51Presidential Proclamation, 1 January 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Presidential Proclamation. 1 January 1817. “Whereas by the first article of the terms and conditions declared by the President of the United States on the 17th day of October 1791 for regulating the materials and the manner of buildings and improvements on the lots in the City of Washington it is provided ‘That the outer and party walls of all the houses in the said City shall be built of...
52From James Madison to the Senate, 31 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, the following persons to be Collectors of direct taxes and internal duties for the States & districts respectively annexed to their names Valentine Richardson for the 4th. collection district of North Carolina, in room of John S West resigned. William A. K. Falkener for the 5th. collection district of North Carolina, in room of Solomon Green resigned. Jeremiah P. Fogg, for the 6th....
53From James Madison to the Senate, 31 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, William Jones, } Citizens of the United States residing at Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania. Stephen Girard, Pierce Butler George Williams } a Citizen of the United States residing in Baltimore, in the State of Maryland. Walter Bowne, } A Citizen of the United States, residing at New York, in the State of New York to be five of the Directors of the Bank of the United...
54From James Madison to William Darlington, 31 December 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To William Darlington, 31 December 1816. “J. Madison requests the favor of Mr Darlington to dine with him on Thursday next, at 4 o’clock. An answer is requested.” RC ( NHi ). 1 p. Printed invitation, with blank spaces for name and date, filled in JM ’s hand. William Darlington served as a Republican representative from Pennsylvania in the Fourteenth through Seventeenth Congresses.
55From James Madison to William Bentley, 28 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Crowninshield having made me acquainted with the passage in your letter to him, which speaks with so much personal kindness towards me, and so favorably of my discharge of the public trust which is about to close, I can not forego an expression of the value I put on such sentiments from such a source. The approbation of the wise and the worthy is the recompence which ought to be next to...
56From 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...
57From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 21 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 6th. instant, I transmit to them, the proceedings of the Commissioner appointed under the “Act to authorise the payment for property lost, captured, or destroyed by the Enemy while in the military service of the United States and for other purposes” as reported by the Commissioner to the Department of War. RC and enclosure...
58From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison requests a consultation with The Heads of Depts today at 1 oC. FC ( DLC ). Year not indicated; conjectural year supplied based on the first of two notes written on the verso, in Rush’s hand, perhaps at a later date: “The Cabinet meeting Dec 20. 1816” and “To cure the imperfections in the law of June 1794 so as to prevent vessels fitting out in our ports to cruise agt Spain &ce.”
59From James Madison to the Senate, 20 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, Joseph H. Hawkins, to be surveyor of the Port of New-Orleans, & also inspector of the Revenue for the same port, in the place of Thomas, L. Butler, resigned. Jesse Nettles Junior, of South Carolina, to be collector of the direct tax and Internal duties for the 8th Collection district of the Same State, in the place of Thomas H. Lane resigned. Ebenezer S. Rees, of Georgia, now...
60From James Madison to the Senate, 16 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I Nominate, Joseph Philips, late of the Army of the United States, to be Secretary of the Illinois Territory. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM .
61From James Madison to the Senate, 16 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
Commissions having issued during the recess to the following persons I nominate them to the offices respectively annexed to their names. William Davy, of Pennsylvania, to be Consul of the United States at Kingston upon Hull, in Great Britain. Joseph Ray, of the same State, to be Consul at Pernambucco in Brasil. Robert Jaques, of New York, to be consul at St Croix. John Howard March, of New...
62Respite for George Adams and Randall Tarrier, [16 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas sentence of death was passed by the Circuit Court of the United States, held for the District of Columbia upon a certain Clinton [i.e., George] Adams and Randal Terrier [ sic ], who were at its last June term duly convicted for the offence of Robbing on the High way, and the President of the United States did respite the execution of the said Sentence until the 16th. day of this...
63From James Madison to the Senate, 13 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
A Treaty of Commerce between the United States and the king of Sweeden & Norway, having been concluded and signed on the fourth day of September last by their respective plenipotentiaries, I lay the same before the Senate for their consideration and advice as to a ratification. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Foreign Relations, 14B–B5). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . For...
64From James Madison to William Jones, [11 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
The remarks in the inclosed, relating to the organization &ce of the B. Bank at Richmond, if not intended for your eye, belong to it more than to mine. Mr. Corbin, you know was one the Commrs. at Richd. and may not be disinclined to be included among the Directors there. I have no other ground however for a conjecture, than what his letter presents. He is a gentleman, who was among my early...
65From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 10 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I had made up a decision on the case of your Nephew, previous to the rect of your favor of the 23d. Ult: and with every disposition to respect the considerations which it suggests. The course which occurred as best calculated to reconcile all proper considerations was that of disapproving the sentence of the Court, so as to restore Col: N. to his stand in the army, and of declining the usual...
66From 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...
67From James Madison to the Senate, 10 December 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To the Senate. 10 December 1816. “Commissions having issued during the recess of the Senate to the persons, whose names are stated in the lists annexed to the enclosed letter from the Department of War, I nominate the same for the appointments and promotions respectively attached to their names.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). RC 1 p.; in John...
68From James Madison to Congress, 6 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The 9th Section of the act passed at the last session of Congress “to authorise the payment for property, lost captured or destroyed by the Enemy, while in the military service of the United States, and for other purposes” having received a construction giving to it a scope of great and uncertain extent, I thought it proper that proceedings relative to claims under that part of the Act should...
69Remission for Henrietta Gray, [5 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that a Certain Henrietta Gray, was at a Circuit Court, lately held for the County of Alexandria, in the District of Columbia, duly convicted of Larceny, and having been recommended to me as a fit object of Mercy. Now therefore, I James Madison, President of the United States of America, for divers good causes and considerations, me thereunto moving, do by...
70Annual Message to Congress, 3 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
In reviewing the present state of our country, our attention cannot be withheld from the effect produced by peculiar seasons; which have very generally impaired the annual gifts of the Earth, and threaten scarcity in particular districts. Such, however, is the variety of soils, of climates and of products, within our extensive limits, that the aggregate resources for subsistance, are more than...
71Memorandum on John T. Mason and Robert Trimble, [post–2 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
Mess True & Parker Reptivs Fayette County Mr Bomar Senator from Woodford. Benj. Mills lives at the same place Paris—& Says what any good mans acquaintance would Say. George Walker personal & would not object to the other. Thomas Montgome[r]y, a proof of this being a party question as well as many others. Hubbard Taylor. Ve[r]y good man & influential in his part &c. but will make no bustle. He...
72From James Madison to James Monroe, [ca. 29 November 1816] (Madison Papers)
It will be proper to take the steps suggested by Mr. Joy for obtaining further information. My enquiry as to Nootka Sound had reference to the grounds of the Brit. claim there, and its analogy to that of the U.S. at the mouth of Columbia. See Vancouvre’s acct. of the B. proceedings at Nootka: also Capt: Morris’s communication to Mr Graham Ocr. 24. 1816. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). Undated;...
73From James Madison to Richard Rush, 27 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison requests a consultation with the Heads of Departments today at 12 OC and that they remain to dinner with him. RC ( PHi : Richard Rush Papers). Addressed by JM on verso “The Attorney General” and docketed there by Rush, possibly at a later date: “(And remain to dinner). Mr. Madison Nov: 1816— Cabinet meeting in which the annual message to congress (being his last) was read and...
74Remission 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...
75From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 11 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
The approaching meeting of Congress requires that I should be making preparation for the event. The paragraph relating to the Finances will be a very important, and happily a very pleasing one. Persuaded that your peculiar familiarity with the subject is as yet little impaired, I am tempted by your experienced kindness, to intrude so far on moments belonging to other objects, as to request...
76From James Madison to Return Jonathan Meigs Jr., and Sophia Wright Meigs, 10 November 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Return Jonathan Meigs Jr. and Sophia Wright Meigs. 10 November 1816. “ Mr. & Mrs. Madison request the favor of Govr. & Mrs. Meigs to dine with them on Thursday next, at 4 o’clock.” RC (offered for sale by Early American, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., March 2017, lot 83). 1 p. Printed invitation, with blank spaces for name, date, and time, filled in Dolley Madison’s hand, and addressed by her....
77From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 9 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
In pursuance of the authority vested in the President of the United States, by the Act of Congress passed 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 the following transfers be made, viz. From the Appropriation for Navy Yards to Contingent Expenses the sum of...
78Remission for Michael Coxe, 8 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas at a Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Pennsylvania, Michael Cox, Mariner, was lately convicted of a misdemeanor in forcibly confining the Captain of the Ship, in which he was employed, and keeping him in Duress, whereupon he was sentenced to pay a fine of Three hundred dollars to the United States, to be imprisoned twelve Calander months, and to remain in...
79Remission for John Curtis, 8 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas at a late Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Vermont John Curtis, of the said District, was convicted of a misdemeanor, for an attempt to smuggle foreign goods into the United States, whereupon he was sentenced to pay a fine to the United States, and to satisfy the costs of the prosecution against him, or to stand committed ’till the sentence of the Court should be...
80From James Madison to Ann Cary Randolph Morris, [post–6 November 1816] (Madison Papers)
Being constrained by circumstances which I can not properly disregard, to decline the request in your letter without date, I can not do otherwise with the one enclosed in it than return it in the same state it came to hand, that you may substitute some other course for its delivery. I beg you to be assured Madam that this Step does not proceed in any degree from a want of the sympathy which...
81From James Madison to Prettyman Merry, 24 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 17th. instant. The public Vessels which are or may be employed in the Mediterranean being all furnished with official Surgions, and there being also others in public pay waiting for employment, you will perceive the impossibility of providing for your son in the way you wish. He can not be otherwise accomodated than as a passenger, at his own expence. Should he...
82From James Madison to Joshua Wingate, Jr., 24 October 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Joshua Wingate Jr. 24 October 1816. “J. Madison requests the favor of Mr. Wingate to dine with him, on Thursday next, at Four o’clock. An answer is requested.” RC ( ICHi ). 1 p. Printed invitation, with blank spaces for name, date, and time, filled in Dolley Madison’s hand, and addressed by her.
83From James Madison to Joseph Delaplaine, 22 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the instant. I had previously recd. a copy of the first half volume of the Repository. Of the general object of a work, which is to exhibit the likenesses & lives of selected Individuals, it would be superfluous to express an approbation. In the execution of the work, the essential merit must of course depend on the propriety of the selections, on the...
84From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 22 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 18th. inclosing a commission for me, as one of the Visitors of the Central College in Albemarle. With a reservation of the time required by my remaining duties at this place, I shall, with pleasure contribute my services in promoting the welfare of so beneficial an Institution. Accept Sir my esteem & great respect RC ( Vi : Executive Papers).
85Respite for George Adams and Randall Tarrier, [21 October 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas sentence of death was passed by the Circuit Court of the United States lately held for the County of Washington in the District of Columbia, upon a certain George Adams and Randall Tarrier, who was duly convicted of High Way Robery, which sentence was to have been executed upon them the said George Adams and Randall Tarrier, on the 22d day of August last; and whereas the President of...
86Instructions for the Navy Department, [ca. 19 October 1816] (Madison Papers)
Capt. Morris with the Frigate Congress to proceed without delay to the Gulf of Mexico, where he will of course take the naval command on the N. O. Station. He is 1. To protect our commerce in the Gulf of Mexico agst the violence & depredations of pirates, not confounding however with pirates, armed vessels under whatever flag, committing hostilities agst. a particular nation or nations only....
87From 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...
88From 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...
89To John Adams from James Madison, 12 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 4th. of Sepr. was handed to me, by Docr. Freeman, at my abode in Virga. just before I left it for this place. His transient stay afforded but a slight opportunity for the civilities I wished to shew to one who enjoys so much of your esteem, and who appeared so well to deserve them. He was so good as to call at the door since my arrival here; but being at the moment engaged,...
90From James Madison to John Adams, 12 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 4th. of Sepr. was handed to me, by Docr. Freeman, at my abode in Virga. just before I left it for this place. His transient stay afforded but a slight opportunity for the civilities I wished to shew to one who enjoys so much of your esteem, and who appeared so well to deserve them. He was so good as to call at the door since my arrival here; but being at the moment engaged,...
91From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 5 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of the 30th. Ult. It will afford me pleasure to promote your wishes on behalf of Mr. Arm[i]stead; and the pleasure will be increased by my recollections of the period & persons to whom you allude. It is incumbent on me at the same time to remark that it is the usage, to leave to the heads of Depts. the selection of their own Clks, which the law vests in their discretion &...
92From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 3 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I find by a letter from Mr. Dallas that he was to leave Washington on Tuesday last for Philadelphia. He kindly intends, however, to give official attention to the routine of business until apprised of his release. The date for this I wish to be governed by your conveniency. I have informed Mr. Lowndes of the approaching vacancy in the Department of War, and asked his permission to appoint him...
93From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, [ca. 3 October 1816] (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 1st. inst: and anxiously hope that this will find you perfectly recovered from your indisposition, and in the bosom of your family in Philada. I repeat my thanks for the kind attention you offer to the routine of the Treasury business, from which I calculate on your being speedily released. ⟨I ha⟩ve written to Mr. Lowndes on the vacancy approaching ⟨in th⟩e War...
94From James Madison to William Lowndes, 3 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Dallas being on the point of retiring from the Treasury Dept. and the event drawing after it a vacancy in the Dept. of War, will you permit me to avail our Country of your services in the latter? It will be convenient to know your determination as soon as you have formed it; and it will afford me great pleasure if it accede to my request. Accept Sir assurances of my great esteem and of my...
95From 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...
96Sketch for an Autobiography, [ca. 30 September 1816] (Madison Papers)
James Madison was born on the 16th. of March 1751. His parents James Madison, and Nelly Madison (before her Marriage Nelly Conway) resided in the County of Orange in Virginia. At the time of his birth they were on a visit to her mother who resided on the Rappahannock in the County of King George. At the age of about 12. years, he was placed by his father under the tuition of Donald Robertson,...
97From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 27 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. with your two letters of the 20 & 21. the General Sketch of the Finances to which they refer. That of the 25th. has also just come to hand. I return the Sketch under an Address to Washington, passing it thro’ the hands of Mr. Crawford with a request that he would hasten it to the department. The document embraces all the points occurring to me as requisite to be touched, and...
98From James Madison to Richard Rush, 24 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
You will observe in one of the inclosed letters several legal points stated by Commodore Patterson relating a distribution of property taken in the Fort on Apalachecola. Will you be so good as to examine them, and communicate the result? The report of the Land Commander has not yet come to hand but will probably not be delayed. It may throw light on some of the facts. In consequence of your...
99Remission for Augustus Johnson, 24 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a District Court of the United States for the District of Vermont, holden at Windsor in said District in the month of May last, Judgment was rendered against Augustus Johnson, of the said District, for a violation of the Revenue laws of the United States, in selling spirituous liquors without a license for so doing, whereupon a fine was imposed...
100From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 23 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 20th inst. The claim of W. Knaggs involves an important question; what is the effect produced on the salaries of persons made prisoners by an Enemy, by and during their captivity? Civil officers are of two classes. 1st. Those holding during good behaviour 2dly. Those holding during pleasure. Whilst the offices of the 1st class continue and the officers are not removed...