51To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 1 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is in a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and that the manuscript consisted of “1 page folio.” Congress declines to return to Philadelphia. The question of the protection of Congress and foreign ministers. Congress should control the territory where it sits....
52From 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...
53To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 2 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Cover addressed by a clerk to “the Honble. James Madison of Congress Philadelphia .” Docketed by JM, “Novr. 2. 1782.” The great constitutional question, which was mentioned in my last letter, as having been adjourned from the general court to the court of appeals, received a second solemn hearing on thursday. The Judges, impressed...
54To James Madison from Benjamin Harrison, 19 January 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Maine Historical Society, Portland). In the hand of Archibald Blair, clerk of the Council of State. Addressed to “The Hon. Mr. Jas. Madison.” The Executive have appointed Mr Madison and Mr Andrews commissioners to meet those of Pensylvania, to run and finally settle the boundary line betwixt this State and that; in order to do it with accuracy, some astronomical Observations are necessary,...
55To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 26 April [1783] (Madison Papers)
I am from hence to ⟨acknowled⟩ge the receipt of yr. two favrs. of the 8th. & since, the latter conveying the Official Authentication of the Account of peace, about which people began to entertain doubts, much encouraged by the Speculators—it is now fix’d, and we must turn Our thoughts to the realising it’s benefits. I find people here objecting to the Impost upon the score of danger from too...
56To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
In acknowledging the rect. of yr. favr. of the 15th., I must as usual be very unentertaining in our total dearth of Interesting intelligence, whether foreign or domestic, all I can say of the latter kind is, that we have a very dry Season, wch., at this critical juncture, threatens a disappointment in the fair prospect we lately had of plentiful Crops of all kinds, which however bountiful...
57To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [25 March 1782] (Madison Papers)
… The people of Vermont, like many other Politicians of the cunning sort, seem to have overshot their mark, & will deserve to be mortified at least, before they obtain their point. However their conduct unavoidably suggests, a very serious consideration of the consequences of their emancipation; that is, will they be a proper firm Barrier to the United States in that quarter giving...
58To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 17 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Letter unsigned but in Ambler’s hand. Cover addressed to “The Honobl. James Madison of Congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “May 17. 1783.” Mr. Newton has at length sent the first Bills which I now transmit you, two of £500. each. I was alarmed at the first view of them, being drawn at a very long period after sight, but I observe they were accepted as long ago as...
59To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 22 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honobl. James Madison of Congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “Mar: 22 1783. J. A. bala. due at end of 1782 £865–8–3 Virga. currency.” The Auditors have at length adjusted your Accot. on their Books to the 31st December last; the Bal[ance] then due you from the Commonwealth appears to be £865.. 8.. 3. By last Mail I transmitted you Bills on...
60To James Madison from Arthur Lee, [24 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed text (New York Book and Art Auction Company Catalogue No. 75, 1–2 March 1939). Addressed to “Honble. James Madison, Esqr., in Congress, Philadelphia.” The letter is unsigned, but JM docketed it, “May 24, 1782. A. Lee.” The above Resolves are directed to be sent to you as Instructions. They wait the confirmation of the Senate which has not yet formed a House, but will I hope effect it...
61To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 21 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission). Unsigned and perhaps incomplete. Docketed by JM, “June 21, 1783.” Cover addressed to “The honble James Madison jr. esq. of congress Philadelphia.” Inclosed is a state of the proceedings of the assembly for a week past, and of the expectations of future business. Having been confined at home for ten days by the demands of my clients, I have...
62To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 16 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Endorsed, “Edmund Pendleton to James Madison.” I have yr favr of the 3d & Am glad to hear the Pennsa. line are coming on & hope the Marquis’s Corps or some other will be added to the Southern Army, as I fear without it, we are not in a Condition to oppose the force designed to act in that quarter. Genl Green’s new Manoeuvre I consider as a hazardous one, which may...
63To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpt (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892], p. 94). Below this excerpt the present editors have appended a notation, probably made about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk, of two additional topics mentioned in the letter. The clerk described the manuscript as “1 page folio” ( LC : Madison Miscellany). I expect that the citizens of Philad’a whilst they are retailing their merit to...
64To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 31 August 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover addressed to “The Honobl. James Madison of Congress Philadelphia.” Below this address JM wrote, “Recd. of J. Cohen £50 Pa. Cy. 28 guinees.” Docketed by JM, “Aug: 31. 1782 J. A.” I do myself the pleasure to transmit you Mr. Harrison’s first Bill on Monsr. Holker for two hundred Dollars. Mr. Harrison gives every assurance that it will be paid at ten days sight...
65To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 23 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). In the left margin at the top of the transcription, Peter Force’s clerk wrote “MSS McGuire’s.” See Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , I, xxii, xxiii. By yr favr of the 10th I find you have at length information that Great Britain is in motion to give the...
66To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 11 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). I take up the Pen merely to ask you how you do? Having nothing foreign or domestic to entertain you with; I have not even heard a word from the Assembly this two weeks; Yes I have one very unlucky circumstance to mention which tho’ it may seem of little consequence, I fear will have important effects in [the ] future. Our militia who turn’d out with the greatest...
67From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [29 June 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed that among other disagreeable things said about the removal of Congress from Philadelphia it is insinuated that it was a contrivance of some members to get them out of the state of Pensylvania into one of those to which they belonged and I am told that this insinuation has been pointed at me in particular. Though I am persuaded that all distinterested persons will justify...
68From 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...
69To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 9 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed by Ambler to “The Hono. James Madison of Congress. Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “Novr. 9. 1782.” I have but a moment to inclose you Mr. Ross’s Bill for £190. which makes the whole £500. forwarded. I wish I could give you a hope of a further remittance soon but there is little probability of it. I must beg yr. excuse for being so short for I am surrounded...
70To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 4 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is in a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and the manuscript was made up of “2 pages folio.” Contrary reports concerning peace. The debate in the Massachusetts Assembly. Redemption of our obligations. Pay the holder the money he has really advanced and...
71To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 6 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Apl. 6. 1782.” Our friend Mr. Jameson resigned his seat in Council on saturday last: before he left this place he desired I would acknowledge the receipt of your favors as they come to hand: I shall do so with much pleasure, and transmit our Weekly papers, while I continue here: those of the present day contain very little of importance. Indeed there...
72To 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...
73To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 19 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by JM, “Apr. 19. 1783.” I have not the pleasure of a line from you by the last Mail. The return of Peace I doubt not spreads Joy & Gladness through out America. I sincerely congratulate you on this happy event. I send another Bill of five hundred pounds Virga. Curry. which the Gentlemen of the Delegation will be pleased to divide as they think...
74To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpt (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892]). In LC: Madison Miscellany, a list, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force or by his clerk, calendars this letter as follows: “1783, June 30 Virginia To James Madison Virginia rejects Mr. Madison’s plan for raising a revenue. Virginia offers the Public buildings and lands and £100,000 if the seat of Government is located at...
75To 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...
76To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 18 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed excerpt (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892], p. 94). In LC: Madison Miscellany, a list, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force or by his clerk, calendars this letter as follows: “1783 August 18 Virginia To James Madison The address of the Citizens of Philadelphia to Congress. Prospect of return from Prince Town … 1 page foli[o].” The Address of the Citizens of Philad’a...
77To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 5 February 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). I congratulate with you upon the very Agreable Intelligence from the South, of which you will have a full account ere this reaches you. I think Ld Cornwallis’s Army must be broken & can only depend for safety upon that at Cambden under Genl Lesly, & could we immediately fill up our line for the War, I think the termination of that evil would not be far distant. I...
78To 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...
79To James Madison from Mark Lynch, 15 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Honble. James Maddison Esqr Virginia.” I had the honor to write you the 20. January 1781 under the Sanction of our mutual friend Philip Mazzei Esqr. and to make you a tender of my best Service here. I have not Since been favord with any of yours. As we are now thank God Blessed with the return of a happy & general peace, and that by it we Shall have in...
80To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
Summary ( LC : Madison Miscellany). The summary is in a calendar, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force’s clerk. He noted that the letter was addressed “To James Madison” and that the manuscript consisted of “2 pages 4°.” The offence of the soldier to Congress. The neglect of the Executive of Pennsylvania. The flight of Congress. Speculation in Continental Money. Mr. Pendleton’s views of...
81To James Madison from William Bradford, 3 June 1776—Summary (Madison Papers)
3 June 1776 . In his “Memorandum Book” (see 20 May 1776) Bradford wrote: “As my friend Maddison had desired me in his last to give him a sketch of the Constitution of this province and of that of Connecticut which might be useful to him as a member of Convention, I determined to return an early answer & wrote a rough draught of a Letter for that purpose. The constitution of Connecticut I...
82From 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...
83To 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...
84From 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...
85To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 17 October 1780 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). We must place the taking Col. Andre among the fortunate occurrances during the present war[.] a more wicked and ruinous combination could hardly have been formed if the accounts published in the papers are generally true[;] and the three honest militiamen who rendered us the service should be rewarded An attack early the last week of the Ague and fever will prevent...
86To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
I assure you that neither my health nor punctuality were tardy in the disappt. you mention in yr. favr. of the 17th. —but either the Post Office or some impertinent Curiosity by the way, intercepting my letter of the 9th., wch. I wrote, and put into the usual course; however you will have abundant proofs that the loss was probably small. If the troops were not furlough’d without Mutinous...
87To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 1 January 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). I have forfeited my reputation for punctuality, by omitting to pay you my Respects by last post, Which being Christmas day, I had fancied the rider would not move, but he did so, & without my letter. I am afraid you’l say it would have been no loss, If I had repeated the Mistake to-day, since I have not a Sylable of Intelligence foreign or domestic, except that we...
88To James Madison from Joseph Jones, [ca. 6 January] 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). See JM to Jones, 6 Jan. 1783 , hdn. Mr. Jones begs to return to Mr. Madison the public letter and thanks him for his offer to answer it. Col. M.’s Letter contains not a word ab. the impost or indeed any thing of consequence—he only mentions Mr. Lee’s prevailing on taking the question to recall him and some further observ. respecting the office he formerly wished to...
89To 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...
90To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
With yr. last favr. of the 8th. Instt. came the missing one of June 24th. containing the Account of the behavr. of the soldiers in their insult to Congress. I wish the conspiracy may be traced to it’s real source, and the motives truly investigated, when I still think it will not terminate in public good, or the redress of real Injury in the Army; the Citizens I suppose cannot be well pleased...
91From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 March 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received 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 of N. York I cannot say,...
92To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 16 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Undocketed and cover missing. Having occasion to go to Town I recd. your Letter of the 9th. and thank you for the trouble you have taken about a habitation for me and my family. Mr. Ross has this day put it in my power to go forward and if the health of Mrs. Jones and my little boy will permit and her inclination and the heat of the weather does not interfere to...
93To James Madison from Samuel Hodgdon, 16 November 1781 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday I received yours relative to Capt. Irish’s affair, in which I observe you do not think yourselves at liberty to bind the State by any Act of yours but that you are willing to give every possible Assistance by representing the necessities of the United States to the State you represent, & thereby urge the Payment of the Bill, as I consider the Establishment of the post in Virginia a...
94To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 23 October 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Since my last I have not only received yr favr. of the 10th but that of the 3d, when I supposed you had not written, also reached me after a Circuitous trip to Richmond, & removed my fears for yr want of health. I have no particulars of the Affair at Charlotte, mentioned in my former, but its authenticity seems confirm’d, & as our recruits are March’d that way, I...
95To 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...
Letter not found. 1 September 1780. In the Madison Miscellany in the Library of Congress are lists, probably prepared under the direction of Peter Force, which mention a one-page letter from Forsyth to JM on this date. The writer in all likelihood was Major Robert Forsyth (1754–1794), continental deputy commissary of purchases from Virginia, and soon for Greene’s southern army, who became a...
97To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 4 December 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Since my last I am indebted for yr two favrs of the 14th & 21st past. Every thing wears the Appearance of confirming the Intention of the Enemy to make a Winter campaign to the Southward; The Fleet who lately left us it is said divided off the Capes part steering Eastward the Others to the South. if those & the late Embarkation from New York should meet at Charles...
98To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 18 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
Yr. favr. of the 5th. was not fraught with a confirmation of the definitive treaty’s Arrival as I expected; however as I do not discover it to be the Interest of any of the powers concerned, to stop a Peace, I still flatter my self the delay is produced rather by some adjustment of forms than real contentions wch. may endanger the final ratification of the Preliminaries; I wish Carlton was...
99To 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...
100To James Madison from Theodorick Bland, [22 June] 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Undated and signature clipped. JM later wrote “Theodk. Bland.” at the close of the letter. The text is faded almost to the point of illegibility. Letter docketed by JM, “Bland Theodk. June 22. 1783.” Cover missing. In consequence of the determination of Congress on Saturday, I took the necessary measures, to put myself in a Situation, to fulfill their intentions as...