401From 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...
402Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 29–30 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of Virginia by special call on Thursday the 29 th of November 1821. at the University , two members only attending, towit Thomas Jefferson and Chapman Johnson , they adjourned to the next day. November 30. present Thomas Jefferson ,
403From 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...
404University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 30 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
To the President & Directors of the Literary fund . In obedience to the act of the General assembly of Virginia , requiring that the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia should make report annually to the President and Directors of the Literary fund (to be laid before the legislature at their next succeeding session) embracing a full account of the disbursements, the funds on...
405Petition of University of Virginia Board of Visitors to United States Congress, 30 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. The Petition of the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia on behalf of those for whom they are in the office of preparing the means of instruction, as well as of others seeking it elsewhere, Respectfully representeth That the Commonwealth of Virginia has thought proper lately to...
406From 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...
407From 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...
408From 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...
409From 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...
410From 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,...
411From 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...
412From 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....
413From 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...
414From 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.
415From 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 ).
416From 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,...
417From 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...
418From 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...
419From 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...
420From 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....
421From 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...
422From 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’...
423From 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...
424From 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...
425From 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...
426From 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...
427From 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...
428James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
This is the first mail since I rec d 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: C t House . Regarding the New Soc y 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...
429From 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....
430From 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,...
431From 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 &...
432From 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...
433From 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...
434From 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...
435James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [29 March 1822] (Jefferson Papers)
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 little consequence by the obduracy of the Assembly to the pleas in behalf of the University , whose interests are certainly the best interests of their constituents … Extract, including ellipses, printed...
436From 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...
437From 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...
438From James Madison to Thomas Cramer, 13 April 1822 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a few days ago your favor communicatg the resolution of the Agricultural Society of the Valley, placing my name on the list of its honorary members. I feel much indebted to the Society for this flattering mark of their attention, for which I beg that my acknowledgts. may be presented. I wish there were not necessarily mingled with them, a regret that no returns of more value are likely...
439From James Madison to William Lambert, 15 April 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your favour of the 8th. inst: with the two copies of your Report relative to the Latitude & Longitude of the Capitol at Washington. My confidence in the Ability with which the Observations & calculations have been made, justifies me in inferring that the result will be as honorable to yourself, as the object was worthy of the national Councils. One of the Copies will be...
440From James Madison to Archibald W. Hamilton, 16 April 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your letter of the 10th. inclosing copies of letters from Judge Livingston, Mr. Brown, & Docrs. Flood & Cochrane. Not being able to furnish any information relative to the peculiarities of your case; or to your personal worth not already authenticated to the Government from sources more directly & intimately acquainted with both, I perceive no grounds on which I could...
441From James Madison to Horatio Gates Spafford, 16 April 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have but just recd. your letter of March 15th. I wish you success in your new Edition of the Geographical Dictionary for N. York; as I do in the other literary tasks you have in hand, and in petto. I am not enough acquainted with our Booksellers and Printers to judge how far a Gazetteer for this State on the plan & terms you suggest would be espoused by them. A survey of the State is now on...
442From James Madison to Horace C. Story, 16 April 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. with your note of the 8th. the pamphlet commited to your charge by the East India marine Socy. of Salem, and I return thro’ the same channel my thanks to the Socy. for their polite attention. I cannot speak in terms too favorable of an Institution wch. unites with a benevolent object, the useful one of improving navigation, and another so interesting to all who have a taste for...
443From James Madison to Mark Langdon Hill, 18 April 1822 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison, with his respects to Mr. Hill, returns his thanks for the copy of the Report of the Committee on Commerce. The Report contains much important information on an important subject, and inculcates the true principles of reciprocity which ought to regulate the intercourse of Independent Nations. Whilst the U States contend for nothing beyond these, it ought not to be expected that they...
444From James Madison to Richard Rush, 1 May 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of Mar. 6. accompanied by the English pamphlet on “The State of the Nation.” Keirsall’s [ sic ] “Classical Excursion” had arrived some time before. For these several favours I give you many thanks. Having not recd. at the date of my last, your favour of Sepr. 26. I take this occasion to thank you for that also, and for the accompanying Edinburgh Review. I owe...
445From James Madison to Richard Forrest, 4 May 1822 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 25th. Ult: was duly recd, and I thank you for your attention to the letter enclosed in it. I have searched among my pamphlets & without being able to find either of the Orations desired by your son Julius. A friend has been engaged to enquire elsewhere, and whatever he may procure will be forwarded. I am afraid the chance of success is but small: such is the rapid...
446From James Madison to Benjamin Joy, 6 May 1822 (Madison Papers)
Not having recd. an answer to the original I conclude it must have miscarried, and enclose a duplicate of it. Should I not hear from you in time I will forward your brother’s letter referred to the Scy of the Board of Commissioners, tho’ I should prefer doing so to your Agent, were I acquainted with his name, and sure that it would find him at Washington. Draft ( DLC ). See JM to Benjamin Joy,...
447From James Madison to James Monroe, 6 May 1822 (Madison Papers)
This will probably arrive at the Moment for congratulating you on the close of the scene in which your labours are blended with those of Congress. When will your recess from those which succeed, commence; and when & how much of it will be passed in Albemarle? We hope for the pleasure of halts with us, and that Mrs. M. and the others of your family will be with you. Mr. Anduaga I observe casts...
448Power of the President to Appoint Ministers and Consuls during Recess of the Senate, [post–6 May 1822] (Madison Papers)
Power of the President to appoint publick ministers & Consuls, in the recess of the Senate. The place of a foreign Minister or Consul is not an Office in the constitutional sense of the term. The place of a foreign minister or Consul is to be viewed, as created by the Law of Nations: to which the U.S. as an Independent nation is a party; and as always open for the proper functionaries, when...
449James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I fulfill the request of M r Rush by inclosing the letter in which it is made; and the rather as the letter is of pretty late date and touches on the affairs of Europe . I have heard of your intended visit to Bedford , but count on this reaching Monticello before you leave it. RC ( Heritage Auctions , auction 6182, Dallas, 19 Oct. 2017, lot 47062); endorsed by TJ as received 9 (reworked from...
450From James Madison to James Monroe, 18 May 1822 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 12th. in which you ask whether I recollect “any case of a nomination of an officer of the Army to a particular office to take rank from a certain date” in which the Senate have interposed to give rank from another date, and again whether I recollect “any instances of filling original vacances in civil or military offices in the recess of the Senate when an...