51From James Madison to James Monroe, 16 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
If I did not misunderstand you when in Washington the Gardener Beza, was not now engaged or wanted for your service, and would not, probably, be unwilling to undertake a job for me. Should this be the case, I would ask the favor of you to send him down as soon as possible. I wish to employ him, & 2 or 3 hands under him, in preparing a piece of ground for a Garden, and to have it executed in a...
52From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 23 or 24. is just recd. It is evident from the solicitude manifested by Adm: Cochranes letter, that the affair of selling negroes in the W. I. and not improbably the whole conduct relating to them on our shores, is to become a parliamentary topic agst. the Ministry, who will of course make if they can scapegoats, of the army & navy, as far as guilty or disreputable facts may be...
53From James Madison to James Monroe, 27 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
I now return the papers sent with yours already acknowledged. They are well worth perusing & preserving. As Dr. Eustis will soon embark for Holland, you will not forget to put him in possession of what has passed with Changuion on the subject of a Commercial Treaty. It may be proper also that he should be apprized of the condescention of the Sovn. Prince to the B. Govt. in forbidding Dutch...
54From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 26. and return the projected answer to Adml. Cochrane, with a few pencilled alterations, which you will perceive the Scope of; and adopt, or remodify as you may think best. The last one is intended to obviate the apparent inconsistency occurring to you. The only ground on which the B. Govt. could properly, or prudently call the attention of this to the affair in...
55From 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,...
56From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 3d. inst: I think with you that it will be best to decline a correspondence with Cochrane & to substitute Mr. Baker. He is the proper functionary and ought to be preferred, if to be communicated with for other purposes, as is decided on. Cochrane may be simply answered that this course will be taken; and the answer may go not directly from yourself, but thro’ Mr....
57From James Madison to James Monroe, 6 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I omitted in mine of yesterday to advert to the remark in yours relating to Genl. Ripley. If he be retained in service preferably to the pretensions of others, he ought doubtless to be breveted. And should he be postponed, that compliment if liable to no objection not known to me, would alleviate his disappointment. In the latter view, it ought to be understood however that the brevet is not a...
58From James Madison to James Monroe, 8 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I return the letters from Mr. Pinkney, Plumer, Gray &. Allen. The only objection to the appt. of L. recommended by Mr. P. is his being a foreigner. If there be no Citizen, fit for the place who is a competitor, the difficulty may be got over. Decide as you think best. There are blank commissions signed in the office of State. With respect to Col. Gray, it is to be remarked that a personal...
59From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter from Govr. C. to you, and add one on the same subject, to me from the district Atty. at N. Orleans. The course taken by Gen. Jackson is truly astonishing; the more so as his professional knowledge of municipal law, ought to have protected him agst. such a misguidence. Whatever may be the definition of a Camp, or the military authority within it, the latter can never be...
60From James Madison to James Monroe, 10 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 8th. accompanied by the joint & several Commission for Mr. Shaler & the two naval Commanders, which I have signed. I have signed also a blank sheet, for the provisional use noted with a pencil as suggested by Mr. Pleasanton. The case of Genl. Wilkinson is, like that of some others truly distressing. The office in the Customs at N.Y. I suppose is shut agst. him....
61From James Madison to James Monroe, 15 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your several letters of the 10. 11. & 12th. instant, with the seve[r]al papers covered by them. The letter, provisionally for the Dey of algiers, is very properly drawn, & is returned with my signature. The instructions to the Commissioners are also returned, without alterations. I think it wd. be as well however, instead of specifying a limit to the sum for ransom, to let the...
62From 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...
63From James Madison to James Monroe, 23 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 21st. is just recd. I am sorry to learn that your health continues to fluctuate, as well as that you are detained from your intended trip, which would doubtless aid it, by the causes you mention. I hope the next information will be more favorable. The omission to sanction the appt. of Commodore Lewis ⟨pr⟩oceeded from a misapprehension of your letter. I thought, on a hasty […] my...
64From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours covering the letters to Mr. Changuion & Genl. P. My hint as to the pecuniary arrangements for tracing the cases of the Negroes carried off was not meant to limit the amt. necessary for so important an object, but to diminish as much as possible the pecuniary discretion and the vague pretensions of the agents, so much perplexity having been experienced from such sources. I am...
65From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 23d. I inclose another respectable application for the place held by the late Mr. Daingerfield. I am sensible of the delicacy attending the selection, as it relates to yourself; and will, if I can, converse with Mr. Nelson, on all the views which ought to be taken of the subject, before I form a final opinion. Being on a visit to Mr. Jefferson for a few days I may...
66From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
Since my arrival here I have recd. yours of the 25th: The claim of Aspinwall seems not to be resisted. Barney I understood did not wish the Consulate at London after knowing that no salary was attached to it. If I do not forget my conversation with Col. A: I noted that cirstance [ sic ] which did not extinguish his inclination. It will be proper that the individual appd. whoever he may be,...
67From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
Having extended our trip to Monticello, as far as Mrs. Coles’, and not got home till last evening, I have fallen a little into arrears. I now acknowledge your 2 favors of the 26 & 30 ult. The event in France is so abrupt, & pregnant with so many consequences probable & possible, that no precise estimate of them can be formed, without further lights from Europe. In the mean time prudence marks...
68From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter from De Kanzow. Do on the subject what you think best. If the exequatur be granted it would be well that it be understood as an ad interim one, untill the Swedish Govt. make an appointment conformable to our rule. I enclose for your perusal a letter from Dickins. It may be worth while to ascertain the individual to whose change in his favor he refers, (probably Genl. Smith)...
69From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
From the aspect of the latest intelligence from Europe, we are to infer that war is to be renewed. If the Coalition agst. France be also renewed, and a Civil war then should aid it, the Bourbons & peace may soon be restored. Should Napoleon have the united support of the French, and be able to disunite the allies, the war may be soon terminated in his favor. On other suppositions the war may...
70From James Madison to James Monroe, 10 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
Will it not be proper to make without delay the appts. for running the lines under the Treaty of Ghent. Promptitude on our side may produce it on the other, and it is particularly desireable to hasten the decision as to Moose Island. If nothing better can be done for Wilkinson, he may be employed for the most Western line, which as I recollect, may be traced without a science which he does not...
71From James Madison to James Monroe, 18 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 16 from Fredg. is recd. That of the 11th. from Washington came also duly to hand. Be so good as to drop me notice of the day of your leaving Richmond, and previous notice as soon as you fix on the day of your intended departure from Albemarle. The information may be useful in regulating any intermediate communications that may be called for. I shall fix on my return to the City,...
72From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 23d. It gives me much pleasure to learn that your health is so firmly re-establishing itself. I hope there may never be an occasion for subjecting it again to such severe trials. I have myself experienced much benefit from a change from Washington to my farm, altho’ the business going on at the former place, has occupied me so much at the latter, that I have...
73From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
Since my return hither, the purpose of which I intimated in a line to Albemarle previous to my leaving home, I have recd. yours of the 3d. I hope the mountain air will contribute to re establish your health, and that you will not leave it till the effect is fully produced. Notwithstanding the Ns. paper Statement, neither a messenger nor dispatches have been recd. from our Ministers in Europe....
74From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
Nothing important has occurred since my last. The inclosed letter from Dr. Jackson was accompanied with a letter from the Emperor Nap: and another from Caulaincort, circulars, such as have been in our prints, with a few adaptations to the U.S. Genl. Wilkinson rejects an offered Commission for Treating with the N. W. Indians. The others appd. are Harrison, in his place, McArthur, & John Graham....
75From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
I recd by the last mail yours of the 16th. which was due by the preceding one. I learn with much pleasure that your health continues to improve, and hope the advantages of your present situation will give it its pristine vigor. We ⟨rem⟩ain without a line from any of our Ministers abroad; or even any private or printed information concerning them; excepting that Mr. Crawford had reached England...
76From James Madison to James Monroe, [ca. 29 June 1815] (Madison Papers)
Onís is to have a final conversation with Mr. Dallas today. From his answer in writing to the letter from Mr. D. it may be inferred that he will not concur in our proposition, whilst we cannot accede to his. It will consequently be necessary for a letter to go directly from the Dept. of State here to that in Spain, which may be sent by a special conveyance. In this mode a communication may be...
77From James Madison to James Monroe, 31 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
The rider bringing me the mail of this morning, is accompanyed by one who goes on to you. Perc[i]eving that his bag is entirely empty, I send a few of the newspapers which contain all the latest news. The communications from Detroit will put you in possession of the arrangements made by Col: But. on the subjects of Malden, Mackinac, & Isle au bois blanc. He appears to merit the character he...
78From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed papers & letter from Mr. Graham give the information from the Neptune in its first imperfect Edition. Mr. Dallas writes that at Philada. where the Ship was at the moment come to the Wharf, it was understood that the Baggage of Mr. G. & Mr. C. was on board, & that the Ship had sailed without them, because the time appd. for their arrival had elapsed. Nothing was sd. at Philada. of...
79From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
Another Mail has arrived without a word from or of Mr. C. I inclose a letter from J.P.T. which gives a better glimpse from London, than has otherwise appeard. I inclose another from Mr. C. which was not followed by the supplement contingently promised. The contents are inconsistent with the ordinary calculation of dates and events. But in the present period, nothing is incredible that is not...
80From James Madison to James Monroe, 10 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed paper gives the report sent you yesterday in all its circumstances. It is probable that the Battle of the 18th. June terminated in a shock to B. affairs and possible that it may have been fatal. Some of the circumstances are at the same time little consistent with others, and it is possible that the substance may be a fabrication. This is certainly the case if the Bramble spoken...
81From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I recd. duly yours intimating your intended visit to the Sulphur Springs. I hope you will derive from it all the benefit wished. The mail from the N. this morning brings nothing more than you will find in the enclosed N. paper. The paper from N. York did not come to hand. The final act of the drama at Paris is not yet announced. It would seem that the allies can if they please, force Louis...
82From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Presuming on your havg returned home, at the time you intended, I send you a mass of the letters &ce which have successively reached me during your absence. Some of them are of very inferior importance, but it may be well to give you an opportunity of lightening your future burden. The convention necessarily brought up the question whether it required an anticipated meeting of Congs....
83From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter from Genl. R. with those which it covers, will put you in possession of the wishes of Genl. Ripley. Be so good, after communicating with Mr. Dallas, if at Washington, as to have the proper answer given to it. If I mistake not, the Majr. Rowland recommended by Mr. Bealle &c. is already appointed, or has been named to the Dept. of State for that purpose. Affe. respects RC (...
84From James Madison to James Monroe, [ca. 25 January 1816–31 March 1816] (Madison Papers)
On the question of publishing the secret journal & foreign correspondence of the Revolutionary Congs. it is not easy to give a satisfactory opinion, without some revisal of both. If a selection is made, the task ought to be executed with great care and without any tincture of partialities of any sort, and would be tedious & dilicate, even with that exemption. If an entire publication be...
85From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the Petition of Getz, which being without other proof than his own oath, might justly require a resort to the District Atty or &c &c. If however on consultation with the Treasy. Dept. a pardon be deemed proper, let one be made out. The communications from Brent at Madrid were returned several days ago. They are not without good sense, but betray a conscious deficiency of weight of...
86From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
Altho the inclosed letter is anonymous, the idea it suggests, of requiring an admission of our Cotton in a half man⟨u⟩factured State at least by nations whose luxuries fully manufa⟨c⟩tured, are admitted into the U.S. is not unworthy of attention. The general idea I believe has not escaped, in the instructions to Mr. Gallatin & Mr. Pinkney. But it may be well to enforce it and particularly in...
87From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I just receive yours of the 13th. The instruction to Capt: Lewis, to make an effort, en passant, in behalf of Duplessis was too strongly called for to be witheld. The opportunity may and it is presumed, will be used for other salutary purposes, Lewis being well acquainted with St. Domingo, and of our interests in relation to it. The advantages promised by Austin’s association with Holmes in...
88Memorandum to James Monroe, [ca. 20 June 1816] (Madison Papers)
It is presumed that Dr. Judson is sufficiently respectable to be commended for his benevolent & patriotic views; and to be informed that they will be facilitated by suitable instructions to the port officers. These will be given by the Treasury & Navy Depts. on a communication of this memorandum, by the Secy. of State. If the Secy. of State does not view Dr. J. & his plan in the light here...
89From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
Yours of 21–22d. is just recd. You may authorize Mr H. de Neuville, to communicate with you previous to his formal recognition. Roth intimated that he wd. probably visit me here with his credentials. If he desires it, or you think it eligible, let him know that I will receive him with pleasure. The bias of his own mind, if ascertained, may decide the question. Mine has none. The Letters of...
90From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have received from Mr Graham the Communications to you from Algiers, which being copies I do not return. The course before us is obvious. The ground taken in the last instructions must be adhered to. The Dey must distinctly understand, that altho’ we prefer peace we are prepared for War; and will make no change in the late treaty, nor concession of any sort to avoid it. It appears from Shaws...
91From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just red. yours of the 27th. As there is a concurrence in the opinion expresed in my last, as to the course to be taken with Algiers, little need be added on that subject. It ought evidently to be marked with decision & frankness, and with as much conciliation as will consist with these essentials. As the promise of Decatur was gratuitous; as it was followed by a delivery, to the...
92From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 29th. Ult: and return the letters from Mr. Adams & the communications from Mr. Harris. The step taken by the Emperor is an extraordinary one; Being produded [ sic ] by no pretended misconduct in the Amn. functionary, it is levelled at the relations between the two Countries, and would justify more than it is the disposition of this, to do on the occasion. Without...
93From James Madison to James Monroe, 8 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr. De Neuville arrived here on Saturday and sets out this morning on his return. I inclose his letter of Credence with a note of the date of its delivery. Be so good as to have an answer to the K. of the Netherlands sent to me for signature. That to the K. of Wertemburg is returned. Friendly respects The inclosed letters [ sic ] from I. B. may be worth attention in estimating and comparing...
94From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 7th. and return the communications from Mr. Adams. The arrangement of the fisheries is a delicate subject, as it relates to the public sensibility; to its intrinsic merits; and to the peculiar importance attached to it by respectable names. It will be better to do nothing, than to surrender the point of right, or to accept what may be of small value, with an actual...
95From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Herewith are the papers recd. from Mr. Hughs. He seems to have been no wise sparing of diplomatic politeness to the Spanish Govr. You will of course express the satisfaction afforded by the successful execution of his commission in reference to our Captive Citizens with an approbation of the interest taken in behalf of the English & French Captives; and forward the documents to Mr. Erving,...
96From James Madison to James Monroe, 15 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I rcd. from Mr. Graham during your trip to Loudon the inclosed letter from Mr. Bagot. The subject of it is delicate. The first remark is that it belongs to Congress, not to the Ex. unless provided for by conventional arrangement explanatory or supplemental. The 2d. remark is that it has the aspect of equity, and may have been countenanced by the conversations of our Minister at London. 3d. But...
97From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter from Mr. Wirt, and the letter & paper from Mr. Mitchell. You cannot do better than pursue the result of your consultation with Mr. Rush on the subject. He is acquainted with what passed between me & Judge Tucker & Mr. Wirt. It seems proper that Mr. Mitchell be instructed to send if he be permitted the persons under his care, to the U.S. We are bound by respect to the laws,...
98From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 16. & 17. I return the letter of M. De Kantzow. Our expectation of letters from Mr. Russel, or of his speedy return, will justify our delay in taking up the subject, and will be a proper answer to it. It will be well not to encourage too much the idea of a treaty; first because, it is not very probable that Sweeden will admit her Colonies to be included, as a part of...
99From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 21st. (a mistaken date). I hope Mr. Bagot, if willing to arrange in any mode, a reciprocity on the Lakes, will immediately issue instructions to discontinue augmentations or preparations of force on the B. side. The state of things on our side, will correspond without instructions; but a communication to the proper officers, of what may be the British intentions...
100From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I must ask the favor of you & Mr. Rush to attend to the subject of the letter from Mr. Munroe & the one inclosed in it. As the building proposed is to be on public ground, for pub: use, & eventually to be purchased, with rent in the mean time, paid, by the public, the Ex: sanction merits enquiry & consideration. There is always some risk of error, in yieding [ sic ] to sudden impulses,...