5151To James Madison from Bossange & Masson, 10 August 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 August 1810, Paris. Solicits JM’s patronage of a translation of Homer’s Iliad . RC ( DLC ). 1 p. In French.
5152To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 1 July 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 July 1811, Maryland. “I advise you as a Friend to arouse from your Lethargy. Look at the Nation. The People are all but ready to Burst into a Flame. A Flame of Discord. This is the Hour Of Trial—it is more Dangerous than the Time that tried Men’s Soul’s.… Do not slumber at the Helm in the Storm lest Our ship may Broach too & founder. May God be your Comfort and give you Consolation in the...
5153To James Madison from Hugh Chisholm, 13 December 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Hugh Chisholm. 13 December 1814, Charlottesville. “You will please have your Account against me Since our last Settlement arranged. in order for a final Settlemen⟨t⟩ by the first of January next at which time I expect to be in the City of washington for that express purpose.” RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM .
5154To James Madison from James Monroe, 21 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I returned yesterday from Loudoun, rather injur’d than benefitted by the trip. The slightest exposure, since my late indisposition produces cold & fever, both of which I have suffer’d in my absence. I found our daughter sick of the epidemick, & mrs. M. not much improvd in her health. These circumstances will keep us longer here than we had intended & expected. I had the pleasure to receive...
5155To James Madison from Batran G. Hipkins, 12 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 July 1813, Washington. “Conceiving myself to have been much aggrieved by an act of the late secretary of the Navy, & having in vain applied to his successor for redress, I am under the necessity of making an appeal to you. I know that these appeals are not common, & probably it is only on an occation like the present, when condemnation instead of following guilt has preceeded tryal when an...
5156To James Madison from John Wayles Eppes, 1 November 1810 (Madison Papers)
My absence from chesterfield prevented my receiving your letter until a few days since. When the papers relating to the proceedings of the convention were put into my hands for the purpose of being copied Mr. Jefferson was very particular in his charge. I understood from him perfectly that it was a trust entirely confidential. The particular and confidential manner in which he entrusted them...
5157Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 16 July 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday from our friend Gov r Nicholas a letter stating that very advantageous offers had been made to his son at Baltimore (late a colonel in the army) which would induce him to go and fix himself at Leghorn , and that it would add very much to his prospects to be appointed Consul there, and counting on my knolege of the character of his son , he supposed my testimony of it to...
5158To James Madison from American Prisoners of War at Nassau, [ca. August– October 1812] (Madison Papers)
The Petition of the undersigned Citizens of the United States of America, in Confinement as Prisoners of War at Nassau in the Island of New Providence, one of the Bahama Islands—Humbly sheweth That your Petitioners comprised the Crew of a certain Private Vessel of War lately fitted out in the Port of Charleston under and by Virtue of a Commission from Your Excellency, and which Vessel sailed...
5159To James Madison from Edwin Lewis, 10 December 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 December 1810, Fort St. Stephens. Refers to his earlier letter [21 Nov.] requesting that Governor Holmes inquire into the conduct of government officials in the district. Mentions “a late occurrence of a number of the Citizens of this Country having manifested a Strong propensity to attack Mobeal when … robed of their hardear[n]ed wealth by a lawless exaction of duties on our trade.” The...
5160To James Madison from John Everingham, [ca. 1 March 1816] (Madison Papers)
The Petition of John Everingham, of the City of Charleston in the District aforesaid—Respectfully Sheweth; That during the Session of the District Court of the United States for the District aforesaid in December last, a Judgment was obtained against your petitioner on a Bond in the penal sum of five thousand Dollars, given for the Privateer Schooner Lovely Cordelia. That your Petitioner was...
5161To James Madison from Austin E. Richardson, [ca. 23 February] 1813 (Madison Papers)
The address of an unknown individual to the President of the United States may perhaps be A matter of surprize, but my high respect for the name of Madison makes me without fear appear before him in the Character of an humble Advocate for an Old man, and that man my father! Can it be thought A tresspass on the time of our beloved President, when we feel ourselves injured by the Officers of his...
5162To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 27 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 February 1811, Fort Stoddert. Acknowledges having received JM’s letter of 22 Dec. [not found] “about three weeks ago.” “Since that was written you will have seen that the authority given to governor Claiborne, instead of having the effect … to extinguish illegal enterprize, has only given a new direction to it: and that nothing probably but the timely, tho’ barely timely, arrival of Col....
5163Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 November 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night yours of the 27 th & rode this morning to Col o Monroe’s . I found him preparing to set out tomorrow morning for Loudon , from whence he will not return till Christmas. I had an hour or two’s frank conversation with him. the catastrophe of poor Lewis served to lead us to the point intended. I reminded him that in the letter I wrote to him while in Europe proposing the...
5164To James Madison from William Harper and Others, 15 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
We have the honour to offer the services of a corps of one hundred men, who tender themselves to the United States as volunteer riflemen. The Committee of Citizens, whose communication this will accompany, will inform your Excellency of the progress that has been made in organizing and equipping the Corps. As soon as the equipment is completed we shall be in readiness to march at a moments...
5165To James Madison from David Daggett, 25 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
The bearer of this wishes to make an application for a Pardon in a case which he will State. Mr. Phelps has been known to me many years. He is a respectable merchant and citizen of Hartford in Connecticut. I know of no man of a more inoffensive & upright deportment, and on whose integrity more reliance may be had. Suffer me to apologize for not personally waiting on you in behalf of Mr....
5166To James Madison from the Illinois General Assembly, ca. 5 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 5 December 1812. “The General Assembly impressed with the importance and danger of the approaching crisis and believing that the energies of our General Government will be necessary to save our fellow Citizens their wives and Children from the indiscriminate Slaughter of an extensive Confederacy of hostile irretated Savages, or even to maintain any part of this Territory against their...
5167To James Madison from John S. Hutton, 25 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
The Humble petition of John S Hutton, Sailing Master, US. Navy Sheweth, That your petitioner, having been tried by a Court Martial under charges he is not guilty of and to some of which he refused to plead, (which may be seen by the proceedings of the court; sent to your excellency with your petitioners defence) Your petitioner, humbly hopes your excellency will not with out due investigation...
5168To James Madison from John Graham, 13 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
I had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 10th Inst. yesterday. Th[…] Mr Erwing was with us; but he went on to Alexandria in the afternoon, where he intended to take a Carriage for the purpose of going to Montpelier. He took with him the Letter he had for you, expecting to be at your House nearly as soon as the Mail which lea⟨v⟩es this today. I return agreeably to your directions the Copy...
5169To James Madison from Pierre Samuel DuPont de Nemours, 4 July 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 July 1811, Paris. Sends two manuscripts that will prove his attachment to the country which has become that of his children and where he hopes to finish his days. One manuscript is a much corrected edition of his work on American finance that was sent to Jefferson last year. The other manuscript is the second, equally corrected, edition of his plan for American national education. Cannot...
5170To James Madison from John Huston and Others, [ca. 16 December 1814] (Madison Papers)
The Undersigned Beg leave to set forth that Whereas at a General Court Martial of which Captain Steele was President held by virtue of an Order of Major General Gaines (dated the 19th. of October 1814) at Province Island Barracks on the 21st. of October 1814 and Continued by Adjournments untill the 28th. of the same Month—Jacob File A Soldier of the 16th. Regiment of the United States Infantry...
5171To James Madison from James Swan, 22 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to write you this petition, as a Second request, that You give instructions to the person You may name as Minister to the French Court, that he demand of this Government, that liberty of which I have been unjustly deprived since the 28 July 1808; liberty which the french subjects in like cases, enjoy in the United States. Not knowing what could prevent me receiving on my first...
5172To James Madison from Richard M. Johnson, 14 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
Upwards of thirty days had elapsed from the date of your order thro the Sec of war to General Harrison ordering the M Regt. to Kaskaskias before it came to me, then at the M: of Huron with the main body of the Regt a party being as low down as Cleaveland. The situation of our horses &c as represented to Heneral [ sic ] Harrison the position of the Regt. being at least 650 miles from Kaskaskias...
5173To James Madison from John Graham, [ca. 27 October 1812] (Madison Papers)
Mr Baker called this morng and left the enclosed memo. His intention is to send off his Messenger this Eveng unless Mr Monroe should wish to write in which case he will detain him until tomorrow. I doubt from what he says whether the British vessels now in our Ports will consider themselves as under any obligation to refrain from capturing our vessels after they get to Sea. Mr B intimates that...
5174Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Another communication is inclosed , and the letter of the applicant is the only information I have of his qualifications. I barely remember such a person as the Secretary of mr Adams & messenger to the Senate while I was of that body. it enlarges the sphere of choice by adding to it a strong federalist. The triangular war must be the idea of the Anglomen, and malcontents, in other words the...
5175Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 10 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
The death of my much valued friend & relation George Jefferson will doubtless produce many competitors for the office of Consul at Lisbon . among these a neighbor of mine, mr David Higginbotham wishes to be considered. he is a merchant of Milton , of very fair character, steady application to business, sound in his circumstances, and perfectly correct in all his conduct. he is a native of this...
5176To James Madison from William Jones, 18 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have deemed it proper to submit to your inspection the enclosed letter from Commodore Bainbridge respecting the irregularity and serious evil arising from the loose and uncontroled manner in which communications by flags of truce with the ships of the enemy are conducted, and respectfully invite your attention to the subject with a view that some settled regulation may be adopted if you...
5177To James Madison from the Officers of the Pittsburgh Blues, 4 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 June 1812, Pittsburgh. Have been authorized by vote to tender the services of the “Pittsburgh Blues” under the act authorizing JM “to accept of the services of Fifty Thousand Volunteers.” “The Blues are … composed of Fifty young men anxious to serve their Country in the anticipated contest; and we hope should your Excellency think proper to employ them, that they will be unremitting in their...
5178To James Madison from James Timmonds, 26 October 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 October 1812, Cumberland, Allegany County. Expresses his wish that JM be reelected to office. Is surprised that enemies of the government are not “Made Examples of to the publick.” Hopes “Such proseedings will in A Short Time be checked.” Is thankful that war was declared. Compares Commodore Rodgers to David “when he Slew Golia[th] very Uneaquil in Size and Strenth Untill God strenthend...
5179To James Madison from William Eustis, 11 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a return exhibiting the several posts & stations occupied by the troops with their numbers & commanding officers. No further information has been received from Governor Harrison. In a conversation with a gentleman well acquainted with the country & with the state disposition & power of the Indians I have been encouraged to believe they will not commence hostilities:...
5180To James Madison from Eleazer Bradshaw Billings, 25 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have been censured Twice upon Certain Charges & Specifications Growing out of an unjust prejdice which Certain malevolent beings have imbibed against me, it is a fact that my real Zeal & Energy to promote the Service of my Country has been the Cause of this I, say persecution. It is not my indolence to Business & Disipation that has Caused me a prosecution, the procedings of the with my...
5181To James Madison from Valentín de Foronda, 14 October 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 October 1809, Philadelphia. Has just finished reprinting the enclosed little pamphlet on the Spanish constitution with many additions. Flatters himself that JM will look with indulgence on his additions, since Jefferson has condescended to praise his blottings. Is about to depart for Cádiz. RC ( MiU-C ). 1 p. In Spanish. For enclosure, see Foronda to JM, 26 Aug. 1809, n. 1 .
5182To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 December 1809 , “ Near New Orleans .” Informs JM of the death of his second wife from yellow fever. Requests permission to be absent from his post between May and November or December of next year in order to attend to his accounts and to preserve his health. Believes that the territorial legislature will dispatch “all the public Business” within two months of their meeting in January....
5183To James Madison from John Kilbourn, 24 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty, although, personally, a total stranger, of writing this communication. Dr. E. Tiffin, esqr. can inform you more particularly of me. The western mail has this moment arrived, and brought the following letter without name. The following is a literal copy from the original now before me. “August 16th 1812. Fort Detroit Surrendered to Major Genl. Brock Commanding his Brittanic...
5184To James Madison from John K. Smith, 18 March 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you in a tin Case five Certificates & plats of Land located for the marquis Lafayette. I received from the Register 6 Certificates but delivered one to Mr Duplantier who wished to alter the location. There remains now 2520 acres for which Certificates are to be returned & which will be immediately attended to—the location for 2,000 acres is already fixed upon & Mr...
5185To James Madison from Thomas Leiper, 22 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
Their is a Memorial in Circulation in this City and County the prayer of which is for you to remove from Office Gideon Granger the cause assigned is for his appointing Michael Leib to be the Postmaster of this district. This memorial has not been presented to me but I have heard of numbers who would not sign it amongst that number was stephen Girard who is more concerned in the proper conduct...
5186To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 6 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty of drawing the attention of the Secretary at War to a small depot of military stores at N. London, and leave the letter open for your perusal. Be so good as to seal it before delivery. I really thought that Genl. Dearborne had removed them to Lynchburg, undoubtedly a safer and more convenient deposit. Our county is the only one I have heard of which has required a...
5187To James Madison from William Eustis, 29 October 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the existing appropriations applicable to the Clothing Department are nearly expended & to request that you will be pleased to direct that the sum of Five hundred Thousand Dollars appropriated for the pay of the Army be applied to defray further expenses in the Clothing Department. RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC in a clerk’s hand,...
5188To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 12 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
It is a long time since I have had the honor to address a letter to you personally; but I hope you will not impute my silence to a want of respect, or to a forgetfulness of your favor and friendship; for I can most truly assure you that it has not been owing to either; but more to an apprehension of intruding upon your time, which must of late, have been very much occupied, and which is too...
5189To James Madison from Richard M. Johnson, 12 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recommended for the appointment of Chaplin the Revd Joel Haden to th[e] Sec of war & hope it will meet your sanction as he is one of the first men in this county for talents & correctness. I feel some Solicitude also for the appointment of John T. Mason as deputy Commissary. I have had as difficult a task here as I have always had a hard one at the City in relation to the 1500 $ to...
5190To James Madison from Samuel B. Johnston, 4 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
Observing by the gazettes of the day that the war is likely to take an active turn on our Spanish frontier, and believing that I might be of more service to the country there than I am here, I take the liberty to tender to your Excy my services for any campaign or campaigns that may be undertaken in that quarter. A considerable knowledge of the Spanish language, and of the genius and...
5191To James Madison from Jeremiah Moore, 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1810. “Although the following pages, cannot, on the ground of their intrinsick merit, claim your attention. Still the principles they embrace, will never fail to meet your warmest respect, and will be cordially embraced, although clothed in rags. The rights of human nature, the glory of our frame, are no doubt better understood, and more fully enjoyed in our happy country, than any other part...
5192To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 16 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to write to you from Columbia immediately on the close of the last Election & to congratulate you & our Country on its succesful & honourable termination, & afterwards on the subject of Colonel John Taylor. I now take the liberty of addressing you for the purpose of introducing to you Major Noah of this City who having as I understand some public business at Washington wishes...
5193To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, 3 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
It was with great Joy, that I learned by Newspapers that you have been elected President of the United States of America, & now filling that honorable & Illustrious Post. The great Majority (which may be accounted as unanimity) of the votes in your favor shows & proves to both Hemispheres the Union & the Wisdom of the people of the United States, in having placed at the head of the Executive,...
5194To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 5 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
If I had received your favor of the instant, at Washington, I should have been tempted to remain there, for the gratification of personal farewell. Indeed, I ran some risque, by undertaking the journey hither, the first day of my being able to leave my bed, for nearly a week. I always doubted Mr. Clay’s disposition to accept the War Department, although I have no doubt of his wish to be...
5195To James Madison from Isaac Shelby, 25 January 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Isaac Shelby. 25 January 1814, Frankfort. “I transmit to your Excellency the inclosed letter signed by some of the officers of this Government and by most of the members of the General Assembly of Kentucky now in Session.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Shelby. Docketed in an unidentified hand: “Resolutions Legislature Ky.” Enclosure not found, but it was probably a copy...
5196To James Madison from the New York State Canal Commissioners, 8 October 1811 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed Exemplification of a Statute passed the eighth of last april will shew that we are empowered to make application, on behalf of the State of New York, to the Congress of the United States, on the subject of a Canal betwe[e]n the Great Lakes and Hudson’s River. An object of such general concern seems to be within the scope of that information which is to be communicated to the...
5197To James Madison from Arunah Metcalf, 13 May 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 May 1812, Washington. Recommends Nathan Williams of Utica for the additional district judgeship in New York. Williams’s private character and his reputation for “political integrity & legal information” are “too generally known; to gain by any Communication of mine.” Has heard that the duties of the office will require the new judge to spend “a principal part of his time” in New York City...
5198To James Madison from Cyrus King, 1 January 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Cyrus King. 1 January 1817. “C King’s respects to the President of the U. S. acknowledges the invitation to dine on Thursday, but regrets that his health will not permit him to accept the honor thereof.” Adds in a postscript: “C King avails himself, with pleasure, of this opportunity to tender to Mr. and Mrs. Madison, with perfect respect, the compliments of the season.” RC ( DLC ). 1...
5199To James Madison from John Armstrong, 28 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have been nearly a week at this place arranging the proposed militia levy & forwarding contingent supplies of ordinance, amunition, cloathing &c. to the different sections of the Army. I shall set out to. morrow for Sackets’ harbor. Wilkinson has gone up the Lake to Fort George. He will leave that place with the army by the 15th prox. On the 25th. we shall either assault Kingstown, or seize...
5200To James Madison from John MacGowty, 19 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 March 1809, Windham, Connecticut. Discusses the Embargo, MacGowty’s experience as a seaman, master, and owner of a vessel, and his thoughts on a war with Great Britain. Advises JM “for the last time to offer to that Corrupt nation the last Olive Branch and if Sir they have not good sense enough to come forward and settle with us as an onest nation then Sir My opinion is that our government...