5221To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 10 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
As a Citizen of the United states, I feel it my duty to give you the following information. I trust that the nature of the communication I am about to make, will equally remove the idea of delation or mischief towards the individual; but if such were the impressions it is to produce, as my only object is to serve the Country and yourself, my personal respect for you shall outweigh this...
5222To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, [ca. 6 July] 1812 (Madison Papers)
I advise thee to be cautious and prudent. Massachusetts will not go to war. The union I fear will be shaken if war continues. Enclosed is a paper from which you may judge of the feelings of the People. RC ( NN ). Undated; date assigned here on the basis of a Salem, Massachusetts, 6 July postmark. Docketed by JM, “June 1812.” Enclosure not found.
5223To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, July 1812 (Madison Papers)
An old friend presumes to address you on a subject extremely interresting to the society of which he is immediately a member and not uninterresting to the goverment of his country . He should not have disturbed you at this time, this crisis in our political affairs, when every energy of your mind is known to be directed to the best interests of our country, amidst a number of almost...
5224To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 26 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
An officer in the British service, I have been dispatched to this place, by the order of my Goverment, for the purpose of arming, and rousing the Creek Nation of Indians, by every possible means , to make War on the people of the U.S. The policy adopted by my country, is such, as my breast cannot approve, and indeed, the cause , as well as the mode of prosecuting the war, on their part, I...
5225To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 6 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
On reading in one of our Public prints a definition of Treason given as by one of the Circuit Judges of the United States I was led to reflect whether or not it be timely and Advisable to amend or modify the Constitution of the United States so as to make it Treasonable to attempt to dissolve the Union or to aid or encourage it by writing publishing or pronouncing anything that might be...
5226To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 24 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Rais’d by the honorable Suffrages of the American people, to the most dignified state amongst mankind, conjecture, is now lost in certainty and it may fairly be pronounced, that you were born for the benefit of the human family. It would be superfluous to attempt to show by any species of argument, that to those who have assisted in raising you to an emenence, to which they believ’d you were...
5227To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 14 October 1812 (Madison Papers)
Although I have not the honor to be personally acquainted with you, yet I shall take the liberty to write you a few lines. I am acquainted with the different political parties in this City, and throughout the State; and am in the freequent habit of discussing different Political subjects, with Federalists, Clintonians &c; and in general, with such as have not made up their minds, at all...
5228To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 23 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
The illicit commerce between Great Britain & the United States, through the Channels of Halifax, and amelia Island, being, as is supposed, unquestionable, would it not be adviseable to prohibit any Intercourse whatever with those places, and generally, with every place in the possession, &c. of G. B. on the Continent of North America, or within one hundred leagues thereof, or such other...
5229To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, [ca. 4 October 1814] (Madison Papers)
As General Armstrong was one of your principal Secretaries, Bon Amie and Bottle Companion, enjoying your confidence in a super-eminent degree, it would be cruel, as well as ungenerous in me to doubt for a single moment his honor or veracity. In his letter to the public, he states, “that you informed him that you was also an object of the suspicions and menaces of the militia of the District.”...
5230To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 25 April 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 April 1811. “The Subject of this letter has given me much pain. It induces me to trespass on You for the 3d & last time.… No Benefit can result to me by this act; On the contrary I might draw upon myself, an host of Enemies, with the Secretary of War at their head.… The present letter is on the existing state of our Military Establishment & the arms & implements of War.… In adverting to our...
5231To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 22 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
I did myself the honour of addressing you some months ago, upon the subject of national defence, and at the same time gave myself considerable trouble in collecting from various publications important hints on military affairs, which in my opinion might have rendered essential service to our country, and which are still capable of putting our Military power into a highly improved state. I am...
5232To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, [ca. 12 April] 1813 (Madison Papers)
This looks like seperation Jimmy the thing is ripening, and if the War continues 6 months it will be Matured. RC ( NN ). Postmarked New York, 12 Apr. Undated; date assigned here on the basis of the postmark. Docketed by JM, with his note: “Anonymous / Apl. 13. 1813 / Celebration of Russian Vicry. at Boston.” Damaged by removal of seal. On 13 and 27 Feb. 1813, the Boston Columbian Centinel...
5233Memorandum from an Unidentified Correspondent, [post 1 July] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Can the President call forth the militia of the Union, or any part of that militia, without the aid of the State Executives? This question must be decided by the constitution, and by the three acts of May 8, 1792—Feby 28, 1795, and April 10, 1812. The constitution authorizes the calling forth of the Militia on three occasions only. 1. To execute the laws of the union. 2. To suppress...
5234To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 12 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
I see with pain by the public papers that the British have burnt several places of no Importance but this Shews they mean to carry on the War to distroy & burn all they can of course we must relatiate, there are 500 Towns in Cornwal, Scotland, & Ireland where the Cheasepeak frigate, might go & burn with as much ease as the British ships now burn our little Towns in Virginia & Maryland, as a...
5235Receipt of Payment for Carriage Equipment, [3 February 1810] (Madison Papers)
1810 Coll. Robert Patten for the President of the United States, Dr, to Robert Fielding febr. 3. 1810 To 3 new full plated Globes for the Chariot 30,— six ℔ of the best wax canoles for do 4,80 a Case for do. & Porterage 2,— $36,80 Recd payment from Coll Patten Ms ( DLC ). Canole: a variant spelling of cannel, a hard bituminous coal that burns very brightly; also sometimes written channel
5236To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, [ca. 9 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
The present Circumstances of our Country looks very alarming, & for want of resources makes it so much the worse, would it not be well for the proper Authoritys of every State Government to Borrow Money on its own Acct. and receive no less of any Individual or Co. then one Hundred dollars, the State to Pledge itself in 6 or 7 years for the Payment of it this will effect a willingness for...
5237To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 13 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 January 1813, New York. Writes JM “in behalf of Aliens.” Recounts an episode in which [Barent] Gardenier “was sued by a female alien servent for wagers [ sic ] amounting to 35$,” which he refused to pay. Relates another example of Federalist mistreatment of aliens, in which “A respectable Englishman” became intoxicated and consequently unguarded in his speech and accused Washington of being...
5238To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 1 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
I belong to the American Army and with the ardent feelings of the soldier I join a devout solicitude for my Countrys Interest and glory, while with Spartan disinterestedness I take the liberty of hinting to your superior judgment the outlines of a plan to reduce the Canades in one campaign, & thereby retrieve the waining honor of our Arms, I entreat you Sir, not to deem it disrespectful in me...
5239To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 10 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
At a time like the present when my life & Property, as well as that of Millions of the inhabitants of the U S—is in Danger we ought not to be refused the priveledge of addressing our Complaints to our political Head & Father. I shall therefore proceed to make known to you the Distresses & Sentiments & Wishes of the People of this Section of our Country. Every Town on the Seaboard & on the...
5240To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 8 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
The enormous importation and the great amt. of British Dry goods brought in here on British Acct. totally preclude all Competi[ti]on on Our part, and our Cotton Mills are fast approaching their dissolution. Lately in the want of exports to meet those enormous importations some 7 or 8 Tons of Cotton yarn was bought up at Very reduced Prices and exported; but I cannot beleive that at present our...
5241To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 20 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 February 1810, New Haven. Advocates the establishment of “ privileged corps ” of engineers to defend the seacoast from attack by armed vessels in lieu of the volunteers called for by JM. RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , A-26:5). 1 p. Signed “A Native American.” Docketed by a War Department clerk as received 26 Feb. 1810. The House committee that acted on JM’s 3 Jan. 1810 message calling for “a...
5242To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 9 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
As the Situation of a chief magistrate is honorable & as it has cognizance of all the Sub-officers of Government, it is the imperious duty of that chief Magistrate to know the abilities, the honesty, the liberality, & judgment of any Sub-officer. It is too frequently the case, that chief magistrates are imposed upon, by the false representations of the talents of those, who apply for...
5243To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 27 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 April 1812, Boston. Promised in his last not to trouble JM again. “But an Idea has since struck me In consequence of the difficulty you had in selling the 18 million and the enormous Interest you was obliged to give. … If you should again want 18 million of Dollars that for this 18 million there should be Issued from the treasury 36 Million of 3 P C Stock and that your Contracters for Navy...
5244To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 6 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
“Illustrious” Madison! canting “Fellow Citizen”!!! ☞ ☞ ☞ I hope you and all your infernal Set, are now in the Suds : if you are not yet, a post or two, will convince you. War, has taken place, between Britain, and the United States; you may recollect this, & credit anonymous’ account, in future . All , that I have predicted, & warned you of, will come to pass. A commence , you will hear of,...
5245To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 14 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
In my opinion, your honor, the honor of the United States, and the honor of this State, require that a complete examination of the pretentions and Claims of the Military aplicants, whose names have been laid before, and Sanctioned by the Senate, Should take place, previous to their being Commissioned; if Nothing else render it necessary the Juggling used by the Clintonian faction, to have your...
5246To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, [ca. August 1811] (Madison Papers)
It is a fact that of the many Vessels that have for some months past enter’d the ha[r]bors of the U. S. pretending to be french privateers the Diligent Brig that arrived at Phila. is the only legal cruiser. It is not intended to include the national schooner No. 5 the rest are an edition of the Bucaneers of old who rob all Vessels they meet with having m⟨oney?⟩ with which they return to the...
5247To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 5 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
There is most shamefull conduct going on here. One John Tappan a verry religious man—and others—say B & C. Adams Tappan & Searle—Israel Thorndike—David Hinkley—a base sett of Tories—do enter Goods at Bath under Judge Sewall and Bond them by Apraisement in the most corrupt manner—there is now a cargo in their valud. at $300.000. I am told from good authority that John Tappan claimd 50 pacages...
5248To James Madison from Boston Fishermen, [ca. 21 February 1814] (Madison Papers)
The Petition of the Subscribers, Fishermen of Boston and its vicinity, humbly sheweth, That many of them have, inadvertently and without due reflection, signed a petition to the Legislature of Massachusetts, praying for relief from the restrictions imposed upon them by the “Act laying an Embargo on all ships and vessels in the ports and harbors of the United States.” They have since learnt,...
5249To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 17 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
As it appears you are wholly insensible of what is doing here, or intirely disregard the consequences of having such immense quantities of British goods brought into market, even under the eyes of the Custom House officers, and their Deputy’s who disregard there oaths, and are bribed to hold there tongues, and be out of the way—do you not know the effects—that it dreans the vaults of all the...
5250To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 16 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1809, Portland. JM’s remarks in his annual message to Congress regarding the militia prompted this letter, which might have been sent to Ezekiel Whitman, the Maine district congressman, but “he might not be so sensible of the importance of the subject as you appear to be.” Every man should attempt to qualify himself for militia duty, but there is an aversion stemming “from the...
5251To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 28 October 1812 (Madison Papers)
We have heard today, the capture of another part of our Army, under Gen. Van Ranselear the death of 400 brave men in the field is nothing; but the surrender of one army after another, is Extreamly distressing to the people of this country; they remember with exultation to this day, the surrender of Genl Burgoine and Lord Cornwallis with two considerable british Armeés; and they can not...
5252To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 16 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
I cannot be silent any longer when I find how liable, and how often you must be imposed upon by recommendations, petitions &ca signed by persons who call themselves Republicans. Great exertions are making in this Place in behalf of those aliens who are ordered to the back part of this state & Many letters, and petitions with such signatures as I have before stated will be sent to you,...
5253To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 12 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
The subject of the enclosed extract is of such importance that I must beg leave to invite your Excellencies early attention to its contents. I am very Respectfully your Excellencies most obdt. humble Servt. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). The enclosed newspaper clipping contained an extract of a letter dated 22 Dec. at New York, written to “one of the sufferers by illegal captures at Naples,” urging...
5254To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, [ca. 18 July 1814] (Madison Papers)
Happening to be at a printing office the Editor shewed me a piece sent him for publication (a Copy of which is inclosed) on the subject of the contemplated detachment of the Militia. Being a friend to your administration & an advocate & supporter of the war & unwilling that anything should opperate to retard its rigorous opperation or in any degree countenance & encourage our internal enemies,...
5255To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 5 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 January 1813, Walpole, New Hampshire. Writes to communicate to JM “the principle of a long desired discovery …, that of perpetual motion.” Uses the example of waterwheels to demonstrate the usefulness of force. Because he does “not think it right to sell the efforts of reason in discoveries,” he will “make a present of it” to his country. Does not “even think proper at present to reveal” his...
5256To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
February 1811. Forwards to JM “parts of a letter written to a friend on the 27. of July last which has lately returned to my hands.” Hopes it may contain some ideas of benefit to the country. RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , R-103:5). 1 p. Signed “A Republican.” Docketed by a War Department clerk as received 9 Feb. 1811, with the notation: “Reflections on the situation of the U. S. with regard to S....
5257To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 21 March 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty of forwarding to you a copy of the Democratic Press containing the Letter from Colonel Frederick Evans, Member of the State Legislature from the Democratic County of Northumberland, to Wm Duane Lt. Colonel of the Rifle regiment in the Standing Army of the United States and Commandant of the troops at the old Lazaretto near fort Miflin to give you some idea of the...
5258To James Madison from the Merchants and Traders of Philadelphia, 5 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Memorial of the Subscribers, a Committee of the Merchants and Trade⟨rs⟩ of the City of Philadelphia, respectfully represents, That Your Memorialists are impelled to address you by the interest which they feel, in common with many others of their fellow citizens, in a subject which they deem worthy of the attentio⟨n⟩ of their Government. During the warfare, which has been of so long...
5259To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 30 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The writer of this letter is sincerely attached to Democratic principles, was a warm approver of Mr Jefferson’s administration, and not less so of yours, he has not infrequently been obliged to defend your conduct against Fœderalists, as well as some of your former friends, of late your opponents, & the friends of DeWitt Clinton. Want of energy is a very common charge brought against you, and...
5260To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, [ca. 30] October 1809 (Madison Papers)
Although I have not the honour of being known to you, I take the liberty of addressing You on a subject of great importance to the Nation and to our party. It is reported here that the Spanish Minister lately arrived at New-York will not be received by the Government, which I hope is a federal fabrication as nothing can justify the refusal of a Minester under such circumstances. I will not...
5261To James Madison from the Inhabitants of St. Lawrence County, New York, [8 January 1817] (Madison Papers)
To his Excellency the President of the United States and the honourable the Senate and house of Representatives in Congress assembled. The Petition of the undersigned humbly Sheweth. That your Petitioners Conceive it proper and expedient that a Law Should be passed annexing that part of Champlain District of the Customs Called the County of Franklin to the District of Oswegatchee in the State...
5262To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 10 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
I am a Soldier Enlisted under the Banner of the united States. Neither have I enlisted for money, but to retrive the h⟨o⟩nor of my country. Free Trade and no Im⟨pr⟩essment was the motive I had. I have been in many a battle and never had the misfortune to be shot in the back. I have boldly faced the enemy, and the death dealing Savage with his raised Tommahawk and heidous yells, have laid...
5263To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 19 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 November 1812, Newport, Rhode Island. “It is generally believed among the Republican Citizens of this Town, that Mr. William S. Rogers has gone to the City of Washington, an applicant for some appointment under the authority of the Government, it wou’d be equally repugnant to ev’ry Republican that this Gentleman shou’d be favor’d in his views, Particularly so, as his aversion to the Present...
5264To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 8 November 1810 (Madison Papers)
A meeting of the merchants of this city is now called to solicit advice, respecting the effect of your late Proclamation. Permit a stranger, but a friend to your administration to offer a few reasons, the effect of his experience, why your advice should be explicit. When the late law establishing a non-intercourse was about to go into effect, all those who respected the edicts of their country...
5265To James Madison from [Aaron?] Ogden, 29 January 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Mr. [Aaron?] Ogden. 29 January 1816. “Regrets his intended departure for New York, will deprive him of the Honor of Dining with Mr. Madison on Thursday next.” RC ( NjP : Jasper E. Crane Collection of James and Dolley Madison; filed at 29 May 1816). 1 p. Unsigned; in an unidentified hand.
5266To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, [ca. 1 June] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Permit an American born Citizen of Philada. to suggest his own, as well as the Ideas of many others, of a sudden war and also of a contrary course. A Declaration of war against England at the present time, would expose to the danger of capture 5 or 600 vessels of all descriptions, together with their sailors and cargoes, would involve in ruin and difficulty a majority of Your Merchants and at...
5267To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 4 November 1812 (Madison Papers)
In order to prosecute a war effectually in a republic it seems necessary the people should be willing to support it or otherwise when that is not the case, of consequence, or of course I would have said, Compulsion is inevitable. As there is a Scism among the people I shall propose an efficient mode easily effected on the indubitable principles of Justice partaking of both. To observe our...
5268To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 11 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
Although unacquainted with the Military profession, I am not a disinterested spectator of the occurrences of the times. I read a good deal, & perhaps have an opportunity of seeing publications that do not come in the way of many others. I cannot help supposing that the United States must be deficient in the present acquirements of those states, who have for several years been very actively...
5269To James Madison from Citizens of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, [ca. 22 January] 1814 (Madison Papers)
THAT they feel an earnest and deep solicitude for the protection of the populous and flourishing cities, towns, and plantations of the shores and in the neighbourhood of the shores of the Delaware, in the states of Pennsylvania, Jersey, and Delaware, against the public enemy. That they had entertained confident hopes in the course of last year, that works would have been erected on a scite in...
5270To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, [ca. 11–12] April 1812 (Madison Papers)
Confident that truth, in whatever, respectful, form communicated, has, on an independent mind, as yours, its due weight, I beg leave to avail myself of this method of offering to your high and respected consideration some observations on a subject which has not failed to receive that attention from you which its importance demands. I should, certainly, not call on that portion of your valuable...