51To James Madison from David Jameson, 2 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jameson D.” It was very unfortunate that Count de Grasse did not succeed in his designs agt. Barbadoes and Hoods fleet. had they fallen I think it must have shortened the War. however we will be content if St Kitts is reduced, but by information we have had, the French failed in an attempt to Storm Brimstone Hill, and lost a...
52To James Madison from David Jameson, 15 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jameson, David Sepr. 15. 1781.” I was not favoured with any letter from you by this weeks post. In my letter by last Post I gave you reason to suppose Gen. Washington was in Virga. A man from Fredsbg assured me just as I was closing my letter, that the Genl. had crossed Potowmack. I am truly sorry for the mistake. The Governor is...
53To James Madison from David Jameson, 26 July 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). In my last I inclosed you the Journals so far as they were printed, and some other papers, since that I have recd. your favour of the 11th., and now agreable to your request inclose you the papers last published at our printing offices. it will be very agreable to me to continue this weekly Although our Capes & Bay are infested with privateers...
54To James Madison from David Jameson, 29 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jameson D., Sepr. 29. 1781.” I have recd. your favour of the 18th. Ere this I expected to have had it in my power to give you some interesting information respecting Cornwallis All the regulars are I believe now landed amounting to about 12,500[.] Of Militia I believe there is a greater number collected, than Gen Washington will...
55To James Madison from David Jameson, 16 August 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). I wrote to you the 12t. or 13t. by a private hand, since which I am favoured with yours of the 1st. I acquainted you with the reason of my silence for sometime past and mentioned to you that the £20,000 for which I had taken out a wart. was sent by Col Bland for the Virga Delegates By a letter from the French Minister to the Govr. I find reason to...
56To James Madison from David Jameson, [ca. 10] December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Decr. 1782.” I have for sometime past (ever since I have been at this place, where I am constrained to give my attendance) intended to write to you, but have been discouraged for want of something that I could think worth troubling you with. I was happy to hear Congress had done Mr. Jefferson and themselves justice by appointing...
57To James Madison from David Jameson, 18–19 November 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). By Post this week I recd your favour of the 7th. and can offer nothing in excuse for my not enlarging on the subject of the Invasion but that I could only have said something similar to what you had from the Govr. or in Dixons paper We have had nothing worth notice from below for several days past, indeed we are not likely to know what the Enemy...
58To James Madison from David Jameson, 23 August 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). I have to acknowledge your favour of the 8th. mentioning the reports from the West Indies. Notwithstanding our Bay is so closely watched by the Enemy’s private armed Vessels we have had some arrivals, and they give us reason to believe Jamaica is invested by the combined Fleets. If it is, I must suppose so great an Armament will find little...
59To James Madison from David Jameson, [ca. 12 January] 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). The cover is missing, and the letter is undated. Probably many years later, JM wrote “[1782?]” at the top of the first sheet. By last Post I told you Mr Stark had written to you about your Accot. in a conversation with him since on the subject, I find I was mistaken, he intended to write but did not, because he could not fill up the blanks. He...
60To James Madison from David Jameson, 7 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Endorsed, “Apl. 7. 1781,” by JM. In one of my former letters I acquainted you with some of the abuses committed by some of the Officers Gen Greene sent out to impress Horses for the Cavalry when he was obliged to retreat to Virga. they seized some of the most valuable stud horses they could meet with, one of which was valued at £750 Specie, others...
61To James Madison from David Jameson, 14 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Endorsed by JM, “Apl. 14. 1781.” I am very glad you have determined to send on the Stores &ca. that came from Rhode Island We are much in want of them. Steps are taking to pay the transportation. The British Vessels left in the Bay are now taking the most effectual measures to distress us—one of them has run up to Burwells ferry, one lies in York...
62To James Madison from David Jameson, 4 November 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). I was not favoured with any letter from you by this weeks post. the post from the Northward now comes in on thursday & goes out on this day which is the reason Dixon & Co have altered their day for publishing the paper. Clarkson has not sent me a paper for two or three weeks past nor is it material whether he ever does, it is so trifling Since my...
63To James Madison from David Jameson, 21 May 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). I had the pleasure to receive two letters from you the 15th, one dated the 2d by Post & the other the 9th by the return messenger I am sorry to find one of my letters has not got to your hands —in it I told you I applied to Mr Blair and the Attorney and offered to pay for the Books you had from Dunmores Estate Mr Blair referred to the Attorney and...
64To James Madison from David Jameson, 10 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “March 10 1781.” In my letter by last post I mentioned to you that I had been absent sometime looking into my affairs in the lower Country, as an apology for not writing. I forgot then to acquaint you that the Auditors have recd. the box of Papers, but have not opened it. We have recd. no intelligence from Gen. Greenes Camp since...
65To James Madison from David Jameson, 24 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “May 24. 1783.” I heartily congratulate you on the return of Peace—an event that places every thing within our reach to give us as a people human Felicity. I have the pleasure of being informed by Mr. Jones that you enjoy a good state of health—a close & constant application to business seems not to have been so prejudicial to you...
66To James Madison from David Jameson, 23 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM at the beginning of the letter, “Jameson D.,” and at the close, “Feby. 23. 1782.” I am favoured with yours of the 7th. and am very sorry (as you will not under take to join Mr Andrews in the necessary observations for ascertaining the boundary line yourself) to find that you have not succeeded in your endeavours to engage a proper...
67To James Madison from David Jameson, 9 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “March 9. 1782.” I am to acknowledge the rect. of your favour of the 25th. ult. You are right in your observation of the person proper to be entrusted with transcribing letters & papers to replace our loss by Arnold, but God knows when we shall have money to employ such person. Mr Ross is not returned[.] I therefore cannot give you...
68To James Madison from David Jameson, 13 August 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). I recd. your favour by Mr Webb the moment I was setting out for York. I did not return from thence till a few days ago, is the reason you have not heard from me When I left Richmond I deld. the wart. I had obtained for £20,000 to the Governor who promised to get the money as soon as it was struck and send it on if a safe conveya. offered. Col...
69To James Madison from David Jameson, 16 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 78, XIII, 285–88). Cover missing. Addressee uncertain but probably JM. Docketed by Charles Thomson, secretary of Congress, “Letter 16 July 1783 David Jameson.” Lacking the cover or mention of the addressee in the text, this letter may have been written to someone in Congress other than JM. Although Jameson calls his correspondent “my friend,” this designation serves only to...
70To James Madison from David Jameson, 25 November 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). I duely recd. your favour of the 14t. and am much obliged to you for forwarding my letters to my Nephew. I have desired him to trouble you with his letters to me and must beg the favour of you to send them as opportunities may offer—I suppose it will not be right to frank them by Post It appears by the proceedings of a Court Martial held in...
71To James Madison from David Jameson, 30 August 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). I have not had the favour of a letter from you by this weeks post As Col Senf & Maj Magill went on with Gen. Gates’s letter to Congress giving accot. of our disaster in Carolina, and could give you the particulars I did not write on the occasion. Since they left this place we have recd. a letter from Gen. Stevens, he dates from Spinks’s about 70...
72To James Madison from David Jameson, 25 October 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). I recd. your favour without date inclosing the paper of the 10th. You will see by the paper inclosed that we are invaded, since the paper went to press we are certainly informed that the Enemy have landed Men on both sides Elizabeth River. they landed with the greatest confidence—did not fire a Gun—were within speech of the people on shore. What...
73To James Madison from David Jameson, 23 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “March 23d. 1782.” I have your favour of the 12t. and have reason to suppose I did not express my meaning, properly when I mentioned the Associate to Mr. Andrews. there cannot be a doubt but a person skilled in Astronomy ought to be preferred. I intended to say, if such a person could not be got, a Man of Integrity & Abilities in other requisites...
74To James Madison from David Jameson, 3 March 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Mar. 3, 1781.” At my return from York I found your two favours of the 6t. & 13t. ult. The six Mils. ordered to be struck by the Assembly and the addl. four Millions wch. the Executive were permitted to issue if necessary, being found far short of what it would require to keep the Govert. in motion till May —the apparent necessity...
75To James Madison from David Jameson, 13 September 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). I have recd your two favours of the 23d & 29th. ult. since my last, and am very glad to find you were getting into better health We have had nothing lately from the Southward but what you will find mentd. in Dixons Paper. We are very anxious to hear something more from Chas. Town. should there be a French or Spanish Fleet there, something may yet...
76To James Madison from David Jameson, 26 January 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jany 26. 1782.” I am sorry to inform you we have had no Mail this week from the North of Potowmack In my last I mentd. Gen Greenes requisition and I believe told you the Executive have no power to send Militia out of the State nor have they power to raise supplies of any sort. I expected they would call the Assembly but that is...
77To James Madison from David Jameson, 20 September 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). I was favoured with yours of the 5th. by Post. It may not be amiss to mention to you that the post comes to Newcastle within eighteen Miles of this place on Wednesday, and we do not get the letters till the Monday following—after the rider has been down to Wmsburg. The Governor had a promise that there should be an alteration in the post route, or...
78From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 31 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
A gentleman returning from this place to Philadelphia gives me an opportunity of sending you a line. We reached Newport the evening of the day on which we left you. There we were misled by an assurance that the lower ferry could not be crossed. We therefore directed our course for the Bald friar’s: and thence to another ferry 6 miles above. Between these two we lost two days, in the most...
79From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 7 May 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of Apr. 22. and am not a little concerned at the alterations which took place in the Report on the impost &c. after I left you. The article which bound the whole together I fear was essential to get the whole passed; as that which proposed the conversion of state into federal debts was one palatable ingredient at least in the pill we were to swallow. This proposition...
80From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1 June 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The receipt of your letter of May 6. remains unacknoleged. I am also told that Colo. Monroe has letters for me by post tho’ I have not yet received them. I hear but little from our assembly. Mr. Henry has declared in favour of the impost. This will ensure it. How he is as to the other questions of importance I do not learn. On opening my papers when I came home I found among them the inclosed...
81To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Jefferson’s hand. Docketed by JM, “From Ths. J. to J.M. May 7, 1783.” On the docket page someone unknown wrote, “Ths. Jefferson May 7. 1783.” Using the JM-Jefferson Code No. 2, Jefferson enciphered the words which are here italicized. Interlineated on the manuscript is JM’s decoding of these ciphers. Filed with the manuscript are two pages entitled by...
82From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 7 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I write by this post to the Minister of foreign affairs, but will repeat to you the facts mentioned to him and some others improper for a public letter, and some reflections on them which can only be hazarded to the ear of friendship. The cold weather having set in the evening of the 30th. Ult. (being the same in which I arrived here) the Chevalr. de Ville-brun was obliged to fall down with...
83To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 14 February 1783 (second) (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). At the bottom of the first of four pages Jefferson wrote “Honble James Madison.” Docketed by JM, “Ths. Jefferson. 14 Feb. 1783.” Also on the docket appears, in an unknown hand, “See passage relating to Mr. Adams.” The words italicized are those written by Jefferson in the cipher described in Jefferson to JM, 31 Jan. 1783 , ed. n. Unless otherwise noted, the decoding...
84From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 17 June 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favours of the 13th. and 20th. Ult. came to hand about a week ago. I am informed the assembly determined against the capacity of reelection in those gentlemen of the delegation who could not serve a complete year. I do not know on what this decision could be founded. My hopes of the success of the Congressional propositions here have lessened exceedingly. Mr. Henry had declared in favor...
85To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Ths. Jefferson 17 June. 1783,” also “June 17. 1783. ideas of Constitution.” Many years later William Cabell Rives, author of a detailed biography of Madison’s career to 1797, as well as an editor of his papers, added to the docket, “Mr. Henry’s course as to the Impost Act.” Your favours of the 13th. & 20th. Ult. came to hand about a week ago. I am...
86From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 31 August 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of July 17. which came to hand long ago remains still unacknoleged, as from the time of it’s receipt I had constant hope that you would be on the road for Virginia before an answer could reach you. That of the 11th. inst. I received yesterday, and leaves the time of your visit as unfixed as ever, and excites some fear that I shall miss of you. I propose to set out for Congress about...
87From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 14 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 11th. came to hand last night. From what you mention in your letter I suppose the newspapers must be wrong when they say that Mr. Adams, had taken up his abode with Dr. Franklin. I am nearly at a loss to judge how he will act in the negotiation. He hates Franklin, he hates Jay, he hates the French, he hates the English. To whom will he adhere? His vanity is a lineament in his...
88To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jany. 31, 1783,” and further docketed, in an unknown hand, “Ths. Jefferson 31. Jan. 1783.” The italicized words are those written by Jefferson in cipher. The present letter makes clear that Jefferson, before leaving Philadelphia for Baltimore, had “concerted” with JM in preparing a code for the greater security of confidential portions of their...
89From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 26 November 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour by Colo. Basset is not yet come to hand. The intimation through the Attorney I received the day before Colo. Bland’s arrival by whom I am honoured with your’s of the 14th inst. It finds me at this place attending my family under inoculation. This will of course retard those arrangements of my domestic affairs which will of themselves take time and cannot be made but at home. I...
90To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
Draft ( LC : Jefferson Papers). I have recd from you two several favours on the subject of the designs against the territorial rights of Virginia. I never before could comprehend on what principle our right to the Western country could be denied which would not at the same time subvert the rights of all the states to the whole of their territory. what objections may be founded on the Charter...
91To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 14 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Tho. Jefferson Apl. 14. 1783.” Alongside this docket JM also wrote “April.” Using a new cipher which JM and Jefferson evidently had devised while they were together in Philadelphia, Jefferson encoded the words which are here italicized. This cipher will be designated hereafter as “JM-Jefferson Code No. 2.” Meeting at our quarters with a mr. Levi...
92From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 14 April 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Meeting at our quarters with a Mr. Levi going to Philadelphia and having no other employment, I write by him just to say that all is well, and that having made our stages regularly and in time we hope to make better way than Mr. Nash did. The Carolina letter bearer is here also. We pass one another two or three times a day. I never saw Mr. Ingles to speak to him about my books. Will you be so...
93From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 26 July 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
With my letter to the President I inclose a copy of the bill for calling in the paper money now in circulation, being the only copy I have been able to get. In my letter to the delegates I ask the favor of them to furnish me with authentic advice when the resolutions of Congress shall have been adopted by five other states. In a private letter I may venture to urge great dispatch and to assign...
94To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 14 February 1783 (first) (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Undocketed and cover missing, but undoubtedly written to JM. Patsy putting the inclosed into my hands, obliges me to make a separate letter of it, that while I give it the protection of your address I may yet pay it’s postage. I suspect by the superscription (which I saw before Majr Franks amended it) and by what I know of Patsy’s hierogliphical writing that miss...
95To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 26 July 1780 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Boyd, Papers of Jefferson Julian P. Boyd et al ., eds., The Papers of Thomas Jefferson (16 vols. to date; Princeton, N.J., 1950——). , III, 506–7). With my letter to the President I inclose a copy of the bill for calling in the paper money now in circulation, being the only copy I have been able to get. in my letter to the delegates I ask the favor of them to furnish me with...
96From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 14 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Patsy putting the inclosed into my hands obliges me to make a separate letter of it, that while I give it the protection of your address I may yet pay it’s postage. I suspect by the superscription (which I saw before Majr. Franks amended it) and by what I know of Patsy’s hierogliphical writing that Miss Polly must get an interpreter from Egypt. Be so good as to remind the ladies and gentlemen...
97To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Jefferson Papers). A second page, which Jefferson used as the cover of this letter, is addressed to “The honourable James Madison Philadelphia favoured by Mr. Short.” Note 2, below, explains why this letter was never received. I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance the bearer mr. Short who comes to Philadelphia in hopes of being able to prosecute in greater quiet there than he...
98From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance the bearer Mr. Short who comes to Philadelphia in hopes of being able to prosecute in greater quiet there than he can here the studies in which he is engaged: and I chearfully add to what you may already have heard of him my testimony of his genius, learning and merit. I do this the rather as it gives me an opportunity of saving the right of...
99To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 1 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). JM docketed the letter, “June 1. 1783,” and probably at a later date, “Tho. Jefferson 1. June 1783.” The receipt of your letter of May 6. remains unacknoleged. I am also told that Colo Monroe has letters for me by post tho’ I have not yet received them. I hear but little from our assembly. mr. Henry has declared in favour of the impost. this will ensure it. how he is...
100To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison of the Virginia delegation in Congress.” Docketed by JM, “August 31. 1783.” Another hand wrote “Mr. Jefferson” below that date and, to the right of it, “Th. Jefferson Augst 31. 1783.” Under this second dating, William Cabell Rives, the first major biographer of Madison, wrote, probably late in the 1850’s, “our allusions in this...