5651To James Madison from Robert Cutchins and Others, 15 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 August 1812, St. Marys, Georgia. “Sundry Officers of the United States Navy” inform JM that “Batram [ sic ] G. Hipkins, hath for upwards of five Years last past, been a Sailing Master, in the Navy of the United States, and that he hath lately been remov’d therefrom, upon sundry charges, without havaing [ sic ] had an opportunity, of confronting, or refuting the same.” Request that the...
5652To James Madison from Thomas Leiper, 16 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
The appointment of Captain Callender Irvine to the office of Commissary General gives universal satisfaction. Captain Irvine’s friends would have asked you for this favor some time ago but he objected to it and I verily believe his sole reason was he did not like to ask his friends for the security that was necessary. I am informed in a line I have no reason to doubt of the correctness of the...
5653From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 17 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of the 10th. and return as you request, the letter of Mr. Higginbotham. He will probably have understood from Col: Monroe that the consulate of Lisbon is the object of numerous & respectable candidates. The seditious opposition in Mass. & Cont. with the intrigues elsewhere insidiously co-operating with it, have so clogged the wheels of the war, that I fear the campaign will...
5654From James Madison to James Dinsmore, 17 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 August 1812. Acknowledges receipt of Dinsmore’s letter of 5 Aug. [not found]. Has remitted $407 to Mr. Warnock and has received a receipt. Hopes to be at Montpelier soon. RC (owned by Robert G. Kaufmann, Wayne Township, N.J., 1985). 1 p.
5655To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Portland, District of Maine, 18 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1812. “We the Inhabitants of the town of Portland in the District of Maine legally assembled in town meeting, and deeply impressed with the Melancholy and alarming situation of our beloved Country, have thought it our duty, in the exercise of our Constitutional rights, to present this Memorial to your Excellency, with a hope that we may soon be enabled to realize the blessings for...
5656To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 19 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I was detained by indisposition & bad weather longer than I expected. I have found here your letter of 15th inst., and wish that you may not leave Washington as early as you had contemplated. I go there at this time only to meet with you, & will not reach it before Saturday. It is important that I should know your decision on the subject of the large British importations: I have some not...
5657To James Madison from the Delegates of Windham County, Vermont, 19 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1812. “The delegates from the several towns of Windham County, in the State of Vermont, (being one of the first settled Counties in the state,) convened at the Court House in said County, on the 19th day of August 1812 in conformity to the object of their appointment beg leave respectfully to address the Chief Magistrate of these States, upon the present situation of our Country....
5658To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Westport, Connecticut, 20 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 August 1812. “The Inhabitants of the Town of Westport, in legal Town meeting assembled August 20th., 1812. ask leave respectfully to state. That they have endured a series of restrictions upon Commerce, which from principle they have disapproved, being according to their understanding, inefficient as respects Foreign nations, and injurious, Chiefly to ourselves. Yet, we presume not to...
5659To James Madison from Morgan Lewis, 21 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
The change of posture given to our national Affairs by the suspension of the Orders in Council and the temporary cessation of hostilities, must be my apology for troubling you with a few observations, which I hope may be favorably received. I think it to be regretted that Genl. Hull not being included in the armistice, the movement of Troops was not prohibited. For I cannot but indulge...
5660From James Madison to the Delegations of Several Indian Nations, [ca. 22 August] 1812 (Madison Papers)
You have come thro’ a long path to see your father but it is a straight and a clean path kept open for my red children who hate crooked walks. I thank the great spirit that he has brought you in health through the long journey; and that he gives us a clear sky & bright sun, for our meeting. I had heard from General Clarke of the good dispositions of several of the nations on & West of the...
5661Speeches of Indian Delegates at Washington, [ca. 22 August] 1812 (Madison Papers)
White hair’s son spoke first. My Great father. I am your little son. I come to see and speak to you this day. My great father. The first nation who came to speak to you was my nation. My father I therefore speak to you without fear. My father. When my father came to see you he received good advice. He is now dead. My great father. All that you promised my father he saw nothing of it—he is...
5662To James Madison from William Jones, 22 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
Upon a presumption that my letter of July 22d must have miscarried I now do myself the honor to forward you a Copy thereof, observing to your Excellency that a supply of Arms &c &c as a part for which an Annual appropriation was made by Act of Congress April 2d 1808 is highly necessary, the reception of which would be highly gratifying to the State & very pleasing to me. I have the honor to be...
5663To James Madison from the Citizens of Adams County, Mississippi Territory, 22 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 August 1812. At a meeting of “a large and respectable number” of citizens, “a committee of seven … reported the following preamble and Resolutions, which were adopted with but two dissenting voices.” “At the present important, and momentous Crisis, of our publick affairs, it becomes the duty of every citizen of the United States to express his faith in the Government of his Country, and in...
5664To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 24 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
Our late Secretary, Benjamin Homans Esqr will have the honor of paying his respects, & presenting this to you. His object is to obtain some place, in which he may be employed for the mutual benefit of himself & the Publick. The Consulate to which he was lately appointed would not have enabled him to subsist himself, & his Family. His success in the present pursuit, would afford great pleasure...
5665To James Madison from John Kilbourn, 24 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty, although, personally, a total stranger, of writing this communication. Dr. E. Tiffin, esqr. can inform you more particularly of me. The western mail has this moment arrived, and brought the following letter without name. The following is a literal copy from the original now before me. “August 16th 1812. Fort Detroit Surrendered to Major Genl. Brock Commanding his Brittanic...
5666To James Madison from the Merchants of Philadelphia, 24 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 August 1812. “The memorial of sundry Citizens of the United states and Merchants of Philadelphia respectfully sheweth “That your memorialists have been for years engaged in the business of importing and vending british manufactures, untill interrupted therein by the unjust orders and decrees of the two great belligerents of Europe, and consequent retaliatory measures of our own government....
5667To James Madison from Thomas Acheson, 25 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
Alarming intiligence which we have Just recd. induces me to call upon the attention of your excellency. Express messengers have arrivd. who bring the dreadful information that Genl Hull and his Army ; have been Captured by the British and Indians after a battle, in which 500 of the brave ohio Volunteers were left on the ground to the Scalping knife of the Savage. The immediate causes which led...
5668To James Madison from the Connecticut General Assembly, [25 August] 1812 (Madison Papers)
At a General Assembly of the State of Connecticut holden at New Haven in said state by special order of his Excellency the Governour on the fourth tuesday of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve. The Legislature of the State of Connecticut, convened to consult the welfare and provide for the defence of the state, at this interesting and eventful period, avail...
5669To James Madison from David Jones, 25 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have been about two months in ohio State & am now at this Place on my way to Chester. I think it my Duty to give a Statements of matters here & in the army according to reports, & letters from the army. Reports are so false in ohio State, that I can assert nothing possitively, I will not vouch therefore for the Truth of all I shall write. It is the prevailing opinion here that you have been...
5670To James Madison from William Montgomery, 25 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
The declaration of war does not I presume affect your power to remove the non-importation Law. The clause in the revocation of the orders in Council reserving the right to renew them can be protested against or denied; and until renewed cannot affect our neutral trade, which I presume after the first of august is free from the operation of the orders. But the war gives a new right. This I hope...
5671To James Madison from John Ott and Daniel Bussard, 25 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
Permit us to represent that the appointment of one or more additional Magistrates in George Town would promote the speedy administration of Justice be a convenience to the People and a relief to those in office who have at present for want of assistance more than their share of the Burthen. We beg leave to name Daniel Reintzel as a proper person for the appointment, he at present devotes much...
5672To James Madison from Charles Scott, 25 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you under date of the 14th. Inst. feeling the urgent necessity from every information representation and appearance of taking Some decisive and efficient Measure for the relief of the North Western Army under the Command of Brigadr. Genl Hull and well knowing how important an early Step must be to effect this object—Weighing responsibility agt. love of...
5673To James Madison from John Wilson, 25 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
With the greatest reluctance I address you on the following subject, why dont your excellency call on the Governors, of Pensylvania & Virginia to send their volunteers to the frontiers as well as the poor Ohio boys and Kentuckians, observe the new states have been very attentive and done as much for there country as any other state, and finding the[y] are oblidged to leave there familys and in...
5674To James Madison from James McCally, 25 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 August 1812, Clarksburg. Encloses a copy of a Harrison County order “relative to a company of Cavalry which I have been ingaged in enlisting.” Describes the company as consisting of approximately fifty men and notes that it is prevented from increasing in size by the “oposition made by some disaffected Captains of the Cavalry & Rifle companies.” Proposes that if the company was “recognised...
5675From James Madison to Richard Cutts, [ca. 26 August] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Soon after my last was sent off, I recd. your favor of . The report of the Capt: relative to what came to his knowledge at Halifax, agrees substantially with accts. thro’ other channels. It is pretty certain that the war was little looked for, and that some of its effects are not a little dreaded. Still we ought to be prepared for an angry & malignant prosecution of it, on the B. side,...
5676To James Madison from Richard Cavett, 26 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
You have before this heard the melancholy and distressing news of our a[r]my at Detroit, being sold, and surrendered to the British, an army that with a good commander as able to sweep canada to the walls of Quebec. I hope and trust that evry exertion will be made by you in order to organize another a[r]my immediately of sufficient strength to be sure of Vi[c]tory, it will at least now...
5677To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, [ca. 26 August] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Is not the within important? And Might not the Navy dept. give immediate authority to Capt. Chauncey? RC and enclosure ( NHi : Gallatin Papers). RC undated; date assigned here on the basis of JM’s reply of the same day. For enclosure, see n. 1. The enclosure was a 24 Aug. 1812 letter written from New York by John Armstrong to Gallatin (2 pp.). Armstrong relayed the substance of a conversation...
5678From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, [ca. 26 August] 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Command of the Lakes is obviously of the greatest importance & has always so appeared. I am glad to find it not too late to have that of Ontario. There must have been some mistake as to the effort to obtain it. It does not appear that any application, such as is intimated has been made to the Navy Dept. Mr. Hamilton has much confidence in Lt. Wolsey, and says that he shall be furnished...
5679To James Madison from Samuel Spring, 26 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
By recurrence to the intimacy which subsisted between us in youth & the pleasant hours I spent at your Seat in connexion with your manner of treating me when I wrote you several years since on a particular subject, induce me to write at this time. I am oppressed & even overwhelmed with the times. While I respectfully express my sentiments, I hope you will neither consider me as dictating to...
5680To James Madison from Hezekiah Huntington, 27 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is Gov. Griswold’s message at opening an extraordinary session of the legislature, with documents &c, Printed by order of the two Houses. From their friends, the Administration—doubtless expect truth if they speak—but are perhaps more frequently deceived, by their well meant , tho’ misguided efforts, than from the acts of open enemies , against whom they are garded. A Bill now before...
5681To James Madison from Jacob Lewis, 27 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have been Captured by the Belvidera British Frigate, and Conducted hither, on my Arival. I was throun into the Common prison; where americans are crouded In a manner, not to be immagined, should malady get among them, it must be fatal to the whole and in the event of remaining during the winter Season, they will inevitably perish for want of Cloathing and other Comforts, it is a general wish...
5682To James Madison from John Mason, 27 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to state that William M. Stewart appointed by you on the 10th. Inst. to be assistant Indian agent at Fort Madison, has declined the acceptance of that office because on account of the Illness of his father he is not able to leave his family, as promptly as the occasion requires. It being a matter of importance in the present state of the Indian country that the person...
5683To James Madison from the Citizens of Chillicothe, 27 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 August 1812. “By a unanimous vote and resolution of a numerous and respectable meeting of the Citizens of this town and the vicinity, the undersigned were appointed a Committee for and on behalf of said meeting to address your excellency on the subject of our national Concerns, as particularly instructed by their resolutions of yesterday which will be published. “In discharge of the trust...
5684To James Madison from Hezekiah Huntington, 28 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
The bill for raising a Military force mentioned in my hasty note of yesterday passed the house this morning yeas 147—nays 45, and is Postponed in the other House untill Afternoon. The business of a Court now in session leaves me but little opportunity to learn passing events—tis said an elaborate report of a Joint Committee on the subject presented—by the Gov’s Message is now under discussion...
5685To James Madison from David Jones, 28 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Capitulation of Hull is come to hand. I hope you will condemn every Sentence. It is impossible for me to express the Indignation of the Country here. Not a few reflections are cast on you for appointing such an infamous Rascal to Command. I have vindicated your Conduct, as far as I could, by asserting that your appointments are made by recommendations, that no Doubt this Plan was laid by...
5686To James Madison from James Wilson and Daniel McMillan, 28 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
Being publickly notified from the department of state in the public prints that all British subjects within the United States are required forthwith to report to the marshals &c. concerning themselves and the various circumstances attaching to them we the undersigned seeing the propriety of such a measure in the present important crisis have accordingly given in our report of this date to the...
5687To James Madison from Samuel Carswell, 29 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
On my return from Bath, my health was so much improved, that I was induced to accept the Office of Comm. Genl. to which I was appointed, thro your favor & friendship. But the sanguine hopes which I then indulged, that it would be reestablished, being dissipated by a return of my complaint, with its former violence, I was constrained to recall the determination I had made & communicated to the...
5688To James Madison from Hezekiah Huntington, 29 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
The bill, organizing a volunteer force underwent some slight Alteration—& passed, in the Senate—it will appear on Monday in the Herald printed in this City. Since the Mail closed this day a resolution has passed both Houses—taking stronger Ground—it provides for raising two Regts of Infantry—4 Companies of Horse & 4 Do. Artillery. The necessary appropriations are now made—but further details...
5689To James Madison from David Mead, 29 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
On the evening of the 16th. Inst. I was apprized at Meadville of the Surrender of Detroit with the whole of the army under Brigr. Genl Hull, and that a number of British vessels were hovering on our coast in Sight of this place, in consequence of the Alarming Situation of the frontier of Pennsylvania bordering upon Lake Erie in circumstances so extraordinary I proceeded immediately with a...
5690To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Steubenville, Ohio, 29 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 August 1812. “The undersigned Committee of Safety & Correspondence, for this Town in the present critical situation of the Country, beg leave to represent to your Excellency—that on the recent alarm occasioned by information of the defection of Gen. Hull, and the surrender of his forces to the British & Indians, all the Troops that could be raised & armed in this & the adjacent counties,...
5691To James Madison from the South Carolina Legislature, 29 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 August 1812. “In a Government like ours, which, emanating from the will of all, is strong or weak in proportion to the current of public opinion in its favor, it cannot but be deeply interesting to the servants of the people, to know the light in which their Conduct is considered by those who have invested them with power. Under this impression, and influenced by the consideration that...
5692To James Madison from James Herrington, 30 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
As a private Citizen I take the Liberty of making the folowing Comunication to your Exelencey. Dear Sir, I have no Doubt but that you will have oficialy Received the perticular acount of the serender of the post of MechelleMenack in the Lake Huren—being serendred to our Enemy—and also—the fort of Detroit by His Exelency—Governor Hull Comander in Cheaf at that Station—on his Conduct I wish not...
5693To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
The mail of yesterday does not tell us whether you have left Washington. I am this moment setting out for Bedford, & shall be absent 3. or 4. weeks. Should you be at Monpelier when I return I shall certainly have the pleasure of paying my respects to mrs. Madison & yourself. In the mean time accept the assurance of my affectionate esteem & respect RC ( MH ); FC ( DLC : Jefferson Papers).
5694Account with Dinsmore and Neilson, 30 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1812. Presents a detailed list of charges totaling just under £1,250 for construction at Montpelier on the west end of the upper story, the dining room, and upper- and lower-story bedrooms. The balance due was £270 15 s . as of 30 Aug. 1812. Ms ( ViU : Cocke Papers). 2 pp. For a discussion of the construction at Montpelier in the fall of 1812, see Hunt-Jones, Dolley and the “Great...
5695To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 31 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am astonished to learn that Mr. B. Mifflin deputy Commy died yesterday suddenly. I entreat your consideration of my name for the office, or for that of Mr. Duncan, under all the circumstances of my family. I say with Sincerity that the times require my appointment to the D. Commys. office. Mr. Irvine is a mere lawyer, unacquainted with the walks of trade. I write at the dawn of day, having...
5696To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 31 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
Cleveland being at the mouth of Cayuga, the Huron river at the mouth of which the Ohio militia have been landed, is certainly that which empties into Lake Erie between the rivers Cayuga & Sandusky. The letter being dated 27th instt., Huntingdon cannot be expected within less than a week. In the mean while I am most decidedly of opinion that no information he may bring, can or ought to alter...
5697To James Madison from Hezekiah Huntington, 31 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
The hurry under which circumstances compelled me to write on Saturday will it is hoped apologise for irregularities of expression or Sentiments which may have escaped me—time will shortly decide whether the alarm felt here, by the friends, of our Country , & the union of these States , is, or is not, groundless . We may have something to fear from those among us, openly hostile to both, but...
5698To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 31 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
In addition to the information contained in the newspapers several travellers have passed thro’ this place confirming the intelligence that the army under Genl. Hull surrendered to the british forces without making any resistance. Those who view things superficially pronounce it to be the result of a perfidious & traiterous plan of the Genl. to sell the army & the distress & consternation that...
5699To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 31 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
The long time that has elapsed since the receipt of your respected favor of the 26th of October, with which I was honored on the 18 of december, by the Brig Paul Hamilton, might lead to the suspicion of an unpardonable neglect and inattention on my part, which would be truly distressing to me, did I not think you would be so well assured of the respect and sincere attachment which I have for...
5700To James Madison from Robert Taylor, 31 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
When I saw Genl. Moses Green last he requested me to write you and inform you that if there was a vacancy of a regimental command in the Army it would give him great pleasure to fill it if he could be thought worthy of it. He would sooner have made known his wishes had he known that there certainly would have been war, but holding the office of adjutant-general in the State, which yeilds some...