1[Nicholas P. Trist] to James Madison, 8 July 1831 (Madison Papers)
It may, perhaps, be important to you to know that a conversation with General Bernard to-day has satisfied me of the extreme probability of War (perhaps general ) in Europe Yrs affly Of course this intelligence is, in a great measure confidential. RC (ViHi : Nicholas P. Trist Album Book). Docketed by JM.
2Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 10 June 1831 (Madison Papers)
It has for some years, been a subject of regret with Mr Huygens to have passed near Montpellier without having it in his power to make a pilgrimage to it. He now travels under circumstances more propitious to his wishes, and affords me an opportunity to recall myself in an agreeable manner to your & Mrs Madison’s recollection RC (ViHi : Nicholas P. Trist). Docketed by JM.
3Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 17 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
On going over to Edge-hill yesterday, I learned that the letter you wrote for a copy of, sometime ago, had afterwards been found & copied, but not sent. Although apprehensive that your patience will have become exhausted, & that therefore it will arrive too late for the purpose intended; I lose no time in sending it. With affectionate adieux RC ( ViHi : Nicholas P. Trist Album Book).
4[Nicholas P. Trist] to James Madison, 23 November 1832 (Madison Papers)
Thinking on this subject last night in bed, it occurred to me that the most effectual way to keep these madmen in check, would be for the upper country in S. C.—(the only part of the state which is self-sufficient for the purposes of internal security, and which is decidedly against nullification) to say to the others, we here part company. If you choose to pursue this course, we will not; and...
5Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 1 September 1829 (Madison Papers)
It is my intention some day or other to take up seriously the politics of this country. If a moment of leisure is ever allowed you for the purpose, will you add to your many kindnesses that of pointing out, in as much detail possible, a course of reading on the subject? Ever yours N. P. T. RC ( ViHi : Nicholas P. Trist Album Book).
6Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 14 December 1831 (Madison Papers)
Your letter & the Speech are recd.—Your signature on the frank indicated but too plainly the state of your hand; and I fear that this unprecedented weather strengthens the enemy to the point of allowing you no rest. I shall write a few lines to-night, if not prevented. Meanwhile Affte adieux RC (ViHi : Nicholas P. Trist Album Book).
7Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 15 December 1829 (Madison Papers)
Mr Pierpont of Boston, whose name as a Minister of the Unitarian church is no doubt familiar to you, having come as far south as this place, finds himself too near the attraction now presented by Richmond, to resist it; and as you constitute one of its most important elements, I presume so far upon the kindness I have myself experienced, as to give him this introduction. With the profoundest...
8Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 8 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have searched the papers here in vain, for the power of attorney; and it will be impossible to return to Monticello and get back, in time for to-day’s post. You may expect to hear from me again, by the next. Meanwhile, with thanks for the English papers, accept my affectionate salutations RC ( ViHi : Nicholas P. Trist Album Book). Docketed by James Madison.
9To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, [5] October 1826 (Madison Papers)
With a caution that my slowness and total inexperience in the duties of which the board of Visitors tender me the discharge, will probably call for a full measure of indulgence; and with the grateful feelings which the mark of confidence is calculated to inspire, I accept the opportunity of trying myself in the office of their Secretary. In relation to the catalogue, as my motive in...
10Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 12 October 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have used no ceremony in retaining the enclosed $15. until I could conveniently return it. Do not, I pray, give yourself the trouble to write; as I hope again to see you in the course of the month, on my return from Albemarle. Looking for a paper, the other day, I came across the one I now send for your perusal. The circumstance that caused me to write it, you will recollect. On reflexion, I...
11Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 10 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
My search among the papers here, has proved equally ineffectual. I shall see Mr Gilmer to-day, however; and, ascertaining from him where his late uncle’s papers are, obtain that in question with as little delay as possible. I was sorry to learn, on further enquiry, that the report concerning Mr Wirtembaker is unfounded: he certainly remains, I am told, during the next session. Perhaps,...
12Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 14 August 1828 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 11th finds me this morning on the point of setting out, in company with Dr Dunglison, on a visit to Genl. Cocke, which I have been promising for two or three years. On Mr. Tracie’s account, I at first hesitated whether I should give up the trip, which the delay of going to the University where his papers are would have obliged me to abandon altogether; but on reflection, I have...
13To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, [18 January 1828] (Madison Papers)
You will perceive in the accompanying paper, one of your ideas thrown into print. The origin of this piece was as follows. Being in Charlottesville on business, I was asked by Mr Wood of that place to dinner; & found there, among others, Mr Bonnycastle & Mr Davis the Editor. Among other things, the advocate’s attack on Mr Rush was brought upon the carpet; and Mr B., qui se mêle d’économie...
14Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 4 January 1832 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2d—postmarked 3d—was received this morning, after the departure of the mail. I immediately set about ascertaining what the law of Maryland was on the point in question, at the time of the cession: this being the law of Washington county in the District of Columbia, unless altered by act of Congress, which, I have ascertained, has not been done. The act of the Legislature of...
15Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 9 June 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your favor in answer to mine, has come safe to hand. Such is the character of the attention now given to public affairs, that I think it quite doubtful whether the absurdity in question—glaring as it is—will not escape notice. It is not in the exact line of Scent of either or any of the packs. A production which, to a mind at all familiar with your and Mr Jefferson’s principles, could not be...
16Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 5 January 1832 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2nd—was answered yesterday evening, & the answer went by this morning’s mail. Lest, however, it should meet with some accident, I repeat the information it contained. The law of Maryland, now in force here, makes no distinction between holograph and other wills. It requires that all wills be signed by the testator (or by some one by his express direction) in the presence of...
17Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 30 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
Your kind favor with the accompanying papers, from which I have made several interesting extracts, was duly received. I have made enquiries concerning the individual in question, formerly a student here, of Drs Dunglison & Blaettermann & Mr Bonnycastle. He was not a pupil of the first named gentleman, but the Dr was acquainted with his character: "very stupid & had done himself no sort of...
18Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 2 August 1828 (Madison Papers)
The packet which goes by the same mail contains, I believe, all the papers you desired me to send. I enclose a copy of the only resolution which it is necessary you should at once have under your eye: one of the journal, at length, I will send as soon as I can make it out. The acceptance of Dr Patterson which you will see noticed in today’s advocate, we have from Dr. Dunglison, who got a...
19Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 6 September 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your packet has come safe to hand, & the enclosure for Mr Nicholls shall be delivered by me this afternoon, unless it rains, as now seems probable. Meanwhile, I enclose you a paper containing many details concerning the wonderful event which the inconceivable folly of half a dozen men has brought about. Although it were to be wished that they would have suffered the French People to continue...
20To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 25 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
This mail conveys to you two copies of the enactments, which have been delayed so long. You will be surprised to learn that I have taken upon myself to send on the report without them; this went by last Sunday’s mail. On meeting Genl. Cocke early in the week of the sale, he immediately enquired about the report, & expressed great surprise & concern at the answer. “What! Not yet. Bless my...
21Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 17 September 1831 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is a communication to the Enquirer, not yet published , which I have got printed at the Globe office, and sent to the E. in its present shape, to avoid the typographical errors which, had it been sent in M. S., would have been sure to occur, & to mar the sense. If the Lynchb Jeffersonian speak the truth, Mr Walsh pronounces Mr. Calhoun’s piece to be unanswerable , and another...
22Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 12 September 1830 (Madison Papers)
I wrote a line the day after the receipt of your letter, to inform you of its safe arrival. It did not rain that afternoon, as I then anticipated, & I went to Georgetown. Mr Nicholls, however, was out; nor could the gentleman in his store tell me where he could be found. The next day it rained heavily; & the day after, I was laid up. The indisposition although severe was very transient, & I...
23Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 9 October 1828 (Madison Papers)
The Board, as you will perceive, adjourned on Saturday; and, at that time, I expected to have it in power to send you a copy of their proceedings, by the tuesday’s mail. This, however, other engagements rendered impossible. I was happy to hear from Colo Coles that you continued to improve, & trust that the heavenly weather we are now enjoying, will accelerate the return of your strength. In...
24To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 30 January 1828 (Madison Papers)
To my great mortification, I learn this evening that Mr Randolph left Edge-hill after dinner, for Montpellier. His intention to spend the night with Dr Page, gives me hopes however, that a messenger setting out before day may reach there before he sets out, & retrieve the opportunity. With a view to multiply the chances in their favor, I have made copies of two of your letters which, from...
25To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 1 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
The servant overtook Mr R. So that you received your tardy letters yesterday evening. I now send the copies mentioned in the letter which accompanied them. When you next write, please mention whether my letters of the 11. 18. 29. have come to hand; & also a newspaper in which I carelessly enclosed a scrawl which, for various reasons, I should not like to have fallen into the hands of...
26Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 3 July 1832 (Madison Papers)
It is more than four weeks since I received your last; and I then thought that but a day or two would pass before I answered it. But I have repeatedly in the last two months been laid on my back for three, four, or five days at a time, by a succession of boils which kept me in great pain, and made it impossible to move without a great encrease. The consequence is, that I have been overwhelmed...
27Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 25 September 1834 (Madison Papers)
Unless the day should be unfavorable, Mrs Trist & myself & children will set out to-morrow, to dine at Gordonsville, and reach Montpellier in the evening. Cornelia & Mary, and one of Mr. Randolph’s younger daughters (Cary Ann) will follow the next tuesday; and we propose all to leave you on the ensuing friday evening, so as to be in Washington the next day. I thought, when last with you, that...
28To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, [September 1827] (Madison Papers)
You will find in No. 3 (as marked by me) some new details respecting your early career, as well as that of Mr Jefferson. I send Nos 1. & 2. as introductory: The letters from R.D.O., I mean—which are marked with //. You will perceive that the clergy are seriously—many of them conscientiously —bent on organizing a “christian Party in politics.” We may yet be destined in this country to a fearful...
29Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 25 October 1828 (Madison Papers)
I received, yesterday, a letter from Mr Clay, which I have answered by an acceptance of the office in question. In answer to my enquiry whether the public service required my immediate presence; as, otherwise, the approaching crisis with Mrs Trist would detain me with her; he has been so kind as to give me until the 10th Novr, or even a few days later, if necessary. Within this limit, I shall...
30To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 18 May 1827 (Madison Papers)
Mr Willard of Roxbury near Boston, who has come on to the University with the large clock of which he is maker, is desirous on his return, to avail himself of the first and last opportunity that will ever offer for paying his respects to you; and I accordingly take the liberty of giving him this introduction. With profound respect Your obedt. Servt. RC ( ViHi : Nicholas P. Trist Album Book)....
31Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 2 May 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have, for some time, been intending to send you the enclosed; but, agreeably to my second nature—which has abundant opportunity to manifest itself—I have put off doing so, from day to day, and week to week. It is on a subject which early attracted your own attention, although you probably did not then foresee that it would ever be presented to the world in the naked-- purity , I think, in...
32To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 13 December 1827 (Madison Papers)
In the expectation of finding there a letter from Mr Coolidge, I rode to the post-office yesterday, and was not disappointed. From this, I give you the following extracts. Speaking of Mr W. he says “he is, I have no doubt, fitted for the place, though I should not suppose him equal at present to Bonnycastle or Key.” “If Jones does not accept, or leaves you, I should recommend to appoint W. He...
33To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 19 November 1827 (Madison Papers)
Much occupation of one kind or another, together with the knowledge that all you desired was to send in the report in time for the meeting of the legislature, have caused me to postpone taking up the subject until today. On doing so, I found so many points on which it seemed necessary to touch, that it became obvious it would give you less trouble to frame a report yourself, than to correct...
34To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 12 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
Called to Charlottesville on business, I stop a moment, to send you an extract from a few lines just received from Mr Coolidge. “I have never received any letter from Mr Madison. The papers he alludes to were sent him by Col. Storrow, from Mr Sparks. This is my impression.” This Col. S. is a Virginian who visited Boston last season. Your favors of the it. & 9th. both came safe to hand. The...
35Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 2 July 1829 (Madison Papers)
I have only time to ask the favor of you to send the enclosed to Mr Randolph by the first mail. It contains a copy of the journal of the board, at their last meeting—sent for the purpose of having some made, as the writing on hand here does not allow me time to complete the whole by the meeting. I saw Mrs Cutts last evening She is well, but will not be able to accompany me on Sunday next, when...
36Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 8 May 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have been intending to write ever since we had the pleasure—a most heartfelt one—of hearing of the favorable turn in your health; but things have crowded upon me in such a way as to make me procrastinate. H. L.’s book reached here yesterday. It is a realization of your apprehensions concerning the consequences that might result from the Charlottesville publication, if proper care were not...
37To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 30 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
My delay in writing has been greater than you probably expected when we parted or than I intended; but I am not altogether without apology for it. In the first place, making up the record took me three days. A fourth was entirely taken up by some business which did not admit of postponement; and subsequently, three others by an indisposition somewhat of the nature of that from which you are...
38[Nicholas P. Trist] to James Madison, 7 February 1830 (Madison Papers)
On the subject of all the conversations which it has been my good fortune to enjoy with you, I have made it a rule— which is indeed a general one with me— to observe the strictest silence. Your views in relation to the true spirit of the resolutions & report, are the single exception to this. I have mentioned to two or three persons, in confidence , that I was satisfied, from your own remarks,...
39Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 7 July 1831 (Madison Papers)
I am returning to the City from a trip to the Rip Raps (the most delightful spot, as to atmosphere, I have ever been at) in company with the President, and sit down to scrawl a few lines in the hope of their reaching you in time. I have good grounds for thinking that your presence—if it be only for one or two days—at the approaching meeting of the Visitors will be highly important to the...
40Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 24 September 1828 (Madison Papers)
A letter just received from Mr Monroe, betrays the erroneous impression that the first monday--whereas it is the first day--was appointed for the meeting of the Board; and, lest the other members should be labouring under the same mistake, I have lost no time in calling their attention to the subject. The students at the University have not yet reached one hundred. Dr P. evinces several...
41To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 26 April 1827 (Madison Papers)
Calling by here in haste this morning, I am met by Mr Brockenbrough who calls me into his office, to show me the enclosed. They are on a Subject of such deep interest, that I have asked his permission to send to you the letter addressed to himself. It may turn out a God send. You will judge of the expediency of obtaining the opinions of Bowditch & of Farrar; and of using every effort to close...
42Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 1 December 1832 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed will give you a juster idea of the real state of things at the Head Quarters of Nullification &c than you can get at second hand. Offers of military support are pouring in upon the President. Not a few from Virginia . The People of So. Ca. are becoming aware of the impositions [pra]ctised upon them as to the peaceableness of the remedy, and there are already some symptoms of a...
43Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 13 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
You will be surprised at the place from which I date. I reached the Courthouse in good time to avoid the rain; and was so anxious that the stage should not pass me—as I was told the want of a horn might cause it to do—that after tossing in bed until two o’clock, I then rose & lit my candle. The Stage was much later making its appearance, than common; & when, at last, it did appear, there was...
44Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 14 February 1829 (Madison Papers)
I have time, this morning, for only a single line, to remove all doubt as to the receipt of your last packet. It came in due course of mail, & its contents went with the first dispatches: so also did its previous brother, which ought to have been immediately acknowledged; & would have been, but for collateral causes of procrastination. Mrs Randolph & Virginia have been for two or three weeks,...
45[Nicholas P. Trist] to James Madison, 18 February 1830 (Madison Papers)
In putting up the enclosed for yourself, I take the liberty of adding three packets for the Orange Ct. House post=office. This I do in the conviction that; from the nature of the packets, it is no abuse of your frank, and that the liberty will be excusable in your eyes. Ritchie’s conduct on the occasion has been most inexcusable . His notes to the friend in Richmond whom I had charged with the...
46Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 12 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
Taking the white sheet in which the papers were wrapped, for a mere envelope; I did not notice your "iterum", until I came to put away my letters, after my last to you was despatched. The extract you desire, is now enclosed. Mr Gilmer’s information leaves it uncertain whether the contract be in this county, or with his uncle, in Liberty. To the latter, I shall write by the first mail. In the...
47Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 17 December 1835 (Madison Papers)
Until a few weeks ago, I counted with certainty on making my usual pilgrimage to Montpellier during this visit to the U. States. But circumstances beyond my control have put it out of my power, and I am now hastening to New Orleans, by the Way of Charleston, Augusta & Mobile, in company with Septimia Randolph, who has already suffered such effects from the cold weather as to make her friends...
48Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 11 July 1833 (Madison Papers)
A note from Mr Kane informs me that Mr Longacre—whom I had previously the pleasure of knowing, and whom he speaks of as "one of our most accomplished & estimable Philadelphia artists, is on his way to Virginia, and proposes to visit Montpelier in the hope that it will not be found too inconvenient to you to allow him an opportunity to take your picture. Mr Kane says he has never seen a good...
49Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 13 June 1829 (Madison Papers)
Dr Jones has lost his situation in the Patent office, and now holds a clerkship in this Dept. I accidentally learnt yesterday that he had told one of his acquaintance that this was only temporarily, for "he had once been offered professorships in the University of Virginia & some other institution, and would again turn his attention that way." On hearing this, I determined to lose no time in...
50Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 29 July 1830 (Madison Papers)
The step which I now take, I venture on With the less reluctance, as, if not entirely approved by you, it will rest altogether with you to prevent its reaching the field of impropriety. Mr Davis has written to ask me to procure, & send him without loss of time, a book which I once lent him. I have determined to avoid delay by sending him my copy; but it being altogether uncertain when this...