31From James Madison to Congress, 9 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
The tendency of our commercial and navigation laws in their present state, to favor the Enemy and thereby prolong the war, is more and more developed by experience. Supplies of the most essential kinds find their way, not only to British ports and British armies at a distance, but the armies in our neighbourhood, with which our own are contending, derive from our ports and outlets, a...
32From James Madison to Congress, 20 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
Confidential There being sufficient ground to infer, that it is the purpose of the Enemy to combine with the Blockade of our Ports, special licences to neutral vessels, or to British vessels in neutral disguises, whereby they may draw from our Country the precise kind and quantity of Exports essential to their wants, whilst its general commerce remains obstructed; keeping in view also the...
33From James Madison to Congress, 25 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives. At an early day after the close of the last Session of Congress, an offer was formally communicated from His Imperial Majesty, The Emperor of Russia, of his mediation, as the common friend of the United States and Great Britain, for the purpose of facilitating a peace between them. The high character of the Emperor Alexander,...
34From James Madison to Congress, 1 March 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 March 1813. “I lay before Congress a Report of the Secretary of the Treasury, containing a statement of proceedings under the ‘Act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland in the State of Maryland to the State of Ohio.’” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 12A-E4). Each...
35From James Madison to Congress, 24 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress copies of a Proclamation of the British Lieutenant Governor of the Island of Bermuda, which has appeared under circumstances leaving no doubt of its authenticity. It recites a British order in Council of the 26 of October last, providing for the supply of the British West Indies and other Colonial possessions, by a trade under special licences; and is accompanied by a...
36From James Madison to Congress, 22 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress a letter with accompanying documents from Captain Bainbridge, now commanding the United States Frigate “The Constitution,” reporting his capture and destruction of the British Frigate “The Java.” The circumstances and the issue of this combat, afford another example of the professional skill and heroic spirit, which prevail in our naval service. The signal display of...
37From 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...
38From James Madison to Congress, 11 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
I transmit to Congress copies of a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, from Captain Decatur of the Frigate “United States,” reporting his combat and capture of the British Frigate, Macedonian. Too much praise cannot be bestowed on that officer and his companions on board, for the consummate skill and conspicuous valour, by which this Trophy has been added to the naval arms of the United...
39Draft of a Message to Congress, [ca. 8 December] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Considering that the U. S have a just claim on Spain for indemnities to a large amt. the justice of which has been admitted & for the satisfaction of which the Spanish possessions on the S Borders of the U. S. were brought into negociation; that these possessions, under the existing Circumstances of the Spanish Monarchy are every day liable to be occupied by the Enemy of the U. S. whence that...
40From James Madison to Congress, 18 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1812. “I transmit … copies of a communication from Mr. Russell to the Secretary of State. It is connected with the correspondence accompanying my Message of the 12th instant, but had not at that date been received.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles,...
41From James Madison to Congress, 17 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 November 1812. Transmits “copies of a letter from the Consul General of the United States to Algeirs, stating the circumstances preceding and attending his departure from that Regency.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosure, see n. 1. JM...
42From James Madison to Congress, 12 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 November 1812. “For the further information of Congress relative to the pacific advances made on the part of this Government, to that of Great Britain, and the manner in which they have been met by the latter, I transmit the sequel of the communications on that subject received from the late chargé d’affaires at London.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages,...
43From James Madison to Congress, 6 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 November 1812. Transmits “copies of the correspondencies [ sic ] between the Department of War and the Governors of Massachusetts and Connecticut, refered to in my Message of the fourth instant.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures (34...
44From James Madison to Congress, 5 November 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Bill entitled, “An Act supplementary to the Acts heretofore passed on the subject of an uniform rule of naturalization” which passed the two Houses at the last Session of Congress, having appeared to me liable to abuse by Aliens having no real purpose of effectuating a naturalization, and therefore not been signed; and having been presented at an hour too near the close of the Session to...
45Annual Message to Congress, 4 November 1812 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives On our present meeting, it is my first duty to invite your attention, to the providential favors which our Country has experienced, in the unusual degree of health dispensed to its inhabitants, and in the rich abundance with which the Earth has rewarded the labours bestowed on it. In the successful cultivation of other branches...
46From James Madison to Congress, 30 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
With a view, the better to adapt to the public service, the Volunteer force contemplated by the Act passed on the six [ sic ] day of February, I recommend to the consideration of Congress, the expediency of making the requisite provision for the officers thereof being commissioned by the authority of the United States. Considering the distribution of the military forces of the United States,...
47From James Madison to Congress, 22 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1812. “I communicate to Congress copies of a letter to the Secretary of State from the chargé d’Affaires of the United States at London, and of a note to him from the British Secretary for foreign Affairs.” RC and enclosures, 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 Edward Coles, signed by...
48From James Madison to Congress, 16 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 June 1812. “I transmit, for the information of Congress, copies of a letter to the Secretary of State from the Charge de Affaires of the United States at London, accompanied by a letter from the latter to the British Minister of foreign affairs.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in...
49From James Madison to Congress, 15 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 June 1812. “I transmit for the information of Congress copies of letters which have passed between the Secretary of State and the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain.” RC and enclosures, 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 Edward Coles, signed by JM. For...
50From James Madison to Congress, 11 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 June 1812. “I transmit for the information of Congress copies of letters which have passed between the Secretary of State and the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain.” RC and enclosures, 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 Edward Coles, signed by JM. For...
51From James Madison to Congress, 8 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 June 1812. “I lay before Congress copies of letters which have passed between the Secretary of State and the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain.” RC and enclosures, 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 Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures, see n. 1. JM...
52From James Madison to Congress, 4 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 June 1812. “I transmit, for the information of Congress, copies of a correspondence of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain, with the Secretary of State.” RC and enclosures, 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 Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures, see n. 1. JM forwarded copies...
53From James Madison to Congress, 1 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress certain Documents, being a continuation of those heretofore laid before them, on the subject of our Affairs with Great Britain. Without going back beyond the renewal in 1803, of the war in which Great Britain is eng[a]ged, and omitting unrepaired wrongs of inferior magnitude; the conduct of her Government presents a series of acts, hostile to the United States, as an...
54Draft of a Message to Congress, [ca. 31 May] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Ever since the peace of Independence the B. G. instead of regarding the U. S. with the friendly eye which was required by justice magnaminity [ sic ] & true policy, has yielded to an embarassing mortification at their success & an unworthy jealousy of their commerce. Her delay to send an Ambass. Her monopolizing regulations of navigation, among the proofs. It was not however, untill the war in...
55From James Madison to Congress, 26 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress, for their information, copies and extracts from the correspondence of the Secretary of State, and the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at Paris. These Documents will place before Congress the actual posture of our relations with France. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings,...
56From James Madison to Congress, 20 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
Among the incidents to the unexampled increase and expanding interests of the American nation, under the fostering influence of free constitutions and just laws, has been a corresponding accumulation of duties in the several Departments of the Government: And this has been necessarily the greater, in consequence of the peculiar State of our foreign relations, and the connection of these with...
57From James Madison to Congress, 1 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
Considering it as expedient, under existing circumstances and prospects, that a General Embargo be laid on all vessels now in port or hereafter arriving, for the period of sixty days, I recommend the immediate passage of a law to that effect. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). In the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. On 2 Apr. Foster inquired of Monroe whether he should...
58From James Madison to Congress, 13 March 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 March 1812. Transmits a letter from the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the secretary of state. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E3). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosure (printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents, Legislative...
59From James Madison to Congress, 9 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress copies of certain Documents, which remain in the Department of State. They prove that at a recent period, whilst the United States, notwithstanding the wrongs sustained by them, ceased not to observe the laws of peace and neutrality towards Great Britain; and in the midst of amicable professions and negociations on the part of the British Government, through its public...
60From James Madison to Congress, 3 March 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 March 1812. Transmits, at the request of the convention assembled in the Orleans Territory on 22 Nov. 1811, the proceedings of that body in pursuance of the “Act to enable the people of the Territory of Orleans to form a constitution and State Government and for the admission of the said State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, and for other purposes.” RC ( DNA : RG...
61From James Madison to Congress, 1 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 February 1812. Transmits a report of the secretary of the treasury containing a statement of proceedings under the “Act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland in the State of Maryland to the State of Ohio.” RC , two copies ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E4; and DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. For...
62From James Madison to Congress, 22 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
At the request of the Legislature of New Jersey, I communicate to Congress, copies of its Resolutions, transmitted by the Governor of that State. Whereas in cases of great national concern, involving in their consequences the interests, the rights and the welfare, as well of the future as of the present generation; it cannot fail to be useful and acceptable, to those entrusted with the...
63From James Madison to Congress, 17 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 January 1812. Transmits a letter from the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the secretary of state, with the answer of the latter. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1); RC ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures (3 pp.; printed in ASP American State...
64From James Madison to Congress, 16 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 January 1812. Communicates a letter from the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the secretary of state, with the answer of the latter. “The continued evidence afforded in this correspondence, of the hostile policy of the British Government against our national rights, strengthens the considerations recommending and urging the preparations of adequate means...
65From James Madison to Congress, 15 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 January 1812. Transmits an account of the contingent expenses of the government incurred in 1811 in taking possession of “the territory limited Eastwardly by the River Perdido” and amounting to $3,396. RC and enclosure, 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 Edward Coles, signed by JM....
66From James Madison to Congress, 7 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 January 1812. Forwards a report from the director of the Mint. RC , two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E5). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures, see Robert Patterson to JM, 1 Jan. 1812 .
67From 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...
68From James Madison to Congress, 23 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress copies of an Act of the Legislature of New York, relating to a canal from the Great Lakes to Hudsons river. In making the communication, I consult the respect due to that State; in whose behalf, the commissioners appointed by the Act, have placed it in my hands for the purpose. The utility of canal navigation is universally admitted. It is not less certain that...
69From James Madison to Congress, 18 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress two letters received from Governor Harrison of the Indiana Territory, reporting the particulars and the issue of the expedition under his command, of which notice was taken in my communication of November 5th. While it is deeply lamented that so many valuable lives have been lost in the action which took place on the 7th ulto., Congress will see with satisfaction the...
70From James Madison to Congress, 13 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress, copies of a correspondence between the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain, and the Secretary of State, relative to the aggression committed by a British Ship of War on the United States Frigate Chesapeake; by which it will be seen that that subject of difference, between the two Countries, is terminated by an offer of reparation which...
71From James Madison to Congress, 13 November 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 November 1811. “I lay before Congress the Result of the census lately taken of the Inhabitants of the United States, with a letter from the Secretary of State relative thereto.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E3). RC 1 p. In the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For surviving enclosure, see n. 1. JM enclosed a letter he had received from James Monroe, dated...
72From James Madison to Congress, 7 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I now lay before Congress, two letters to the Department of State, one from the present Plenipotentiary of France, the other from his predecessor; which were not included among the documents accompanying my Message of the fifth instant; the translation of them being not then compleated. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative...
73Annual Message to Congress, 5 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives. In calling you together sooner than, a separation from your homes, would otherwise have been required; I yielded to considerations, drawn from the posture of our foreign affairs; and in fixing the present, for the time of your meeting; regard was had to the probability of further developements of the policy of the Belligerent...
74From James Madison to Congress, 28 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 February 1811. Transmits a report of the secretary of state relative to deficiencies in the returns of the census. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E3). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure is Robert Smith to JM, 27 Feb. 1811 .
75From James Madison to Congress, 19 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 February 1811. Transmits a return of the militia of the U.S. as received by the War Department. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E6). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States … (38...
76From James Madison to Congress, 16 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 February 1811. Transmits “the Treaty concluded on the 10th of November 1808 on the part of the United States with the Great and Little Osage Tribes of Indians; with a view to such legal provisions as may be deemed proper for fulfilling its stipulations.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E2). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure (13 pp.) is a printed...
77From James Madison to Congress, 31 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 January 1811. Transmits letters written by the U.S. chargé d’affaires at Paris to the secretary of state and to the French minister of foreign relations; also transmits two letters from the agent of the American consul at Bordeaux to the secretary of state. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E3). Each RC...
78From James Madison to Congress, 30 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 January 1811. “I transmit to Congress Copies of a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury accompanied by copies of the ‘Laws, Treaties and other documents relative to the public lands’ as collected and arranged pursuant to the Act passed April 27th 1810.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E2). Each RC 1...
79From James Madison to Congress, 14 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1811. Transmits an account of the contingent expenses of government for 1810. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E4). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure (1 p.) is an account signed by Joseph Nourse, 4 Jan. 1811, showing a balance carried forward of $14,110, “there not having...
80From James Madison to Congress, 14 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1811. Transmits a report from the surveyor of the public buildings “relative to the progress and present State of them.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure (9 pp.) is Latrobe’s “Report on the public buildings,” dated 28 Dec. 1810...