101From James Madison to Benjamin Silliman, 28 March 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the instant, annexed to your prospectus of the Scientific Journal. The Work, according to the scope allotted to it, can not fail to be interesting, both as a mode of preserving and distributing the fruits of American Science, and of animating the cultivation of it. With this view of the subject, I sincerely wish success to your undertaking; and though I generally...
102From James Madison to St. George Tucker, 28 March 1818 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. your favor accompanying the MSS. pamphlet for Mr. Delaplaine. He had signified his wish for my aid in such conveyances; and inattention on my part without blame on his, left him under the impression which produced his request to you. I thank you for the opportunity of perusing the biographical sketch. It was merited by the excellent patriot who is the subject of it; and you have...
103From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 28 March 1818 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 28 March 1818. Described as an autograph letter, signed, in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 975 (8–9 April 1908), item 583.
104From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 March 1818 (Madison 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. Yrs. affectionately RC ( MoHi ). Docketed by Jefferson, “recd Apr. 2.” JM subscribed $1,000 to the Central College fund (Cabell, Early History of the University...
105James 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...
106From James Madison to Joseph Gales Jr., 30 March 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the copies of the daily Intelligencer you inclosed me, and am very sensible of the polite attention marked by it. The columns which fill them are doubtless very interesting, but I am unwilling to put you to the trouble of continuing the favor. Indeed the paper of monday is the only one which could bring any thing not arriving at the same time in the triweekly paper for which my...
107From James Madison to James Barbour, 16 April 1818 (Madison Papers)
⟨The las⟩t mail bro⟨ught⟩ me your favor of ⟨the⟩ 11th. and in ⟨than⟩king you ⟨for it?⟩ I do the same for the documents on ⟨f?⟩orn: affairs previously sent me. Your speech has taken a more correct view of the principle on which the colonial monopoly rests, than has been generally taken of it; and your statistical illustrations have an important bearing on ⟨the⟩ question depending. I entirely...
108From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 April 1818 (Madison 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 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 as yet a...
109James 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...
110From 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...
111Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the Central College, 11 May 1818 (Madison Papers)
At a regular meeting of the Visitors of the Central College on 11th. May 1818, at which Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John H. Cocke, & Joseph C. Cabell, were present, it was agreed, that it being uncertain whether Thomas Cooper would accept the Professorship of Chemistry, in the event of his not doing so, it would be expedient to procure a Professor of Mathematicks. It was also agreed to...
112Notes on Agriculture, [ante–12 May] 1818 (Madison Papers)
see p. 17—note ‡ 1. Putrification not essential to render animal & vegetable substances, nutritious to plants. 2 these two not alike in their putrid state; tho’ both nutritious. The former containing essentially azote or nitrogen, the latter a constituent part of some plants only—this discovery of Bertholet to be ranked as the most important of the present century concerning organized matter...
113Address to the Agricultural Society of Albemarle, 12 May 1818 (Madison Papers)
It having pleased the Society to name me for their presiding member, I feel it a duty, on my first appearing among you, to repeat my acknowledgements, for that honorary distinction; with the assurances of my sincere desire to promote the success of an establishment, which has in view so valuable an object as that of improving the agriculture of our country. The faculty of cultivating the...
114From James Madison to Peter Minor, [ca. 15] May 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your letter of the 12 instant communicating the request of the Agricultural Society of Albemarle, for a Copy of the remarks addressed to it at its last Meeting. I can not decline a compliance with the request, though I have much reason to apprehend that what the Society recd. with so partial an ear, will not bear the deliberate perusal for which an opportunity will be afforded....
115From James Madison to Mordecai M. Noah, 15 May 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 6th. with the eloquent discourse delivered at the Consecration of the Jewish Synagogue. Having ever regarded the freedom of religious opinions & worship as equally belonging to every sect, & the secure enjoyment of it as the best human provision for bringing all either into the same way of thinking, or into that mutual charity which is the only proper...
116From James Madison to Nathaniel Bowditch, 16 May 1818 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his acknowlegements to Mr. Bowditch for “The Mathematical Papers” accompanying his note of Mar. 30. which but lately came to hand. J. M. regrets that he is not more capable of appreciating the merit of the publication. He has however been so long, & so strongly impressed by better judges, with Mr. B’s distinguished genius for and success in those profound studies, that he...
117From James Madison to James P. Preston, [19 May] 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 18th. of March with the commission to which it refers; and shall duly attend to the trust which it assigns to me. Very respectfully RC ( Vi : Executive Papers). Undated. Addressed by JM to Preston at Richmond and franked. Conjectural date assigned on the basis of cover marked, “Orange C H Va. 19 May.” Cover docketed by Preston, “Expresident Madisons...
118From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 May 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have just been favored with yours of the 18th. inclosing the Moscow document. I had previously recd. that written on your setting out for Loudon. The Russian paper accounts for the confident tone of Spain towards the U. S.; and throws light on the equivocal conduct of G. B. in relation to Spanish America. It corroborates, at the same time the circumspect policy observed by the Govt. of the...
119From James Madison to James P. Preston, 27 May 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your letter of the 20th. requesting such information as I may [be] able to give with regard to the qualifications of Mr. F. R. Hassler, for the place of Principal Engineer, to the Board of Public Works. I have but a slight personal knowlege of Mr. Hassler; but I have sufficient reason to believe, that he possesses, in an eminent degree, every scientific requisite for such an...
120From James Madison to Joseph Delaplaine, 17 June 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 10th. inst: preceded by one on the same subject; and have just recd. 2 packets from Cincinnati, as shewn by the post mark. They are addressed to me without letter, or any indication that they were to be forwarded to you. One of the packets consists of several pamphlets, which with the exception of the two herewith enclosed, were heretofore sent you by J. P. Todd. The...
121From James Madison to Peter S. Du Ponceau, 18 June 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 10th. inclosing, in behalf of the Historical Committee of the Philosophical Society, a prospectus of the first vol: of their Transactions. I wish the Committee to be assured that I am fully sensible of the merit of such an Institution; and that it will afford me pleasure to promote its objects, if opportunities occur for adding to its store of historical...
122From James Madison to William S. Stone, [6 July] 1818 (Madison Papers)
The rect. for Gunstocks, ought to be from Abram Eddins—not from James Madison. I send it back, and beg the favr. of you to put a right one into the inclosed letter left open for the purpose, & then Seal & forward it by mail. Mr. Madison wishes you to send up your acct. with the credit for flour all of which has been sent down. I am Yr. Hb. st. Draft ( DLC ). Written at the bottom of the draft...
123From James Madison to George Bomford, 6 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
I inclose two receipts entitling me to $ for Gunstocks delivered at Fredg. The no. is considerably short of what was contracted for but I understood, the Dept. did not require the full number. A good many of them were delivered a long time ago, but I waited till I could draw for the whole at once, & lessen your trouble as well as mine. I wish now to receive the money as soon as may be, and I...
124James 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...
125From James Madison to James K. Paulding, 23 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
I return your copy of Gideons Edition of the Federalist, with the memorandum requested in your note of the 16. I shall take pleasure in adding any other circumstances which you may wish to know, & I may be able to communicate. Mrs. M. & myself feel very sensibly the kind expressions in which you refer to the late visit with which you favored us, & will always be happy in repetitions of the...
126From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 24 July] 1818 (Madison 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. Affectionate respects RC (owned by Linwood M. Jr. and Tucker Respess, Charlottesville, Va., 2003). Undated; conjectural...
127From James Madison to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 24 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favour of the 8th. inst: and am much less surprised at your finding occasion for friendly criticism on one passage in the paper to which you refer, than that you did not perceive the occasions for others there in. In bringing into view Robertson’s explanation of the Origin of the Greenlanders, the object which ought to have been more clearly conveyed was rather to lessen the...
128From James Madison to James Maury, 24 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have continued to receive so many marks of your attention, in sending me gazettes that I must beg you to accept my thanks, given in the lump; tho with not the less sincerity. Having lately furnished a supply of Black Walnut stuff for Musket Stocks, I find that there remain fragments sufficient for several thousand Stocks of different sizes, suitable for fowling pieces—Ship pistols & Horse...
129From James Madison to Richard Rush, 24 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
Your two favors of Jany. 14. & May 2. came duly to hand; the former accompanied by 3 Vols. of Malthus, with a No. of the Quarterly Review, & 4 vols. of Eustace. They claim many thanks which I pray you to accept. I have not yet entered on the latter work. I have looked over Malthus, and think the world much indebted to him for the just views he has given of an interesting subject, and for the...
130From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 24 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 July 1818, Montpelier. Offered for sale in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 1083 (1913), item 397. Described as a four-page autograph letter, signed, as quoted in American Book-Prices Current , 19:816 (1913).
131From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 27 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
Be so good as to obtain for two letters inclosed a conveyance from the Department of State. We learn with much pleasure that we may expect a visit from Mrs. C. & the little family. We hope you will not remain behind. I shall set off tomorrow or next day for Rockfish Gap, but hope to get back in 7 or 8 days. Yrs. sincerely RC ( ViU ). Docketed by Cutts.
132From James Madison to Dolley Payne Madison, [30 July] 1818 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here about half an hour by sun. We had a hot ride, but have not suffered from it. The ladies enquired affectionately after you, and recd. the message with which you charged me. None of the deputies were with Mr. Jefferson. We set out this forenoon for Mr. Divers, with whom we shall dine & pass the night, and tomorrow morning proceed for Rockfish Gap. I fear I shall not have an...
133List of Subscribers, Contributors, and Founders of the Central College, 1 August 1818 (Madison Papers)
Whereas by an Act of the General Assembly for appropriating a part of the revenue of the literary fund to the endowment of an University and for the appointment of Commissioners to enquire & report to the legislature a proper site for the same, the said Commissioners are authorized “to receive any voluntary contributions whether conditional or absolute, whether in land, money, or other...
134Report of the Board of Commissioners for the University of Virginia to the Virginia General Assembly, [4 August] 1818 (Madison Papers)
The Commissioners for the University of Virginia having met, as by law required at the tavern in Rockfish gap on the blue ridge, on the 1st. day of August of this present year 1818, and having formed a board, proceeded on that day to the discharge of the duties assigned to them by the act of the legislature intituled an “act appropriating part of the revenue of the literary fund and for other...
135Rockfish Gap Report of the University of Virginia Commissioners, 4 August 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioners for the University of Virginia having met, as by law required at the tavern in Rockfish gap on the blue ridge , on the 1 st day of August of this present year 1818 , and having formed a board, proceeded on that day to the discharge of the duties assigned to them by the act of the legislature intituled an “act appropriating part of the revenue of the literary fund and for...
136From James Madison to James Monroe, [5 August] 1818 (Madison Papers)
On my arrival here last evening I learnt that you had reachd home the day before yesterday. I am sorry I could not have the pleasure of seeing you at Montpellier on your way, And the regret is increased by the circumstances which prevent me from making the detour necessary to call on you. I left my mother much indisposed, and my sister Rose who was on a visit to her critically ill; and having...
137To John Adams from James Madison, 7 August 1818 (Adams Papers)
On my return two days ago from a Meeting appointed to report to the Legislature of the State a proper Scite for a University, I found your obliging favor of July 22. with its inclosed copies of Docr. Mayhews Sermon. I have read with pleasure this symbol of the political tone of thinking at the period of its original publication. The author felt the strength of his argument, and has given a...
138From James Madison to John Adams, 7 August 1818 (Madison Papers)
On my return two days ago from a Meeting appointed to report to the Legislature of the State a proper Scite for a University, I found your obliging favor of July 22. with its inclosed copies of Docr. Mayhews Sermon. I have read with pleasure this symbol of the political tone of thinking at the period of its original publication. The author felt the strength of his argument, and has given a...
139From James Madison to Asher Robbins, 8 August 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of July the 17th. and thank you for your friendly Criticism on the passage in the address to the Agricultural Society of Albemarle relating to the Theory of Tull. Many Years had elapsed Since I read the Work of Tull, and I was of course guided by my recollection only aided by the references of others to it which had occasionally fallen in my way. I was very ready...
140From James Madison to William Plumer, 10 August 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 28 Ult: inclosing a Copy of your last Message to the Legislature. I can not doubt that the motives to which you have yielded, for discontinuing your public labors, are such as to justify your purpose; and I congratulate you on the improved & prosperous circumstances of the State, under which your retirement will take place. I must thank you at the same time...
141From James Madison to Richard Peters, 15 August 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 30 ult: and trouble you with an acknowlegement of it, for the sake of thanking you, which I do very sincerely for the “Notices for a young farmer.” I do not know that there exists any where so many good lessons compressed into so small a space, and placed in so fair a light. I have read the little manual with profit, and with the gratification derived from its...
142From James Madison to Isaac Winston, 18 August 1818 (Madison Papers)
I promised to let you know within this Month whether it wd. be convenient to hire your negroes now with me for the ensuing year. It was at one time my intention to retain the whole, But the conduct of Chs. & Spotswood has been such of late as to put them out of the question. If you are willing to separate them from the others, making the proper deduction for any loss that may happen from the...
143From James Madison to Jacob Gideon Jr., 20 August 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 15th. inst. with the handsome copy of your edition of the “Federalist.” As this replaces the Copy sent you, there is the less occasion for a return of the latter. It may be proper perhaps to observe that it is not the o⟨nly⟩ one containing the names of the writers correctly prefixed to their respective papers. I had a considerable time ago, at the request...
144From James Madison to William S. Stone, 26 August 1818 (Madison Papers)
Capt. Walker with whom Eddins was in Treaty for my Wheat having signified yesterday his acceptance of the terms proposed to him, viz nine shillings per bushel delivered at his Mill, a concurrence in your memorandum for a bargain is of course precluded. Be so good as to procure or reserve for me about twenty five tons of best Plaster, which we shall soon be able to begin waggoning up. Friendly...
145Account with Charles Taylor, [27 August] 1818 (Madison Papers)
Colo. James Madison To Charles Taylor Dr. 1817 July 25th & 26 To Viseting Med: &c for Paul 24/ £1.. 4.. 0 Augst. 4th A Viset Attendance &c Yr.Self 24/ 1.. 4.. 0 5th To Sundrys for Abraham the Gonorhas 48/ 2.. 8.. 0 Also Mercurial Course for Kitty and also Do. from 13th Feby. 1818 to June To 12 Visets Mercurial Course Dressings Med: &c for Do. inclusive $25 7.. 10.. 0
146From James Madison to José Corrèa de Serra, 13 September 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your favor of the 5th. inst. inclosing a copy of the observations & conjectures on the soil of Kentucky, for which I pray you to accept my thanks. I had a little Time before met with this paper, and read it with the pleasure & instruction promised by the name prefixed to it. As you have seen the observations addressed to the Agricul: Socy. of Albemar[l]e, the inclosed copy of...
147From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 October 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. yours of the 27th. Ulto. I am very sorry that I shall not be able to have the pleasure of joining you at the Meeting of the Visitors. We must await therefore that of seeing you & Mrs. M. on your way to Washington; and hope you will set out in time to spare us some days. The communications from Mr. Rush are very interesting. G. B. seems so anxious to secure the general trade...
148From James Madison to Josiah Meigs, 3 October 1818 (Madison Papers)
I can not convey the inclosed without expressing for myself, the thanks due for your tabular view of the comparative temperatures of different parts of our Country. Experiment and comparison are the two eyes of Philosophy, and the use you are making of them, promises a more than curious light on some of the laws & phenomena, of our climate. If your correspondents could be relied on for...
149James 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...
150From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 10 October] 1818 (Madison 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 ). 1 p. Fragment. Undated. Unsigned. Conjectural date assigned on the basis of...