91From 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...
92Committee Report on Relief to Prisoners, [8 January] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, VI, 329–30). Written by JM. Docketed by clerk “Report of Comee. on report of Comee. on letters from Gen. Washington of Decr. 8th &c. Read & Passed Jany 8th. 1781.” The Committee to whom was referred the Report of a Committee on Letters from Genl Washington &c. report the following Resolutions. Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to the States from N. Hamshire to...
93From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). The inclosed extract of a letter from General Washington No. 1 will give your Excellency a more particular account of the late embarkation from N. York than has been before obtained. On thursday last Congress were informed by General Potter & Col. Johnston who came expresses for the purpose that a general mutiny of the Pennsylvania line stationed near Morris Town...
94From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 9 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The address sheet is missing, but JM, probably late in life, wrote “To Mr. Pendleton” at the top. Pendleton docketed the letter “James Maddison Esq Jan. 9th. 1781.” I have again the pleasure to begin with acknowledg the receipt of a favor from you, that of the 1st. inst: having come to hand yesterday. On Thursday last Congress were informed by Genl. Potter & Col....
95To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed extract of a letter from General Washington No. 1 will give your Excellency a more particular account of the late embarkation from N. York than has been before obtained. On Thursday last Congress were informed by General Potter and Col. Johnston who came expresses for the purpose that a general mutiny of the Pennsylvania line stationed near Morris Town apart from the rest of the...
96From 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...
97From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 16 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I was very glad at not being disappointed in my expectations of a favor from you by yesterday’s post. Several reports in quick succession of the arrival & progress of the predatory band under Arnold had rendered us exceedingly anxious to hear the truth & particulars of the matter. Some letters by the post tell us that the Governor with Baron Steuben was wholly...
98From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 23 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Mathematical notations by Pendleton appear on the cover sheet. I have nothing new this week for you but two reports: the first is that very great discontents prevail in N. York among the German Troops for causes pretty similar to those which produced the eruption in the Pennsylvania line. It is further said on this head that a party of 200 have deserted from Long...
99Motion on Navigation of Mississippi, [1 February] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Continental Congress Miscellany). Entirely in JM’s hand. Docketed by Charles Thomson, “Motion, Respecting the Mississipi by the delegates of Virginia Feby. 1. 1781.” The Delegates from Virginia have received an instruction from the General Assembly of that State which authorises them to inform Congress, that the zeal of their Constituents to promote the general object of the Union...
100Motion on Impost, [3 February] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, IV, 263). In JM’s hand. Endorsed “Motion for Amendment.” That it be earnestly recommended to the States, as indispensably necessary to the support of public credit and the prosecution of the war, immediately to pass laws laying an impost of 5 PerCt. ad valorem on all goods wares & merchandises imported into them respectively after the 1st. day of May next from any...
101Committee Report on Tax Status of Friendly Aliens, [5 February] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 20, I, 9–10). Report entirely in JM’s hand. Docketed “Report of the Committee on Presidt. Ware’s letter of the 20th. of Novr. 1780 part passed Feby 5. 1781.” The Committee to whom was referred the letter of the 20th. day of Novr. 1780 from Presidt. Ware with the papers enclosed having considered the subject to which they relate, and consulted the best sources of information...
102From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, [13] February 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I have your favor of the 5th. instant by the post. Col. Harrison arrived here yesterday, and as he mentions no circumstance which indicated an intended departure of the Enemy I am afraid your intelligence on that subject was not well founded. Immediately on the receipt of your former letter relating to an exchange of C. Taylor I applied to the Admiralty department,...
103Amendment to Committee Report on Hartford Convention, [ca. 23 February] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 33, fol. 427). Undated. Endorsed by Charles Thomson, “Amend proposd.” The amendment is in JM’s hand. to report to Congress thereon, except such as in the opinion of the Committee require order to be taken by the respective departments, which the Committee shall lay before Congress in the first instance with such their Opinion. After commissioners from the four New England...
104Proposed Amendment of Articles of Confederation, [12 March] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 24, fols. 25–26). Written by JM. A copy, also in JM’s hand, is in LC : Madison Papers. Whereas it is stipulated and declared in the 13th. Article of the Confederation “that every State shall abide by the determinations of the United States in Congress assembled on all questions which by this Confederation are submitted to them. And that the Articles of this Confederation...
105Motion for Complete Non-Intercourse with Great Britain, [16 March] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 123, 129–30). Written by JM. Docketed by Charles Thomson, “Motion of Mr Madison Mr Duane March 16. 1781. Monday assigned for the consideration thereof.” Whereas in order to afford to the Virtuous individuals of G. B. an asylum from the tyranny against which these States had taken arms, and to favor the importation of such warlike stores as were necessary for the...
106Expense Account as Delegate in Congress, 27 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
MSS (Virginia State Library). JM addressed the covering letter to “The Auditors of Public Accounts for the State of Virginia at Richmond.” The statement of debits and credits is in JM’s hand. Also in the Virginia State Library is the auditors’ ledger page for JM. The only entry on it which supplements the information furnished by JM’s own statement is mentioned in a footnote. The inclosed is a...
107From James Madison, enclosing a Communication to La Luzerne, 2–3 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favor of the 23d. of March . The publication of which you wish to have a copy for your private use is not yet finished; as soon as it is I shall take care to provide one for you. I have repeatedly reminded Dr. Smith of his promise with respect to the map, but have never obtained any thing more than a repetition of the promise. He is at present an inhabitant of Maryland....
108From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Governor of Virginia” and franked by JM. Docketed, “Madison Jas April 3. 1781,” by Jefferson. I have received your favor of the 23d of March. The publication of which you wish to have a copy for your private use is not yet finished; as soon as it is I shall take care to provide one for you. I have repeatedly...
109Motion Commending French Fleet, [4 April] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, IV, 503). Docketed, “Motion of Mr. Madison. Respecting Monsr. De touches Commandr. of H M. C Majesty’s Squadron.” This note is written on a cover addressed to “His Excellency The President of Congress.” [Resolved,] That the President inform Monsr. Destouches Commander of the Squadron consigned by his M. C. Majesty to the Succour of his Allies, that the United States in...
110From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed, “Madison Jas,” by Jefferson. 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...
111To 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...
112From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 29 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Your’s of the 7th. was handed to me a few days ago by Mr. Newman who is to call on me this evening for an answer. 700 dollars were enclosed in it. As I cannot get any wire of the description you direct, nor indeed any but a little fitted for bolting according to the flour model, and that at a price more than double the old one I have declined laying out the money. Should you be in great want &...
113From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Endorsed, “Madison Jas.,” by Jefferson. On the receipt of your request as to the map I procured a copy with one of the pamphlets & 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...
114From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 1 May 1781—Misdated (Madison Papers)
Letter misdated. 1 May 1781 [ 2 ]. Three of the earlier editions of the papers of JM printed portions of his letter, allegedly written on 1 May 1781, to Edmund Randolph, attorney general of Virginia and delegate from that state in Congress beginning on 14 June 1781 ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 90–93; Madison,...
115To 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...
116From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqr” and marked “private.” Docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas May 5. 1781.” In compliance with your request I have procured and now send you a copy of the Constitutions &c published by order of Congress. I know not why the order in which they stand in the Resolution was varied by the committee in binding them up. The...
117To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with your request I have procured and now send you a copy of the Constitutions &c. published by order of Congress. I know not why the order in which they stand in the Resolution was varied by the Committee in binding them up. The encomium on the inhabitants of Rhode Island was a flourish of a Delegate from [that] State who furnished the Committee with the account of its...
118Motion on Pay of Troops, [10 May] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 179). Docketed: “Motion of Mr Madison seconded by Carroll Referred to Mr Bland Mr Van Dyke Mr Carrol Delivered May 14. 1781 Entd. Read. Passed May 15. 1781.” That Warrants issue in favor of J. P. paymaster general upon the loan offices of the States of Delaware, Maryland & Virginia in the following proportions in bills of the new emission arising from the 4/10 of the...
119Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 28 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). Two pages of notes in JM’s hand, mainly devoted to recording the appointment of committees, the substance of their reports, and how each delegate voted on motions—all bearing upon instructions to the peace commissioners. JM’s entries are for 28 May, 6, 7, 8, 9–15, and 29 June, 28 July, and 21 September 1781, but he does not record when he made them, although he...
120From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 29 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble Edmund Pendleton Esqr. Caroline County Virginia.” The two circumstances relating to the proposed duty on trade mentioned in your favor of the 1st. instant were subjects of discussion when the measure was on the anvil. It was evident that the disposition of the States to invest Congress with such a power wd. be influenced by the length of the...