801From James Madison to Henry Lee, 1 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 1 March 1790. Acknowledged in Lee to JM, 13 Mar. 1790 . Probably relates to the defeat of JM’s discrimination amendment, the assumption debate, and Lee’s Potomac land speculation.
802From James Madison to Walter Jones, 28 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 28 February 1790. Acknowledged in Jones to JM, 25 Mar. 1790 . Reports recent illness.
803From 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...
804Assumption of the State Debts, [26 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
JM’s amendment to the assumption resolution was still before the Committee of the Whole. On 25 February, White moved to confine the assumption to the surplus funds a state had “advanced beyond its just and equal proportion of the expences, incurred in the defence of the common rights of America.” After two days’ debate, this motion was defeated by a vote of 32 to 18. Mr. Madison Then begged...
805Assumption of the State Debts, [24 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
After the defeat of JM’s discrimination amendment, the second and third resolutions proposed by FitzSimons (on 8 February) were approved. The fourth resolution, “That the debts of the respective states ought, with the consent of the creditors, to be assumed and provided for by the United States,” had been under consideration for two days. Mr. Madison Observed, on the measure, that the...
806Discrimination between Present and Original Holders of the Public Debt, [19 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
Speaking against JM’s motion, Burke said that many officers and soldiers had received conspicuous marks of gratitude for their services, notably in appointments to civil offices. Mr. Madison. If paper, or the honor of statues or medals, can discharge the debts of justice, payable in gold and silver, we can not only exonerate ourselves from those due to the original holders, but from those of...
807Discrimination between Present and Original Holders of the Public Debt, [18 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
On 15 February the Committee of the Whole resumed consideration of JM’s amendment. JM listened silently for the next three days as numerous speakers attacked his proposal. Mr. Madison next rose and observed that the opponents of his proposition had imposed on its friends not only a heavy task, by the number of their objections, but a delicate one by the nature of some of them. It had been...
808From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
We proceed slowly in business. The Report of Mr. Hamilton has been, of late, the principal subject of debate. On the foreign debt the vote has been unanimous. On the domestic, a reduction of the transferred principal has been brought into view by several arguments and propositions. My idea is that there should be no interference of the public in favour of the public either as to principal or...
809From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 14 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 February 1790. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 2 Mar. 1790 . Explains his motion in Congress to discriminate between the original and present holders of public securities.
810To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 February 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
We proceed slowly in business. The Report of Mr. Hamilton has been, of late, the principal subject of debate. On the foreign debt the vote has been unanimous. On the domestic, a reduction of the transferred principal has been brought into view by several arguments and propositions. My idea is that there should be no interference of the public in favour of the public either as to principal or...
811Slave Trade Petitions, [12 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
A memorial from the Pennsylvania Abolition Society, signed by Benjamin Franklin and calling upon Congress to give its “serious attention to the subject of slavery” and to “step to the very verge” of its powers to discourage the slave trade, was read. Debate resumed on a motion to commit the Quaker petition that had been presented the previous day and read a second time on this day....
812From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 11 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
By the last mail I acknowledged the receipt of your favor of the 9th. Ult: and hazarded a few remarks on the subject of that of Sepr. last from Paris. The newspapers forwarded by me from time to time will have exhibited something of the complexion of the politics here, particularly as they relate to the public debt. On this subject the H. of Reps. is at this moment deliberating. All that can...
813Slave Trade Petitions, [11 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
FitzSimons presented an address of the fall 1789 meeting of the Quakers of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the western parts of Maryland and Virginia. Laurance presented one from the New York Quakers. These petitions urged Congress to consider measures leading to the abolition of the slave trade. A debate arose over a motion to refer the petitions to a committee. Mr. Madison. The...
814Discrimination between Present and Original Holders of the Public Debt, [11 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
On 8 February the Committee of the Whole took up Secretary Hamilton’s report on public credit. FitzSimons submitted eight resolutions which served as a framework for the debate. The first declared “that adequate provision ought to be made for fulfilling the engagements of the United States, in respect to their foreign debt.” This passed unanimously. The second resolution called for “the...
815To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, [ca. 11 February 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
By the last mail I acknowledged the receipt of your favor of the 9th. Ult: and hazarded a few remarks on the subject of that of Sepr. last from Paris. The newspapers forwarded by me from time to time will have exhibited something of the complexion of the politics here, particularly as they relate to the public debt. On this subject the H. of Reps. is at this moment deliberating. All that can...
816Census, [8 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
A six-month time limit was proposed to complete the census. Mr. Madison said, that some states had been in the practice of taking a census, but to others it was a new business; and this consideration should demand a longer time. But there was another consideration—the marshal might die, during the time of transacting his business; the President must be made acquainted with this, and it would...
817From James Madison to Tobias Lear, 7 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have consulted with Mr. Brown on the subject of a Successor to Mr. Short. He is apprehensive that the reasons which induced Mr. S. to decline his appointment will have the same weight with any other person who could be recommended. He names Col: Richard Taylor as worthy of the appointment, and as not more likely to follow the example of Mr. Short, than any other fit person within his...
818From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. of Jany. inclosing one of Sepr. last did not get to hand till a few days ago. The idea which the latter evolves is a great one, and suggests many interesting reflections to legislators; particularly when contracting and providing for public debts. Whether it can be received in the extent your reasonings give it, is a question which I ought to turn more in my thoughts...
819I. Text as Received by Jefferson, 1790, 4 February 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. of Jany. inclosing one of Sepr. last did not get to hand till a few days ago. The idea which the latter evolves is a great one, and suggests many interesting reflections to legislators; particularly when contracting and providing for public debts. Whether it can be received in the extent your reasonings give it, is a question which I ought to turn more in my thoughts...
820II. Text as Revised by Madison, Late in Life, 4 February 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jany. 9. inclosing one of Sepr. last did not get to hand till a few days ago. The idea which the latter evolves is a great one; and suggests many interesting reflections to Legislators; particularly when contracting and providing for public debts. Whether it can be received in the extent to which your reasonings carry it, is a question which I ought to turn more in my thoughts...
821Naturalization, [3 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
The first clause of the naturalization bill, requiring one year’s residence by aliens for citizenship and an additional residence of two years to be capable of holding either a state or federal office, was under consideration. Tucker moved to strike out the one-year residence requirement in order to permit aliens to purchase and hold lands immediately upon taking an oath of allegiance. Mr....
822From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 2 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
I sent to Col: Innis a few days ago Copies of the Reports of Mr. Hamilton & Mr. Knox, with a request that in case you should be in Town you might have a perusal of them. It was not then in my power to send separate Copies; besides that they are too voluminous to be multiplied without exceeding the due share of room in the conveyance. The former Report is to be considered on monday next. Amidst...
823Census, [2 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
Livermore objected that carrying out JM’s proposed census of the trades and professions was impracticable. Sedgwick asked why “the learned professions … clergy, physicians, and lawyers, were left out” (N.Y. Daily Gazette , 4 Feb. 1790). Mr. Madison. If the object to be attained by this particular enumeration be as important in the judgment of this house, as it appears to my mind, they will not...
824From James Madison to Eliza House Trist, 31 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
New York Jany. 31. 1790. I wrote last week a letter accompanying the favor for Mrs. Ross, which I put into the hands of Mr. Bailey. He was to have returned to Philada. in the course of the week, but I find he is still here, and may possibly be still longer detained. He expects however to set out tomorrow morning. Mr. Randolph is not yet arrived. We have heard of his being in Philada. and...
825From James Madison to John Dawson, 31 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 31 January 1790. Acknowledged in Dawson to JM, 26 Feb. and 14 Mar. 1790 . Says the official reports of Hamilton and Knox have led to a variety of reactions.
826Census, [26 January] 1790 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison presented a schedule, which he moved should be inserted in lieu of that annexed to the bill, viz. Free white males, under 16; free white males, above 16; white females, free blacks, and slaves, the heads of families, &c. And he likewise proposed that a particular schedule should be included in the bill, specifying the number of persons employed in different professions and arts,...
827Census, [25 January] 1790 (Madison Papers)
A bill “providing for the actual enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States” was under consideration by the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Madison Observed that they had now an opportunity of obtaining the most useful information for those who should hereafter be called upon to legislate for their country if this bill was extended so as to embrace some other objects besides the bare...
828From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
A dysenteric attack at Georgetown with its effects retarded my journey so much that I did not arrive here till a few days ago. I am free at present from the original complaint, but a little out of order with the piles generated by that or the medicine it required. The Cato in which were the busts of P. Jones and the box of books for myself never arrived till the day before yesterday, having...
829From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 24 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 January 1790. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 5 Feb. 1790 , and mentioned in JM to Carrington, 2 Feb. 1790 . Discusses Carrington’s appointment as federal marshal for the Virginia district.
830To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 January 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
A dysenteric attack at Georgetown with its effects retarded my journey so much that I did not arrive here till a few days ago. I am free at present from the original complaint, but a little out of order with the piles generated by that or the medicine it required. The Cato in which were the busts of P. Jones and the box of books for myself never arrived till the day before yesterday, having...
831From 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...
832To George Washington from James Madison, 4 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
After being detained 8 or 10 days beyond the intended commencement of my Journey, by the critical illness of my mother, I am now subjected to a further delay by an attack on my own health. A slight complaint in my bowels which I first felt on the day of my arrival here (friday last) very suddenly took the form of a pretty severe dysentery. With the aid of Doctr Stuart who has been good eno’ to...
833From James Madison to George Washington, 4 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
After being detained 8 or 10 days beyond the intended commencement of my Journey, by the critical illness of my mother, I am now subjected to a further delay by an attack on my own health. A slight complaint in my bowels which I first felt on the day of my arrival here (friday last) very suddenly took the form of a pretty severe dysentery. With the aid of Docr. Stuart who has been good eno’ to...
834To George Washington from James Madison, 5 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
Since my last I have been furnished with the inclosed copy of the letter from the Senators of this State to its Legislature. It is well calculated to keep alive the disaffection to the Government, and is accordingly applied to that use by the violent partizans. I understand the letter was written by the first subscriber of it, as indeed is pretty evident from the stile and strain of it. The...
835From James Madison to George Washington, 5 December 1789 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have been furnished with the inclosed copy of the letter from the Senators of this State to its Legislature. It is well calculated to keep alive the disaffection to the Government, and is accordingly applied to that use by the violent partizans. I understand the letter was written by the first subscriber of it, as indeed is pretty evident from the stile and strain of it. The...
836To 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...
837To George Washington from James Madison, 20 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
It was my purpose to have dropped you a few lines from Philada but I was too much indisposed during my detention there to avail myself of that pleasure. Since my arrival here I have till now been without a fit conveyance to the post office. You will recollect the contents of a letter shewn you from Mr Innis to Mr Brown. Whilst I was in Philada I was informed by the latter who was detained...
838From James Madison to George Washington, 20 November 1789 (Madison Papers)
It was my purpose to have dropped you a few lines from Philada. but I was too much indisposed during my detention there to avail myself of that pleasure. Since my arrival here I have till now been without a fit conveyance to the post office. You will recollect the contents of a letter shewn you from Mr. Innis to Mr. Brown. Whilst I was in Philada. I was informed by the latter who was detained...
839To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 19 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I was too much indisposed for some time after the receipt of your favor of the 12 Octr. to comply with the request in it, and since my arrival here and recovery I have till now been without a conveyance to the post office. The supplemental funds which at present occur to me as on the whole most eligible are 1. an excise on home distilleries. If the tax can be regulated by the size of the Still...
840From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 19 November 1789 (Madison Papers)
I was too much indisposed for some time after the receipt of your favor of the 12 Ocr. to comply with the request in it, and since my arrival here and recovery I have till now been without a conveyance to the post office. The supplemental funds which at present occur to me as on the whole most eligible are 1. An excise on home distilleries. If the tax can be regulated by the size of the Still...
841From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 November 1789 (Madison Papers)
In the letter left for you in N. York on my leaving that place I omitted to mention to you three names which solicit a Clerkship in the office which will be under your direction. They are Mr. Fisher, Mr. Smith, & Mr. Orr. The first has vouchers of his pretensions which will enable You to decide readily on them. The second is a son of Merriwether Smith. I am not personally acquainted with him,...
842From James Madison to William Irvine, 1 November 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 1 November 1789, Fredericksburg. Acknowledged in Irvine to JM, 15 Nov. 1789 . Encloses JM’s letter to Jefferson of 1 Nov. 1789 .
843To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 November 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
In the letter left for you in N. York on my leaving that place I omitted to mention to you three names which solicit a clerkship in the office which will be under your direction. They are Mr. Fisher, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Orr. The first has vouchers of his pretensions which will enable you to decide readily on them. The second is a son of Merriwether Smith. I am not personally acquainted with...
844Memorandum on an African Colony for Freed Slaves, [ca. 20 October] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Without enquiring into the practicability or the most proper means of establishing a Settlement of freed blacks on the Coast of Africa, it may be remarked as one motive to the benevolent experiment that if such an asylum was provided, it might prove a great encouragement to manumission in the Southern parts of the U. S. and even afford the best hope yet presented of putting an end to the...
845From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 October 1789 (Madison Papers)
A concurrence of motives has detained me here since the adjournment of Congress. One of them has been a hope of your arrival within the time. I set off tomorrow for Philada. where I shall remain some days, and not without a continuance of the same hope. I need not tell you how much pleasure I should feel in making my journey to Virginia coincide with yours, nor with how much patience I should...
846Memorandum for George Washington, [ca. 8 October] 1789 (Madison Papers)
On the supposition that the business can be more properly conducted by a private Agent at London, than a public Minister at a third Court, the letter and instructions for the former character appear to be well adapted to the purpose. If any remark were to be made, it would relate merely to the form, which it is conceived would be made rather better by transposing the order of the two main...
847To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 8 October 178[9] (Jefferson Papers)
A concurrence of motives has detained me here since the adjournment of Congress. One of them has been a hope of your arrival within the time. I set off tomorrow for Philada. where I shall remain some days, and not without a continuance of the same hope. I need not tell you how much pleasure I should feel in making my journey to Virginia coincide with yours, nor with how much patience I should...
848From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, [ca. 5 October] 1789 (Madison 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...
849From James Madison to Philip Schuyler, 5 October 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 5 October 1789, New York. Acknowledged in Schuyler to JM, 1 Nov. 1789 , and enclosed in JM to Hamilton, ca. 5 Oct. 1789 . Asks Schuyler to contact John Taylor of Albany regarding a contract with JM and James Monroe to buy 900 acres in the Mohawk Valley.
850From James Madison to Henry Lee, 4 October 1789 (Madison Papers)
I Meant to have acknowledged your favor of the 8th Ult. by your brother, but in the hurry of the occasion missed even the pleasure of seeing him after the adjournment. He will give you the details of our proceedings, particularly on the subject of the seat of Government. I am extremely afraid that the hopes of the Potomac do not rest on so good a foundation as we wish. Every circumstance which...