501From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 11 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
As the writer of the inclosed letter may possibly call on you, I have thought it proper that you shd. be previously acquainted with its singular contents. Mr. Graham mistook my intentions, in touching the subject of communications between you & myself. He will in order to put an end to the business, inform Majr. O.C. definitively, that the vacancy in the Artillery which he seeks will not be...
502From James Madison to George Graham, 17 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have looked over the lists of vacancies in the Army & of the applications to fill them. To avoid precipitate selections, and the exclusion of officers who may yet apply, or of meritorious ones who may not chuse to apply, under a risk of rejection, and as the time approaches when the vacancies can be filled with more advantage at Washington, I think it best to proceed no farther at present in...
503From James Madison to Jonas Galusha, 30 November 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your letter of the 7th. instant communicating a Resolution of the General Assembly of Vermont pledging their co-operation with the General Govt. & with the Nation, in the present Contest with a Foreign power. Had this Contest originated in causes appealing with a less indiscriminate force to the common interests & honorable feelings of every portion of our fellow Citizens,...
504From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd: your two letters of the 26. & 30. Ult. The State of Col. Monroe’s mind is very nearly what I had supposed. His willingness to have taken a seat in the Cabinet, is what I had not supposed. I have written to Majr. Neele, according to your suggestion, and shall follow it also as to the distribution of Govr. Lewis’s papers when they arrive. Fayette in a letter to me has been equally...
505From James Madison to William Jones, 20 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
Since the rect. of yours of I have had the pleasure of those of the 16th. & 18th. inst. Warrington appears to have acquitted himself with an éclat, & to possess talents, that justly fix him in the Constellation of our naval heroes. Can any thing be properly done for him, in reward of his achievement? Altho his force may have been a little superior to that of his antagonist, the difference in...
506From James Madison to Richard Rush, 8 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
The Convention with G.B. the original of which Mr. Brent will shew you, raises the question whether a call of Congs. before the 1st. Monday in Decr. be expedient. The shortness of the period of difference, and the season of the year it embraces, seem to render the measure of so little practical moment as to dissuade from the inconvenience & expence of it. As the question however involves facts...
507From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 27 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 23d. inclosing a letter from Mr. Baker, with the draft of an answer; and a letter from Wm. Js. Sears of Bermuda. The subject of Mr. Bakers letter, regularly belongs to the Dept. of State: But whether addressed to the Treasury Dept: or to that, ought to have proceeded from the Minister, & not from the Consul otherwise than thro’ the Minister. From courtesy, which as...
508From James Madison to Jesse Jones and Others, 3 June 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. fellow Citizens your address, approving my Objection to the Bill contain[in]g a grant of public land, to the Baptist Church at Salem Meeting House Missippi Terry. Having always regarded the practical distinction between Religion & Civil Govt as essential to the purity of both, and as guaranteed by the Constn: of the U. S. I could not have otherwise discharged my duty on the...
509From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 25 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I enclose for your amusement a few papers of latest date. You will see that the Constn. has returned from France, and that an arrival from G. B. has brought the speech opening the B. Parlt. The latter decides nothing as to a change of the Cabinet or repeal of the Orders in Council. Its tone, on the whole is not arrogant. It is silent as to Russia & Ireland and as to trade & revenue. Distress...
510From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, [ca. 30 September 1816] (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 27th. Finding that you have been detained at Washington, I regret the more my detention here. I dropped you a few lines on the supposition that you had proceeded to Philada. addressing at the same your Reported view of our finances to Washington, and passing it thro’ the hands of Mr. Crawford as preparing him for his new and arduous trust. Mr. Monroe has not yet...
511From James Madison to Napoleon, [17 March] 1809 (Madison Papers)
To our Great and Good Friend His Imperial and Royal Majesty the Emperor of the French, King of Italy and Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine. I have just received your Imperial Majesty’s letter of the 29th of March 1807, communicating the intelligence that the Princess Eugêne Napoleon Vice Queen of Italy, was happily delivered on the 14th of that Month of a Princess who had received...
512From James Madison to the Senate, 17 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 February 1810. Transmits report of the secretary of the treasury in response to a Senate resolution of 12 Feb. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E4). RC 1 p. Enclosures are Gallatin to JM, 16 Feb. 1810 (1 p.), forwarding statements on duties on imports from the Mediterranean (2 pp.). On 12 Feb. the Senate had requested information on revenue generated since 1804...
513From James Madison to Thomas Cooper, 4 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 19th. Aug. and have transmitted the request it makes, to Mr. Warden, who will more certainly be found at Paris, than Genl. Armstrong, and who is perhaps, more in communication with those most capable of assisting his researches. I need not, I hope, assure you that I have felt a pleasure in contributing, in the way you have thought proper to make use of me, to an...
514From James Madison to Thomas Lloyd, 1 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1813. “J. Madison will see Mr. Lloyd as he requests tomorrow morning at 10. OC.” RC ( PPACHi : Thomas Lloyd Papers). 1 p. Dated “Jany. 1.”; year assigned on the basis of evidence presented in n. 1. Thomas Lloyd (1756–1827), a Federalist sympathizer and skilled stenographer, had edited the Pennsylvania ratification debates on the Constitution published in 1788 and had reported the...
515From James Madison to Benjamin Rush, 23 October 1809 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. the two pamphlets which you were so obliging as to inclose me; and had hoped ere this to have had the pleasure of reading them. From a glance at a few pages of the one on the Judiciary subject, I perceive that is very handsomely written at least. The subject of the other I have no doubt is handled in the elegant and philosophical manner so familiar to the pen of the Author. It is...
516From James Madison to Thomas Morris, [July 1814] (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 27th of June was duly recd. The wish of Mr. Moore, as you will have found, was precluded by the circumstances under which the French Ship Olivier passed between this Country & France. Had it indeed been otherwise prior applications would have entered into competition with that of Mr. Moore. I owe this explanation to the interest you took in behalf that gentleman, & to the...
517From James Madison to Congress, 27 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 December 1811, Washington. “I lay before Congress copies of Resolutions entered into by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, which have been transmitted to me with, that view, by the Governor of that State, in pursuance of one of the said Resolutions.” RC , two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of...
518From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 22 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
You will be furnished from the Department of State with copies of the translation of the letter from the Dey of Algiers, and of the answer to it; with the letter of the Secretary of State to Mr. Shaler, and the instructions to him & Commodore Chauncey as Commissioners to accomodate matters with the Dey. As their negotiations may issue in a commencement of hostilities on the part of Algiers, it...
519From James Madison to Lafayette, 15 July 1811 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Mar. 15. by the Essex came safely to hand. I can not disapprove the disposition you have made of a portion of your land on the Mississippi. And it will be extremely grateful to me, if the residue should prove as good a fund as has been estimated by the most sanguine of your friends. I can add nothing on this subject to what I have heretofore said, having received no information...
520From James Madison to William Jones, 16 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. a letter of the 6th. inst: from the Secretary of war, in which he states that an addition of half a Million to the Monthly allotment of 1½ Millions for war expenditure, is indispensable to the completion of the campaign; and that he has written to the Paymaster, to furnish a sum amounting to about $400,000 called for by the estimate of paymaster Lee, as will be seen in the...
521From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 23 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
My letter of 15th will have informed you that I had taken the liberty of naming you to the Senate for the vacancy in the Secretaryship of the Navy. I have now the pleasure to inclose a Commission by which you will see that the Senate have sanctioned the appointment. I repeat my hope that it will not be inconsistent with your views to undertake that very important service, and that its urgency...
522From James Madison to Congress, 22 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 January 1813. Transmits “copies of a correspondence between John Mitchell, agent for American Prisoners of War at Halifax, and the British Admiral commanding at that station.” Also transmits “copies of a letter from commodore Rodgers to the Secretary of the Navy.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC...
523From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 7 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Col: McCobb has just handed me yours of the 3d. inst. The recommendations of him for the vacant office he seeks, appear to be decisive. I have referred him however to you for a communication of the result. That there may be no unncessary [ sic ] delay, I write by the present oppy. to the Dept. of State, to forward to you immediately a blank commission to you, if there be one on hand already...
524From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 15 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
It being finally arranged that Mr. Crawford will enter the Treasury Department on Monday next, I lose no time in apprizing you of the day, on which the requisition on your kind and protracted attention to its duties, will be at an end. The letter offering the War Department to Mr. Lowndes, having been sent to N. York missed of him altogether; and it unluckily happened, that he set out, after...
525From James Madison to William Lowndes, 16 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
The resignation of the Treasury, by Mr. Dallas, drawing after it a vacancy in the War Department, now to be filled, I am desirous of availing our Country of your talents & services in the latter. With a hope of obtaining your assent, I addressed a letter to you, which, from the course of your journey can not have reached you; and as soon as I ascertained that you had arrived in Washington, I...
526From James Madison to Joseph Delaplaine, 7 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Delaplaine. He is restrained by an established rule, from subscribing to works from the Press, but he will thank Mr. D. to reserve for him a copy of that he is about to publish. RC ( LNT : George H. and Katherine M. Davis Collection). JM had probably been asked to subscribe to Delaplaine’s Repository of the Lives and Portraits of Distinguished American...
527From James Madison to Jean Guillaume Hyde de Neuville, 17 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 12th. overrates the hospitality for which your visit afforded me, the agreeable opportunity: if otherwise, it would have been overpaid by the sentiments which it has led you to express. It is very gratifying to be assured from such a source, that not only your monarch, inheriting the virtues of a brother, whose generous policy was allied to the early fortunes of our Country,...
528From James Madison to Congress, 11 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
With a view to the more convenient management of the important and growing business connected with the grant of exclusive rights to Inventors & Authors; I recommend the establishment of a distinct Office, within the Department of State, to be charged therewith, under a director, with a Salary adequate to his services; and with the privelege of franking communications by mail from and to the...
529From James Madison to the Chairman of the Republican Meeting of Accomack County, Virginia, [ca. 10] May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received from you a copy of the proceedings of the Meeting of Citizens at Accomac Court House, on the first instant, on the subject of the late negociation with G. Britain, and of the Proclamation by which it was followed. Next to the consciousness of a faithful discharge of public duty, is the satisfaction afforded by a public approbation of it. I can not be insensible, therefore,...
530From James Madison to the Senate, 13 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 January 1813. Transmits to the Senate “copies of the correspondence called for by their Resolution of the 7th instant.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. For enclosures, see n. 1. Printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States … (38 vols.; Washington,...
531From James Madison to the Senate, 3 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, John Mullowny, of Pennsylvania, to be Consul of the United States for the Island of Tenneriffe. Nathaniel G. Ingraham Jnr, of New York, to be Consul at Plymouth in England. George Read Jnr, of Delaware, to be the Attorney of the United States for the District of Delaware. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A1). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . On 5...
532From James Madison to Congress, 9 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress a statement of the Militia of the United States, according to the latest returns received by the Department of War. RC , two copies, and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 14A–E6; and DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 14A–D1). Each RC in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM . RC and enclosure printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents,...
533From 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...
534From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 15 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 January 1812. In compliance with their resolution of 29 Nov. 1811, transmits “a report of the Secretary of State … of American seamen impressed into the service of Foreign Powers.” Printed copy ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). , 12th Cong., 1st sess., 794). Tr of enclosure ( DNA : RG 233, Reports and...
535From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 August 1809 (Madison Papers)
Herewith you will receive a packet, which being wrapt up in a large one for me, from the Dept. of State, was taken out of the mail of yesterday, and not observed before the rider had set out. I find myself under the mortifying necessity of setting out tomorrow morning for Washington. The intricate state of our affairs with England produced by the mixture of fraud & folly in her late conduct,...
536From James Madison to John Mason, 29 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 24th. instant with its several inclosures. My answer to your preceding one renders it unnecessary to do more than express my approbation of the very proper reply you have given to the letter from the British Commissary General of Prisoners. The persevering detention of our Seamen who were on board British Ships, when war was declared, will engage particular...
537From James Madison to Daniel Parker, [ca. 2 October] 1813 (Madison Papers)
General Flournoy may be informed that his answer to the inclosed is approved; that it will be proper to repel invasions & intrusions on the possessions of the U.S: and to abstain, without further orders, from offensive or retaliatory measures; transmitting of course, every step taken by a foreign power or its officers which may claim the attention of this Govt. RC ( PHi : Daniel Parker...
538From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 27 April 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 April 1810. Transmits a report of the secretary of state in compliance with the House resolution of 23 Apr. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosures are Robert Smith’s 26 Apr. report (2 pp.) on U.S. consular and commercial agents in foreign countries, “together with the Salaries and compensations that have been allowed to...
539James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 July 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Not knowing where I could be enabled to answer the inclosed, with so much confidence in the fact, as in your acquaintance with the historical antiquities of Virginia , I take the liberty of asking whether I may not say to M r Bassette , that no such accounts as he enquires after, are known to exist. As he seems desirous of an early answer you will oblige me by a few lines as soon as...
540From James Madison to Congress, 23 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
Congress will have seen, by the communication from the Consul General of the United States at Algiers, laid before them on the 17th of November 1812, the hostile proceedings of the Dey against that Functionary. These have been followed by acts of more overt and direct warfare against the Citizens of the United States trading in the Mediterranean, some of whom are still detained in captivity,...
541From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 20 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 17. inclosing a copy of instructions for Commodore Decatur; which I presume you wish to decide finally on without delay. They appear to embrace all the essential points. It occurs however that it may be proper to apprize him, that as several nations, particularly the Dutch, are understood to be at war with Algiers, and will probably have armaments engaged in it,...
542From James Madison to John Armstrong, 15 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Note to Secy of War on a letter of Jennings Dy: Coy. of purchases, and an endorsemt. by the Secy. of War: & on a letter &c. from Genl. Cushing relating to attack on Stonington. As a little time will probably decide as to the force allotted by the Enemy to the Chesapeake, it may be as well not to reject the addl. 500. called out by Govr. Barbour for the security of Richd. & that Quarter. The...
543From James Madison to Alexander I, 10 July 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1809, Washington. Appoints John Quincy Adams U.S. minister plenipotentiary to Russia. “He will explain to your Majesty, the peculiar position of these States, separated by a wide ocean from the Powers of Europe with interests & pursuits distinct from theirs, and consequently without the motives or the aptitudes for taking part ⟨in⟩ the associations or oppositions which a ⟨different⟩...
544From James Madison to John Adams, 3 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 21st. Ulto. inclosing one to yourself from Mr. Malcom. I return the latter as desired. Mr. Malcom was not in time to be taken into consideration along with others having the same object with him. I need not say that if it had been otherwise, and his comparative qualifications had entitled him to the appointment, I should have felt a pleasure in knowing that...
545From James Madison to Congress, 31 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. The Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of His most Christian Majesty having renewed, under Special instructions from his Government, the claim of the Representative of Caron de Beau Marchais for One million of livres, which were debited to him in the settlement of his accounts with the United States, I lay before...
546From James Madison to Napoleon, [15 March] 1809 (Madison Papers)
To our Great and Good Friend His Imperial and Royal Majesty the Emperor of the French, King of Italy and Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine. I have received your Imperial and Royal Majesty’s Letter of the 7th February 1806 announcing the marriage of your much loved son the Prince Eugêne Napolêon with the Princess Augustê Amêlie of Bavaria which was celebrated at Munich on the 14th of...
547From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 30 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 22d. did not come to hand till the day before yesterday. It will give me pleasure to take the place of Mr. Barnes in the note to the Bank; the more so as it will, it seems, 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 will...
548From James Madison to Robert H. Jones, 29 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
It has been represented to the president that the schr. Robert, Richd. Fisher master, has been seized and prosecuted, or is about to be prosecuted in the district court for the North Carolina district, for having brought from Havana certain negro slaves in violation of the act prohibiting their introduction, and that the parties concerned are willing to transport them beyond the jurisdictional...
549From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 2 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 28. Apl. I have always regarded Mr. Latrobe as the first Architect in our Country, and particularly distinguished by his uniting with science & taste, a practical acquaintance with the minutest details of the art. He is considered as also well skilled in what belongs to the profession of a Civil Engineer, and of course with what relates to the improvements under your...
550From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 13 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 7th. inst: on the subject of the Seamen returning in distress. It is incumbent on the Executive to do every thing within its province for their relief. Your answer to the Mayor of N.Y. was entirely proper. He may be assured of the favorable dispositions of the Executive, and that a reimbursement of the advances of the Corporation will be recommended to Congress. The...