1Articles of Agreement with Theodorus Bailey, 5 January 1796 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 January 1796. JM has sold to Theodorus Bailey and John B. Van Wyck his land known as lot number two of the Sedachqueda Patent in the Mohawk Valley of New York, amounting to approximately nine hundred acres, at $5.83⅓ per acre, for a total of $5,250. Bailey and Van Wyck have paid JM $4,000 and have given him a note for $1,250 payable on or before 1 Jan. 1797. The parties agree to have the...
2Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 18 April] 1791 (Madison Papers)
Substance of a Conversation held by Js. Madison Jr with Col: Beckwith, at the desire of Mr. Jefferson— Last evening offered the first opportunity of breaking to Col B—— the subject for which he has been thought a proper channel to the Governour of Canada. It was explicitly made known to him, that besides its being generally understood that the N. W. Indians were supplied with the means of war...
3Deed of Sale, 15 October 1792 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Abstract. 15 October 1792. John Taliaferro Brooke, having purchased lot 127 in Fredericksburg, Virginia, from James Monroe and Eliza his wife, conveys that lot to Robert Mercer for £435. Witnessed by JM, John Minor, Jr., and Joseph Jones. Recorded 8 Nov. 1792. Printed extract (Crozier, Virginia County Records: Spotsylvania County , p. 456).
4Deed of Sale, 16 September 1793 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 September 1793, Orange County, Virginia. Indenture by which JM purchases from Elizabeth Chew for £3 about thirty acres of land in Orange County, part of the Black Level tract. Letterbook copy ( Vi : Orange County Courthouse Records). 2 pp. Witnessed by James Taylor, James Taylor, Jr., and Roger Bell. Recorded at Orange County Court on 23 Sept. 1793 by James Taylor, clerk of the court.
5Petition of Gilbert Dench, [11 January] 1797 (Madison Papers)
The House went into a Committee of the Whole to consider the report of the Committee of Claims on Gilbert Dench ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). , 4th Cong., 2d sess., 1835–36). Messrs. Madison … were of opinion, that if Mr. Dench had any claim it was upon the state of Massachusetts, and not upon the United...
6Petition of Beverley Winslow and Joseph Hawkins, ca. 18 December 1795 (Madison Papers)
Document not found. Ca. 18 December 1795. Presented by JM to the House of Representatives, 18 Dec. 1795. Reported in Philadelphia Gazette , 19 Dec. 1795.
7James and Dolley P. Madison v. Edward Heston, 10 January 1797 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 January 1797, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Dolley Madison and JM brought suit against Edward Heston to recover costs incurred by Dolley Madison and the late John Todd for nursing and burying Heston’s son, Isaac, in 1793. The plaintiffs abandoned the cause and agreed to a nonsuit. Ms ( InU ). 3 pp. Notes on the case taken by Jonathan Williams, who was associate judge of the court of...
8Address of the House of Representatives to the President, [5 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The Representatives of the People of the United States present their congratulations on the event by which your fellow-citizens have attested the pre-eminence of your merit. You have long held the first place in their esteem: you have often received tokens of their affection. You now possess the only proof that remained of their gratitude for your services, of their reverence for your wisdom,...
9From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 December 1794 (Madison Papers)
I did not receive your favor of Sepr. 2d. the only one yet come to hand, till yesterday. The account of your arrival and reception had some time ago found its way to us thro’ the English Gazettes. The language of your address to the Convention was certainly very grating to the ears of many here; and would no doubt have employed the tongues and the pens too of some of them, if external as well...
10From James Madison to Henry Lee, 21 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
It was fortunate that a duplicate of your letter to Mr. Jefferson went so soon from Alexandria. The copy in My hands did not find a conveyance fit to be trusted for a very long time—it cannot have reached him yet. I was determined to await a secure opportunity, and the intermission of the French Packet left such an one extremely rare. I was compelled at last to put it into the hands of a...
11Military Establishment, [9 December] 1794 (Madison Papers)
Nicholas called for a committee “to enquire how far the act of Congress for the defence of the frontier had been complied with, and what number of the men ordered to be raised are yet to be enlisted.” JM had reported that act from committee in 1792 ( PJM , 14:199 and n. 1 ). Mr. Madison observed that a gentleman from New-Jersey (Mr. Dayton) had stated three different ways, in which the act was...
12From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 21 July 1791. Acknowledged in Jefferson to JM, 24 July 1791 . In his list of letters to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers), JM noted that this letter, like that of 13 July, concerned “Publicola.” Perhaps this was JM’s letter of 21 July to an unspecified correspondent, listed in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), p. 262.
13From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed papers which I have got from Mr. Beckleys office furnishes an answer to your letter. There is a Bill depending in favor of claims barred by the limitation of time—which if it passes will provide for those of Owen & Woods as I understand the tenor of the Bill and the nature of their claims. As soon as the fate of the Bill is decided I shall write to the parties. RC ( DLC :...
14From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 2 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
I wrote some days ago to my brother Ambrose since which little has taken place worth adding. The inclosed newspapers contain a sketch of what has been done in the House of Reps. I mentioned to my brother that I thought it better to ship or postpone the sale of Tobo. than to sell at the present price in the Country. I am more & more convinced that this will be prudent. The price has risen...
15From James Madison to Robert Murray and Company, 13 January 1796 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 13 January 1796. Acknowledged in Murray and Company to JM, 20 Jan. 1796 . Discusses payment of the expenses of importing furniture from France.
16From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., ca. 23 November 1793 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 23 November 1793. Mentioned in JM to James Madison, Sr., 25 Nov. 1793 : “I wrote from Fredg. by Col: Monroe’s servant & informed you that I had left with Mr. Jones £18–12–5 which would be del[i]vered to your order.”
17From James Madison to Benjamin Rush, 3 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 3 May 1790. Offered for sale in the Parke-Bernet Catalogue No. 468, May 1943.
18To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, [20–28 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
The bearer will deliver two of your books which have been some time in my hands. I add to them a pamphlet recd. not long since from France. I can not recommend it because I have not read it. The subject tho’ a hackneyed is an interesting one, and the titles of some of the chapters promising. You will soon discover how far it may be worth your perusal. The inclosed letter to Genl. Schuyler...
19From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 12 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am just favd. with yours of the 30th. inst: and am glad to find your sentiments so decided as to the power of removal by the Presidt. Every letter to me, and as far as I know to others here, from Virga. ratifies the propriety of the decision of Congress. Our last discussions of moment have turned on the Compensations. The bill as gone to the Senate, allows Six dollars a day to the members of...
20For the National Gazette, 31 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
Among the various reforms which have been offered to the world, the projects for universal peace have done the greatest honor to the hearts, though they seem to have done very little to the heads of their authors. Rousseau, the most distinguished of these philanthropists, has recommended a confederation of sovereigns, under a council of deputies, for the double purpose of arbitrating external...
21From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1793 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter with the unsealed one for Monroe & have forwarded the latter. Your subsequent one, which I calculate to have been written on the 12th. inst: came to hand two days ago. I feel for your situation but you must bear it. Every consideration private as well as public require a further sacrifice of your longings for the repose of Monticello. You must not make your final exit...
22Amendments to the Constitution, [14 August] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Under consideration was an amendment providing for one representative for every thirty thousand people until the number reached one hundred. Ames proposed a ratio of one for every forty thousand. Mr. Madison. I cannot concur in sentiment with the gentleman last up, that 1 representative for 40,000 inhabitants will conciliate the minds of those to the government, who are desirous of amendments;...
23From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 16 November 1792 (Madison Papers)
I make use of the opportunity afforded by the return of Col. Hoomes to inclose a parcel of the late newspapers, which may contain some things not in the other papers you get. You will find in them all the particulars known here concerning the affairs of France; and sketches of the business as yet brought before Congress. The Presidents Speech & the two answers are I believe also in the...
24To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Your 3 favors from G. Town, Bladg. and Balte: have come safe to hand. The accident mentioned in the 2d. has caused no small anxiety; which would be much greater were it not hoped from your not waiting to repair it, that a safe train had been laid for the purpose, and particularly that the article had been put under seal. The possibility of its falling into base hands at the present crisis...
25Proportional Representation, [22 November] 1791 (Madison Papers)
The Constitution limited the apportionment ratio to no more than one representative to every 30,000 persons. With the 1790 census completed, reapportionment became necessary. On 15 November 1791, following a debate in which such lower ratios as 1:34,000 and 1:40,000 were proposed, JM voted with the majority in the House for a 1:30,000 ratio. On 22 November the Committee of the Whole debated...
26From James Madison to Adam Stephen, ca. 1 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 1 April 1790. Acknowledged in Stephen to JM, 25 Apr. 1790 . Gives views on the assumption of state debts.
27From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 December 1795 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter with a pamphlet under the same cover came to me a few days ago from the post Office with a charge of a dollar postage. I have delayed to forward it till further expence cd. be avoided. The pamphlet I will send by the first good oppy. I have your favor of the 26th. Ult, corroborating the view I had before recd. of matters at Richmond. There is likely to be a Quorum of both...
28From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 December 1795 (Madison Papers)
At the request of Mr. R. Harrison, who is well acquainted with the Bearer Mr. James H. Hooe, I introduce this Gentleman to your civilities. He is charged with some business interesting to a friend of Mr. Harrison, which it is supposed may be aided by your advice, and perhaps claim your official attention. These considerations will more than apologize for the liberty I have taken, and will...
29From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been favd. with yours of the 30 Ult. and thank you for your remarks on the Judiciary bill. I am glad to find you concurring in the decision as to the power of removal. It seems to meet with general approbation North of Virga. and there too as far as I yet learn. Mr. Pendleton is fully in opinion with you. So is Monroe I am told . The more the question is weighed the more proper I think...
30From James Madison to John Lee, 1 May 1795 (Madison Papers)
On my arrival here about ten days ago I found your favor of Jany. 29. for which I am now to thank you. The one from me prior to that you acknowledge and which seems to have miscarried, requested such information as you have now been kind eno’ to give me. If on the further enquiry you propose to make[,] any new light should be thrown on the joint affairs of my late brother and myself, you will...
31From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 January 1795 (Madison Papers)
The last subject before the H. of Reps. was a Bill revising the Naturalization law, which from its defects & the progress of things in Europe was exposing us to very serious inconveniences. The Bill requires 1. A probationary residence of 5 instead of 2 years, with a formal declaration on oath of the intention 3 years at least prior to the admission. 2. an oath of abjuration , as well as of...
32To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 2 March 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 15th. Ult: came to hand two days ago. It was not my intention that my first to you should have been procrastinated to the present date; but several causes have concurred in producing the effect. Among others I was in hopes every week to be able to furnish you with the proceedings on the subject grounded on your Commercial Report ; and particularly with such of them as related...
33To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. I received late last night by a messenger from the neighbourhood of Fredg. who returns early this morning. I have therefore not had time to read the papers inclosed in it and even the letter itself but hastily. Its silence as to France is a cordial to the fears we have been kept in by the newspapers and reports here, of hearing every moment of her final catastrophe. If...
34From James Madison to John Moore, ca. 15 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 15 April 1792. Acknowledged in Moore to JM, 1 May 1792 . Informs Moore that JM has received a letter from his father, Maj. William Moore, authorizing John Moore “to make furthe[r] draught” on JM for his expenses at Dickinson College.
35From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 11 April 1791 (Madison Papers)
I herewith inclose by a conveyance to Fredericksburg three pamphlets as requested by my father, the other by yourself: to which is added a list of the seeds &c sent lately to Mr Maury, according to the information contained in my last. I have not heard from you in answer to my letter on the subject of Tobacco. I have informed Mr Maury of my request to you to forward a few of the Hhds to this...
36From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 21 February 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have been much disappointed in not hearing from you on the subject of the Chariot; as well as on the enquiries I made respecting my crops of Corn, & the quantity of Wheat sent from my farms to Mr. Dunbar. I have just heard that Mr. Anderson expected to receive a quantity of Clover seed, & have written to Mr. Blair to procure me from 1 to 3 bushls. accordg. to the price, & forward it to...
37To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 30 May 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress will adjourn the day after to-morrow. News as late as April 8 from London; peace likely to take place between France and England; provisions falling much in price, both in F. and G.B. The moneyed distresses reviving in the latter, and great alarms for a terrible shock to the Banking and Mercantile Houses. MS not found; text reprinted from Madison, Letters, William C. Rives and Philip...
38From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 15 January 1797 (Madison Papers)
The last post brought me your favor of Jany. 2d. It will be well for you to send on your list of articles wanted as soon as possible. I hope Kyser will not disappoint us in the Clover Seed; and that other chances at Fredg. & elsewhere will be watched: As I shall get some at all events even here, I wish a Box to be made as soon as can be done. It will be the more necessary the more scanty the...
39From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 13 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
My last was to my brother A. and acknowledged ⟨the⟩ receipt of the Diary. I inclose one for the month of April ⟨whi⟩ch you can compare with your own for the same month. I inclose also a few grains of upland rice, brought from Timor by Capt: Bligh lately distinguished by an adventure which you must have seen in the Newspapers. He was returning from a voyage of discovery in the South seas, and...
40From James Madison to George Joy, 3 April 1795 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of 1st. May 1794 was not received by me till it was too late to answer it last fall. I make use of the earliest Spring oppy. to return you my thanks, particularly for the valuable collection of Treaties which was recd. at the same time. The copy for Mr. Jefferson was duly forwarded, and I am desired to make you his acknowledgments also. I find you were right in supposing him not to...
41Loan for the City of Washington, [22 February] 1796 (Madison Papers)
In a message of 8 January 1796, Washington urged Congress to provide for the completion of public buildings in the federal city. On 25 January a House committee reported resolutions recommending that the president be authorized to borrow money for that purpose. These resolutions were debated in a Committee of the Whole on 3 and 4 February and reported as a bill on 15 February. This bill was...
42Address of the President to Congress, [30 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The term had not yet been coined, but JM was ghostwriting speeches for Washington during the earliest stages of the first president’s tenure. Until Washington’s official family had been established by law and the offices filled, JM was the president’s confidential adviser. In his first dealings with Congress, Washington relied on him to give substance and tone to commonly held ideas on...
43From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1793 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you a few lines by the last post from this place just to apprize you of my movement to it. I have since seen the Richmond & the Philada. papers containing, the latter the certificate of Jay & King & the publications relating to the subject of it, the former the proceedings at Richmond dictated no doubt by the Cabal at Philada. It is painful to observe the success of the management for...
44From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 27 January 1793 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 January 1793. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 11 Feb. 1793 . Comments on congressional proceedings and European events.
45Protection of the Frontier, [16 May] 1794 (Madison Papers)
The Committee of the Whole took up the report of a select committee to which had been referred a memorial from the House of Representatives of the Territory South of the River Ohio (which later became Tennessee), requesting a more effective defense against the Indians. Mr. Madison objected to some part of the report. It had been stated by the committee, that the governor of that country should...
46From James Madison to George Joy, 3 April 1795 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 3 April 1795. Acknowledged in Joy to JM, 10 Aug. 1795 (DLC). Encloses some books, including one by Tench Coxe (probably A View of the United States of America [Philadelphia, 1794; Evans Charles Evans, ed., American Bibliography … 1639 … 1820 (12 vols.; Chicago, 1903–34). Roger P. Bristol, ed., Supplement to Charles Evans’ American Bibliography (Charlottesville, Va., 1970)....
47From James Madison to Archibald Stuart, 1 September 1793 (Madison Papers)
Being well persuaded of your attachment to the public good, I make no apology for mentioning to you a few circumstances which I conceive to be deeply connected with it. It appears by accounts recd. by Col: Monroe & myself from Mr Jefferson, as well as by the face of the late Newspapers that a variance of a very serious nature has taken place between the federal Executive and Mr. Genet the...
48Repayment of Loan to France, [24 May] 1794 (Madison Papers)
On 18 March Washington transmitted to the House a request from French minister Fauchet for an advance of loan payments due to France. The House referred the president’s message to a select committee chaired by Smith (South Carolina), whose report the House tabled on 17 April ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). ,...
49From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 December 1794 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 December 1794, Philadelphia. Introduces Robert S. Van Rensselaer, who “proposes to make a tour through some parts of Europe, and wishes for an opportunity of being made known to you.” RC ( MH ). 1 p. Addressed by JM to Monroe, “Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States / Paris,” and marked “Mr. Van Renselaer.” Calendared as letter not found in PJM Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The...
50Bill for Pennsylvania Land Contract, [21 December] 1791 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison, from the committee appointed, presented a bill for carrying into effect a contract between the United States and the State of Pennsylvania … Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States, 1789–1824 (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56). , 2d Cong., 1st sess., 277. During the final session of the Continental Congress in 1788 JM served on a committee...