401From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 March 1819 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday yours of the 11th. The letter from Mr. Cabell which I return is of very agreeable import. His other letter was returned several days ago, and probably reached Monticello soon after the date of yours. Health & all other happiness RC ( CtY ).
402James Madison to John W. Francis, 7 November 1831 (Madison Papers)
I thank you Sir for the pleasure afforded by your interresting address to the Philolemian Society of Columbia College, forwarded with your letter of the 25 27 Ult: The friendly relations in which I stood to both Chancellor Livingston and Mr Monroe wd. make me a reluctant witness, if I had happened to possess any knowledge of facts favoring either at the expense of the other in the negociations...
403From James Madison to George W. Featherstonhaugh, 6 March 1821 (Madison Papers)
I offer you many thanks for the 1st. vol: of Memoirs published by your Agricultural Board. It contains a very valuable mass of instruction both Theoretical & Practical. If it had not the benefit of the materials expected from the subordinate Societies, it must be of great use in stimulating and guiding their reports which may succeed it. I am very glad to find that it fell within the scope of...
404James Madison to Joseph C. Cabell, 19 March 1829 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by the last mail your favour of the 13th. with a copy of the Pamphlet containing the two supplemental letters of Mr. Jefferson. They are as much in point as words could make them. But his authority is made to weigh nothing or outweigh every thing, according to the scale in which it is put. It would be well, if the two letters at least could find their way into the newspapers, that...
405James Madison to Reuben Conway, 21 December 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of this morning. I am glad to receive your confirmation of the merits of the son of Mr. Chapman. Of the merits of the father, and my great esteem & affection for him I need not speak to you. Should the intended application for a berth in the Academy at West point, for young Richard, be successful, it could not therefore fail to give me pleasure. But it wd. be agst. the rule...
406From 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...
407James Madison to Caleb Cushing, 28 August 1833 (Madison Papers)
J Madison, with his respects to Mr. Cushing, returns his thanks for the Oration on the last 4th. of July. He has read with particular pleasure, the able & seasonable views which it presents of the Colonization Society. FC (DLC) .
408From James Madison to Dolley Madison, [ca. 8 December 1826] (Madison Papers)
My last was so full that it has left me little to add. General Cocke joined on tuesday afternoon which makes up a board; but we are chiefly engaged with the Examinations, which go on very well. I fear it will be impossible to get away before the middle of next week. I need not say how anxious I am to be with you. We have dined every day from home since we arrived except the first & are engaged...
409James Madison to Joseph C. Cabell, 27 December 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment only recd. yrs. of the 22d. I regret the delay as you wished an earlier answer than you can now have, tho’ I shall send this immediately to the P.O. My correspondence with Judg Roane originated in his request that I wd take up the pen on the subject he was discussing or about to discuss. Altho’ I concurred much in his views of it, I differed as you will see with regard to...
410James Madison to Edward Livingston, 8 May 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of April 29 with the copy of your speech was duly recd.; but not without a little delay occasioned by a misdirection of it to Charlottesville instead of Orange Court House. You have succeeded better in your interpretation of the Virginia proceedings in 98-99 than those who have seen in them, a co-incidence with the Nullifying doctrine so called. This doctrine as new to me as it was...
411James Madison to Jasper Adams, September 1833 (Madison Papers)
I received in due time, the printed copy of your Convention Sermon, on the relation of Christianity to Civil Government, with a manuscript request of my opinion on the subject. There appears to be in the nature of man, what ensures his belief in an invisible cause of his present existence, & an anticipation of his future existence. Hence the propensities & susceptibilities in the case of...
412James Madison to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 22 November 1830 (Madison Papers)
I inclose for yourself & Genl. Cocke, a letter from Docr Johnson, requesting the sanction of the Executive Committee to a course of Instruction to private pupils on the principles of Dentistry If the measure do not fall within the spirit of the Enactment (page 16) imposing a restraint on Professors, or be sanctioned by precedent no objection would seem to be called for; the object itself being...
413From 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...
414James Madison to William Allen, 14 May 1830 (Madison Papers)
I shall have occasion to draw on you for $150 payable on the 20th. inst: and I must request you to place prior to the 25th. inst. $120. in the B. Bank of the U.S. at Richmond, subject to the draft of Edward Coles. You will of course sell my flour to those amounts, if not already sold. Friendly respects Draft (DLC) .
415To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 April 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 9 th was not rec d till the evening before the last, and c d not be sooner answered tha n by the Mail which p asses our Court House today. As it is proper to give as wide an opening to the University as we can, I readily accede to the p rovision of an Anatomical as an 8 th Professor, which you propose as within a f air estimate of its resources. I think how ever that unless a...
416James Madison to William A. Duer, 19 May 1835 (Madison Papers)
J. M. with his respects to Mr. Duer, encloses copies of the two letters from his father requested in his letter of the 13th. Instant. FC (DLC) .
417James Madison to Robert Walsh, 15 July 1831 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of was duly recd. Finding that I did not possess the means of complying with its request, I communicated it to Mr. Scott at Richmond who married the daughter of Bishop Madison, and was a Student at Wm. & Mary whilst he was President. Mr. Scott happening to be absent at the time, I have but just recd. his answer. He says that he will be under the necessity of consulting documents &c...
418From James Madison to Henry Lee, 14 January 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir yours of the 6th. inst. and have looked over the printed Sheet inclosed in it. Of the literary character of the paper, I may express a laudatory opinion, without risk of contravening that of others. As a political disquisition, it embraces questions both of magnitude and of nicety, on which opinions may be various, and of which a critical review does not lie within the compass...
419To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 3 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letters from M r Gilmer enclosed in yours of Nov r 30. His account of the engaged Professors is very encouraging. It is a happy circumstance that none of them are beyond the ages mentioned. They will be the less inflexible in their habits, the more improveable in their qualifications, and will last the longer. It would seem that Gilmer’s mind leans now to the station he declined...
420From 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....
421From James Madison to James Monroe, 20 December 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. Lear engaged in settling the accounts of General Hull, a request of what I may recollect on the question, whether there was a stipulation or understanding, that the General was to receive his salary as Governour, as well as his military pay. I have simply answered that my memory does not furnish any evidence which ought to influence the decision of the question. As the...
422From James Madison to Francis Brooke, 22 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
The mail of last evening brought me your circular communication, by which I am informed of my being nominated by the Convention at Richmond on the 8th. of Jany. one of the Electors recommended for the next appointment of Chief Magistrate of the U. States. Whilst I express the great respect I feel to be due to my fellow Citizens composing that assembly, I must request that another name be...
423James Madison to James Monroe, 15 September 1829 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yours of the 10th. with a full sense of your kindness in taking so much interest in my health. Subsequent to your call on me, I had a return of fever which reduced me to a state of greater weakness than I had before experienced. For several weeks passed, have been on the recovery in strength as well as health; and if no relapse takes place, I may be able to give my attendance at...
424James Madison to Andrew Jackson, 19 July 1833 (Madison Papers)
Your letter introducing Mr Longacre was duly delivered by him. His distinguished reputation as an Artist was before known to me; and I soon found in his intelligence, his amiable manners, and his unaffected modesty, the further merits recommending him to your favorable notise. Having attained the object of his visit he is about to return through Washing[ton] and I avail myself of the occasion...
425From James Madison to John Coffee, 28 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce to you Robert Taylor Esqr, lately Speaker of the Senate of Virginia. He is on a visit to the Country expected to be soon offered for public sale; and will be gratified by an opportunity of being acquainted with you. His worth is so well known to me, that I ask the favor of your civilities to him, without any apology but what is required by my own want of personal...
426From James Madison to Nancy Tapscott, 27 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of Jany 28. to which I can only answer by referring you to mine of Novr. 26. 1826. & by informing you that a power of Attorney is given by Mrs. Willis & myself to J. H. Lee Esqr. who will I am sure exercise it with every disposition to consult your interest & advantage that may be consistent with our just claims & reasonable expectations under the covenant entered into...
427From 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...
428From James Madison to Isaiah Thomas, 12 October 1820 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Thomas, with his acknowledgments for the copy of the Transactions of the American Antiquarian Society, and his best wishes for the success of an Institution, the valuable objects of which are so well explained and recommended in the early pages of the Volume. RC ( MWA : Isaiah Thomas Papers). Isaiah Thomas (1749–1831) was a printer, and publisher of the...
429From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 23 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
I received last evening yours of the 20th. from Charlottesville. You will not doubt the pleasure your visit would have afforded me; but I could not wish it at the cost of suffering the intenseness of the Cold would have imposed on you. I have just communicated to the Proctor, the decision of the Visitors with respect to Mr. Gray & Mr Chapman. The anomalous footing on which they are to be...
430James Madison to Hyde de Neuville, 15 June 1829 (Madison Papers)
My friend Mr. Rives is about to take his station in Paris, as diplomatic Representative of the U. States; and not doubting that an acquaintance will be mutually agreeable, I wish to open a direct way to it by this introduction. You will find him equally enlightened & amiable; with liberal views on all subjects; and with dispositions to cherish the friendly feelings & improve the beneficial...
431From James Madison to Daniel Webster, 12 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have received the copy of your Oration delivered at Bunker’s Hill on the occasion presented by the 17th. of June last. It merits all the praise which has been bestowed on it: And I tender you many thanks for the pleasure it has afforded me. With assurances of my distinguished esteem & cordial respects RC ( NhHi : Webster Collection); draft ( PHi ). RC addressed and franked by JM to Webster...
432James Madison’s Remarks at Orange Court House for a Fourth of July 1827 Dinner, [4 July 1827] (Madison Papers)
The toast was given: “James Madison. He arrested the march of consolidation and gave construction to the written powers.” “Upon the annunciation of this sentiment, Mr. M. arose, and after making his acknowledgments for the kind notice taken of him, which he was very sensible he owed more to their partiality, than to any just claim he had to it, Mr. M. said, he would propose for commemoration a...
433James Madison to Charles J. Ingersoll and Others, 13 October 1830 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison has recd. the polite invitation of the "Penn Society" to their anniversary dinner on the 25th. inst: Being under the necessity of denying himself, the pleasure of accepting it, he complies with the requested alternative by offering as a toast--"The immortal memory of Penn who subdued the ferocity of Savages by his virtues & enlightened the Civilized world by his Institutions" FC (DLC) .
434From 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.
435James Madison to William Cabell Rives, 13 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his respects to Mr. Rives, requests the favor of him to have the letter herewith inclosed handed to Majr. Hamilton, if in Washington: or if not there, nor soon expected, to add to the address, the place where he will be found, & then have it put into the post office. RC and enclosure (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers) . Enclosure is JM to James Hamilton, Jr., 13 Dec. 1828.
436From James Madison to John Taylor and James Garnett, 10 September 1819 (Madison Papers)
I am requested by Mr. Elkanah Watson of Albany to forward to each of the Presidents of Agricultural Societies in Virginia, a blank Copy, such as is inclosed, of “a certificate of Honorable Testimony”; apologizing for the indirect transmission, by his not knowing the gentlemen for whom the copies are intended. The request is accompanied with information, that the Publishers Rawdon & Balch being...
437James Madison to Elliott Cresson, 19 June 1829 (Madison Papers)
J. M. presents his respects to his friend E. Cresson, and fulfils his promise, by inclosing an autograph of General Washington & Mr. Jefferson. It would have been done sooner, but for a tedious indisposition, from which J. M is now not entirely recovered. FC (DLC) .
438James Madison to George P. Morris, 22 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 13th. requesting the loan of a Likness taken of me by (Stuart) and it would be agreable to me to follow the example of those who have complied with your wishes. But there is a serious obstacle in the aversion of Mrs Madison to whom the Portrait belongs, to trust it to a shift of hands, and an alternate conveyance by Land & by Water: and there is no known or...
439From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 April 1817 (Madison Papers)
Having been detained in Washington untill the 6th. inst. I did not reach home till Tuesday night, and of course too late to comply with the arrangement notified in yours of the 10th. March by Bizet. I take for granted that the other Visitors met, and that for the present at least my attendance will not be needed. As it has always been our purpose to pay a visit to Monticello at no distant day...
440James Madison to Hersant, 26 July 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your favour inclosing the communications from the Baron & Baroness de Neuville, came duly to hand; and I beg leave to request that you will be equally kind in giving the inclosed a proper conveyance, tendering to you at the same time the cordial acknowledgments & respects, to which Mrs. M. makes herself a party Draft (DLC) .
441James Madison to Robley Dunglison, 2 January 1834 (Madison Papers)
J. M. with his best respects to Professor Dunglison, thanks him for the Copy of his "Introductory Lecture". It sweeps away very appropriately the errors & follies of times past; as a preparation for lessons dictated by experience & Science. Draft (DLC) .
442From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 24 February 1818 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday your favor of the 20th. Eddins has not yet recd. the pattern of a Rifle Stock. The information is very acceptable that the option is afforded him; and not less so that if his fund of Walnut should not hold out, it will be no disappointment to the ordnance Dept. He will soon be able to judge of this point; and to send down to Fredg. his first delivery. If I am not mistaken,...
443From James Madison to Nicholas Biddle, 16 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
Such has been of late years the unfavourableness of the Seasons for the staple productions in this quarter, and of the markets also for the main one; and such the disappointment in collecting debts on which I counted, that I find it necessary to resort either to a moderate loan, or to a sale of property, which at the present juncture would be made to great disadvantage. The first alternative...
444From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 6th. My preference of F. Gilmer for the law professorship, to any other name brought into view, has not changed; & I know of no one better suited for the mission now declined by Mr. Cabell. It will be well I think to hold out, in the first instance at least, not more than $1500 for the Salary, as the reduction of the number of professors from 10 to 7. may not be...
445From James Madison to Andrew Stevenson, 25 March 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the copy of your late Speech kindly forwarded by you. I cannot say that I concur in all your views of the subject it discusses. But I take pleasure in doing justice to the ability with which those are maintained in which I do not concur. Will you pardon me for pointing out an error of fact into which you have fallen, as others have done, by supposing that the term national applied...
446James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, September 1834 (Madison Papers)
I recd. in the due time your letter of Aug. 11. But in my present condition I have been obliged to spare the use of the pen as much as possible, especially when an answer was not pressing, and I could give none that could be of much importance. It may well be supposed that at my age, and after a lapse of nearly 30 years, my memory must be a very fallible resort for information as to...
447From James Madison to Isaac Munroe, [post–13 August 1824] (Madison Papers)
J M. presents his respects to Mr. Munroe with thanks for the Copy of the republished letter of Mr. Adams to Mr. Otis &c politely inclosed in his letter of . He adds his thanks for the kind wishes expressed by Mr. M. and begs him to accept a sincere return of them. Draft ( DLC ). Month and day not indicated; conjectural date assigned based on JM ’s acknowlegment of Munroe’s letter to him of 13...
448James Madison to Bellamy Storer, 24 December 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of Decr. 22d. covering a communication from Mr. Hodges. Had you found it convenient to deliver it in person, it would have afforded me an agreeable opportunity of welcoming you to my abode. I very sincerely express my sensibility to the friendly views you have taken of my public Career—and I pray you to be assured of my cordial respects and good wishes. FC (DLC) .
449From James Madison to John Payne Todd, 15 February 1826 (Madison Papers)
(I will not withold the epithet notwithstanding the little regard you seem to pay to the feeling it expresses). I have the mortification & grief of being obliged to recur, by another letter, to the subject of my former one. The 3d month is now wearing away since that was written pressing you in the strongest terms, & for the most cogent reasons to return immediately to your home & yr. parents,...
450From James Madison to Peter S. Du Ponceau, May 1821 (Madison Papers)
I cannot return my thanks for your “Address” on the subject of a Central Seminary of Jurisprudence, without offering my best wishes for the success of such an Institution. The Citizens of the U. States, not only form one people governed by the same code of laws, in all cases falling within the range of the Federal Authority; but are connected by a daily intercourse and by multiplying...