1From 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...
2From 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.”
3From 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...
4From 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...
5From 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...
6From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 25 November 1793 (Madison Papers)
Having procured at this place a substitute for Daman I shall send back Sam, after going a few miles just to try the new arrangement. He will be in Fredg. tonight and will thence make the best of his way home. A letter red. at Fredg. from Mr. Jefferson says that the fever has entirely vanished. Another of the 20th. from a gentleman in Philada confirms it in the most decided terms. And I...
7From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 23 November 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have sent by a Vessel just sailed a small cask of port wine—a few Glass & plate wares with some knives & forks and two or three Books for Fanny. They are addressed to Mr. Anderson. Among the Books are two translations of Telemachus. One was bought before that in 2 vol: which is the proper one for her use could be met with. The supernumerary one which is the best for the English reader may be...
8From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 17 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
Col. Wadsworth of Connecticut wishes to procure a Barrel or half-Barrel of the best Peach Brandy & I have undertaken to use my efforts for the purpose. If it can be got at all it is probably in our Neighbourhood. I recollect particularly that Colo Geo. Taylor had some that we thought good & which is perhaps to be obtained. If that or any better can be had I shall be glad that one of my...
9From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 14 December 1794 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 24th. Ulto: was answered last week. I have since recd. that of the 3d. inst: the cheif object of which is to learn whether I shall be able to contribute an effective proportion to the advances which will be wanted for the Mill. To this enquiry I can only say in general that, tho’ it is possible I may not be able to co-operate as much as might be desireable, I have several...
10From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 31 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your’s of the 9th. inclosing a letter for Mr. Chew which I shall forward as you desire. As far as I have had an opportunity of enquiring I do not find that Coffee can be got here on terms that will make it worth while to prefer it to what can be got in Virginia. The price of brown Sugar I have not yet learnt but will attend to your request on that subject. The funding bill has at...
11From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 30 October 1791 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here yesterday morning was a week, having been obliged to push through the bad weather by the discovery first made at Mount Vernon that the meeting of Congress was a week earlier than was calculated at our setting out. The President had been under the same mistake, and had but just been apprized of it. Many others had equally miscalculated. Being obliged to attend immediately on my...
12From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 19 December 1796 (Madison Papers)
We have been concerned as well as disappointed in not having a single line from Orange since we left it. Fanny has written by every post; & has reminded you & complained of it. I have never even heard whether Mordicai got back safe or not. I refer to the letter to my brother William, for the state of things here, the price of wheat &c. You expressed a wish that some articles for Negro’s...
13From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 15 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
The last letter recd. from you was that of Feby. 1. Since my answer to that the state of the roads & rivers has been such as to render the conveyance of letters very tedious if not uncertain, and hence to produce the interval between that date & the present. I now inclose 5 Nos. of the National Gazette which continue the intelligence throughout the period of my silence. You will find noticed...
14From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 25 December 1796 (Madison Papers)
Your two letters of the 12 & 11. came duly to hand since my last. The power of Atty sent me proves sufficient. It will be necessary for you to have a proper one at Richmond to prevent another transfer hither. The weather has been so intensely cold that I have not yet gone out to the proper office with Saml. French’s Certificate. I am at a loss to account for Mr. Noe’s draught. I know of no...
15From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 3 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
The last letter I recd. from you was of Novr. 12. I had previously informed you that your certificates had been funded by Messr. Ashton & Wister. They are now in my hands, with interest due on them from Jany. last, which cannot be drawn without a power of attorney to me for the purpose. My brother William can procure you blank powers at Richmond. It will be proper in filling up the blank to...
16From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 14 August 1790 (Madison Papers)
Congs. not having closed their session till the day before yesterday, and the weather being extremely hot, I have thought it necessary in order to avoid the danger of a bilious attack to which I am become very subject, to wait here a few weeks which will render the journey more safe, and afford me moreover the pleasure of Mr. Jefferson’s company quite to Orange. This resolution puts it out of...
17From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 22 January 1797 (Madison Papers)
The last mail brought us the pleasure of yours, of Jany. 8th. Fanny did not bring the letter-types with her, and cannot say with absolute certainty where they are to be found. She is pretty confident however that she put them in the Closet upstairs, on the right hand shelf, among some books. The shortness of the crop of Corn at Black-Meadow is a proof of the ruinous tendency of perpetual...
18From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 6 June 1794 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yours of the 26 Ult: on the subject of the bill of exchange, and at the same time a draught from Mr. Triplet for 200 dollars on a house here which has accepted it. I have not yet fixt on a Forte Piano but have several in my eye; and will make a choice as soon as I can satisfy myself, and will have it forwarded it [ sic ] as soon as an opportunity offers. The adjournment is put off till...
19From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 10 November 1794 (Madison Papers)
My last was as far back as the return of Sam from Harewood. I have postponed writing untill the Session should commence for two reasons. One you will readily conjecture: The other that I might inclose the introductory proceedings. From the want of a Quorum of Senators, these have not yet taken place. It was expected that the defect would be supplied to day. Whether it will be or not I cannot...
20From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 13 February 1791 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 31. Ult: and am glad to find that my sister Hite has withdrawn herself from the Region of the Small pox. It gives me particular pleasure also to learn that my mother’s health has so far been restored. You will see by one of the inclosed papers that the price of Wheat continues at from 8/4 to 8/6. Whether it will rise or fall or how much, is more than I can say. I...
21From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are three more of the Natl Gazettes. They will give you all the information which is current; as well in relation to the proceedings of Congress, as to other matters. A vote has passed the two Houses fixing the 5th. of next month for the adjournment. It is possible that it may be put off a day or two longer, tho’ it is pro[ba]ble from the impatience of the members that the session...
22From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 21 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
An indisposition on the road retarded me so much that I was not able to take my seat in Congs. till yesterday. It began at Dumfries with a slight complaint in my bowells. On my arrival at George Town it took the form of a Dysentery and was pretty severe for some days. With the aid of my friend Docr. Stuart who was so good as to see me every day, I was in a condition to prosecute my journey in...
23From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 6 July 1792 (Madison Papers)
The Iron from Mr. Guinn was delivered this morning. I have noted in the margin its weight at the shop which I suppose comes sufficiently near the quantity charged. The 36/. due for the potts & boxes have been put into the hands of the Waggoner. His own charge for freight was 12 dollars which I have paid, tho’ from the sum you left, it must be more than you had calculated. The family is as you...
24From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 November 1796 (Madison Papers)
We ended our journey on tuesday afternoon, without any injurious incident on the way. We found the roads better than I ever experienced them, and the weather was equally favorable. Mordecai arrived the day before yesterday, and sets out on his return today. Immediately on my getting here, I called on the man who was to make the hoisting Screw, & had the satisfaction to find that it had been...
25From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 17 November 1794 (Madison Papers)
I now inclose the letter omitted in my last. We have not had the pleasure of a single line from Orange since yours recd. just before leaving Berkeley. I hope it will not be long before our expectation is gratified on this point; and that you will be able to tell us all that we wish in favor of the re-establishment of my mothers health and the continuation of your own. I shall be glad also to...
26From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 4 May 1794 (Madison Papers)
By a vessel which sails for Fredg. today, I have sent a small box containing the following articles 6 ps. very coarse muslins, 1 ps. of finer. 2 lb. Tea, 3 Books on Medicine, a few pamphlets & a Sett of marking instruments. The muslins were bought as being extremely cheap, and useful for various purposes. If my mother or sister wants any part of them they will make free with them. If the finer...
27From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 17 November 1791 (Madison Papers)
My last informed you of the articles procured & forwardd. in consequence of my several commissions. I now send the key of the trunk in which some of the articles are contained. I forgot to mention that the Tea in the Dressing boxes belongs to my brother Ambrose. You will see by the inclosed papers that the number of future representatives in Congress has been a subject of discussion, and is...
28From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 30 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have procured & inclose with the two last Natl. Gazettes, the 1st. No. which compleats your sett. If any that I send from time to time shd. miscarry, I wish you to let me know it and I will supply the loss. The Representation-bill has passed the two Houses, in the unconstitutional form proposed by the Senate, and is now before the Senate. It fixes the number at 120 members & distributes them...
29From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have not yet recd. a single line from Orange since I left it. The letter from my brother when at Alexa. is the only written information that I have had the pleasure of, A few lines from Mr. Hite excepted. These gave me an account of my sisters marriage, and added that about that period my mother was better. I am anxious to hear more on that subject, and indulge my hopes that her health will...
30From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 13 November 1791 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday a letter from my brother Ambrose which gave me the first information I had since I left home concerning the state of my mothers health. I am extremely glad to find she had so much mended and hope her health may continue to grow better. My brother signified to me that Miss Baynton wished a furr instead of a chip hat to be sent her. Unluckily the latter had been bought, packed...
31From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 8 November 1795 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here on friday and are to go forward this morning. I went yesterday to Mr. Dunbar & had the satisfaction to learn from him that he had applied to the forge for the Mill Irons & that the whole Bill wd. be executed according to your orders. I gave him a memorandum of the articles I wanted for my negroes, which he said should be laid by for the arrival of Collins, with liberty to him...
32From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 21 February 1794 (Madison Papers)
The last I recd. from you was of the 27. Ult. I have not yet had time to examine whether I can draw your interest here by virtue of the power in my hands. It does not seem necessary to decide now on the spot for the Peccan trees, if any should proceed from the Nuts left with you by Mr. Jefferson. They can be easily removed at any time. I have not fixed on any particular no. of Apple Trees. I...
33From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 25 April 1796 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of my brothr. Wms. letter I have written to Hickley to assist in chusing & sending on a pr. Cologne Stones. The Windsor Chairs made here at present are dear & slight, & as they wd. be newly painted would suffer much on the way. I think you had better get them at Fredg. or Richmond where I understand they are cheaper & at least as good as here. I inclose a third No. of the...
34From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 13 March 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your’s of Feby 24. I am glad that Majr. Lee has so kindly undertaken to attend to the friendly suit for adjusting the share I have in the lands held in the name of my late brother. I can lay down no rules for him which will not occur to himself. The object being simply to vest in me legally what is mine in equity, he will perceive that a suit in equity is necessary, that a good...
35From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 23 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
Since my last to my brother A. I have recd. no letter from Orange, altho yours & his both, preceding left me particularly anxious to know the event of the Influ[e]nza attack on my Mothers health. The peace between G. B. & Spain has been fully authenticated. The English accts. give a sad picture of affairs in France, but there are more direct accts. which are more favorable. The H. of Reps. has...
36From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 10 August 1796 (Madison Papers)
You will learn from Sam that we all continue much as when you left us. I was down at the Mill yesterday & found the work going on properly. It is of importance however that the abutment should be well secured before much rain comes; as it is found that a small swell in the river will accumulate at the dam so as to overflow it; and as the dam is rather higher than the Bank of the river, the...
37From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 7 April 1794 (Madison Papers)
Being reminded by your late letters of your certificates and the power of attorney to draw the interest, I have searched thro’ all my papers without being able to find either of them. I shall make another search, but it occurs to me that I may have carried these papers to Virga. & omitted to bring them back, and I have a faint impression of this sort on my memory. Be so good as to look among...
38From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 5 October 1794 (Madison Papers)
I have detained Sam by whom I send this so much longer than I intended & you expected that many apologies are due for the liberty. I hope it will be a sufficient one that I found him indispensable for a variety of little services, which I did not particularly take into view before I left Orange. These he can himself explain, and I therefore leave the task to him; proceeding to the history of...
39From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 17 January 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have not had the pleasure of a line from you since we left Orange. A letter from Fanny is the only information we have received. Inclosed is a small pamphlet containing the proceedings of the H. of Reps. in the case of two adventurers in the line of Bribery. This is the only business of consequence that has latterly occupied us. The Treaty has not yet been laid before Congs., & it seems is...
40From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 2 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have for some time past written once a week, inclosing always the Natl Gazettees as they come out. I now do the same now. The River having been all the Winter & still continuing blocked up, I have never executed the several commissions in your last. I have made enquiry as to Clover seed and I find that the white is not to be had, and that the red will cost about 16 dollars a bushel, which is...
41From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 19 May 1794 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 5th. came to hand a few days ago. I hope you will have secured me the corn & a plenty of it. I am at a loss to give directions concerning the laths & plank. If M. C. can conveniently spare the Horses to bring it from my brothers, it will no doubt be best to get it from him. Otherwise it will cost less in the end to take it of Mr. C. I will attend to the Forte Piano & the...
42From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 23 February 1795 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is the explanation from the offices concerning Mr. L’s claim. The Treaty made by Mr. Jay is not yet come to hand & we know nothing more of its articles than what has been conjectured from the hints in the Newspapers. I have already let you know that if you mean that I shd. sell your paper, you must forward the proper powers. The period is becoming favorable. It can now be sold at par....
43From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 19 February 1797 (Madison Papers)
I recd. your weekly letter by the last Mail. This will shew you that I am equally punctual. Fanny puts one in my hand for my Mother. I acquainted my brother William that I had shipped 5 Bushls. of Clover Seed by a Vessel lately sailed for Fredg. The seed is addressed to the care of Mr. Blair. I hope you will attend as well as he to the getting it up & having it sown on my farms with as little...
44From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 10 March 1794 (Madison Papers)
Yours of Feby. 17. came to hand some days ago. I have applied to Carr, and obtained the inclosed account of his Forte-Piano’s. The grand ones are as large as a Harpsichord & of the same form. The small ones would not occupy more room than a common square dining table with the leaves down. The advantage of the large ones consists in the superior swell of the Notes. But on this point Fanny can...
45From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 23 April 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 23 April 1791. Acknowledged in letter from JM’s father of 11 May 1791 . Recommends sending tobacco to Thomas Leiper of Philadelphia for sale if prices in Virginia do not rise, and probably suggests that a power of attorney be executed to convert loan office certificates held in the father’s name into U.S. treasury notes.
46From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 1 March 1793 (Madison Papers)
I red. yesterday yours inclosing a letter to Mr Chew, which I forward this morning. The one here inclosed from him came to hand a few days ago. For the news I refer to the inclosed papers, having not a moment to spare for adding more than that I remain Yr. Affee. son RC ( NjP ). Letter not found. Probably James Madison, Sr., to Joseph Chew, 19 Feb. 1793 ( ViW ).
47From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 9 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are three numbers of the National Gazette to which I refer for the proceedings of Congress. The British packet just arrived at N. York brings accounts that Lord Cornwallis tho’ successful in a general action with Tippoo Saib has found the latter so formidable an Enemy especially with the aid of the rainy season, that a retreat became necessary to his safety, in which his cannon was...
48From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 21 April 1794 (Madison Papers)
I have at last found your Certificates, but have not yet applied for the Interest. The power of Attorney is probably lying in the office where it was left at the last draught of Interest. You will see that Jay has been appointed to try the effect of a Minister Exty. to G. B. The proposition for enforcing our demand of redress by making our market a condition of it, is not yet come to a final...
49From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 December 1795 (Madison Papers)
I have delayed writing to you hitherto, on the supposition that you might not be returned from Frederick, as well as on acct. of a pressure of other writing on my hands. We had on the whole a convenient journey and arrived safe & in due time. All the articles sent by water have since got safe also, and will fully answer the purpose we had in view. To the articles sent from Orange, was added...
50From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 25 April 1794 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 15th. came to hand yesterday. I am sorry to learn that my crop of Corn proves so deficient. I must get the favor of you to have as much engaged as will do. If my directions for sowing oats have been followed, the less will be wanted. M. C. may fence in part of the meadow as he proposes for a pasture. I leave to your own judgment to decide whether the two mares shall be put to...