201From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 13 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 13 March 1809. Acknowledged in Cathcart to JM, 12 May 1809 . Orders wines.
202From James Madison to John Armstrong, 30 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Before my return hither I recd. yours of the 8th. inst: and have since recd. those of the 11th. 13. 17. & 20: The order relating to a discharge of Militia from Norfolk referred to in the first was not inclosed in it, and has not come otherwise to hand. There can be no question, under existing circumstances, but as to the degree in which the force at that place, may be prudently reduced. The...
203From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I inclose for your perusal 2 letters from Mr. Jefferson. I apprehend that his idea of recoining for circulation the Exposè, would be more tardy as well as difficult than he calculates. His letters however are interesting; and may be communicated in such parts as you think proper to Mr. Dallas. I wish them of course to be returned. I see by several papers that a very unfair play is going on,...
204From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 14 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed Letter was brought to me by the young gentleman in whose behalf it was written. He had other respectable recommendations addressed to you, which he has doubtless forwarded: His personal appearance does not make against him. He therefore stands in fair comparison with the other candidates to be taken into view, and who are better known to you than to me. The accounts by the Jno....
205From James Madison to Congress, 26 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. It is found that the existing laws have not the efficacy necessary to prevent violations of the obligations of the United States, as a nation at peace towards belligerent parties, and other unlawful acts on the high Seas, by armed vessels equipped within the waters of the United States. With a view to maintain more effectually...
206From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 28 May 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 May 1811, Washington. Acknowledges receiving the several parcels of wine sent to him; has found them “very satisfactory.” Those from the vault of Mr. Carvalhal seem to be “unusually fine & well flavored,” and “a couple of pipes more … would be extremely acceptable.” Also requests three pipes of the St. Roque to be forwarded. Mr. Monroe requests two pipes of the St. Roque, and Mrs. Lucy...
207From James Madison to William Eustis, 15 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 11th. inclosing a letter from Mr. Jones acting as Judge Advocate at Frederick Town. As the case of Genl. Wilkinson is in possession of the Court Martial, who will judge of the extent of their own jurisdiction, as well as decide on the merits of the questions within it, no instructions seem to be requisite, in the present stage of the proceeding; unless it be in...
208Presidential Proclamation, [6 February 1815] (Madison Papers)
Among the many evils produced by the wars, which, with little intermission, have afflicted Europe, and extended their ravages into other quarters of the globe, for a period exceeding twenty years, the dispersion of a considerable portion of the inhabitants of different countries, in sorrow and in want, has not been the least injurious to human happiness, nor the least severe in the trial of...
209From James Madison to the Senate, 21 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, Emanuel Wambersie of Georgia, to be consul at Ostend, in the Low Countries. Henry Wilson, of Maryland, to be consul at L’Orient in France. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A1). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . The Senate approved the nominations on 1 Apr. 1816 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings, Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the...
210Commission for James Monroe, 1 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
The office of Secretary of State being now vacant, I do, in pursuance of the act passed on the 13th of February 1795, entitled “An act to amend the act entitled An act making alterations in the Treasury and War Departments,” authorize and appoint you to discharge the duties thereof, until a regular appointment be made. Given under my hand at the City of Washington the first day of October...
211From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two favors of the 8 & 21. Ult. The conduct & character of the late Commander at Niagara, as pourtrayed in the narrative inclosed in the first, had been before sufficiently brought to our knowledge. Some of his disqualifications for such a trust were indeed understood when he was appointed Inspector General . General Dearborn seems not to have been apprized of some of the...
212From James Madison to Thomas Macon, 8 June 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 June 1810. Acknowledged in Macon to JM, 13 June 1810 . Suggests two cities other than New York where Madison Macon could gain commercial experience.
213From James Madison to David Bailie Warden, 1 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Judge Cooper of Pennsylva. a request, which I communicate in an entire copy of the letter containing it; as this will best explain his object and at the same time impress you with the laudable views by which he is actuated. In the uncertainty whether Genl. A. wd. be found at Paris, I have thought it best to address the request immediately to you, & I ca⟨n not doubt⟩ that you...
214From James Madison to the Senate, 24 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I Nominate, Claude Crozet, to be professor of Engineering at the Military Academy. William Tell Poussin, to be assistant Topographical Engineer. Adam Lynn, of the County of Alexandria, to be a justice of the peace for the Same County in the place of William Newton deceased. George A Thornton of the County of Alexandria to be a justice of the peace for the same county in the place of John...
215From James Madison to the Senate, 10 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I lay before the Senate for their consideration & advice, as to a ratification Treaties concluded with the Several Indian Tribes according to the following Statement. List of Indian Tribes with whom treaties have been made since the last Session of Congress viz. Weas, and Kickapoos tribes of Indians Treaty concluded at Fort Harrison between Benja. Parke and the Chiefs & Head men of those...
216From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 16 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two letters both of the 14th. I know of no objection to your proposed additions to or changes in the list of retained officers, unless it may be in the erasure of B. Peyton. If he be the young gentleman who has been employed at or in the neighbourhood of Charlottesville (Va). I have heard him spoken of as […] ⟨m⟩erit, & much esteemed by some whose esteem would be an […]⟨t⟩. I...
217Presidential Proclamation, [17 June 1814] (Madison Papers)
Whereas, information has been received that a number of individuals, who have deserted from the Army of the United States, have become sensible of their offences, and are desirous of returning to their duty: A full pardon is hereby granted and proclaimed to each and all such individuals as shall within three months from the date hereof, surrender themselves to the commanding officer of any...
218James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 September 1809 (Jefferson 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 M r Smith was to be in Washington on friday evening last. The letters from M r Pinkney brought by him, were dated June 23. and merely rehearsed a conversation with
219From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter of Mazzei, without however having ascertained the fact as to the remittance by the Sculptor. Latrobe I presume, will give the information in his answer to the letter which I have forwarded to him. He is now in Philada. A Secretary of Legation with a sort of Extra establishment has just arrived from England, with despatches for Erskine. I have a private letter only from...
220From James Madison to Simon Snyder, 8 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
Not having received your letter of the 20th. Ult: covering a Resolution of the Legislature of Pa. on the subject of Wts. & measrs untill Congress had adjourned, I think it proper to intimate this circumstance as an explanation of the failure to comply with the wish of the Legislature that the Resolution should be presented to Congs. at that Session. Draft ( DLC ). Docketed by JM.
221From James Madison to Congress, 20 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
Confidential There being sufficient ground to infer, that it is the purpose of the Enemy to combine with the Blockade of our Ports, special licences to neutral vessels, or to British vessels in neutral disguises, whereby they may draw from our Country the precise kind and quantity of Exports essential to their wants, whilst its general commerce remains obstructed; keeping in view also the...
222From James Madison to James Monroe, 16 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 16 July 1810. Acknowledged in Monroe to JM, 25 July 1810 . Concerns the employment of Bizet, a French gardener.
223From James Madison to James Monroe, [3 June 1814] (Madison Papers)
J. Madison requests a consultation with the Heads of Dept. on Tuesday next at Eleven OClock. June 3. 1814. The object is to decide on the plan of Campaign which our means render most eligible. The Secy. of State will cause to be made out & send over, any information recd in his Dept. relative to the military or naval force of the Enemy destined to Canada or to the U.S; or to military or naval...
224From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday the 2 letters from Onis herewith returned, and today copies of the papers transmitted by Mr. Crowninshield, which as the originals are in the Dept. I retain. The law of Nations, and our position in relation to the contest between Spain & Spanish America, will of course govern the reply to these representations. The remarks of Judge Story as to the fisheries are valuable, and...
225From James Madison to Daniel Parker, [post–5 August 1816] (Madison Papers)
The high standing of Genl. Gaines strengthens his title to all the testimony he calls for, as far as it be attainable. Measures may be taken by the War Dept. for the attendance of the Witnesses named, subject to the conditions of practicability in point of time & distance, and to the demands of the public service in the judgment of military commanders. The probable duration of the Court...
226From James Madison to Congress, 9 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress copies of certain Documents, which remain in the Department of State. They prove that at a recent period, whilst the United States, notwithstanding the wrongs sustained by them, ceased not to observe the laws of peace and neutrality towards Great Britain; and in the midst of amicable professions and negociations on the part of the British Government, through its public...
227From James Madison to James Monroe, 18 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday yours of the 14th. The confidential letters in it were returned by the same mail addressed to you as you suggested. The case of Genl. Ripley is in several respects a delicate one. If he is not satisfied with being breveted, and insists on a Court of Enquiry as a matter of right, ought he not still to have one? A refusal may subject the administration, to a suspicion of...
228Resolution in the Maryland Senate, 29 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
Nathaniel Williams, Esq. in the Senate of Maryland, moved the following resolution, which was read and unanimously assented to: By the Senate, Jan. 29, 1816. Resolved by the Senate of Maryland, That the wisdom, valor and patriotism, so signally manifested, during the late arduous war with Great Britain, by JAMES MADISON , President of the United States, and by those statesmen and heroes who...
229From James Madison to William Eustis, 12 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. your two favors of Aug. 10. & Decr. 9th. 1815. but during so busy a season, that I have been obliged to postpone the acknowlegement of them, to the present date. The picture you give of the Dutch humiliation as exemplified in the tone of the Baron de Nagel, on the violation of the local sovereignty in the case of the seaman impressed, exceeds what I could have inferred from the...
230From James Madison to James Monroe, [ca. 11 August 1814] (Madison Papers)
Is not Mr. Neilson’s request within the opinion of Mr. Rush agst the departure of American vessels with B. licence. Walkers case falls under a general regulation wch. Genl. Mason has in view. RC ( DNA : RG 59, War of 1812 Papers, Correspondence regarding Passports). In JM ’s hand. Undated; addressee not indicated. Conjectural date assigned and addressee identified based on evidence in nn. 1–2....
231Executive Pardon, 20 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 July 1812. “Whereas it has been made to appear to me that a certain D. McKenny, a private in the Marine Corps of the United States, has been sentenced, by a Court Martial to suffer death—Now be it known, That I James Madison, President of the UStates, for divers good causes and considerations, do by these presents pardon and remit the sentence aforesaid; requiring all persons whom it may...
232Drafts of a Message to Congress, [ca. 19 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
In every sacrifice which the war may require, we have the animating recollection that it was our choice, neither in its origin nor in its continuance. It was long made on us before it was returned on the Enemy. Besides a catalogue of other wrongs, we had borne the capture of nearly a thousand ships, and the impressment of thousands of our seafaring Citizens. We had borne these aggressions in...
233From James Madison to Congress, 11 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
I transmit to Congress copies of a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, from Captain Decatur of the Frigate “United States,” reporting his combat and capture of the British Frigate, Macedonian. Too much praise cannot be bestowed on that officer and his companions on board, for the consummate skill and conspicuous valour, by which this Trophy has been added to the naval arms of the United...
234From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 [August] 1811 (Madison Papers)
I just find by the letters from W. that you had at length been liberated from your detention there. Mr. Graham having left the packet for you unsealed, I have glanced over the papers relating to Grassin & the letters of Foster. I am glad to find that the Owner of the Privateer, domicil[i]ated here, is taken in hand. There can be no legal difficulty I presume in dealing with him. Foster seems...
235Remission for Members of the Maryland Militia, [ca. 20 November 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that of the District of Maryland, have been adjudged guilty of violating the Militia Laws of the United States, whereupon they were sentenced to pay pecuniary fines to the United States, by Reason whereof they are now in the Custody of the Marshal for said District, having failed to satisfy the said fines or any part thereof. Now therefore be it known...
236From James Madison to the Senate, Ca. 7 February 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To the Senate. Ca. 7 February 1817. Forwards a list of twenty-five people nominated for appointments as army surgeons, surgeons’ mates, engineers, paymasters, and lieutenants in the infantry and rifle regiments. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). 1 p.; in John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . Undated; date assigned based on the date published in Senate Exec....
237From James Madison to Daniel Parker, 23 September 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1813. “J. M. has recd. Mr. Parker’s communication of the 21st. inst: He has written to Secretary Jones, on the subject of it, & refers Mr. P. to him for further information.” RC ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers). JM to William Jones, 23 Sept. 1813 .
238From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 15 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 11th. has just come to hand. I return the papers from the Comr. of the Gen: L. office, with an acquiescence in the survey ordered in Missouri. I think the condition attached to it the least that will suffice to justify the measure. I have recd. a letter from Mr. Gallatin, from which as well as from his reserve to you, I infer that he has not made up his mind on his appt. to...
239From James Madison to Henry Dearborn, 11 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
Congress have just passed the act adding twenty odd thousand troops to the Military establishment. It provides for two Major Generals & 5 brigadiers. The importance of placing this and the other forces in view, under the best commanders, speaks for itself. Our eyes could not but be turned, on such an occasion, to your qualifications & experience; and I wait for your permission only to name you...
240From James Madison to John Armstrong, [29 December] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Besides the answer to Genl. McClure, it may be proper to instruct Genl. Wilkinson to say frankly to Prevost that the burning of Newark was the effect of misapprehension in the officer, not an order from the Govt. This may be done in terms neither authorizing an inference that the measure exceeds a just retaliation, nor precluding a reflection on the facility with which a perseverance of the...
241Account of a Conversation with John Lowrey, [22 February 1816] (Madison Papers)
Colo. Lowry. “Father. I now have the pleasure to be in Your presence. I am directed by my National council to take you, Our Father—by the hand. This day was appointed by the Great Spirit for us to see One Another. It makes my heart as glad to enter your house as does when I enter my own house. When I left my Nation I expected to have seen You before now but this being the day chosen by the...
242Transfer of Naval Appropriations, 6 July 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Transfer of Naval Appropriations. 6 July 1815. “In pursuance of the authority vested in the President of the United States, by the act of Congress passed on the 3d of March, 1809, entitled “An Act further to amend the several Acts for the establishment and regulation of the Treasury, War, and Navy Departments,” I do hereby direct, that out of the Appropriation for The Purchase of Timber,...
243From James Madison to Congress, 19 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 February 1811. Transmits a return of the militia of the U.S. as received by the War Department. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E6). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States … (38...
244James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 30 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 22 d did not come to hand till the day before yesterday. It will give me pleasure to take the place of M r Barnes in the note to the Bank ; the more so as it will, it seems, to be a relief to the Old Gentleman’s pecuniary anxieties. I will have an early communication with him on the subject. I wish the original arrangement had taken the shape now proposed, and hope that you...
245From James Madison to William Jones, 20 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
In persuance of the act of Congress providing that in case of absence from the seat of Government, of the Secretary of the Treasury, the President of the United States may authorise a Person to perform the Duties of that officer, during his absence, I am to ask the favor of you, and hereby authorise you to perform the same. RC ( PHi : William Jones Papers). In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. JM...
246Pardon for William McKenzie, 28 October 1815 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been made to appear to me that a certain William McKensie, of George Town, in the State of South Carolina, was, at a Circuit Court of the United States lately held for the District of South Carolina, duly convicted of a misdemeanor, in buying and concealing certain goods contrary to law, and in violation of the Collection Act of the United States, whereupon he was sentenced by...
247From James Madison to Henry Dearborn, 6 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
Your two favors of Decr have lain long without acknowledgment. For some after they came to hand I delayed it in expectation of such further information as to Gen. Smith, as would enable me to judge better of his case; and latterly I considered it as probable that I might have an opportunity, not now expected, of making that as well as other matters, subjects of conversation with you here. I...
248James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 November 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d your letter from Eppington . I had not heard that either the Attorney Gen l or the Gov r of Illinois meant to resign. Inclosed are several letters for you rec d from France by the return of the Wasp .
249From James Madison to John Armstrong, 13 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
On viewing the course which the proceedings of the War-Department have not unfrequently taken, I find that I owe it to my own responsibility as well as to other considerations, to make some remarks on the relations in which the Head of the Department stands to the President, and to lay down some rules for conducting the business of the Department, which are dictated by the nature of those...
250From James Madison to Elbridge Gerry, 14 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have been obliged as you will note to avail myself of your indulgence in answering your favor the 20th. Ult. I have looked over attentively your observations at the Cambridge Meeting, and tho’ I do not enter into the aptitude of all your observations, I perceive in them a very interesting view of our public affairs. On the question whether a publication of them would be useful, I am...