4501To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 27 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
The momentary, although faint, hope that the Military Academy Bill will be called up, induces me to attend in the House all day, and prevents me from stating to you verbally its almost forlorn situation. I am convinced that there is a sufficient Majority in the House to pass the Bill without Amendment, which is now the only way it can pass, for should it go back to the Senate the session would...
4502To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 27 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 February 1811, Fort Stoddert. Acknowledges having received JM’s letter of 22 Dec. [not found] “about three weeks ago.” “Since that was written you will have seen that the authority given to governor Claiborne, instead of having the effect … to extinguish illegal enterprize, has only given a new direction to it: and that nothing probably but the timely, tho’ barely timely, arrival of Col....
4503From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 28 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
Having examined and considered the Bill entitled “An act for the relief of Richard Turvin, William Coleman, Edwin Lewis, Samuel Mims, Joseph Wilson, and the Baptist Church at Salem Meeting House, in the Mississippi Territory” I now return the same to the House of Representatives in which it originated, with the following objection: Because the Bill, in reserving a certain parcel of land of the...
4504From James Madison to Congress, 28 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 February 1811. Transmits a report of the secretary of state relative to deficiencies in the returns of the census. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E3). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure is Robert Smith to JM, 27 Feb. 1811 .
4505From James Madison to Charles Jared Ingersoll, 2 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your letter of the 26. Ult: referring to a pamphlet previously sent me; and for which now that I know to whom I am indebted, I return my thanks. Having recd. the pamphlet at a moment, which permitted a very hasty perusal only, my judgment of it ought to have the less value even with those most partial to it. I am able to say, however, without compliment, that the perusal of the...
4506To James Madison from Richard Forrest, [2 March] 1811 (Madison Papers)
Judge Anderson seems to think that, some doubts exist respecting the situation of my nomination. Some of the Members think it still in the possession of the Senate, and others that a new one must be made, and as tomorrow is the last day, he conceives it would be well to have it ready in case it should become a question, for the new one to be used only in case of need. I think there is no doubt...
4507To James Madison from Samuel McKee, 2 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1811, Washington. Solicits an appointment as secretary or judge in one of the territories for Craven Peyton Luckett. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Luckett”). 1 p. JM received similar letters on Luckett’s behalf from Henry Clay, William T. Barry, Nicholas Ruxton Moore, Benjamin Howard, Samuel Smith, George Poindexter, Buckner Thruston, and John Pope, all dated between 3...
4508To James Madison from Joseph Anderson, [3 March] 1811 (Madison Papers)
The nominations you Sent in to day—will not be finally acted on for want of time. By a rule of Senate, they must lie one day for consideration—an attempt has been made to Suspend the rule but without Success. If therefore—you consider those nominations of Suffic[i]ent importance—to require the attendance of Senate to morrow—we meet again at Six OClock—and I have taken leave to give you this...
4509To James Madison from John Armstrong, 3 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
The first paragraph of your letter of the 24th. Ult. on the subject of Warden’s character & conduct, makes it a duty on my part to speak fully and freely to you with regard to this Adventurer. He is an impostor in every thing, and as deficient in capacity, as he is in fidelity. He has not written a single page of those memoirs, which have been so ostentatiously published as his, and on which...
4510To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 4 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1811, Washington. “My excellent young friend Mr. John Skinner of Annapolis, (who I believe was presented to you by Mr. Duvall) intends going to the Western Country. He wishes to commence his Career there in Some public Employ.” Skinner’s legal studies and service as a clerk in the state legislature qualify him for a secretary’s position, and his “connections & family are among the most...
4511To James Madison from William Tatham, 4 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1811, Norfolk. “Perhaps there never was a period when speedy communication was more important to the safety and prosperity of the United states than the present; especially when we consider how difficult it must be to manage a population so far and widely expanding itself.” Encloses a sketch to demonstrate a method of telegraphic communication “whereby I deem it practicable to pass a...
4512To James Madison from Bryan McDonogh, 5 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 March 1811, Malta. “From many years residence in Tripoli, and the knowledge that Mr. Davis and Mr. Payne have of my acquaintance with all the affairs of that Regency, I am in consequence of which left by the latter Gentleman (who is obliged by ill health to go from hence to his Native Air) as charged with the affairs of America, untill the pleasure of the Government of the U. S. is known.”...
4513To James Madison from Joseph Thomas, 5 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 March 1811, Malta. “During a residence of ten Years, in this Island, as Garrison Surgeon I have had frequent opportunities of knowing & attending professionally, many of your Excellencys Countrymen.… The purport of my writing to your Excellency, at this time is to acquaint of Mr. Payne’s state of health.” For some time Payne has been in “a most dangerous state, of nervous instability,...
4514To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 6 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
When I had last the honour of addressing you, I did not think it probable that any event would speedily occur which would render it proper for me again to intrude upon your attention: nor am I certain at the present moment that any will occur which will absolutely require the interference of the chief magistrate of the Union: but so great is our distance from the seat of government, and so...
4515From James Madison to John G. Jackson, 7 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I should feel my own reproach, in acknowledging at this date yours of Decr. 4. if I did not feel at the same time an apology, which I am sure your friendly candor will admit, in the peculiar pressure of public duties, during the interval. I have not however been unmindful of the object of your letter, and should have even have [ sic ] taken steps towards it, but for my ignorance of the...
4516To James Madison from Joseph Anderson, 7 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you a letter which has been Signd by four of the delegation from Tennessee. In explanation of the introductory part of the letter, it may perhaps be necessary to inform you—that Under the two preceeding Administrations—I had Several Occasions in Conjunction with my Colleagues—to adress the Presidents, Under instructions, from the State Legislature of Tennessee,...
4517To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, [ca. 7 March] 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have long & seriously reflected on the present state of things, and on my personal situation. This has for some time been sufficiently unpleasant; and nothing but a sense of public duty and attachment to yourself could have induced me to retain it to this day. But I am convinced that in neither respect can I be any longer useful under existing circumstances. In a government organised like...
4518To James Madison from John Morrow, Jr., 7 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1811, Pittsburgh. “I am an unfortunate pilgrim hunted from one part of the U S to the other.… Every person appear[s] to know me, yet no person will confess it.… My nearest blood connections treat me as a slave, and … the[y] say I am disordered in my mind.” This has been the case for more than four years. Has been told there is an “enormous sum of money” offered for him but cannot find...
4519To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 8 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
On my return from a journey of 5 weeks to Bedford I found here the two letters now inclosed, which tho’ directed to me, belong in their matter to you. I never before heard of either writer and therefore leave them to stand on their own ground. I congratulate you on the close of your campaign. Altho it has not conquered your difficulties, it leaves you more at leisure to consider & provide...
4520To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1811, New Orleans. Forwards a memorial from the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of the Orleans Territory. RC and enclosures ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne. Printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books Dunbar Rowland, ed., Official Letter Books of W. C. C. Claiborne, 1801–1816 (6 vols.; Jackson, Miss., 1917). , 5:173. For...
4521To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 9 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
If a messenger should be wanted to carry despatches to France, after my friend, and connexion Mr. Barlow goes to that country, I take the liberty of offering myself for that service. I have several reasons, independent of mere curiosity for making this application. On my return to this place, I found a considerable degree of sensibility excited by the appointment of Mr. Barlow; nothing has...
4522To James Madison from George W. Erving, 10 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here on the evening of the 8t, & yesterday received from Mr Hamilton your letter of Feby 1st; to the five letters which it inclosed the most exact attention shall be paid. If affairs in Florida have not progressed according to the reasonable views & expectations of government, this may be owing in part or principally to the encouragement which Folch has received to deviate from his...
4523To James Madison from James J. Voorhees, 10 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1811, Pittsburgh. Considers himself “a persecuted Man,” having had “futile, and vexatious Charges” brought against him in a court-martial at Pittsburgh. Claims that three members of the court were his “decided enemies” and had given testimony on the charges. Writes not to influence JM’s judgment but in the hope that JM will review the testimony of the majority of the court and do...
4524From James Madison to David Bailie Warden, 11 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
Circumstances have occurred which make it proper that you should suspend your departure for France; till you receive further instructions on that point. Accept my respects. RC ( MdHi : Warden Papers). Addressed by JM to Warden at Newport, Rhode Island, “care of G. W. Erving Minister to Denmark.” Docketed by Warden.
4525To James Madison from Benjamin Hawkins, 11 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
General Mathews and the gentleman with him arrived here on the 9th. spent yesterday with me and set out this morning for Fort stoddert. They are in good health and well fixed for traveling. He revealed to me the object of his mission, and seems pretty confident of success. I told him to call on me, and all under my authority, to aid and assist him if necessary. He was sincerely impressed with...
4526To James Madison from the Inhabitants of New Haven, 11 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
The petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of New Haven in Connecticut, in legal Town meeting convened. Respectfully sheweth That your petitioners are in general, either directly engaged in mercantile pursuits, or in the occupations connected with them; in those pursuits, they have embarked their fortunes, and from them, they have not only derived a subsistence for themselves, and their...
4527To James Madison from Richard Peters, 11 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
Genl Armstrong, when in France, sent me over some Seeds; &, among them, about 2 Quarts of most remarkably fine Rye , of a Species entirely unknown here. With my usual Desire to disperse what I obtain in this Way, I distributed, in very small Portions, the whole of what I had, except about half a Pint. I planted my Modicum in single Grains, in Drills; &, after some Growth, I found that each...
4528To James Madison from Lafayette, 12 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I Gratefully thank You for Your Letter Novr the 1st., and for the incessant Attention You are pleased to give, Amidst Your public Avocations, to My private Concerns. It is a Misfortune Attached to the Vicissitudes of My Life that the Munificence of Congress and the Exertions of My friends, intended to Make me Rich again, Must Be Employed to prevent My Being Utterly Ruined. But Here also I find...
4529To James Madison from Bernard Smith, 12 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 March 1811, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Transmits a paper containing an oration he delivered on 4 Mar. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Enclosure not found.
4530To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 14 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
On monday last a report was brought to this place from Pensacola; that a fleet of 30 sail of British were off the Barancas, at the mouth of the bay. I felt extremely anxious to ascertain both the fact, and the sentiments with which such an event would be viewed by Govr. Folch: for altho’ it might prima facie, be presumed that it would be very grateful to him as a Spaniard, yet without a minute...
4531From James Madison to Richard Peters, 15 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. and will not fail to put the one for Mr. Parker into the hands of Mr. Barlow who I am sure will take an interest in the object of it. I shall follow your good advice also, to engage his attention to the procuring a little outfit of the Rye for myself & my neighbors. As you may not possess the variety of Maize from India, called Sackatosh, or sweet corn, I...
4532To James Madison from Nathaniel Irwin, 15 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
Not having the honour of being known to Mr Granger, I have presumed to transmit the inclosed through your hands; & to beg you will let him know how far the writer is entitled to credit. In such a case, I know, that simple justice is all that even a friend could expect of you. Happily, in the present instance, I have no occasion to draw on your friendship, having no more interest in the object,...
4533Presidential Proclamation, 16 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1811. Declares and makes known, in conformity with the provisions of section 12 of “An Act regulating the grants of land and providing for the disposal of the Lands of the United States, South of the State of Tennessee” (3 Mar. 1803), of the act attaching lands ceded by the Choctaw Nation in 1805 to the land district east of the Pearl River (31 Mar. 1808), and section 1 of “An Act...
4534From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours inclosing two letters improperly addressed to you. A sketch in manuscript was brought by yesterday’s Mail from N. York, saying that a vessel just arrived, stated that the Prince Regent had appointed his Cabinet; that Lord Holland was prime Minister, Grenville Secretary of State, Moira Commander in Chief &c. and that a new Parliament was to be called. Whether these details be...
4535To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 18 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your letter, of the 11th Instant, the evening before the John Adams sailed from Newport: I have returned to this City to wait your instructions concerning my departure for France. I am, Sir, with great respect, your most obedient, and very humble Servt. RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( MdHi : Warden Papers).
4536To James Madison from Robert Lewis Madison, 19 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 19 March 1811. Described as a two-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2). Robert Lewis Madison (1794–1828) was JM’s nephew, William Madison’s son. JM may have been contributing money toward his education at this time ( WMQ William and Mary Quarterly. , 1st ser., 6 [1897–98]: 116; statement of the Reverend James Laurie, 29 Apr. 1846...
4537From James Madison to James Monroe, 20 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I may perhaps consult too much my own wishes public & personal, and too little a proper estimate of yours, in intimating the near approach of a vacancy in the Department of State, which will present to your comparison, as far as lies with me, that sphere for your patriotic services, with the one in which they are now rendered. Should such a transfer of them be inadmissible or ineligible, on...
4538To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 22 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
The public business heretofore transacted by the Branch Bank at Washington will, at the end of this month be transferred to the Banks of Columbia and Washington. In order to have a general view of the subject, it is necessary to take into consideration not only the Treasury deposits, but also those made by those officers belonging to the War & Navy Departments who, by the 4th. sect. of the act...
4539To James Madison from Mathew Arnold Hœvel, 22 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
By special request of the present board of Government in the Kingdom of Chile, I have the honor to transmit to Your Excell & Government of the United States the enclosed Official letter, & am happy to add that the sentiments therein expressed are truly those which now in the highest degree animate this Board & the good people of Chile—and which sentiments I venture to assert will last with...
4540To James Madison from John Laird, 22 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 March 1811, Georgetown. Encloses $220 at the direction of Robert Patton of Fredericksburg, to whom he asks JM to acknowledge receipt of the sum. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. John Laird was a Scottish businessman who had settled in Georgetown in 1800. In 1812 he was a trustee of the Georgetown Lancaster School Society (Bryan, History of the National Capital , 1:101–2, 484 n. 1).
4541To James Madison from James Monroe, 23 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. instant reached me yesterday morning. The subject which it presents to my view is highly interesting, and has received all the consideration which so short a time has enabled me to bestow on it. My wish to give you an early answer, in complyance with your request, has induc’d me to use all the dispatch which the delicacy & importance of the subject would permit. The...
4542To James Madison from David Ross, 23 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here last evening. The principal object which brought me to this City, is to attempt a settlement at the Treasury of the Accounts of George Webb decd who was the Agent in the State of Virginia and the Receiver of her Quota of Revenue for the General Goverment—altho not a nominal party I am deeply interested as the Creditor of Mr Webb, and his assignment upon Harvie for the deposites...
4543To James Madison from William Madison, 25 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
When I paid Gooch the $100. he said they exceeded the Sum he had written for, upward of twenty dollars. I saw him yesterday & he said that the sum mentioned in your letter is still wanted for the purposes therein stated. I have drawn on Mr Patton for it on yr Acct. as I had directed him when I passed thro: Fredbg to send you $220. on my Acct which with the $100 pd. Gooch will make the amt you...
4544To James Madison from David Ross, 25 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I am this moment favourd with your letter of this date, relative to the Award of 1783. Your comunications upon the subject are in Unison with Mr. Tazwell’s, as to the governing principles upon which the Arbitrators founded their award. I always considered the subject in the same view. You have given me all the information I could ask, or expect. As the Law Statement & Reccord will be mere...
4545From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 23d. and learn with much pleasure that you are not disinclined to the Station wch. the one answered by it, presented to your consideration. In discharging the duties of this Station, I am aware that the Functionary must carry into it, a just respect for his own principles, and above all for the dictates of his Conscience. But with the mutual knowledge of our...
4546To James Madison from M. Ruelle, 26 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 March 1811, Rue d’Argenteüil, No. 38, Paris. Observes that when he wrote on 18 Sept. 1810 [not found], it was not known in France that a party for the emancipation of Mexico had appeared, but his letter had predicted it. Regardless of the consequences of this endeavor, it will always be in the interest of the U.S. that Mexico and the other regions of Spanish America constitute themselves as...
4547To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton Jr., 28 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1811, New York. “On the fourth of April, I expect to sail for Lisbon, from thence, I shall proceed to London & Paris. If you will introduce me, to some of your friends or my father’s, you will much oblige me.” RC ( ViU ). 1 p. Alexander Hamilton (b. 1786) was the second son of Alexander Hamilton ( Syrett and Cooke, Papers of Hamilton Harold C. Syrett and Jacob E. Cooke, eds., The...
4548To James Madison from James Monroe, 29 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 26th instant. Its contents are very satisfactory to me. The just principles on which you have invited me into the department of State, have removed every difficulty which had occurr’d to me, to the measure. They afford also a strong ground for hope, that the joint counsels & labours of those who are thus associated in the government, will promote the best...
4549To James Madison from Benjamin Rush, 30 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1811, Philadelphia. Introduces the bearers, Mr. Caldwell and Major Plenderleath, who were introduced to him as gentlemen of “uncommon worth” by his son-in-law in Quebec. They hold, respectively, civil and military commissions under the British government. On their travels in the U.S. they wish “to do homage to the person and Character of the President of the United States.” RC ( DLC...
4550From James Madison to James Monroe, 31 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure this moment of receiving yours of the 29th. inst: I am particularly glad to find that you will be able to set out at so early a day for Washington. To the advantage of preventing an inconvenient chasm in the public business, will be added the opportunity of a provident attention to the accomodations required by your establishment here. The House occupied by Mr. Smith is the...