351From James Madison to Spencer Roane, 29 June 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have received and return my thanks for your obliging communication of the 20th. instant. The papers of “Algernoon Sydney” [ sic ] have given their full lustre to the arguments against the suability of States by individuals; and against the projectile capacity of the power of Congress within the “ten miles square.” The publication is well worthy of a pamphlet form, but must attract public...
352From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 16 July 1821 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Adams with many thanks for his “Address” on the 4th. of July, which is not less rich in excellent thoughts, than eloquent in the enunciation of them. RC ( MHi : Adams Papers). John Quincy Adams, An Address Delivered at the Request of a Committee of the Citizens of Washington; On the Occasion of Reading the Declaration of Independence, on the Fourth of...
353From James Madison to Mackay & Campbell, 21 July 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your favor of the l9th. and inclose the Blank bills filled with a draft on Maury & Latham for $250 Stirling [ sic ]. I lose no time in sending them; because I understand there is an advantage in having bills in the market in time for the Monthly Packet from N. York. I wish as much of the proceeds to be applied to the Bank in Fredg. as will cancel the discount and reduce my...
354From James Madison to Samuel Wyllys Pomeroy, 21 July 1821 (Madison Papers)
I return my thanks for the Agricultural Journal for which I observe I am indebted to your politeness. Several of the Articles have well rewarded the perusal. Those on the culture of flax are particularly interesting, being calculated to gratify curiosity at the same time that they instruct the husbandman. I send herewith samples of flax in the several Stages of its preparation by a machine of...
355From James Madison to Joseph Gales Jr., 26 August 1821 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your friendly letter of the 20th. enclosing an extract from notes by Judge Yates, of debates in the Convention of 1787, as published in a N.Y. paper. *Commercial Advertizer Aug: 18. 1821 The letter did not come to hand till yesterday. If the extract be a fair sample, the work about to be published will not have the value claimed for it. Who can believe that so palpable a...
356From James Madison to Thomas Ritchie, 15 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 8th. instant on the subject of the proceedings of the convention of 1787. It is true as the public has been led to understand, that I possess materials for a pretty ample view of what passed in that Assembly. It is true also that it has not been my intention that they should for ever remain under the veil of secrecy. Of the time when it might be not improper for them...
357From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday yours of the 16th. inclosing the paper from Mr. 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 considered...
358From 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...
359From James Madison to John Drayton, 23 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received the copy of your Memoirs which you were so good as to send me. Be pleased to accept my thanks for it. I have looked sufficiently into the work to be sensible of its value not only to those who take a more immediate interest in local details; but as a contribution also to the fund of materials for a general history of the American Revolution. Every incident connected with...
360From James Madison to Albert Picket and Others, 23 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 10th. instant, asking my opinion as to th⟨e establishment of a female college,⟩ and a proper course of instruction in it. The importance of both these questions, an⟨d the⟩ novelty of the first, would require more consideration than is allowed by other demands on my time, if I were better qualified for the task, or than is permitted indeed by the tenor of your...
361From James Madison to Lafayette, [ca. 7 October 1821] (Madison Papers)
I did not receive, my dr. frd. your favor of July 1. till a few weeks ago. It came thro’ the post office from N. York. Of Dr. Barba I have not heard a word. I shall keep in mind the title your recommendation gives to any marks of my attention, for which opportunities may be afforded. I have read with great pleasure your opinion occasioned by the Budget. Sentiments so noble, in language so...
362From James Madison to Mackay & Campbell, [ca. 15 October 1821] (Madison Papers)
I returned the note covered by yours of the 4th duly signed. I forwarded some days ago one to meet the object of it, which I hope reached you on Friday morning. Should it have miscarried that now sent will replace the advance which you will have been good enough to make. The Articles of furniture marked R. Cutts were intended for me & early measures will be taken to have them brought up. With...
363From James Madison to Littell & Henry, 18 October 1821 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. your letter of Sepr 24. The answer it requests has been delayed by an indisposition from which I am just recovering. I very cheerfully express my approbation of the proposed Edition of Blackstones Commentaries accompanied by a comparative view of the laws of the U.S. & of the several States. Such a work executed with the ability to be presumed in its authors must be very useful in...
364From James Madison to Joseph Wheaton, [ca. 30] October 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 20th. instant. You will be sensible that I cd. not know sufficiently the value of the particular extra services rendered by you during the late war, to decide on the amount of compensation equitably due for them. I can therefore only mention to the gentlemen you have named, my general impression of the zeal & activity with which you promoted the public service as far...
365From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1821 (Madison Papers)
I return the several papers which accompanied yours of the 30th. 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...
366From James Madison to William Plumer, 17 November 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have received the Agricultural Address of your son which you politely inclosed to me. It has handled a very beaten subject in a manner instructive to many and persuasive to all; and is well entitled to the thanks which I tender, with assurances of my great esteem and cordial respects. RC ( MB ).
367From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 November 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have been for some time a debtor for your favor of June 21. which was accompanied by the “Apochryphal New Testament.” Accept my thanks for both. I have not yet seen any notice in this Country of Godwin’s last work; nor has it been reviewed by any of the English critics which have fallen under my eye. I think with you however that it can scarcely fail to attract public attention. It merits a...
368From James Madison to George Joy, 21 November 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have not forgotten your favor of Feby. last, tho’ I am so tardy in acknowledging it. The truth is, I find as generally happens, that age is daily increasing my disinclination to use the pen, as it possibly may, tho’ I am less sensible of it, an inclination for the other mode of communicating our thoughts. I might find an apology also, in a very afflicting fever of the typhoid character which...
369From James Madison to Dolley Madison, [30 November 1821] (Madison Papers)
I snatch a moment and a very bad pen to tell you that we ended our journey in good time that is before it was dark. The roads, with a little exception, were better than was expected. We found every body well, much regretting that you could not join in the visit. It was well that I did not decline it, for there would not have been a Quorum without me, Gen’l Taylor & Mr. Breckinridge, not being...
370From James Madison to Frederick C. Schaeffer, 3 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. with your letter of Novr. 19: the copy of your address at the ceremonial of laying the Corner Stone of St. Mathews Church in N. York. It is a pleasing & persuasive example of pious zeal, united with pure benevolence; and of cordial attachment to a particular creed, untinctured with Sectarian illiberality. It illustrates the excellence of a system which, by a due distinction to...
371From James Madison to Benjamin Drake, 8 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a few days ago your letter of Novr. 6. on the subject of materials for a “Biographical sketch of the Celebrated Tecumseh.” I cannot better answer it, than by referring you to the Dept. of War, the files of which contain the official correspondence and communications from the military Commanders & Indian Agents most likely to furnish interesting particulars relating to that Chief as...
372From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 12 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 1st. inst. and am sorry that neither my memory, nor my knowledge goes far enough back to furnish the desirable answers to your questions, whether and to what amount, the balance in the trade with G. Britain was against the colonies, particularly Virginia previous to the Revolution. That the ordinary balance was unfavorable cannot be doubted, and the limit to...
373From James Madison to Mackay & Campbell, 18 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
The bills on M. & L. lately sent you expressed the balance due to me as stated in the Acct. Sales. The Acct current just come to hand, contains a few items of which I was not aware, reducing the balance from £28.3.5. to £21.15.2. Should the Bills not be out of your reach be so good as to let me replace them with a correct set. Should the oppy. be past, I must ask the favor of you to adjust the...
374From James Madison to Henry Middleton, 24 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Ths. Munroe son of Ths. Mu[n]roe Esqr. of the City of Washington, having compleated his academic Studies, has fixed his thoughts so earnestly on the profession of arms, that he is about to offer his services in the Military estabt. of Russia, as a school favorable to his proficiency. It is understood that he is to serve at his own expence; that as his services are to be entirely voluntary,...
375From James Madison to Thomas Munroe, [ca. 24 December 1821] (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your letter of the 20th. and inclose a few lines, on the subject of it to our E. Exy. & M. Plenipo: at St. Petersburg. I am not sure that I could properly take the liberty of addressing them to the Emperor himself. I sincerely wish Sir that your son may find in the course he has chosen, all the success, which he enjoys in prospect: and that he may return with all the...
376From James Madison to John G. Jackson, 28 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. came to hand a few days ago only; and the usages of the season, with some additional incidents, have not allowed me time for more promptly acknowledging its friendly contents. You were right in supposing that some arrangement of the mass of papers accumulated thro’ a long course of public life would require a tedious attention after my final return to a private Station....
377Jonathan Bull & Mary Bull, 1821 (Madison Papers)
Jonathan Bull & Mary Bull, who were descendants of old Jno. Bull, the head of the family, had inherited contiguous estates in large tracts of land. As they grew up & became well acquainted, a partiality was mutually felt, and advances on several occasions made towards a matrimonial connection. This was particularly recommended by the advantages of putting their two estates under a common...
378From James Madison to Hezekiah Niles, 8 January 1822 (Madison Papers)
In Ramsay’s History of the American Revolution Vol: 2. pa. 300–301 is the following passage. “Mr. Jay was instructed to contend for the right of the U. States to the free navigation of the river Mississippi, and if an express acknowlegement of it could not be obtained, he was restrained from acceding to any stipulation by which it should be relinquished. But in February 1781, when Lord...
379From James Madison to Peter Minor, 18 January 1822 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ To Peter Minor. Letter not found. 18 January 1822 . Described as a two-page autograph letter, signed and franked by JM, in American Book-Prices Current (1905), 11:589.
380From James Madison to Samuel Miller, 19 January 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. the volume from your pen which you politely forwarded. Not being sure that I shall very soon be able to give it the due perusal, I think it proper not to postpone my acknowledgements for the favor. I can not doubt that I shall find the subject discussed with the ability, the erudition and the candour of which you have heretofore given pledges to the public. Draft ( DLC ).
381From James Madison to Henry R. Schoolcraft, 22 January 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have received the copy of your Memoir on the fossil Tree, which you politely forwarded. Of the decisive bearing of this phenomenon on important questions in Geology, I rely more on your judgment than my own. The present is a very inquisitive age, and its researches of late have been ardently directed to the primitive composition and structure of our Globe, as far as it has been penetrated,...
382From James Madison to John A. Wharton, 22 January 1822 (Madison Papers)
Your enquiries with respect to the University do not admit an answer until what is now contingent shall be reduced to certainty. The time of opening it depends on further aids from the legislature, and on obtaining eligible professors, after provision for them shall be authorized. The qualifications for the admission of Students, will doubtless be made public as soon as they shall be regularly...
383From James Madison to Benjamin Romaine, 26 January 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. the two pamphlets which followed your favor of the 11th inst. Not having critically examined, as you have done, the Constitution on foot with an eye to a comparison with the existing one, or to its connection with the Constitution of the U. States, I cannot presume to speak of its merits or defects in either respect. I have indulged the reflection only, that it is propitious...
384From James Madison to Jesse Torrey Jr., 30 January 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 15th. with a copy of “The Moral Instructor.” Neither Mrs. M. nor myself have recollections which called for your apology. If there had been occasion for one, that offered would be more than sufficient. I have looked eno’ into your little volume to be satisfied that both the original & selected parts contain information & instruction which may be useful not only...
385From James Madison to Joseph Delaplaine, 12 February 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of Jany. 23. and with it the little volume of Mr. Mead entitled “School Exercise.” A plan which brings into a small compas[s] the several branches of youthful instruction, which places them in the proper order of succession, and conducts the Student, by easy gradations in each, from an early to an advanced Stage of education, speaks sufficiently its own commendation....
386From James Madison to Benjamin H. Rand, 15 February 1822 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. your letter of Decr. 16. 1821. offering for my acceptance a copy of your Edition of President Washington’s address. The intrinsic value of the Document may well have invited the elegance of form, I doubt not, you have given to it; and I am very sensible of your politeness in forwarding me a copy. I have postponed this expression of it, in the hope of being able to say at the same...
387From James Madison to James Monroe, 16 February 1822 (Madison Papers)
A letter from Mrs. Dallas has just come under my eye, by which I find she is subsisting on very scanty resources, and is under impressions that two of her sons particularly, are not as well off as the public services of their father, and their own personal worth had promised. The elder one belonging to the Navy has, it seems, been a considerabl⟨e⟩ time without a ship. The other, George, tho’...
388From James Madison to Mathew Carey, 21 February 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the copy of the “Appeal to common sense and common Justice” which you were so good as to send me. And I have since received one of your letters inviting observations on it. It would be impossible for me to do justice, even to my own view of the subject within the time limited, were the attempt permitted by engagements of other sorts. It is I believe not unknown to you that I...
389From James Madison to Nicholas Biddle, 23 February 1822 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. your favour of the 9th. accompanied by a copy of your agricultural address, which I have read with much pleasure, and I can add with instruction also. It is made particularly interesting by the views taken of the ancient and modern husbandry, where unless parts of China be exceptions, the earth has made the greatest returns to human labour. The advantage of contracting and...
390From James Madison to Richard Peters, 23 February 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the copy of Mr. Biddle’s address so obligingly forwarded by you. I knew before that Mr. B. was a fine writer; but I did not know that he was so accomplished a farmer. His address shews that he is both. I have read it not only with pleasure but with instruction: and I return you my thanks for the opportunity of doing so. Accept in addition to them my cordial regards and my best...
391From James Madison to Jedidiah Morse, 26 February 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16th. with the printed constitution of a Society for the benefit of the Indians. Esteeming as I do the objects of the Institution, I can not decline the honorary relation to it which has been conferred on me; though good wishes be the only returns I shall be able to make. Beside the general motive of benevolence, the remnants of the Tribes within our limits...
392From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1822 (Madison Papers)
This is the first mail since I recd. 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: Ct. House. Regarding the New Socy. 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...
393From James Madison to Edward Everett, 9 March 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. with your letter of Feby. 14. the volume on “Europe” for which I am indebted to the politeness of your brother and yourself. I have run thro’ it with pleasure, and return my thanks to you both. The interior view which the writer takes of the Institutions and situations of the several Nations of Europe furnishes more information of the valuable sort than I have any where found....
394From James Madison to Joshua Gilpin, 11 March 1822 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of Feby 8. with the little volume on the Delaware and Chesapeake Canal, were so long on the way that they did not come to hand till a few days ago. I have not done more than look over the introductory Memoir, which has been drawn up with great jud[g]ment and in a manner well suited to its object. I am a great friend to canals as a leading branch of those internal improvements,...
395From James Madison to Stephen Van Rensselaer, 14 March 1822 (Madison Papers)
I recd. some time ago the copy of the geological & agricultural Survey which you were so obliging as to send me; but I have not till within a few days been able to look into it. I can not bestow more commendation than is due to the liberal patronage to which the public owe the work. Such surveys will not only contribute handfuls of valuable facts towards a Geological Theory, but will more &...
396From James Madison to Samuel Wyllys Pomeroy, 16 March 1822 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for the communication made in your favour of the 25 Feby. and the Agricultural Journal sent with it. If flax can be prepared by the new Machinery for 2 cents per ℔s and spun with a facility resembling that of Cotton, you are well warranted in your anticipations of advantage to the Farmers. If Hemp can be carried with equal success through like processes, the advantage will be more...
397From James Madison to Benjamin Joy, 18 March 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. a letter from your brother George of the 2d. & another of the 9th. of Jany. in which he wished me to search among my papers for a letter from him to me of Apl. 16. 1804, and my answer to it dated Novr. 10th. I have found the former, but not the latter. As you are connected with the business & are referred to by your brother I have thought it proper to send you his copy of his...
398From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 March 1822 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ To Thomas Jefferson. Letter not found. 29 March 1822 . Listed as a one-page autograph letter, signed, in Parke-Bernet Galleries Sale No. 451 (5–6 Apr. 1943), item 389, with the following extract: “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...
399From James Madison to William Smith, [31 March 1822] (Madison Papers)
I have just recd yours of this date. I am sorry Mr. R Smith who probably remembers with much certainty & accuracy the original course of the river as the true boundary between us, finds a difficulty in giveg us his aid. The question is not where the river ran before it left the S. Side of what is called the Island and got into its present bed. It doubtless had successive temporary channels...
400From James Madison to Robert Mackey, 1 April 1822 (Madison Papers)
I must again avail myself of your aid in prolonging the loan to me from the Bank. The note per the purpose is inclosed. I must also again refer to your judgment the time for disposing of the flour & Wheat you have recd on my acct. I had inferred from the character of the last crop of Grain in parts of Europe, particularly G.B. and from other circumstances, that the prices wd. be likely to rise...