51From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 January 1825 (Madison Papers)
I am sorry Mr. Tucker requires time for deliberation. It shews the difficulty in our Country of withdrawing talents from rival pursuits into the service of Education. I do not think he will have chosen the best of literary careers, if he devotes himself to Novel writing. The public taste is nearly satiated with the fashionable, perhaps the best species, in which the success of Walter Scott has...
52From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 January 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 23. inclosing a copy of the Bill sent to Mr. Cabell, but omitting the letter from him. Without that I can not estimate the reception such a measure will have in the Assembly. The grounds on which the Bill dissolves the Charter of the College, and disposes of its funds are captivating. But there will probably be a powerful opposition to it. The uncertain & scanty...
53From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 February 1825 (Madison Papers)
The letters from Mr. Cabell are herein returned. I just see that he has succeeded in defeating the project for removing the College from Williamsburg. I hope your concurrence in what I said of Mr. Barbour will not divert your thoughts from others. It is possible that the drudgery of his profession, the uncertainty of a Judicial appointment acceptable to him, and some attractions at the...
54From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1825 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday your two letters of the 12 & 15th. & return the letter from Mr. Cabell inclosed in one of them. I approve the course you have in view for obtaining an eventual meeting of the Visitors. The Judicial appointment of Mr. Barbour will, I understand, be accepted; and as it is in the road to the Court of Appeals, lessens the chance of him for the University. I am sorry you hear...
55From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
I recd. some days ago yours of Mar. 10. The last Mail brought me that of Mar. 22. inclosing the letter of Col. Barbour & your answer, both of which I return. If you have not satisfied him of the value of your proposition, he must at least be convinced of the unreasonableness of his own. I have not yet seen him since I recd. your letter requesting me to do so, having been confined by a very bad...
56From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
I saw Col. Barbour yesterday, as I intended. He remains decided agst. relinquishing his Judgship without a previous experiment of the Chair in the University. He feels evidently a strong attraction towards it; and I think a growing one. It is quite possible that the experiment he is making of his Judicial duties, carrying him as they will beyond the Mountains, will diminish his preference of...
57From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
The letter for Judge Barbour inclosed in your last to me, did not reach him, till his return on saturday evening from his visit to Culpeper. Yesterday he called on me, on his way to his Court in this County. I found that he adhered to his purpose last communicated, and that such would be his answer to you. There can be no chance therefore of obtaining him for the University, unless the vacancy...
58From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
When I suggested, some time ago, Judge Carr for the Law Chair in the University, I did not know that he had been taken into view by any other member of our Board; and inferring from the silent reception given to my letter, and the attractions of the place he now holds, that I ought not to persist in the idea of his appointment, my thoughts were turned altogether to other chances. By a letter...
59From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of the 15th. relating to a purchase of the parcels of land offered for sale by Mr. Perry, and very cheerfully concur in your proposition for making it. The advantage of thus connecting the separate parcels of the University, and securing the sources and ducts which are to supply it with water, seems well to justify the measure on the terms & in the mode explained by you. Even...
60From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 19 May 1825 (Madison Papers)
I did not receive yours of the 12th. in time to be answered by the last mail. My thoughts, as heretofore intimated, had been turned to Judge Dade for the Law Chair; and with the recommendatory opinions which you enumerate, I cannot hesitate to concur in the offer of it as proposed. I concur also in the issuing of a Commission on the written sanction of the Visitors without the formality of a...
61From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
Having but little hope that Judge Dade will accept the place offered him, and having occasionally heard Mr. Lomax of Fredericksbg. spoken of favorably, I sought an occasion, yesterday, without disclosing my object, of learning more of him, from Judge Barbour, who has long been at the same Bar with him, and is otherwise well acquainted with his character. The Judge considers him as a man of...
62From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your Circular of the 4th. instant did not come to hand till yesterday. In the present attitude of things the reappointment of Mr. Gilmer to the Law professorship seems a matter of course; though I am sorry to learn that there is some ground to apprehend that his qualifications are not as well understood & as highly estimated as they deserve to RC ( DLC ). Fragment. Remainder of text, closure,...
63From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 October 1825 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Browere (pronounced Brewer) is so anxious to pay his respects to you that I can not refuse him a line of introduction. His object is to take your likeness in plaster, much desired it appears by patrons of a Public Gallery. His success as an Artist is very highly attested. His bust of Genl Lafayette is pronounced by other imitative Artists a conspicuous proof of his talent. The little...
64From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday evening yours of the 24th. inst: inclosing a paper drawn up with a view to the question of “Roads & Canals,” and to the course of proceeding most expedient for the Legislature of Virga. now in session. In my retired position it is difficult to scan the precise tendency of measures addressed to the opinions & feelings of the States & of their Representatives; these being...
65From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
I return Dr. Emmet’s letter as requested. Wall’s qualifications as a Drawing Master, are sufficiently authenticated to make his connection with the University very desirable. But there seems little ground for hope, that he will exchange for it his present advantages in New York. The only material attraction, beyond the fees, is that of a Pavilion, rent free; of which his tenure would be of...
66From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your Circular of the 20. postmark 23. inst. was recd. last evening; and the letter from Mr. Pictet forwarded as desired to our Colleagues at Richmond. I concur in your mode of providing for the foreseen vacancy, which I sincerely lament on every acct; as I should, in any admissible mode, that would avoid the necessity for an extra meeting of the Visitors. I am acquiescent also in your order of...
67From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1826 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 17th. was duly recd. The awkward state of the Law professorship is truly distressing, but seems to be without immediate remedy. Considering the hopeless condition of Mr. Gilmour, a temporary appointment, if an acceptable successor were at hand, whilst not indelicate towards the worthy moribund incumbent, might be regarded as equivalent to a permanent one. And if the hesitation of...
68From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 21st. The refusal of the offer to Mr. Wirt, inviting as it was, does not surprize me. It is very gratifying to learn that Mr. Lomax takes so well with everybody. I hope his success will make some amends for the delay in filling the Chair which is to receive him. I have made a beginning with Capt. Peyton as the consignee of my business at Richmond, as recomended in...
69From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
I return the correspondence inclosed in yours of the 3d. inst. The reluctance of Mr. Emmett, & probably of his colleagues, to the enlargement of their duties, is neither to be wondered at, nor yielded to. You have put the matter on a ground to which I can suggest no improvement. It may be well perhaps that what has passed should not be generally known. With some it might produce reflections on...
70James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 April 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been detained in Washington untill the 6 th inst. I did not reach home till Tuesday night, and of course too late to comply with the arrangement notified in yours of the 10 th March by Bizet . I take for granted that the other Visitors met, and that for the present at least my attendance will not be needed. As it has always been our purpose to pay a visit to Monticello at no distant day...
71James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d some days ago yours of the 15 th and shall send my Palladio by the Stage of tuesday. It will probably arrive by the time you get back from Bedford . I send you the inclosed from M r Cooper , that it in case of the supposed miscarriage of his letter to you
72James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours by the bearer of this was safely delivered last evening. I return the letter to the Gov r which is well adapted to its object. The pencilled marks will merely suggest for your consideration, whether the term Monastic , tho’ the most significant that could be chosen, may not give umbrage to the Institutions to which it is applicable; and whether the idea of seeking professors abroad , may...
73James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 6 th inclosing the letters to & from D r Cooper , and forward the former by this days mail, the first that has offered. The relinquishment of our claim on him was unavoidable, and but reasonable. and it could not have been made known to him in more suitable terms. RC ( DLC : Madison Papers); fragment; endorsed by TJ as received 17 Feb. 1818 and so recorded in SJL .
74James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The day on which the first instalment for the Central College becomes due, being near at hand, I think it not amiss, as no conveyance of mine offers, to intimate, that it shall be paid on draft, or if requisite sent by a special hand. Y rs affectionately RC ( MoSHi : Lewis Fields Linn Papers, autograph scrapbook of Elizabeth Linn); endorsed by TJ as received 2 Apr. 1818 and so recorded in...
75James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the opportunity by Judge Holmes of sending my first Instalment for the Central College , which I beg the favor of you to have pai put into the proper hands. The only subscription to the lists I distributed is the inclosed one from Gen A. T. Mason . Is it worth while to avail ourselves of his solitary liberality in that distant quarter , which connects him so little with an institution...
76James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [16 July 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
I have postponed the return of the two papers, to the present time, in consequence of your intimation , that you would not return from Bedford till about a week before the day of assembling at Rockfish , and I shall note that this letter is not to be forwarded from Monticello . RC ( ViU: TJP ); undated and possibly fragmentary; at foot of text: “M r Jefferson.” Recorded in SJL as a letter of...
77James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 8 October 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
I was much gratified in learning from the President that you were so well recovering from the attack your health suffered beyond the mountains. I wish I could join you at the meeting of the visitors on monday, & attend also that of the Agricultural Society . But circumstances do not allow me that pleasure. RC ( ViU: TJP ); undated fragment; with a later attached slip in an unidentified hand...
78James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not been able to learn a tittle of your health since I saw you . It has, I hope, been entirely re-established; I congratulate you on the success of the Report to the Legislature on the subject of the University . It does not yet appear what steps have been taken by the Governor towards giving effect to the law . Will you be so good as to have the inclosed forwarded when convenient to M...
79James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Mar. 3. came safe to hand, with the seeds you were so kind as to send with it I return M r Cabell’s letter . I hope his fears exaggerate the hostility to the University ; tho’ if there should be a dearth in the Treasury , there may be danger from the predilection in favor of the popular Schools. I begin to be uneasy on the subject of Cooper . It will be a dreadful shock to him if...
80James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday morning yours of the 8 th and return the several copies of letters enclosed in it. The letter to you from M r Cabell was returned by the mail before the last. I know not any course better to be taken in relation to D r Cooper , than your letters to him &
81James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday yours of the 11 th . The letter from M r Cabell which I return is of very agreeable import. His other letter was returned several days ago, and probably reached Monticello soon after the date of yours . RC
82James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 September 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday yours of the 23 d inclosing the draft of a report from the Visitors , in which I see no occasion for addition or alteration, but much for regret at the deficiency of our resources. The subject is presented however to the Legislature , with the most inviting aspect for their attention and assistance. I shall endeavour to be with you about saturday. and M rs Madison will...
83James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 18 th which authenticates your convalescence was most welcome, & I thank you much for your kindness in relieving me from the anxieties which preceded it. Fortunately the first account we had of your illness was accompanied with some encouragement to hope that the crisis had been passed favorably; & this hope was fostered by the information of Col: P. Barbour on his return...
84James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d a few days ago the two inclosed letters one from M r Hackley , the other from the Botanical professor at Madrid : the latter accompanied by the three little pamphlets also inclosed, and by thirty specimens of wheat, with four of Barley, and between 2 & 300 papers of the seeds referred to as “ rariora Horti Botan: Matritensis .” The Wheats & Barleys
85James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 December 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
By the return of the ladies who have favored M rs Madison with so agreable a visit, I send back the correspondence with Cooper. It has ended better than I expected. I learn with the greatest pleasure that your health is so well restored. I hope you will be careful of it. above all avoid the fatigues of the pen. FC ( DLC : Madison Papers); in Dolley Madison ’s hand; dateline beneath signature;...
86James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 31 March 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Judge Todd accompanied by one of his sons being on his return thro’ your neighbourhood will call to pay his respects to you. His great worth justly entitles him to this introduction to your recollections. I propose to be with you tomorrow evening. M rs M. will not lose the opportunity of making a visit to the ladies of Monticello . RC ( NjP : Andre deCoppet Collection); dateline at foot of...
87James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Nov r 29. came to hand a few days ago. The letter from T.C. is returned. I had one from him lately on the same subject; and in consequence reminded the President of his political career; dropping at the same time a few lines in his favor of to our Senator M r Barbour
88James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
In The the inclosed you will see the ground on which I forward it for your perusal. In the late views taken by us, of the Act of Congress , vacating periodically the Executive offices, it was not recollected, in justice to the President , that the measure was not without precedents. I suspect however that these are confined to the Territorial Establishments, where they were introduced by the...
89James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday yours of the 16 th inclosing the paper from M r Ticknor , on the tax imposed on Books imported. He has taken a very comprehensive and judicious view of the subject. The remark you add to it is a proper one also; that books being a permanent property ought not to be taxed whilst other permanent property is exempt, both in the acquisition and possession. I have always...
90James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the several papers which accompanied yours of the 30 th Ult: I have interlined with a pencil for your consideration a very slight change in the petition to Congress , and another in the Report to the P. & D. of the Lit: Fund . The first is intended to parry objections from the reprinters of foreign books, by a phraseology not precluding exceptions in their favor. The exceptions can be...
91James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
This is the first mail since I rec d yours of the 25 Ult: which did not come to hand in time for an earlier answer; having lain a day or two at Or: C t House . Regarding the New Soc y for the benefit of the Indians, as limited to their civilization, an object laudable in itself; and taking for granted, perhaps too hastily, that the plan had not been formed & published without the sanction of...
92James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [29 March 1822] (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry that the approaching meeting of the Visitors will furnish an exception to the punctuality of my attendance … I presume that my failure, even if it prevents a quorum, is rendered of little consequence by the obduracy of the Assembly to the pleas in behalf of the University , whose interests are certainly the best interests of their constituents … Extract, including ellipses, printed...
93James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I fulfill the request of M r Rush by inclosing the letter in which it is made; and the rather as the letter is of pretty late date and touches on the affairs of Europe . I have heard of your intended visit to Bedford , but count on this reaching Monticello before you leave it. RC ( Heritage Auctions , auction 6182, Dallas, 19 Oct. 2017, lot 47062); endorsed by TJ as received 9 (reworked from...
94To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 January 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received yours of the 6 th with the letters of M r Cabell, M r Gerry, and Judge Johnson. The letter from M r C. proposing an Extra Meeting of the Visitors, & referred to in yours was not sent, and of course is not among those returned. The friends of the University in the Assembly seem to have a delicate task on their hands. They have the best means of knowing what is best to be...
95To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters & papers being addressed to you as well as me, I am not at liberty to withhold them. tho’ I know the disrelish you will feel for such appeals. I shall give an answer, in a manner for us both, intimating the propriety of our abstaining from any participation in the electioneering measures on foot. DLC : Papers of James Madison.
96To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I congratulate you on the loan, scanty as it is, for the University; in the confidence that it is a gift masked under that name; and in the hope that it is a pledge for any remnant of aid the Establishment may need in order to be totus teres atque rotundus . Can you not have the hands Set to work without the formality of a previous meeting of the Visitors? I have rec d no notice from Richmond...
97To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 21 March 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d your two letters of the 12 & 14. inst: You will have inferred my approbation of the course taken in order to avoid a loss of time in executing the Rotunda. I shall be with you at the Meeting of the Visitors if possible. The letter from O. Flaherty with its companions, are herewith inclosed. It is quite presumable that he possesses the technical qualifications for the professorship...
98To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 29 April 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
What is the proper quetus for the solicitudes within expressed? DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
99To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 June 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the copy of your letter to Judge Johnson inclosed to me in your favor of the instant. your statement relating to the farewell address of Gen l Washington is substantially correct. If there be any circumstantial inaccuracy, it is in imputing to him more agency in composing the document than he probably had. Taking for granted that it was drawn up by Hamilton, the best conjecture is...
100To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 6 September 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the two communications from the president inclosed in your letter of Aug. 30. I am afraid the people of Spain as well as of Portugal need still further light & heat too from the American example before they will be a match for the armies, the intrigues & the bribes of their enemies, the treachery of their leaders, and what is most of all to be dreaded, their priests & their...