1From James Madison to Richard Rush, 19 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The President, Requests the honor of Mr. Rush’s Company at dinner Tuesday the 19h. inst. at 5 oclock. The favor of an Answer is desired. RC ( PHi : Richard Rush Papers). Printed form with date, name, and time filled in by JM and addressed by him on cover to “Mr. Rush at Genl. Masons.” Year not indicated; conjectural year assigned based on the fact that 19 Mar. fell on a Tuesday in 1816.
2From James Madison to Richard Rush, 7 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
J Madison requests a Consultation with the Heads of Depts. tomorrow (tuesday) at one OClock, & that they remain to dinner. RC (offered for sale by The Raab Collection, Ardmore, Pa., Catalog 57 [2009], item 11, ID 7973). Docketed by Rush: “Cabinet meeting, Nov: 7. 1814, and remain to dine.” Year not indicated; conjectural year assigned based on the docket. A nearly identical note in JM ’s hand...
3From John Adams to Richard Rush, 11 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
“When I had an army to create, I would have called for the list of Revolutionary officers and would have nominated every Survivor according to the rank he held at the conclusion of the war—Yates, Schuyler, Lincoln, Knox, Clintons, Pinckneys, Sumters, Muhlenbergs; who you will. But not one of my Ministers, not one Senator, not one Representative, and what was more than all, Washington who was...
4From John Adams to Richard Rush, 29 October 1814 (Adams Papers)
After this Letter was written and erroneously inclosed I recd yours of 23d which is merry and instructive beyond all Example PHi : H. D. Gilpin Papers.
5From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison requests a consultation with The Heads of Depts today at 1 oC. FC ( DLC ). Year not indicated; conjectural year supplied based on the first of two notes written on the verso, in Rush’s hand, perhaps at a later date: “The Cabinet meeting Dec 20. 1816” and “To cure the imperfections in the law of June 1794 so as to prevent vessels fitting out in our ports to cruise agt Spain &ce.”
6From James Madison to Richard Rush, 15 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
The occasion which led to your favor of this morning merits all our congratulations, and I heartily join in those you have expressed. The terms of the peace will I hope be satisfactory to our Country. With the events of the war, they can not fail to command the respect of every other. … Be so good as to return the two papers after a leisurely perusal. The newspaper is the latest that has...
7From John Adams to Richard Rush, 14 September 1814 (Adams Papers)
There is an height, beyond which the proudest Wave cannot ascend: there is a depth, at least a bottom, from which no Waters are left to rise or retire. There is a tide in the Affairs of Men. It is a trite observation of Historians, that there is in human Affairs, an ultimate point of depression, from whence, Things naturally but gradually rise and return to their Level. Our american Affairs...
8From Abigail Smith Adams to Richard Rush, 5 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
My good Friend’s when they are going to make a visit to Washington, wish an introduction to the most Eminent public Characters there, and I embrace with pleasure the opportunity of bringing you acquainted with one of our best Divines. He is a gentleman of Liberal Sentiments, both in Religion and politicks—Knowing that he designed a journey to washington, the Electors, have committed to him,...
9Thomas Jefferson to Richard Rush, 2 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Rush , & his thanks for the copy of his oration of the 4 th of July, which he has been so kind as to send him, and for his the friendly wishes for he expresses for his health and happiness. to the last nothing contributes more than the contemplation of such specimens as mr Rush has sent him of the eloquence of his country devoted to the celebration...
10From Abigail Smith Adams to Richard Rush, 24 April 1816 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for the information transmitted me in your Last Letter. I have Sent an extract to my Son—I wish that Congress could be convinced, unawed by Constituents, that parsparsimony to their public officers, is neither wise, just, or prudent, that in the Eyes of foreign Nations, it is contemptible, as well as in those of our own Countrymen, who know our means, that we are become a great...
11From John Adams to Richard Rush, 26 August 1815 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of the 20th and the Extracts which are very consolatory. I have Sometimes thought that the People of the U.S. of both Parties were the worst Judges in the World, of themselves, their Resources, the Character of their own Nation and even of the Geography of their Country. Mr Madisons Administration, must be recorded by Historians; not with Standing all the Errors,...
12From John Adams to Richard Rush, 1 June 1814 (Adams Papers)
I long to See the narrative of Dr Rush’s Life. I hope it will be printed. The Anecdote relative to me, in 1774, and the Toast ascribed to me, at Mifflins Supper, is so exactly like me at that time, that I dare take my Bible Oath, that it is literally true. My toast then was, as you Say and I believe, “Cash and Powder to the Yankees.” You ask me what would be my Toast now? I assure you, it...
13From James Madison to Richard Rush, 5 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 2d. inst: with the papers inclosed with it, and thank you for having so comprehensively provided for the objects of mine to which it is an answer. I return the Proclamation, which was properly varied from that of 1806, which had more in view than the one now in hand. To avoid questions or feelings of State Prerogative, I have pencilled for erasure the words specifying...
14From John Adams to Richard Rush, 11 June 1815 (Adams Papers)
“Watchman! What of the Night?” To what hour of the Evening are We advanced? How many hours remain before day break? Have you a repeating Watch that can Strike the hour and the quarter of an hour in the darkest hour of Sablest night? Rochefaucaut, Condorcet, Robespiere, Brissot, Danton, Orleans Buoneparte, Pitt, Fox, Burk, Alexander, Georges, Louis’s, Charleses, Francises Fredericks are but...
15From John Adams to Richard Rush, 25 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of the 18th: and thank you has your “Idea”; Your reasoning upon it is that of a modest prudent philosopher & Statesman. It is more; It is classical enough for a member of the Academy of inscription and Belle letters. I who am neither Philosopher Statesman or Academician, would if I had power cause medals to be struck of every conflagration, Massacre, prison stripe,...
16From John Adams to Richard Rush, 20 November 1813 (Adams Papers)
You have most unexpectedly procured for me a very high gratification, by making me acquainted with so many anecdotes of one of the most sentimental and accomplished families our Country can boast. I feel myself more nearly attached to Judge Tucker since I learned that he had his legal education under my friend Mr Wythe one of the most learned and amiable men I have known. I have read the...
17From John Adams to Richard Rush, 13 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
You must live to be 77 years and 9 months old, before you can know how much I am obliged to you for your favour of the 5th. Pray tell me Something of the Biography of Mr St. George Tucker of Virginia. I cannot Speak of the political morsell of his, without extravagance. I know not which to admire most, its Simplicity, its Beauty its Pathos, its Philosophy, its Morality, its Religion, or its...
18From John Adams to Richard Rush, 10 April 1815 (Adams Papers)
It does not Signify, to grow old. You never can get rid of worldly Affairs. I never was more distracted with Business. It pours in upon me from all quarters. I want to write you every day, and two or three times a day. I have read your speculations with pleasure, but with Some grains of reserve. I Send you a Richelieu, upon the Fisheries, Said to be from Connecticut. That State is a rich bed...
19From James Madison to Richard Rush, 27 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison requests a consultation with the Heads of Departments today at 12 OC and that they remain to dinner with him. RC ( PHi : Richard Rush Papers). Addressed by JM on verso “The Attorney General” and docketed there by Rush, possibly at a later date: “(And remain to dinner). Mr. Madison Nov: 1816— Cabinet meeting in which the annual message to congress (being his last) was read and...
20From James Madison to Richard Rush, 8 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
The Convention with G.B. the original of which Mr. Brent will shew you, raises the question whether a call of Congs. before the 1st. Monday in Decr. be expedient. The shortness of the period of difference, and the season of the year it embraces, seem to render the measure of so little practical moment as to dissuade from the inconvenience & expence of it. As the question however involves facts...
21From John Adams to Richard Rush, 26 January 1814 (Adams Papers)
If I may judge of others by myself, Mr Hay had no cause of Apprehension that he Should be tedious: for when I had read the first page I could not lay aside the book till I had read the last. I know not when I have Seen a discussion of any legal or political question pursued with So dispassionate a temper, or written with more perspicuity, Accuracy or luminous Arrangement. The Author is Master...
22From Abigail Smith Adams to Richard Rush, 21 August 1816 (Adams Papers)
I take the Liberty of introducing to you and your good Lady, Leiut Clark, who is on his way to visit his Friends in Maryland. he can give you any information you may wish for, respecting your Friends in Quincy. you will recollect mr Clark is the Gentleman, of whom I asked of you, when he was a Stranger Some information respecting, his Character, and connections— I have not had any cause Since...
23From John Adams to Richard Rush, 20 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have recd. a Letter from Dr Maese, requesting of me, Letters of your Father for Publication. I have collected a few, ancienct and modern: But if you consider that I have recd Letters from him in Philadelphia, New York, Braintree, Quincy, France Holland and England; You must percieve the difficulty of Searching Old Trunks for a Chain of Correspondence for forty years I have already found...
24From Abigail Smith Adams to Richard Rush, 29 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
As my Husband has thought it proper to inclose a Letter, received from our Son to the president, which I presume you may read, I inclose one to me, for your perusal, the political part of which you may read to the president if you judge best; it is a more fre e expression of his feelings, and opinions, respecting the continuence of this farze of a negotiation on the part of the British...
25From John Adams to Richard Rush, 24 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
“Alexander a Republican”! Was not Napoleon a Republican? A Republican Signifies, “any thing, every Thing and nothing.” The Romans were Republicans. Obscuro loco natus” was a Plebeian, i.e. nothing. The Virginia Gentlemen are all Republicans pro moro romano. Not one of their Posterity is to be “obscuro loco natus.” Mr John Taylor lives in “ Hazelwood, ” Mr Madison lives in Montpelier , Mr...
26From James Madison to Richard Rush, 11 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I am informed thro’ confidential channels, that Joseph Bonaparte is arrived at N.Y. under an assumed name, that he considers it proper to report himself to this Govt—that he would set out from N.Y. on tomorrow (tuesday,) accompanied by Commodore Lewis, for that purpose; and be in Washington on thursday or friday on his way to Montpelier, under cover always of an assumed name. The motive to...
27From John Adams to Richard Rush, 3 June 1816 (Adams Papers)
I know not whether I am in your debt, or you in mine, but I can no longer refrain from writing The death of mr Dexter has awakened my most latent feelings; I am personally so deeply interested in this event, that I dare not trust myself to write, or even think, on the importance of it. Poor, short sighted mortals as we are! I consider my own reputation, & the true character of my...
28From John Adams to Richard Rush, 2 January 1815 (Adams Papers)
Thanks for yours of Dec. 24. I Still entertain hopes that New England will not be forever alienated from the Southern and the middle States, and therefore take with pleasure, the Liberty of introducing Some of our most promising Young Gentlemen. Mr Gray is on his Travels and Mr George Ticknor. I believe I did not give the latter a Line to you. He has a most amiable Character. He is Said to...
29From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Not being possessed of the answer from the War Dept. referred to in the inclosed, I can not compare the grounds of it, with the opinions to which it has given rise. It would seem however that the Soldiers in question must be entitled to such a discharge as will secure to them all the recommenc [ sic ] stipulated for serving during the war. Will you be so good as to take a legal view of the...
30From John Adams to Richard Rush, 12 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
Hendrick William Gordon Esquire I understand has been recommended to be Collector of direct taxes for the County of Middlesex. My acquaintance with this gentleman, commenced with the departure of my Son for St. Petersburg. He has been invariably obliging to me and my family in transmitting our letters and all intelligence to and from that mission. These personal and family obligations alone...
31From John Adams to Richard Rush, 2 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
While I am reading a Letter from you, I almost forget that I have lost my delightfull Corrispondent of forty Years—I thank you for information, upon many points. On the subject of J. Q. A, I cannot write, or Speak. My heart is too full. I see his Destiny. He is to be depressed and oppressed by an immense load of Jealousy, Envy, Malice and Revenge, as your Father and his Father have been before...
32From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
As I have taken the liberty of throwing on your attention the business of fixing on a Site for an Observatory at Washington, I pass the inclosed to Mr. Dallas thro’ your hands. You will see that the turn which the subject is likely to take, will relieve you from further trouble with respect to it. I have recd. your favor of . We regret that we shall not have the pleasure of seeing you, and we...
33From John Adams to Richard Rush, 25 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 29th of September has not been answered by me as it ought to have been. Your Excursion Horseback gave me high hopes; and excited vain Recollections. Dean Swift bragged; and why Should not I.? Swift crowed over Pope Arbuthnot &c and boasted that he could ride 500 miles upon a trotting Horse. In 1777 I rode on Horseback from Penn’s Hill in this Town to Baltimore, more than 500...
34From James Madison to Richard Rush, 24 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
You will observe in one of the inclosed letters several legal points stated by Commodore Patterson relating a distribution of property taken in the Fort on Apalachecola. Will you be so good as to examine them, and communicate the result? The report of the Land Commander has not yet come to hand but will probably not be delayed. It may throw light on some of the facts. In consequence of your...
35From John Adams to Richard Rush, 11 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
To your studies in Jurisprudence, I wish all the success, which you can possibly wish for yourself; but you must collect yourself & remember that Intemperance in the pursuit of knowledge, is not less dangerous than in that of pleasure. Your favour of the third has afforded me much amusement, though a dozen years ago & more I was convinced that mr Cooper was a man of talents and Science; yet at...
36From John Adams to Richard Rush, 17 March 1815 (Adams Papers)
The Sight of a well known hand, made my heart leap, before I opened your Letter of the 6th. the Contents compleated my delight. May your health be as permanent as I believe your understanding to be Sound and your heart pure. The Pamphlet inclosed to me, ought to be Sent to every foreign Minister and Consul, tho’ it Should be under the Restrictions you prescribe to me I inclose to you Papers...
37From James Madison to Richard Rush, 29 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison requests a consultation with the heads of Departments to day at 12 o’clock. RC ( PHi : Richard Rush Papers). Docketed by Rush, with his note on verso: “The Cabinet met accordingly. The deliberation was, relative to some important instructions to be given to Mr Erving, our Minister at Spain. It was determined, (nem con.) that he might offer to the Spanish all the territory that we...
38From James Madison to Richard Rush, 24 September 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Richard Rush. 24 September 1815, Montpelier. “I have recd. yours of the 21st with its inclosures. I retain the interesting & well written letter of Mr. Dick, for the perusal of Mr. Monroe, expected here in a day or two on his way to Washington, which with your side of the correspondence will be useful to him, in his communications with Mr. Onis. This Quoad Ambassador is as teazing on all...
39From Abigail Smith Adams to Richard Rush, 30 August 1815 (Adams Papers)
I transmit, to you two Letter lately received altho of an old date. they may communicate to you some facts which perhaps you might not receive from any other Source. I do it in confidence, as Some of the Sentiments are not calculated for the meridian where the writer now is. where in a Subsequent Letter of july 17th he writs that “one cannot indulge even a Sentiment of compassion for the...
40From John Adams to Richard Rush, 11 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have much pleasure in introducing to you Francis C. Gray Esqr a Son of our late Lt. Governor. Educated to Letters improved by travel and regularly admitted to the Bar you will probably hear more of him and I hope have much to do with him hereafter, for the good of your Country. He can give you a better account of New England Politicks than I can. I have lately read Rassilas, Candide, Zadig,...
41From James Madison to Richard Rush, 26 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
¶ To Richard Rush. Letter not found. 26 June 1816. Acknowledged in Rush to JM , 29 June 1816 , wherein he states, relating to a legal matter described by William Wirt: “I have thrown a few remarks upon the enclosed sheet, to be read as an addendum to Mr. Wirt’s letter […]. This I have done in compliance with the request contained in your favor of the 26th instant.” Cover with JM ’s free frank...
42From John Adams to Richard Rush, 14 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
Montezillo, in the Spanish language signifies “a little hill.” You will search for it in vain in Italy; none of the Alps, the Appenines, no, nor the Pyranees, nor Asturians, ever bore that name. the City, Village or Villa, ever arrived to that honour. Search, and research. find it if you can. Neither Montezillo, nor Monticello desire many of your thoughts; but the Italian Republicks, like the...
43From John Adams to Richard Rush, 13 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
I Shall certainly comply with your Wishes, expressed in your favour of 31st Octr. The Correspondence between your Father and me has been for forty years together too intimate and too free, to See the Light at present. I have Letters from Dr Rush that would demonstrate his Patriotism, his Virtue, his Piety his Genius his Learning his Benevolenc his Generosity his Charity and at the Same time...
44From John Adams to Richard Rush, 7 January 1814 (Adams Papers)
A thousand thanks for your favour of 25 and 31. Ult. The Times are too serious to write. I expect De Troit and all Michigan, and all Perry’s Fleet will go. I know not whait is to prevent Washington City, The Treasury Office, the Presidents Pallace and the proud Capitol, from becoming The Head Quarters of British Principles. Admiral Warren might have done it long ago. Prejudice, Partiality,...
45Thomas Jefferson to Richard Rush, 23 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson acknoleges the reciept from mr Richard Rush of the originals of his letters of Apr. 21. and 23. 1803. and of Jan. 16. 1811. to his father , and begs him to recieve his sincere thanks and to convey the same with his friendly respects to mrs Rush & the family for this mark of attention to his feelings. he knew they would be safe while kept with the family; and was satisfied...
46From John Adams to Richard Rush, 5 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
In what terms can I address you? There are none that can express my Sympathy with you and your Family, or my own personal Feelings on this loss of your excellent Father. There is not another Person, out of my own Family, who can die, in whom my personal Happiness can be so deeply affected. The World would pronounce me extravagant and no Man would apologize for me if I should Say that in the...
47Thomas Jefferson to Richard Rush, 17 June 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 12 th came to hand yesterday and I thank you for the kind attention you are so good as to pay to it. the subject of my letters. my entire confidence in the family will render satisfactory to me your addressing any member of it you think proper on the subject of those letters. an occurrence since my letter to you has justified my anxiety to prevent their getting into...
48From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 [ca. 26] August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I return the Ed: Review with my thanks for the opportunity of perusing the chapter on France, which has all the interest which you attach to it: notwithstanding the occurrences subsequent to its date. On casting an eye over the Chapter on corn laws, I was surprized to see so acute & learned a Critic puzzled in a case which appeared so plain & familiar. I have noted it in the margin of page...
49From James Madison to Richard Rush, 10 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 29. Ult: with the remarks on Mr. Wirt’s letter came duly to hand. The latter were communicated to Mr. W., with an intimation, that if he had any further observations to make on the subject, they might go in the first instance to the Treasury Dept. It is more than probable that your view of the subject will be satisfactory. I inclose for your perusal a letter from Judge...
50From John Adams to Richard Rush, 29 October 1814 (Adams Papers)
There are two Men in this World, who shall know and Esteem each other, if I can bring them together. To this end permit me to introduce and recommend to you The Rev’d Mr Edward Everett Minister of the most respectable Congregation in Boston and one of the first litterary Characters, at an Age when others are signalised by nothing but a degree at Colledge— When Genius falls in love with Study...