citizens; your Address of the 14th. Sepr. with a just sense of the favorable manner, in which it reviews and approves the course pursued by the Administration first in relation to the arrangement made in April last with the M. P: of H. B. M. and next in consequence of the disavowal of that arrangement. Whatever may be the sequel of this abortive result to a transaction so...
3496To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 9 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
I recieved last night yours of the 6th. & now return mr. Dupont’s letter. At a time when I had a hope that Virginia would establish an University I asked of mr. Dupont & Dr. Priestly to give me their ideas on the best division of the useful sciences into Professorships. The latter did it concisely; but Dupont wrote an elaborate treatise on education which I still possess. After I saw that...
3497Robert Smith to Francis James Jackson, 9 October 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 October 1809, Department of State. Expresses regret that British government has disavowed the agreement signed with David Erskine and then sent by the new British minister no explanation of this disappointing act. States terms understood to be the price Great Britain would exact prior to an official revocation of the orders in council now hampering American commerce. If there is any...
3498To James Madison from the Inhabitants of the Louisiana Territory, [ca. 10 October] 1809 (Madison Papers)
The remonstrance of the undersigned inhabitants of the Territory of Louisiana, Most respectfully sheweth, That the term of service of John B. C. Lucas, judge of the General Court, and Commissioner of Land Titles in this Territory, is by law almost expired, and his re-appointment to the first, and continuance in the last office, is deemed by them as a great public calamity. The undersigned feel...
3499To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, 12 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
Copy of mine of the 3d. June last is herewith. I have had since the pleasure to make the personal & worthy acquaintance of Mr. R. C. Nicholas Nephew of Robt. Smith Esqre. Secretary of State, he is on the eve of leaving this place for Tunis. He was bearer of a passeport with strong recommendation from you, I shewed him all the civilities & attentions in my power & was glad that he used of the...
3500To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 12 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
Have the goodness to enclose the within Packet to Mrs. Washington. We hear very little now of the movements of the British Cabinet towards us, & still less of Jackson’s course—the public expectation has so long been abused that a state of Apathy and indifference has in some degree succeeded the excitement produced by British perfidy. They do not now contemplate the evils inflicted by G B with...