351From James Madison to G. F. H. Crockett, 6 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. your letter of Sepr. 24. some days ago. The printed address it refers to has but just come to hand. The subject which has employed your thoughts is one on which enlightened opinions are as yet much at variance. Nothing will probably reconcile them; but actual & fair experiments: and no where can such be made with less prejudice or less inconvenience than in the U.S. where the...
352From James Madison to George W. Featherstonhaugh, 11 March 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your Note of the 25 ult: and the Volume of Agricultural Memoirs forwarded with it. You have been very kind in repeating such a favor, notwithstanding the failure on my part of any compensating returns for preceding ones. The Albemarle Society has not yet published any similar collection of papers. And as for myself, time is fast stealing from me what I hope you will long...
353From James Madison to Samuel Dana, 21 February 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 6th. I do not possess the publications of the Agricultural Society of Massts. and have no doubt of the valuable instruction comprized in them. I feel however some reluctance in accepting your offer to forward me a copy, whilst I have no returns to make for it. I am very glad to learn that the situation of Mrs. Dana which caused your hasty departure from Washington...
354To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry M r 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...
355James Madison to Edward Coles, 29 August 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have received, my dear Sir, your favor of the 17th. The motives to it are as precious to me, as its object is controvertible. You have certainly presented your views of the subject with great skill and great force. But you have not sufficiently adverted to the position I have assumed, and which has been accorded or rather assigned to me by others, of being withdrawn from party agitations, by...
356From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 August 1824 (Madison Papers)
The bearer Mr. E. Tayloe, son of Col: Tayloe of Washington is desirous of making a respectful call at Monticello, and I can not refuse to his motive, the gratification of a line presenting him to you. He is at present a resident at Fredericksburg, reading Law with his kinsman Mr Lomax; and appears to be quite estimable & amiable. Mr T. is so good as to take charge of the 4 last volumes of Las...
357James Madison to Elliott Cresson, 23 April 1829 (Madison Papers)
With the examples before me, and as a token of the esteem and good wishes I feel for Elliott Cresson, I take pleasure in complying with his request, by the following sample of my handwriting-"Liberty & Learning, both best supported, when leaning, each on the other.[] RC (General Services Administration, National Archives and Records Service: Franklin D. Roosevelt Library); FC (DLC) .
358From James Madison to John Rutherfoord, 29 May 1827 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 25th. has been duly recd: and partaking as I do in the kind service rendered in the transaction committed to you, I beg you to accept my share of the acknowledgments. I unite with Mrs. Madison in returning the affectionate expressions from Mrs. Rutherfoo[r]d & yourself; which we shall be happy in repeating at Montpr. whenever you exchange the Atmosphere of Richd. for the...
359James Madison to George W. Spotswood, November 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 11th and am glad to learn that you find the change made in your location, an agreeable one. I hope it will prove a profitable one also. It is a proof of your good feelings that you mix with the luxuries which you share, so much sympathy with the distresses which you witness in others in their transit from one hard fate to another. I am sorry I can give you no...
360From James Madison to Joseph Wheaton, 6 July 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your letter of the 1st. instant. Your wish that your descendants shd. possess a just & favorable view of their ancestor is natural & commendable. There are others whose knowlege of your character & public services being more special may enable them to do more justice to your object than I can do. What I can say with truth & with pleasure is that in originally favoring your...
361James Madison to Alexander Garrett, 21 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
Do me the favor to forward, for the Report to be made to the Literary Board, the annual contribution of the Bursar With great respect Draft (DLC) . The following draft for A. S. Brockenbrough, November 21, 1828, is subjoined.
362James Madison to Henry A. S. Dearborn, 13 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison has received the Copy of the Speech of Genl. Dearborn kindly forwarded by him. His ability has done ample justice to the subject as viewed by him, and his partiality much beyond justice to the deserts of his friend RC (DLC : Blair and Woodbury Autograph Collection); FC (DLC) .
363From James Madison to Benjamin Joy, 6 May 1822 (Madison Papers)
Not having recd. an answer to the original I conclude it must have miscarried, and enclose a duplicate of it. Should I not hear from you in time I will forward your brother’s letter referred to the Scy of the Board of Commissioners, tho’ I should prefer doing so to your Agent, were I acquainted with his name, and sure that it would find him at Washington. Draft ( DLC ). See JM to Benjamin Joy,...
364James Madison to Samuel P. Walker, Jr., 14 January 1830 (Madison Papers)
A rule which I have found it expedient to impose on myself not permitting me to comply with the request in your letter of the 10th. inst; I can only express the pleasure with which I observe the high testimony borne to your promising talents and worth; a pleasure which is enhanced by your relation to an illustrious patriot, in the public veneration for whose memory, my personal share is so...
365James Madison to Jared Sparks, 13 March 1828 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving a few days ago, your favor of Feb. 27th. from Washington. It was quite unexpected, the Newspapers having announced, without any subsequent contradiction, your departure for Europe. Since my last to you, I have recd. a letter from Col. Storrow, in answer to an enquiring one, in which he informs me that the Packet you committed to him is still in his hands, adding...
366James Madison to [William Duer], 16 August 1828 (Madison Papers)
J. M. with his respects to Mr. Du[e]r, incloses with a corrected ad[s] the letter return, him[.] has left unchanged the [place] in the description; Yellow Birches sundry letters recd from that quarter, having that apparently as a post—mark on them. Draft (DLC) .
367From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 26 March 1827 (Madison Papers)
I think it proper to inclose you a copy of my letter to Mr. Gallatin, not merely for your information, but that I may be favored, with any additions or alterations that may occur to you. You will perceive the difficulty of accomodating the resort to Mr. Gallatin to the shortness of time, the uncertainty of his success, and the proper reserve for the chance of success here. In alluding to the...
368James Madison to Howard Malcom, 18 June 1830 (Madison Papers)
The 2 Copies of the "Reports on Prison discipline" referred to in your letter of the 3d. inst: were recd. some days ago. The letter itself was brought by the last mail with the post mark of Charleston S.C. to which it had been missent. The duplicate for a friend I have sent to Mr. Howard as one to both of us. I have not yet been able to give an entire reading to the little volume, but have...
369James Madison to James Monroe, 20 March 1828 (Madison Papers)
Yours of Feby. 23. was not recd. before the last mail tho’ having the Aldie post mark on the day of its date. Whether it was not duly forwarded, or was so long overlooked at the office here is not known. The latter was probably the case. We hope the agreeable information you gave of Mrs. Monroe’s convalescence has been justified by, her entire recovery. I need not now say that I recd. at the...
370James Madison to Thomas Maxwell, 21 December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your letter inclosing one from Mr. Sloan accompanied by his little pamphlet on Priestcraft, was duly recd. As he wishes you to be the medium of an answer I must ask the favor of you to convey my congratulations on the health and other consolations he enjoys at so advanced a stage of life, and my thanks also for all the kind feelings he expresses towards me. Notwithstanding the lapse of time, I...
371James Madison to Hubbard Taylor, 15 August 1835 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of July was duly recd. The recollections it so kindly expresses are very gratifying coming from one whose friendship I have always valued, & to whom I have been often indebted for attentions useful to me. I join in all your good wishes, for more tranquility & harmony in our public affairs: which will always be best promoted by a course avoiding the extremes to which party...
372From James Madison to John Nicholas, 4 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a few days ago a copy of your agricultural address under a blank Cover. Presuming that I am indebted for it to your kind attention I offer you my thanks for the favor. I have read your observations with pleasure & not without instruction. Whatever differences of opinion may exist on particular points; the substance and scope of the address, can not fail to be acceptable & useful to...
373James Madison to Charles Eaton Hayne, 27 August 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. In the very crippled & feeble state of my health I cannot undertake an extended answer to your enquiries, nor should I suppose it necessary if you have seen my letter to Mr. Everett in August 1830, in which the proceedings of Virginia in 98-99 were explained, and the novel doctrine of nullification adverted to. The distinction is obvious between 1st. such...
374From James Madison to James Francis Madison Shepherd, 8 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. Ult. was not recd. till yesterday afternoon. I find on recurring to my files and my memory, that I can afford no evidence of the fact in question. I have nothing from the pen of Docr. Shepherd that alludes to it. In a letter of april 7th 1821. He says “A family of the negroes that belonged to my brothers Estate have been taken back for the benefit of Betsy Shepherd: if...
375From James Madison to Francis Preston, 2 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by the last Mail yours of May 15: and I can not but express my regret that any controversy should have arisen as to the distribution of the laurels gained in the memorable battle of Kings Mountain, where enough were gained for all the heroes of the achievement. I was not what you suppose I was, a member of the Council of State, either at the date of the battle, or when the vote of the...
376Toasts for Lafayette’s Dinner, [ante–5 November 1824] (Madison Papers)
Toasts suggested for the dinner to Genl: Lafayette + The Guest of the Nation: no where more welcome than in Virginia. She received his best services. He enjoys her best affections. “To love liberty a nation need but know it: to possess it, but to will it.” *La Fayette —The Rights of man, the Gift of God: The powers of Government the Grant of the people. The President of the U.S. (Monroe) the...
377James Madison to Robley Dunglison, 12 March 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. I cannot think it will be amiss, scanty as our funds are, to make the small draft on them for the pertinent object you suggest. I have made the use of your friendly communication relating to young Willis that was proper without disclosing the source of it. I recd. some days ago a letter from L. P. Perry, seeking an exemption from the enactment on the...
378From James Madison to Thomas Todd, 6 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
A letter just recd. from Mrs. Todd has given us very great pleasure first because it assures us of the progressive restoration of your health, and secondly because it pledges anew the visit so long & as anxiously wished by us. I hope your health will continue to improve and that nothing will interfere to keep our families apart the ensuing fall & winter. I have recd. a letter from R. B. Lee...
379From James Madison to Robert Lewis, 10 November 1824 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Myers duly delivered your letter of the 8th. conveying to me the invitation of the Joint Committee of the Common Hall & Citizens of Fredericksburg to be with them at a dinner to be given to General La Fayette. Uniting with the Common Hall & Citizens in all their grateful sentiments towards General La Fayette, it would afford me much pleasure to unite also, in the proposed festive...
380From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 14 October 1822 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 12th. came to hand this morning. I regret most sincerely, the circumstances which compel you to take the step you meditate, as the only resort under the pressure of your debts. I wish it were more in my power to aid you in your distress. Short crops, low prices, and other causes limit my present means, & suggest caution as to future engagements. I have determined nevertheless to...
381James Madison to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 9 January 1829 (Madison Papers)
Will Mr. R. oblige J.M. by turning to the correspondence of Mr. Jefferson with Mr. Pendleton & als Col. John Taylor & telling me whether any thing & what appears to have passed between them, having relation to the publication of Mr. Pendleton in Octr. 1801. subscribed "The danger not over" FC (DLC) .
382From James Madison to Bernard Peyton, 27 February 1827 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Anderson gives me notice that a draft accepted by me in favor of Rd. Peters jr for $1048.68. due on the 1st. of Apl, has been placed in the B.B. of the U.S. at Richd. for collection. I had several sources for meeting this & some other demands, which, untill very lately, I thought could not fail me. It has happened otherwise, and I find myself under the necessity of asking the favor of your...
383From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 24 October 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have received with your favour of the 11th. a copy of the “Collection of Documents” which you had recently published. The Treaty of Ghent forms a prominent epoch in our National History; and will be a lasting monument of the Ability and patriotism with which it was negociated. Incidents elucidating the transaction, can not therefore but be interesting, and they are made the more so by the...
384From James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 26 January 1828 (Madison Papers)
Your favours of the 18th have been duly recd. I am sorry you thought an apology necessary for the delay in sending me the residue of my letters to Mr. Jefferson, and rather surprized that you should be scrupulous of reading them. I took for granted that you would regard them, as on his files equally open tho less entitled to inspection than his to me. In forwarding the parcels, you are so...
385From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 5 May 1818 (Madison Papers)
Do me the favor to have the inclosed handed to the Editors of the Nal. Messenger in George Town who will return you a small balance & a receipt. Mrs. M. writes to her Sister, I believe. I can add nothing but that we have been for some days again got back to Winter. The mountains before us, as far to the South as they are visible, are covered with snow half way down their sides. Our fruits, the...
386From James Madison to St. George Tucker, 23 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your very kind communication of Novr. 22. came duly to hand, and I am particularly thankful for your attention to the wish intimated thro’ Mr. Cabell. It was a sight of the Legislative Journals of 1784–5.6.7. that I had occasion for; and unless the Vols. No. 4 or 5, contain extracts for some of those years, the trouble of sending them would be without avail. It is not surprizing, because so...
387James Madison to David Hoffman, 13 June 1832 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his respects to Mr. Hoffman thanks him for the copy of his lecture lately delivered in the University of Maryland. In the decrepit & feeble state of the health of J. M. he has not been able to bestow on some parts of the lecture the degree of attention which they merit. He can safely pronounce it to be a happy example in which erudite disquisition is presented in language not...
388James 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
389From James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 27 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
I leave the inclosed open that you may see the papers relating to the Hotel Keepers. Should Genl. Cocke, unexpectedly at this season, be in Charlottesville, be so obliging as to have the letter put into his hands; in the contrary event, into the proper mail. I inclose for you Mr. Brokenboroughs report to be assorted with the other documents accompanying that to go from the Rector; on which I...
390James Madison to William B. Rogers, 26 February 1836 (Madison Papers)
J. M. with his respects to Professor Rogers, returns many thanks for the Copy of his Report on the "Geological Reconnaissance of the State of Virginia." Unskilled as he is in the subject; he cannot but regard the Report as an able & instructive commencement of a task, which if duly prosecuted under the auspices it merits, cannot fail to amplify greatly the resources of the state, & to afford...
391James Madison to Jared Sparks, 7 January 1832 (Madison Papers)
Having reason to beleive that several of my letters have miscarried during the casualties of the Season, and having just ascertained, that one written, some time ago to Mr E. Everett of Boston never reached him, it occurs, that my answer to your letter of on the subject of Mr Pinckney may have had a like fate. Say by a line whether it has, or has not. In the former case, I will send you a...
392From James Madison to Nicholas Biddle, 31 May 1827 (Madison Papers)
Finding by your favor of the 27. that the Library of the Philosophical Society does not contain a Copy of the Revised Code as reported by Mr. Jefferson & his Colleagues, I send for it the promised one herewith inclosed. The Copies being now very scarce, I have not been able to furnish one in a less Soiled Condition. With great & very sincere esteem Draft ( DLC ). [Thomas Jefferson et al.],...
393James Madison to Unknown, March 1836 (Madison Papers)
The precise obligation imposed on a representative, by instructions of his constituents, still divides the opinions, of distinguished statesmen. This is the case in Great Britain, where such topics have been most discussed. It is also now the case, more or less < >d was so, at the first Congress under the present Constitution, as appears from the Register of Debates, imperfectly as they were...
394James Madison to Robert Lee, 22 February 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 12th. The motive & the matter of it, might claim for the request it makes to a degree of attention from which my age, now approaching the 80th. year, may not only excuse but properly restrain me. Under any circumstances I ought not to offer opinions on such subjects, without the reasonings on which they rest; and this under existing circumstances, is a task...
395From James Madison to Stephen Van Rensselaer, 6 May 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd your favor of Apl. 19. accompanied by the Geological Survey, and followed by the two Profile plates appurtenant to it. These fruits of your Munificent patronage give you a just title to the thanks of all who take an interest in such researches, & the proper share of merit will not be refused to the intelligence & care with which your plan appears to have been executed. The...
396James Madison to Thomas D. Clark, 28 February 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir, your letter of Jany. 31. and thank you for the kind sentiments which it expresses. The view you give of your condition in life, though an humble, may well be deemed a happy one, whilst you enjoy the contentment and other blessings of which you are piously sensible. The prosperity of our Country is a source of enjoyment, as well as an occasion of thankfulness for us all. And...
397James Madison to John W. Williams, 13 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by the last mail your favor of the 5th. A newspaper had apprized me a few days before of the afflicting event which it confirms. I had always abundant reason to be assured that I enjoyed the cordial regard of my departed friend, as a I was conscious of a mutual reciprocity in that respect; as well as sensible of what was due in every respect, both to his public & private work. I have a...
398From James Madison to Isaac Coffin, 2 April 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have been so fortunate as to procure for you, 3 wild Turkies, two Goblers and one hen. I regret that I could not double the latter also, but all my efforts have failed. The solitary Gobler in a Coop by himself, is several years old, is very large, and has the finest plumage I have ever seen on a Turkey. The pair in the other Coop are of the last year’s brood, and not a forward one. They will...
399James Madison to Joseph C. Cabell, 5 October 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of Sepr. 27. The object of mine of Sepr. 18 was to suggest the topics & references which had occurred to me as supporting a constitutional doctrine in wch. we agreed, and in which I know you to feel a particular interest. If as you suppose a publication of the views taken in the letter, of the Tariff power in Congress, might have a useful tendency, the present can...
400From James Madison to Dolley Madison, 4 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
Here we are snug in a warm room consoling ourselves on our escape from the Storm, by our safe arrival, mine about 2 O.C. yesterday, Mr. Monroe’s last night. We found the road so good that it was difficult to avoid getting to Mr Nelson’s too soon. We found them well except young Mrs. N. whose indisposition tho’ not serious, suspended, if nothing more, the trip below. Mr. Monroe set out before...