51To James Madison from Samuel Johnston, 22 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed Address was voted unanimously and contains, I believe, the genuine Sentiments of much the greatest part of the Inhabitants of this Country; The State of North Carolina having no Agent or any person in a publick Character at this time in New York, I take the liberty to request the favor of you to deliver it, my Motive for troubling you on this occasion rather than any one else,...
52To James Madison from Hugh Williamson, 24 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
We are told that Genl Person the bell Weather of Opposition in this State continues indefatigable in his Endeavours to preserve the Spirit of Antifederalism in the State. Our Judges, two of them at least, there are three, continue most malignant anti’s. They seem to think that the new Court will cast a Shade on them. Whether the constitution will or will not be adopted by the next Convention...
53To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 27 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with yours of the 8th. Instant and thank you for the notice you take of my declining a visit to N. Y. I am the less inclined to take such a trip, since you have mentioned the great numbers who are there. I would not be rated amongst them for the best that any one of them will obtain. I am pleased to discover from the debates of your House that although an accurate attention...
54To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 28 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
We have heard much of the di[s]agreement between the two Houses respecting titles and the rules to be established for their correspondence—if report speaks truth they have manifested a strong desire for titles and pre-eminence—how comes it that the doors where the Senate sit in their legislative capacity are shut and those of the representatives open—it appears to be equally proper and...
55To James Madison from Francis Mennis, 28 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 28 May 1789. Calendared in the lists probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany). Mennis (b. 1755) was a member of a prominent York County, Virginia, family.
56To James Madison from George Washington, [ca. 31 May] 1789 (Madison Papers)
… As far as a momentary consideration has enabled me to judge, I see nothing exceptionable in the proposed amendments. Some of them, in my opinion, are importantly necessary, others, though in themselves (in my conception) not very essential, are necessary to quiet the fears of some respectable characters and well meaning Men. Upon the whole, therefore, not foreseeing any evil consequences...
57To James Madison from Benjamin Hawkins, 1 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your favour of the 5th of may, with the report of the committee, and the newspapers, and I can assure you I concur in every thing and from the bottom of my heart. The Character of the president, will give dignity and energy to our government, and will together with the favourable appearances stated by you tend to reconcile all parties to it. I, having know[n]...
58To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [9 June] 1789 (Madison Papers)
… I hope the idea of titles is sent to eternal repose. I know nothing which in my judgment would more strengthen opposition than the adoption of such a measure, giving countenance to all the suspicions hitherto forged only, of a tendency in the Goverment to fav’r Aristocratic principles.… Printed extract (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 [1892]). The list probably kept by Peter Force ( DLC :...
59To James Madison from William R. Davie, 10 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
My private acquaintance with you would by no means warrant a correspondence of this kind, but the interest we have in your public character and exertions will sufficiently apologise for the freedom. You are well acquainted with the political situation of this State, its unhappy attachment to paper money, and that wild scepticism which has prevailed in it since the publication of the...
60To James Madison from Henry Lee, 10 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have not heard from you for a long time but often hear of you. All ranks of people within my observation seem highly pleased with the govt. since its commencement & reckon far too much on the benefits which it may produce—these expectations will meet with disappointment, which may create chagrin in the public mind & renew clamor. The president is dear to the citizens beyond parralel or...
61To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 12 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
We have nothing in this quarter worth mentioning or I should more frequently make communications. I conclude you receive our papers regularly or would inclose them weekly. Although the proceedings of the House of representatives on the impost bill produced some remarks and altercation respecting its equality and policy yet I think the disputes appr. to have somewhat more of warmth respecting...
62To James Madison from Walter Jones, 12 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Our personal acquaintance having been hitherto cursory I can claim no great Share of a correspondence, necessarily and very deservedly so extensive as yours. Your public Conduct, and the Intervention of our private & common Freinds have fixt you high in my Esteem, and I am persuaded that we are very intimately united, in our dispositions to exert our respective Talents & opportunities in...
63To James Madison from George Washington, [12 June?] 1789 (Madison Papers)
As the Communications herewith enclosed will not take much time to Read; As there are matters related which to me are new; and as the information respecting land transactions, and other things in the Western Country will require to be noticed & acted upon in some way or another, I send them to you together with a Gazette with a marked paragraph containing some suggestions that have not, I...
64To James Madison from Fontaine Maury, 14 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you some time since, informing you that as exchange was higher with you, than here, that I should decline taking the Bill I applyed to you for, and that twould be most to your advantage to sell it in New York. Since this Letter, I have shiped the remaining three hhds of your Tobacco to my Brother, and you may draw as usual on them. I have today drawn on you in favor of French L. Gray...
65To James Madison from James Monroe, 15 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Upon my return home the other day after the close of the Chancery term, I found a letter from you in the post office, wh. had been there for sometime. This will apologize for my not answering it sooner. I am again call’d here, & shall attend untill the last of this month, upon the genl. & court of appeals. Mr. Jefferson we are taught to believe will visit this state in the course of the...
66To James Madison from Anthony Wayne, 15 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to congratulate you upon the adoption, & organization, of the Federal Constitution, a business in which you took so early—so conspicuous—& so Effectual a part, & altho’ I have not the honor of a seat in the Magnum Concilium of America—I feel myself much interested in her Dignity, wealth, & Power—& therefore take the liberty to suggest a measure which in my humble opinion will have a...
67To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 June 1789. The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that Pendleton wrote a two-page letter to JM on this day. The summary reads: “Commending Nathaniel Pendleton jr for the appointment of District Court Judge in Georgia” (see JM to Pendleton, 15 July 1789 and n. 3).
68To James Madison from George Lee Turberville, 16 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Your Favor of the 4th. of June reached me yesterday. I am conscious that you have little leizure. I know that you have Constituents to whom communications are due—apologies for failing speedily to answer my Letters are unnescary [ sic ] to me—for I veiw Your friendly communications as conferring obligations which it will scarce ever be in my power to return—further than by assuring you I am...
69To James Madison from William Bingham, 17 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I observe by the public Prints, that the Bill for the Establishment of the Impost has returned from the Senate, with considerable Reduction of the Duties on Several Specified Articles. I will not undertake to Scrutinize the Reasons that have urged the Amendments. But, as the Bill is now before the House of Representatives, I will take the Liberty of commenting on that part of it, which limits...
70To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 18 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I observe you have brought forward the amendments you proposed to the federal Constitution. I have given them a very careful perusal, and have attended particularly to their reception by the public. The most decided friends of the constitution admit (generally) that they will meliorate the government by removing some points of litigation and jealousy, and by heightening and strengthening the...
71To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 18 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last to you was of May 11. Yours of Mar. 29. came to hand ten days ago: and about two days ago I received a cover of your hand writing, under which was a N. York paper of May 4. & a letter from mr. Page to Mazzei. There being no letter from you makes me hope there is one on the way which will inform me of my Congé. I have never received mr. Jay’s answer to my public letter of Nov. 19. which...
72To James Madison from John Walker, 18 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 18 June 1789. Calendared in the lists probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany). The two-page letter was offered for sale in the Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), which listed items from the McGuire collection of JM’s papers.
73To James Madison from John Strode, 20 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Desperate must be His circumstances—and Credulous the Man, who forsakes His Country & friends, to follow an Adventurer So Wild as Morgan, who does not even pretend to originate His scheme in Any Manner of Security, or from power or Authority, whatever. His proposals can have no influence on me. Am Nevertheless most humbly thankfull my Good Sir for Your kind Condescention and trouble in the...
74To James Madison from Thomas Underwood, 20 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Yours I recd. for which I thank you and am happy to hear that the Members of your honorable body agree so well in Political matters. I wish very much to know your oppinion of the public debt, that bears so hard on us whether it can be discharged in any short time without having recourse to direct taxes—and how the general oppinion runs respecting the Certificates due to the officers and...
75To James Madison from James McHenry, 21 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I was very happy to learn that you had dismissed the first reported bill for the collection of the revenue. In this State and perhaps in some of the others, the Laws were too much in favor of the officers at the expence of the revenue. Here, where the imports are so very considerable, instead of a naval officer and collector constituted to be checks upon each other, the whole power was lodged...
76To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 24 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for the copy of the amendments proposed to the constitution which you lately inclosed to me —they are calculated to secure the personal rights of the people so far as declarations on paper can effect the purpose, leaving unimpaired the great Powers of the government—they are of such a nature as to be generally acceptable and of course more likely to obtain the assent of Congress...
77To James Madison from Edward Stevens, 25 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Your very obliging Letter of the 11th May has been received some time past, and I thank you for the information it gave. We in this Quarter are anxciously looking forward for the events of the Deliberations of Congress. Numbers of us have been astonished at their leting slip through their hands all the Duties on the Spring importations and think it will be lamented, that your first plan on...
78To James Madison from John Dawson, 28 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
You will be pleas’d to accept my thanks for the Journals receivd a few days since by mr. Hopkins, from whom I learnt the different subjects which engage the attention of Congress and the variety of opinions on some of them. You have it in contemplation, I hear, to adjourn in August. Surely you will not do this without recommending those alterations which have been so ardently desird by many of...
79To James Madison from George Nicholas, 29 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter and enclosure not found. 29 June 1789. Calendared in the lists probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany). The two documents were offered for sale in the Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), which listed items from the McGuire collection of JM’s papers.
80To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 30 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I thank you sincerely for several letters, which my vagrant life between this place and Richmond upon business has prevented me from acknowledging in due season. The amendments, proposed by you, are much approved by the strong fœderalists here and at the Metropolis; being considered as an anodyne to the discontented. Some others, equally affectionate to the union, but less sanguine, expect to...
81To James Madison from Hugh Williamson, 2 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
The Post Master at Peters burg informed me on this Day Week that a Letter in your Hand for me had but two days before that passed through his Hands. I verily believe that unless you can persuade Congress seriously to take up & agree to some such Amendmts as you have proposed North Carolina will not confederate but of this more particulars when I have the Pleasure of seeing you which I hope...
82To James Madison from Benjamin Hawkins, 3 [July] 1789 (Madison Papers)
I arrived a few days past from Wilmington, and had an opportunity of hearing the sentiments of a number of people in five counties through which I traveled who were originally opposed to the new government. They have, most of them, changed their opinions, and are now friendly to it. I am anxious to know the fate of your attempt to mend the constitution, and whether anything can, with...
83To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 3 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
Yours by Mr. Hopkins with the journal inclosed has been received and the journals as you desired delivered to Mr. Randolph who requests me to return you his thanks—that of the 21t. is also come to hand. I have seen a copy of the bill establishing the judiciary and from the cursory reading I have given it the different powers and jurisdictions of the Courts would have been more clearly seen had...
84To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [3 July] 1789 (Madison Papers)
… The question concerning the power of removing Officers was important, and twas much better to investigate it fully, tho’ at the expense of a weeks discussion, than take a wrong step in it. I concur in sentiment with the decision. The Argument that the Power of removal should follow that of Creation has weight, but is abundantly overballanced by the objection that an Executive Officer might...
85To James Madison from Richard Peters, 5 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
It is better to be late in thanking you for your Present of Tobacco by Mr Delany than not to do it at all. You have given me the Quid but as to the pro quo you must find it in the Satisfaction you enjoy in doing civil Things. I am in the Midst of a popular Assembly of Mowers & Haymakers & my Harvest will overtake me before I am ready for it. You are in the Midst of a popular Assembly of...
86To James Madison from Samuel Johnston, 8 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your Letters of the 21st and 22d. of June by the last post and feel very sensibly the Obligation you have conferred on me, by the trouble you have taken in this Business, at a Season when you were too much engaged to have any time to spare without inconvenience. Every one is very much pleased with the President’s answer to our Address. I have agreeably to your...
87To James Madison from David Rittenhouse, 10 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
Engaged as you are in business of the greatest importance as well as difficulty, and harrass’d by a thousand importunate applications, I am fully sensible of the impropriety of troubling any of my friends in Your situation, even with a letter, unless I had either some useful information or matter of amusement to communicate. Permit me nevertheless, by this method, to recommend to your notice...
88To James Madison from George W. Smith, 10 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
You will doubtless be much surprised at an Obtrusion so unexpected, and from one who much [ sic ] be considered by you as a Stranger. I am however, no Stranger to your Character; in which Wisdom & Virtue unite to render it amiable, and which can never fail to acquire you the Respect, the admiration, & the Esteem of all who know it. Much time & much labour it hath cost you. You were happy, Sir,...
89To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 11 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Christopher Roane, who is a searcher at City Point, requests to be introduced to you. He would wish to continue in office . He is a man of great integrity, and has conducted himself well as a Searcher. He was an officer during the late war. Your assistance, in continuing him in office, will, I think, be of service to him, & of advantage to our country, if appointed; he appears to me, to be...
90To James Madison from Samuel Vaughan, Jr., 11 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have erased the names of my Brothers between whom the above Letter passed, to leave you at liberty to make what use you think proper of it. I send you inclosed also an Extract from the Printed report above-mentioned which I recd by the Packet, & which I sent for general information to Mr Fenno. I think it may be particularly useful in Virginia. I remain Dr Sir Your obedt Servt. RC and...
91To James Madison from Peter Carr, 13 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
You informed me some time ago, that there remained in your hands a balance of some money due Mr. Jefferson, and that you were willing it should be applied to the use of my brother and myself. Being disappointed in receiving money which I had expected here you will oblige me much, by advancing what is in Yr. hands. I am Sir Yr. very H Servt RC ( DLC ). Addressed by Carr. Docketed by JM. Perhaps...
92To James Madison from James Monroe, 19 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
Your favor advising of the passage of the tonage & impost bills by both houses I have recd. It was my intention to have remov’d to Albemarle & attended the Chancery next month thence. But as it will be better to leave Mrs. M. here in that interval than there, where she has comparitively but few acquaintance, have postpon’d our removal untill abt. the 15. of August. The contest between the two...
93To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 19 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am told, that within these few days a considerable quantity of Madeira wine has been run into Virginia in the face of day; and that the opinion of the bar is, that neither law nor court exists, which can embrace the case. We shall have a total anarchy in the customs, unless you speedily forward both to us. The impost-bill, we are informed, has been matured into a law. We hear nothing of...
94To James Madison from George Turner, 19 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
As many of the public offices are about to be disposed of, may I crave the favour of your influence? Having experienced your friendship on a former occasion, though I did not make use of the letter you favoured me with, I feel emboldened to offer you this additional trouble, which, I trust, you will excuse. I am unacquainted with the particular appointments which are, at this time, to be made,...
95To James Madison from Richard Peters, 20 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
It is but within a Day or two that I recieved yours of the 14th. in which you very properly leave me as you found me on the Subject I rambled into. But I will revenge myself by sending you a Copy of an old Fable which I have in a curious Collection I keep by me entitled “ Aunciente connynge Balladdes .” I am chained to my Chair by my old Tormentor the Piles & I maliciously wish not that all my...
96To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 22 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last to you was of the 18th. of June. Within a day or two after, yours of May 9. came to hand. In the rest of Europe nothing remarkeable has happened; but in France such events as will be for ever memorable in history. To begin where my last left them, the king took on himself to decide the great question of voting by persons or by orders, by a declaration made at a Seance royale on the...
97To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I this morning received your favor of the 15th. In my letter of yesterday, I gave you a faithful narrative of my situation. On further reflection I feel the propriety of the communication more strongly. More confidentially therefore do I repose myself on you. Colo. Parker seems to think (but I am persuaded upon grounds, in no respect tenable,) that the president expects applications from...
98To James Madison from Walter Jones, [ca. 25 July] 1789 (Madison Papers)
I was favoured a few days ago, with your Letter of the 12th. of July, which evinced the just prospect I had entertained and expressed, of your correspondence. The inestimable Rights & Interests, subject to your Custody or discussion, naturally fill a mind, warmly interested in their fate, & remote from the source of Intelligence, with an Anxiety, that longs for the Relief of Information, and...
99To James Madison from Leighton Wood, 25 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
Being desirous from a variety of reasons mostly of a private na[ture] to change my residence, & presuming on your Friendship I ta[ke] the liberty of soliciting your recommendation to some O[ffice] under the new Government, for which you may deem [me] qualified. The different Departments that I have had the honour to hold for twelve Years past in the State of Virginia, & for almost nine of them...
100To James Madison from John Hoomes, 27 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have lately made a tour of the district of Kentucky & am very much pleased with the face of the Country & have Serious thoughts of moving to it, which may be a matter of considerable consequence to me, & perhaps of the greatest & lasting importance to my family. For those reasons I trust you will excuse me for troubling you on a Subject so interesting & if hastily determined on may end in...