351James Madison to James Carroll and Others, 23 February 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have received, young gentlemen, your letter of the 16th. inst: informing me that I have been elected an honorary member of the Franklin Literary Society of Randolph Macon College. My respect for the object of the Society, and the motives for associating my name with it, do not permit me to decline the distinction, however sensible I am of the little value that can be attached to its...
352James Madison to Samuel J. Carr, 25 July 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 19th. In reply to your enquiries concerning my health, prompted by such kind feelings, I cannot speak favorably. It continues to be very feeble, and with a Rheumatic Affection in my hands & fingers makes the use of the pen very awkward, as is shewn by this specimen. Mrs Madison to whom your enquiries are kindly extended, enjoys her usual health, and desires to...
353From James Madison to Nathaniel H. Carter, 22 December 1824 (Madison Papers)
the copy of “Pains of the Imagination,” for […]ness. It is so long since I ceased to indulge […] the period when the imagination is most […] less pretend to decide on the merit of […] that on a cursory perusal my eye was […] inspiration; […] ⟨h⟩armony […] inclosed to me is addressed on the […] ⟨m⟩ention the mistake merely as proper […]ks Sir for the favor I have received Draft ( DLC )....
354From James Madison to John Cartwright, [post–23 September 1824] (Madison Papers)
It is so long since I recd. your Volume on the English Constitution with the letter accompanying it that I must add to my thanks for the favors, an apology for the delay in returning them. I perceived at once that to do justice to such a work, it ought to be read with a continued attention which happened to be impossible till within a short time past. I am now able to say that I have found in...
355From James Madison to George and Charles Carvill, 12 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. with the last No. of the U.S. Review &c an account for $5. which I inclose, returning the rect. for your signature. Finding that my advanced stage of life disqualifies me from giving a due attention to such publications, I must request of you, as I am doing in other cases, that my name be discontinued on the list to which the Review is sent. Be pleased to accept at the same time...
356James Madison to Lewis Cass, 3 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his respects to Govr. Cass, offers him many thanks for the copy of his late discourse before the American Historical Society at Washington. He has read it with great pleasure, the greater, from its favorable bearing on the literary reputation of our Country—"If History be Philosophy teaching by example," it will itself be instructed by the Philosophy of such discourses. FC (DLC) .
357James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, September 1834 (Madison Papers)
I recd. in the due time your letter of Aug. 11. But in my present condition I have been obliged to spare the use of the pen as much as possible, especially when an answer was not pressing, and I could give none that could be of much importance. It may well be supposed that at my age, and after a lapse of nearly 30 years, my memory must be a very fallible resort for information as to...
358From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 30 January 1827 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To James Leander Cathcart. Letter not found. 30 January 1827. Calendared in the lists probably made by Peter Force ( DLC , series 7, box 2).
359From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 23 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I received yesterday your letter and communications of the 18th. instant. I have read them with a sincere sympathy for the situation in which you find yourself; and with regret that a more fortunate one has not followed your long continuance in the public service. I shall of course feel much pleasure at any occurrence which would brighten your prospects for the time to come. I know not however...
360From James Madison to James H. Causten, 9 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 1st. inst: relating to the claims on the U.S. founded on their release of France from claims on her with the several documents to which it refers. Having long withdrawn my attention from such subjects, I should under any circumstances feel a reluctance in recurring to them. At my very advanced period of life, with other demands on its scanty remnant...
361From James Madison to Anthony Charles Cazenove, 18 April 1821 (Madison Papers)
If you have any remains of the Lisbon Wine I had from you a year ago, or any of similar quality & price viz 125 Cents per Gallon, be so good as to send me a pipe or Hhd. well cased by the first opportunity to Fredericksburg addressed to the care of Messrs. Mackay & Campbell: also a twenty Gallon Keg of best Cognac brandy, and a like keg of best West India Spirits, both cased also. If I do not...
362From James Madison to Anthony Charles Cazenove, 13 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have been favd. with yours of the 7. and am giving orders for getting up the articles you have forwarded as soon as they arrive at Fredg. I am taking measures also for having the amt. due remitted. Should they not have immediate effect, others will be adopted. Draft ( DLC : Dolley Madison Papers). Year not indicated; conjectural year based on the fact that the letter is written at the foot...
363From James Madison to Anthony Charles Cazenove, 30 April 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 25th. As the injury to your eye was slight, I hope it has been of short continuance. My want of Lisbon wine not being urgent, I prefer waiting till you can supply such as I formerly recd.; if the prospect of it be not remote or uncertain. In either of these cases be so good as to give the order you suggest on Baltimore or Philada. enjoining particularly the...
364James Madison to Charles Chalamet, 22 February 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your letter; with its poetic accompaniment; in which I must be permitted to say that the Poet rises far above his subject. For the very kind sentiments expressed in your letter, I tender my acknowledgements; with an assurance that as a Guest at Montpellier, you left impressions which will always prompt our best wishes for your success, whatever the pursuits to which you...
365James Madison to John G. Chapman, 15 July 1834 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Chapman and has received the excellent Engravings which he kindly forwarded on the 9th. and assures him that Mrs Madison is highly pleased with the likeness as well as the execution of the Engraver, and desires to be included in this offer of acknowledgments. RC (MiU-C) .
366James Madison to John G. Chapman, 23 December 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 23d. inst: No apology was necessary for the request it makes, which will be complied with by the subjoined signature Be pleased to accept, with my cordial respects, my good wishes for a prosperous career professional & personal RC (owned by Chuck Rogers, Irvine, Calif., ).
367James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, 23 October 1831 (Madison Papers)
I return the papers accompanying yours of yesterday. I have run over tho’ very hastily, the prepared decree other objects happening to press on my attentions. As it presents the view taken of the case by Mr. Barbour & Mr. Patton, with your accordance, I should very reluctantly suggest changes if any occurred. I have taken for granted that my account must be settled with the Commisioners. But...
368James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, 22 December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Yours enclosing the paper of Mr Patton was duly recd. Fearing that the delay in hearing from me may be misunderstood, I think it not amiss to mention that I have been prevented from giving it the proper attention by several jobs of the pen, & especially by a painful Rhumatic attack not yet abated. It will give me pleasure to comply with the request you communicated as soon as I can: though it...
369James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, 6 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of inclosing the manuscript of J. M. Patton on the subjects of which it is intimated that my opinion would be acceptable. The paper afford sufficient indication of the talents ascribed to the Author. Of his honorable principles, I believe no one doubts. And with these qualifications for serving his Country, it may be well for it that he is making its Institutions &...
370From James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, 25 January 1821 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yours of the 16th. some days ago. Particular engagements have prevented an earlier answer. Different plans for reading history have been recommended. What occurs as most simple & suitable, where the object is such as you point out, is to begin with some abridgement of Genl. History. I am not sure that I am acquainted with the best; late ones having been published wch. I have not seen....
371From James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, 24 July 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 20th. I shall be content with whatever arrangements may be made with Ambrose Madison on the subject of Milly. Yrs Affe. Draft ( ViU : Special Collections). Reynolds Chapman (1778–1844) was clerk of the Hustings and Superior courts of Orange County, Virginia. He married JM’s niece, Rebecca Conway Madison, the daughter of William Madison and Frances Throckmorton...
372James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, April 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your letter, in which you say that according to information, to be relied on, one of the Candidates for the Senatorial District, had publickly asserted that I favoured his Election; and that it was doing injury to the other Candidate. Having declined interfering in the existing political contests, and elections, for reasons sufficiently obvious, in my aged and decrepid...
373James Madison to Reynolds Chapman and Others, 27 June 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. gentlemen, your note of the 23. inst. in which I am invited in such terms to partake with a portion of fellow Citizens of this County of a dinner on the approaching 4th. of July. The pleasure I should feel in meeting them on such an occasion, wd. be more than sufficient inducement to avail myself of the invitation but several circumstances will concur, at that time, in putting it...
374James Madison to Le Ray de Chaumont, 9 June 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have received and thank you for your favor of the 2d. instant, with the edifying pamphlet proceeding from the Agricultural Convention lately held at Albany; and the paper describing the festive welcome given to the return of Mr. Irving. The distinguished honour done him was due to his genius, and the literary fruits of it, which his Country may well be proud of. I thank you also for your...
375From James Madison to Peter Stephen Chazotte, 30 January 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd & thank you for your little tract on the culture of vines Olives &c. Its practical views of the several articles derived from long personal experience, with the apparent aptitude for them of soils & climates in a certain portion of the U. States justly claim the attention of those particularly living within its limits. Experiments for introducing these valuable productions are...
376From James Madison to Langdon Cheves, 20 December 1819 (Madison Papers)
I learn that a Ticket for Directors of the Branch Bank at Richmond has been sent on to Pha. in which Mr. F Corbin, is first named as a mark it is presumed, of his claim to favorable attention. I know not the other names and am aware that I owe an apology for troubling you at all on the subject. But a very long & personal acquaintance with Mr. C. and the opinion of him to which it has led, do...
377From James Madison to Langdon Cheves, 4 February 1820 (Madison Papers)
Having in so recent an instance troubled you with a deviation from my general wish to decline recommendatory letters, I feel the greater awkwardness in now yielding to the request of another friend, who overrating my testimony is desirous of adding it to that of others, in making you acquainted with his standing both personally and in relation to the probable extent of his property. F. Preston...
378James Madison to G. C--k, 3 August 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir your letter of the 10th. ult. The ardour it manifests for distinction in useful services to your Country, is praiseworthy, and I wish you success in the attainments qualifying you for it. But were I ever so capable of aiding you, the remnant of life at my very advanced age, could spare no portion of it, for the task you request of me. In your native powers, in your industrious...
379James Madison to Henry Clagett, 27 September 1831 (Madison Papers)
I recd. several days ago your letter of the 20th. Not hearing from Mr. Randolph, on the subject of it I infer some obstacle on his part, or mistake on yours; and have forwarded your letter to him & Genl. Cocke. They will doubtless feel every readines to gratify the wishes of Mrs. Mason, unless the case be found beyond the discretion of the Ex Comee. respects & good wishes (DLC) .
380James Madison to Bushrod W. Clark and G. D. L. Parks, 7 December 1833 (Madison Papers)
The friendly spirit in which your letter of the 22d Ult is written makes me regret that I can not comply with the object of it. The infirmities of my great age, increased by the effect of an enfeebling malady, wd. alone forbid the attempt. Nor can I refer you to any accounts which have been published, for information as to incidents of my private life. For my public career the information is...
381James 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...
382From James Madison to Henry Clay, 24 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
Since I took the liberty of mentioning to you the name of young Mr. Waugh who wishes to be a bearer of public despatches, and whom you kindly promised to keep in view for consideration, I have learned that he is younger than I was aware and probly without that sort of knowledge of the world which would be useful at any age, and could alone supply the want of age. It is quite proper that I...
383James Madison to Henry Clay, 2 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
Accept my acknowledgements for the copy of your Speech on the bill modifying the Tariff. I need not repeat what is said by all, on the ability and advantage with which the Subject was handled. It has certainly had the effect of an Anodyne on the feverish excitement under which the public mind was laboring; & a relapse may happily not ensue. There is no certainty however that a surplus revenue...
384James Madison to Henry Clay, 9 October 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have just been favored with yours of the 22d. Ult: enclosing a copy of your Address delivered at Cincinnati. Without concurring in every thing that is said, I feel what is due to the ability and eloquence which distinguish the whole. The rescue of the Resolutions of Kentucky in -98 & 99. from the misconstruction of them, was very a propos; that authority being particularly relied on, as an...
385From James Madison to Henry Clay, 6 January 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. the copy of your Address politely forwarded to me. Altho’ I have taken no part in the depending contests and have been led to place myself publickly on that ground, I could not peruse the Appeal you have made without being sensible of the weight of testimony it exhibits, and of the eloquence by which it is distinguished. Having occasion to write to Mr. Brougham on a subject...
386From James Madison to Henry Clay, 13 April 1827 (Madison Papers)
J. M. presents his respectful complts. to Mr. Clay, with another resort to his obliging promise, by the enclosed letter to the Amn. Minister at Paris. Draft ( DLC ). Filed at 10 April 1827 in the Index to the James Madison Papers “with note of” 13 April. JM to James Brown, 12 Apr. 1827 .
387James Madison to Henry Clay, 31 January 1835 (Madison Papers)
Perceiving that I am indebted to you for a copy of your Report on our Relations with France, I beg you to accept this return of my thanks for it. The document is as able in its execution, as it is laudable in its object of avoiding war without incurring dishonor. It must be the wish of all that the issue may correspond with the object. But may not a danger of rupture lurk under the conflicting...
388James Madison to Henry Clay, 13 March 1832 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his best respects to Mr Clay thanks him for the Copy of his speech "In Defence of the American System &c" It is a very able, a very eloquent, and a very interesting one. If it does not establish all its positions, in all their extent, it demolishes not a few of those relied on by the opponents. J. M. feels a pleasure in offering this tribute to its merits. But he must be...
389From James Madison to Henry Clay, 24 March 1827 (Madison Papers)
After your kind offer, I make no apology for inclosing another letter which I wish to have the advantage of a conveyance from the Department of State. Its object is to obtain from Mr. Gallatin a small service for our University, and that with as little delay as may be. Whilst I was charged with the Department of State, the British doctrine against a neutral trade with belligerent ports shut in...
390James Madison to Henry Clay, June 1833 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of May 28th. was duly received. In it you ask my opinion on the retention of the land bill by the President. It is obvious that the Constitution meant to allow the President an adequate time to consider the bills &co. presented to him, and to make his objections to them; and on the other hand that Congress should have time to consider and overrule the objections. A disregard on...
391James Madison to Henry Clay, 24 May 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have received yours of the 20th. inclosing the letter of Mr. Tracie. He had before made a direct application for the Classical Professorship in our University, and will of course be taken into due consideration with the other candidates. Notwithstanding the number of them, we shall not, I fear, find one who will replace as well as succeed Mr. Long now in that Chair, whose eminent...
392James Madison to Henry Clay, 22 March 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. yours of the 17th. Altho you kindly release me from a reply, it may be proper to say that some of the circumstances to which you refer were not before known to me. On the great question before Congress, on which so much depends out of Congress, I ought the less to obtrude an opinion, as its merits essentially depend on details which I never investigated, and of which I am an...
393From James Madison to Henry Clay, 16 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
I am very sorry that a lapse of attention on my part, shd. have given you the trouble denoted in yours of the 13th. The communication inadvertently addressed to you was intended for your colleague of the War Department, to whom as existing Presidt. of the Agricultural Society of Albemarle, the Botanical Box ought to have been transmitted. I must ask the favor of you to hand over to him the...
394From James Madison to Henry Clay, 27 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
I was lately called on by Docr. Waugh a physician in this quarter esteemed for his professional skill, with a request that I would name his son to the proper Dept. as an applicant for bearing public dispatches abroad, should there be occasion for such a service. The youth is represented as of promising talents & character. The wish to procure for him some employment, which will carry him...
395James Madison to Henry Clay, 14 October 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 10th. inst. on the subject of Mr. Trist son in law to Mrs. Randolph, of whose qualifications for a Clerkship in the Department of State you wish me to judge. This young gentleman is I believe, regarded by all best acquainted with him, as possessing a fine understanding, as respectable for his scientific and literary accomplishments, as of strict honor &...
396James Madison to Henry Clay, 21 March 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. from the Revd. Mr. Beasly, lately at the Head of the University in Philad. a request that I would drop you a few lines on the subject of his application for the vacant Presidentcy in the University at Lexington. My personal knowledge of Mr. B. is very slight, and that of his literary publications too much so, to admit of a competent judgment of his merits. That they disclose...
397From James Madison to Henry Clay, 24 April 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have received the copy of your Speech on “American Industry” for which I pray you to accept my thanks. I find in it a full measure of the ability & eloquence so often witnessed on preceding occasions. But whilst doing this justice to the task you have performed, which I do with pleasure as well as sincerity, candor obliges me to add that I can not concur in the extent to which the pending...
398From James Madison to Henry Clay, 10 April 1827 (Madison Papers)
The pamphlets accompanying your favor of the 4th. have been duly recd. and I thank you for the obliging attention to my request on that subject. Mr. Brent does not mention his expence in procuring them. It shall be remitted on his notice of the amount. Having occasion to make an addition to my last letter to Mr. Gallatin, I avail myself again of the medium with which you indulge me. With great...
399From James Madison to Charles Dexter Cleveland, 22 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison, with his respects to Mr. Cleveland, thanks him for the copy of his Epitome of Gretian Antiquities. Such a digest, appears to have been called for, and from such parts of it, as J.M has been able to look into, he readily infers that the task has been usefully executed. The Copy will be duly deposited in the Library of the University of Virginia. Draft ( ViU : Special Collections,...
400From James Madison to Timothy Clowes, 19 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Your two letters of May 4. & 25. with their respective enclosures have been duly reccd. as has been a letter from Mr Hatch, enclosing the copy of Certificates refered to in the first of them to me. These several communications will be laid before the Visitors of the University of Virga. at their appointed meeting on the 10th. of next month. FC ( DLC ). In Dolley Madison’s hand.