Queries Sent to Jacquelin Ambler RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Randolph was the recipient of this copy, now folio 94 in Vol. IV. For the notes on its docket and on that of JM’s draft copy, now folio 76 in Vol. II of the same collection, see ed. n. Answers by Jacquelin Ambler to Queries MS ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Answr. to certain queries relative to affairs of Virga. inclosed in...
2From James Madison to Theodorick Bland, 6 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS (Virginia State Library). On the same small page, above JM’s receipt for pay as a delegate, appears one signed by Joseph Jones on behalf of himself and John Francis Mercer, and another signed by Arthur Lee. On a second small page, which originally may have been joined with the other to form a single folio, Bland wrote his own receipt, followed by: “The Auditors will be pleased to debit the...
3From James Madison to William Bradford, 19 June 1775 (Madison Papers)
I received another acceptable pledge of your friendship two days ago in a letter dated June 2d. and, as usual, must begin this by discharging a debt of Gratitude to which the further accounts I have of your friendly services and intentions intitle you. I hope I have an inexhaustible fund of that however destitute I may be of other virtues. But I assure you I am often grieved at reflecting that...
4From James Madison to William Bradford, [30 October–5 November] 1779 (Madison Papers)
satisfaction, a visit from I must own as your not any beneficial affects fro[m] a satisfaction should be your health, than that the waters have been as I flatter myself they have for a confirmation of it to future season when it may be convenient for you to extend your ride as far as Orange; where I may generally be found in those months in which the Springs are most used. The abrupt arrival...
5From James Madison to William Bradford, 23 March 1778 (Madison Papers)
An Express being just setting off for Head Quarters, I cannot help imparting to you some very agreeable intelligence just recd. A Capt. of a Letter of Marke Vessel from thi[s] State, writes to the Govr. from Cheasepeak Bay that he left Martinique on the 23 Ult. that Letters had been recd. there from France as lat[e] as 1st. from sundry respectable Merchts. relating that the French Court had...
6From James Madison to William Bradford, 9 May 1775 (Madison Papers)
I this day received your favor by Mr Hoopes but have not yet got the articles I find came along with it. Mr Hoopes lives at no very great distance so that I shall not be long without them. We have lately had a great alarm here about the Governor’s removing a large quantity of powder from our magazine and conveying it on board a ship of war: Not less [than] 600 men well armed and mounted...
7From James Madison to William Bradford, 28 July 1775 (Madison Papers)
I received your favor of the 10th. inst. and have since had a sight of the declaration and Address from the Congress. I must concur with you in every encomium that can be bestowed on them, particularly the last mentioned which for true Eloquence may vie with the most applauded Oration of Tully himself. These performances must be chiefly owing to a few illustrious writers of that body. Is it...
8From James Madison to William Bradford, [ca. 21 May] 1776—Summary (Madison Papers)
Ca. 21 May 1776 . In “A Memorandum Book,” Bradford noted on 28 May 1776: “This morning I recieved a Letter from Mr Maddison who is a member of the Virginia Convention, informing me of the declaration of Independency made by that body.” Since the resolution calling upon the delegates of Virginia in the Second Continental Congress to propose that “the United Colonies” be declared “free and...
9From James Madison to William Bradford, 17 July 1779 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 29th.[?] Ulto. by yesterday’s post, and agreeable to your request take this immediate opportunity of acknowledging it. The Inhabitants of this City roused by the extortions of the times and the example of your State are instituting regulations similar to those you mention. Whether they will have the necessary prudenc[e,] firmness & perseverence, or...
10William Ellery and JM to the Committee of Congress at Washington’s Headquarters, 5 May 1780 (Madison Papers)
Printed text (John Sanderson, ed., Biography of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence [2d ed.; 5 vols.; Philadelphia, 1828], I, 388–89). Nothing is said there of its source except that it had “fallen into our hands.” References to the existence of the letter are made in Brant, Madison Irving Brant, James Madison (6 vols.; Indianapolis and New York, 1941–61). , I, 90; Burnett, Letters...
11Motion of Instruction to Francis Dana, [22 May] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, II, 121). That Mr. Dana be informed that the Treaties lately entered into for restoring peace, have caused such an alteration in the affairs of these States, as to have removed the primary object of his mission to the Court of Russia, the acquisition of new supports to their Independence That he be instructed, in case he shall have made no propositions to the Court of...
12Motion To Inform Foreign Ministers in Philadelphia, [21 November] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 435–36). In JM’s hand. George Bond, deputy secretary of Congress, wrote below JM’s text, “Mr. Williamson Mr. Maddison Mr [Richard] Peters [Pa.].” The docket, also in Bond’s hand, reads: “Motion of Mr. Madison Novr 21. 1782 Referred to Mr Williamson Mr. Madison Mr Peters Acted on Novr. 25h. 1782.” See n. 10. All of the many and sometimes baffling corrections in this...
13From James Madison to the Governor of Virginia, [20 May 1783] (Madison Papers)
… Notwithstanding the numerous arrivals from Europe, we receive no other information than what passes through the public prints. Sir G. Carlton in answer to a letter from General Washington on the subject of the provisional Treaty repeats the same sentiments regarding the Negroes, which he advanced in the Conference at Orange Town; entering a Caution however against their being considered as a...
14From James Madison to Michael Gratz, 3 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). Recd. of Mr. Michael Gratz four thousand eight hundred and thirty seven continental dollars, being part of ten thousand dollars due on a draught in his favor by the Virginia delegates on the Auditors of that State, four thousand dollars having been received before. the remaining ballance eleven hundred sixty three. On 14 November 1780 ( Expense Account...
15From James Madison to Nathanael Greene, 13 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
Incomplete printed copy from Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 988 (29 January 1909), item 699. The original manuscript was sold in 1940 to a private collector by Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., of New York City (Catalogue No. 223 [30 October–1 November 1940], item 559). I enclose you an extract of a letter from General Washington of the 2d instant, giving a more precise account of the embarkation...
16From James Madison to Benjamin Harrison, 1 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Maine Historical Society, Portland). Franked “public Service” and “J. Madison Jr.” Addressed to “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Governor of Virginia.” Docketed, “J Madison Recd. 14h. Febry 1782.” Your Excellency’s favor of the 19th. Ult. notifying to me the desire of the Executive to associate me with the Revd. Mr. Andrews in settling the boundary between Virga. & this State, came...
17From James Madison to Benjamin Harrison, 11 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Jasper E. Crane, Wilmington, Del., 1963). Cover addressed to “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr Richmond.” Docketed by Harrison, “Lr. from the Hon. James Madison February 11th. 83.” Your Excellency will receive this from the hand of Mr. Dunlap who will represent the advantages which his press at Richmond will derive from a payment of the allowance made for his losses in establishing...
18From James Madison to Benjamin Harrison, 7 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Harvard University Library). Although the cover is missing, the contents permit no doubt that Governor Harrison was the recipient. According to my promise by the last post & to your Excellency’s request I have made enquiry for some person fit for the service which my unfitness obliged me to decline, but with as little success as I expected. If skill in the business alone were requisite, it...
19From James Madison to Benjamin Harrison, 16 [December] 1779 (Madison Papers)
Being notified that the General Assembly have honoured me with a delegation to serve this commonwealth in general Congress, I beg the favour of you Sir to communicate to them my acceptance thereof, and my assurances that as far as fidelity and zeal can supply the place of abilities the interests of my Country shall be punctually promoted. I have the honor to be with great respect Yr. Most Obt...
20From James Madison to Benjamin Harrison, 15 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Princeton University Library). Cover reads: “His Excellency Benjamin Harrison Esqr. Richmond Hon’d by Col: Bland.” Theodorick Bland left Philadelphia on 15 November to return to Virginia. See JM to Randolph, 12 November 1782 (first letter), n. 5 . I send you as a peice of information of which you will be the best judge of the use to be made, an extract of a letter laid before Congress by...
21Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 7 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
Draft ( LC : Madison Papers). Written and initialed by JM. Addressed by him to “Govr of Virginia.” For JM’s docket, see JM to Jones, 6 Jan. 1783 , hdn. and ed. n. Recipient’s copy not found, but it was advertised for sale by George H. Richmond of New York City in his catalogue of November 1902, part 1, p. 28, item 430. JM designated the letter “official.” See JM to Randolph, 7 Jan. 1783 . Your...
22Address to Captain Patrick Henry and the Gentlemen Independents of Hanover, 9 May 1775 (Madison Papers)
The committee for Orange county, met on Tuesday the 9th of May, taking into their consideration the removal of the powder from the publick magazine, and the compensation obtained by the independent company of Hanover; and observing also, that the receipt given by Capt. Patrick Henry , to his Majesty’s Receiver General, refers the final disposal of the money to the next Colony Convention, came...
23Draft of Letter to John Jay, Explaining His Instructions, [17 October] 1780 (Madison Papers)
Draft ( NA : PCC , No. 25, I, 239–49). This letter in JM’s hand constituted the report of the Madison (chairman)-Sullivan-Duane committee appointed on 6 October (above, Notes on Observations of Barbé-Marbois, [6–16 October 1780] , headnote). Submitted to Congress on 16 October, the letter was agreed to the next day in slightly amended form, as indicated below. The version printed in the...
24From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Thos. Jefferson Esq.” Docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas. Feby. 11. 1783.” The words italicized in the third paragraph are those written by JM in the cipher described in Jefferson to JM, 31 Jan. 1783 , ed. n. Also in LC : Madison Papers is JM’s draft of the letter. Your favor of the 31 of Jany. was safely brought by Mr. Thomson. That of the 7. inst:...
25To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 April 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 14. inst: written in the Susquehanna with the several letters inclosed were safely delivered to me. I did not fail to present as you desired your particular compliments to Miss K. Your inference on that subject was not groundless. Before you left us I had sufficiently ascertained her sentiments. Since your departure the affair has been pursued. Most preliminary arrangements,...
26From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 November 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed, “Madison Nov. 18. 1781 recd. Jan. 9. 1782.” By the conveyance through which you will receive this the Delegates have communicated to the State the proceedings in Congress to which the territorial cessions have given birth. The complexion of them will I suppose be somewhat unexpected, & produce no small...
27From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 June 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). A Vessel from West Florida has brought to the President of Congress intelligence from Govr. Galvez of the surrender of Mobile. No other particulars than those contained in the inclosed paper are mentioned, except the verbal report of the Capt. that the Garrison consisted of about 800 including inhabitants &c. Seven or eight vessels have just arrived from the W....
28From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Many years later after recovering the letter, JM wrote “Madison, Jas.” above the date line. The words italicized in the present copy were written in the JM-Jefferson Code No. 2. Congress have recd. two letters from Mr. Laurens dated London [,] one the fiveteenth of March the other fiveth of April . In the former he persists in the jealousy expressed in his letter of
29From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 June 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Nothing material has taken place since my last. The fact is confirmed that Clinton has returned to N.Y. with part of the Southern army, and has joined Kniphausen. They are at present maneuvering for purposes not absolutely known, but most probably in order to draw Gnl Washington to an action in which they suppose he may be disabled to give the necessary co-operation...
30From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Madison Jas. Feby. 13. 1783.” The Chevr. de la Luzerne having just given me notice that he shall send an Express to the Romulus in ½ an hour I sieze the opportunity of inclosing a copy of the British Kings Speech which presages a speedy establishment of peace. What effect this circumstance may have on your mission is at present uncertain. For myself...
31To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 13 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The Chevr. de la Luzerne having just given me notice that he shall send an Express to the Romulus in ½ an hour I sieze the opportunity of inclosing a copy of the British Kings speech which presages a speedy establishment of peace. What effect this circumstance may have on your mission is at present uncertain. For myself I cannot think that any thing short of a final and authentic ratification...
32From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas.” The Committee, to whom was referred your letter to Secretary Livingston, reported to Congress yesterday that they had conferred with Mr. Morris who was of opinion that no vessel would sail from american ports after the arrival of the British King’s speech until the suspence produced by it should be removed, and that if your...
33Memorandum from James Madison, [ca. 6 March 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
Plan proposed consists of 1st. permanent revenue. 2. abatements in favor of the States distressed by the war. 3. common mass of all reasonable expences incurred by the States without sanction of Congress. 4. territorial cessions. Manner in which the interests of the several States will be affected by these objects: N. Hamshire will approve the establishment of permanent revenue, as tending to...
34To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 July 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of the 1 and 17 of June, with the debates of Congress and the letter for Miss Floyd and the Cyphers inclosed in the former, and your amendments to the Constitution inclosed in the latter, have been duly received. The latter came by yesterdays mail. I feel too sensibly the value of these communications to omit my particular acknowledgments for them. The usual reserve of our...
35From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover franked by JM and addressed to “Thomas Jefferson Esqr.” Many years later, after recovering the letter, JM docketed the cover page, “Madison Jas May. 13, 1783.” Henry D. Gilpin printed all of the letter except the last paragraph ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 531–32). The...
36To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 March 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
In my last to you on the subject of the map in the hands of Dr. Smith I informed you of the little chance of getting a copy of it for you. Nothing has since occurred which affords the least expectation from that quarter. But I have met with a bundle of old pamphlets belonging to the public Library here in which is a map published in 1650 which from this and other circumstances I am pretty...
37From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas. Mar 18. 1782.” In my last to you on the subject of the map in the hands of Dr. Smith I informed you of the little chance of getting a copy of it for you. Nothing has since occurred wch. affords the least expectation from that quarter, but I have met with a bundle of old pamplets belonging to the public Library here in which is a...
38To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee, to whom was referred your letter to Secretary Livingston, reported to Congress yesterday that they had conferred with Mr. Morris who was of opinion that no vessel would sail from American ports after the arrival of the British King’s speech until the suspence produced by it should be removed, and that if your immediate embarkation were still wished by Congress it would be proper...
39To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the receipt of your request as to the map I procured a copy with one of the pamphlets and have put it under the care of Col. Febiger who will have it conveyed. It is effectually secured against injury on its passage. I inclose your Excellency a letter from Mazzei although indeed its contents are of no great moment. I have not received the antecedant one referred to in it. The Executive have...
40From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 March 1782 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 March 1782, Philadelphia. Reports receipt of a letter from Jefferson with a bundle of papers procured from the Cherokees. “My letter by Mr. Randolph contains as late intelligence as any we have yet recd.” RC (NNC-RB: Alexander Hamilton Papers). 1 p.; printed in PJM William T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (1st ser., vols. 1–10, Chicago, 1962–77; vols. 11–17,...
41To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 23 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing material has taken place since my last. The fact is confirmed that Clinton has returned to N.Y. with part of the Southern army, and has joined Kniphausen. They are at present man[oeuvering] for purposes not absolutely known, but most probably in order to draw Genl. Washington to an action in which they suppose he may be disabled to give the necessary co-operation to the french...
42To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 26 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am at length able to give you some answer on the subject of the map in the hands of Dr. Smith . As the Doctor lived out of Town and it was difficult to know when he was to be found in it, and as I supposed the request would go with greater weight through Mr. Rittenhouse, I asked the favor of him to speak to the Doctor on the subject. Through forgetfulness or want of opportunity he failed to...
43From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 May 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The manuscript is much faded and barely legible. In his old age JM evidently selected this letter for inclusion in the first printed edition of his papers. With this purpose in mind he added at the beginning of the first paragraph and at the close of the long final one a bracket and quotation mark. Apparently at eight places in the letter he crossed out a word or...
44To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed paper is a copy of a report from a Committee now lying on the table of Congress for Consideration. The delicacy and importance of the subject makes me wish for your judgment on it before it undergoes the final decision of Congress. The necessity of arming Congress with coercive powers arises from the shameful deficiency of some of the States which are most capable of yielding...
45To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 2 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have written several private letters to you since my arrival here, which as they contained matters that I should be sorry should fall into other hands, I could wish to know had been received. If your Excellency has written any acknowledgements of them, they have never reached me. Mr. Griffin tells me he has seen several letters just received by Mr. Bingham from Martinique which give...
46From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. After recovering the letter, JM docketed it, “Madison Jas Aug: 11. 1783.” Probably also at that time he heavily excised in ink all of his first paragraph except its opening two and closing two sentences. To the partial decipherments of the thirteen obliterated lines by Irving Brant in his biography of Madison (II, 286, 450, n. 7) and Julian P. Boyd in...
47To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 6 May 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 21. Ult. written at Col: Pendleton’s was brought to hand by the post of last week. Col: Floyd’s family did not set out untill the day after it was received. I accompanied them as far as Brunswick, about 60 Miles from this, and returned hither on friday evening. Mr. Jones will attend the Assembly, and proposes to begin his journey this afternoon, if the present rain should...
48From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Address on cover is no longer legible, except for “Thomas Jefferson Esqr.” Docketed by him, “Madison Jas. May 6 1783.” On the verso of the cover Jefferson deciphered the passages written in the JM-Jefferson Code No. 2, and here italicized. This code was first used by Jefferson in his letter of 14 April 1783 to JM ( Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M....
49From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : George B. McClellan Papers, Vol. I). Cover missing, but docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas Feby. 12. 1783.” I acknowledged yesterday by the post your two favors of the 30th. ult: & 7th. inst: I add this by Col: Jameson just to inform you that your letter to the Secy. of F. A. has been referred to a Committee consisting of Mr. Jones, Mr. Rutlidge & Mr. Wilson, who are to confer with...
50To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 13 May 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Marbois lately took occasion in our family to complain of ungenerous proceedings of the British against individuals as well as against their enemies at large and finally signified that he was no stranger to the letter transmited to Congress which he roundly avered to be spurious. His information came from Boston where the incident is said to be no secret, but whether [it] be the echo of...