401James Madison to John Coalter, 27 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
Before I recd. your favour of the 23d. I had taken steps for sending to the Governour the proceedings of the Convention at Charlottesville; but finding that the Memorial as finally agreed to, would not appear without much trouble in tracing the additions & alterations, I requested Mr. Davis to make out a distinct copy as resulting from these, which I have just recd. & now forward to the...
402From James Madison to Thomas W. Cobb, 25 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 19th. inst. and am very sorry that instead of the pleasure I shd take in satisfying the several enquiries it makes, I find myself unable to do it as to either of them. The great lapse of time, without intervening calls on my memory, has effaced from it every impression that could be of avail to the gentlemen on whose behalf you have written. I cannot even...
403From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 3 August 1827 (Madison Papers)
Since my return home, I have received the letter from Mr. Gallatin of which a copy is enclosed. Be so good as to forward it to Mr. Cabell, with a request that he send it to Mr. Johnson, who from Richmond will easily give it conveyance to Mr. Loyall. I will make known its contents to Mr. Monroe & Mr. Breckenridge. I have heard nothing from any other quarter on the subject of the vacant Chair. I...
404James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 12 May 1828 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 5th. has just come to hand, and embarrasses me a little as to the course by which I should best consult the views of the Visitors, in relation to an appointment of Mr. Ritchie at once to the vacant Chair of Nat: Philos:. Mr Johnston as you know is against any appointments in the recess of the Board, and I find by a letter from Mr. Cabell who writes from Washington that he adheres...
405James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 15 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
I inclose a letter just recd. from Monsr. Ferron, teacher of fencing in the University, who wishes to be allowed to extend his lessons to the case of dancing. I have informed him that the Rector as such, had no authority on the subject; and that not having been present at the late Meeting of the Visitors, I knew not whether anything had then passed, from which their sentiments might be...
406James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 18 August 1828 (Madison Papers)
I learn from Mr. Trist that he has communicated with Jones on the subject of Books, and that with the sanction of the Executive Committee, the views of the Visitors can be accomplished. I hope if you concur in what Mr Trist aims at, you will not wait for my expressed concurrence in this, more than in other domestic functions of the Executive Committee. With great esteem & regard RC ( ViU );...
407From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 26 March 1827 (Madison Papers)
I think it proper to inclose you a copy of my letter to Mr. Gallatin, not merely for your information, but that I may be favored, with any additions or alterations that may occur to you. You will perceive the difficulty of accomodating the resort to Mr. Gallatin to the shortness of time, the uncertainty of his success, and the proper reserve for the chance of success here. In alluding to the...
408From 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...
409From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 1 November 1826 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours of Ocr. 28. As the intimation to Mr Hilliard will go with more weight from the Executive Committee than from one of its members, I drop a few lines for him to be signed by you also, and duly forwarded. I send it in this form the rather, because of the distinction between the 2 cases of the Periodicals and of the general supply of books; and between both as now...
410From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 9 December 1827 (Madison Papers)
On the rect. of your letter of the 29th Ulto I made up my mind to join the attending Visitors tomorrow; hoping that a cold which oppressed me would prove so transient as not to defeat my purpose. It has on the contrary taken the character of a decided influenza, with a fever that has confined me closely for several days, & is without any present symptom of abatement. I am under the necessity...
411From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 5 September 1827 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 29. happened not to reach me in time to be answered by the last mail. The letters from Mr. Short are very strong in favor of Docr. Jones. But as it is more impor. that the best, than that the earliest choice be made, it seems proper not to preclude the consideration of Docr. Patterson at least, with respect to whom I have not yet heard from Mr. Johnson. Would it be amiss...
412From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 9 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
I inclose a letter from Mr. Egan covering a letter from Mr. Giles to the Visitors, and copy of a letter from Mr. Jefferson to Mr Giles, as testimonials in favor of his application for the Chair of Mr. Long. As it appears to be the wish of Mr Egan that the papers should be made known to the Visitors as soon as may be, it may be well that they be communicated to our Colleagues as opportunities...
413From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 15 November 1827 (Madison Papers)
I recd. this morning, the inclosed letter brought Mr. Hilliard’s Store-keeper. I apprized him that I shd. transmit the application to you, having no authority apart from yours. I am under the impression that there was some dissatisfaction at the manner in which Mr. Hilliard had executed his commission. Be so obliging as to take whatever order you judge proper, and consider my decision as...
414James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 29 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
I inclose letters from Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Brockenbrough & Mr. Davis. It appears from the Acct. in that of Mr. L. that there is a balance in the hands of the Barings of more than £300 Sterg. But Mr. Rives tells me it will probably be absorbed in debts for the Philosophical Apparatus. The communication from Mr. B raises the question whether the vacated Hotel shall be filled or suspended. This...
415From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 18 March 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr Key the tender of his resignation as authorized by the resolution of the Board of Visitors. He is very desirous at the same time that it may not take effect till the middle of August, which will not only give him the opportunity of being present at the examination of the students, but free him from the expence of waiting for a London Packet from N. York or of going by land...
416James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 12 August 1828 (Madison Papers)
I inclose a letter put into my hands by Professor Lomax, which it may be well to communicate to our Colleagues as opportunities offer. It seems to call for some remedial arrangemt. of the fees. Whether any can be applied, before the meeting of the Visitors you will take into consideration. In a letter to Mr. Trist, which he may have mentioned to you, I suggested what occurred to me on that...
417James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 16 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. from Doctr. Dunglison a letter of which the inclosed is a copy; and I lose no time in making it known to you, as I am doing to the other Visitors—The following is an extract of a private letter which he desires may also be placed before the Visitors. "Professor Davis begs me to express to you officially his desire to occupy my Pavilion and grounds when I leave the University....
418From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 19 January 1828 (Madison Papers)
The Proctor has communicated to me certain resolutions of the Faculty, which as he says he has done also to you, I do not inclose. I must on this occasion, as but too often happens, trouble you with a request, to give, as soon as may be convenient, such instructions as you think due to the wishes of the Faculty, and within our authority & means. With great esteem & very sincere regard FC ( DLC...
419James Madison to [John Hartwell Cocke], 26 June 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. the enclosed letter with the notice it refers to, which I have duly acknowledged. Be so good as to hand the papers to Mr. Wood as requested; and give to the case whatever attention may be proper on the part of the University. I have not seen the Act of Assembly, but take for granted the course pursued is authorized by it. With friendly respects FC (NN : Emmet Collection).
420From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 4 December 1827 (Madison Papers)
On the rect. of your letter of Novr. 13. proposing for the decision of the Executive Committee either a removal of all the Hotel Keepers, with a view to reduce the number to two, who were to be Mr. Minor & Mr. Carr; or as alternative, the discount[in]uance of Gray Chapman & Richeson, and a substitution of Mr. J. Carter for the first, with the known understanding annexed to it. My answer of...
421From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 27 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. the inclosed papers from the University. They give a sad account of the Hotel Keepers. Not recollecting the exact relation in which these are placed by the last enactment to the several Authorities above them, I can not decide well on what may be required from the Executive Committee. Be so good as to favor me with your ideas on the whole subject. In every view, delays must...
422From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 2 November 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. a letter from Mr Johnson, of Octr 29. in which he wishes, if the appointment of Doct. Jones has not been irrevocably made that it may be suspended, til he hears from a friend in New York, whether Mr Renwick, Professor of Nat: Philosophy and highly spoken of at Columbia College, be attainable. This he expects to do in 8 or 10 days, and with some prospect of an affirmative...
423James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 8 May 1829 (Madison Papers)
I did not learn till a few days ago, that you had sufficiently got over your reported illness at Norfolk, to return home. I hope your health is now good & will continue so. I inclose an extract from a letter recd. from Mr. Long some time ago, which shews that we cannot rely on a successor from England to the Chair he filled in the University; that he strongly recommends Doctr. Harrison for it:...
424James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 23 February 1829 (Madison Papers)
I inclose a letter from Docr. Dunglison with my answer to it. Should you concur in the expedient he suggests, or in any other, for obviating reports injurious to the University, I shall cheerfully confide in your choice of the mode most proper for authenticating the true State of things there. With great esteem & cordial salutations RC ( ViU ); FC (DLC) .
425James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 24 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. the inclosed from the Proctor. Should Majr. Spotswood’s resignation be persisted in, & allowed to take effect, and a regular Successor not be attainable, I see no other resort but the step suggested by Mr. B. which must be on our assumed responsibility. I shall readily take my share of it in that or any other arrangement you may judge preferable in the emergency. With cordial...
426From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 10 January 1828 (Madison Papers)
The last mail brought me your letter of the 4th. inclosing one from Docr. Jones, with your answer. From the footing on which the question of his appointment now rests, and the uncertainty of an earlier provision for the vacant Chair, it may be best to acquiesce in his terms. And if this be your opinion and that of Mr. Cabell & Mr. Johnson, he can be informed by a final letter from you, that a...
427From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 21 October 1827 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 12 inst: came duly to hand; and I have recd. two letters from Mr. Johnston of the 3 & 5. one from Mr. Monroe of the 3d. & one from Mr. Breckenridge of Sepr. 30; all of them having made a previous trip to Montpellier in Vermont. Mr. Johnson assents to the immediate appointment of Docr. Jones to the Chair of Nat: Philosophy, but seems willing to learn what Mr. Bonnycastle may have...
428From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 19 November 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have just reccd. yours of the 15. I have heard nothing further from Mr Johnson, and his expected intelligence from New York is deprived of its importance by the step taken in favor of Doctr. Jones, who I flatter myself will not disappoint our hopes. The last acts of the Board, as extracted by Mr Trist seem to allow to the Ex. Come. no discretion, to reduce the number of Hotels below four. It...
429James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 4 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday yours of the 29th. ult: inclosing your correspondence with Docr. Jones. It is quite probable, not withstanding his dissatisfaction at what has passed, that he may still look forward to the chance of having the way opened for him to the vacant Chair in the University, by some intermediate proceeding of the Visitors. Should this not be done, he seems to have shut himself out...
430James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 10 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
I inclose a letter just recd. from Professor Lomax. From the view he takes of the case stated, it seems to justify the wish he expresses. I refer it however to your decision, as well because you know, which I do not, the object of the visitors in their order, as because the case falls within your share of the attentions as divided between us. It will doubtless be agreeable to Mr. Lomax to hear...
431James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 9 March 1828 (Madison Papers)
Since the rect. of your two letters of Feby. 14 & 23 the former inclosing your notice to Docr. Jones, that the Chair of Nat: Phil would not be filled till July, I have recd. a letter from Mr. Laurence our Charge D’ Affr. in London, of which a copy is enclosed. It shews what has been done and is doing there in relation to that vacancy; and that we may expect soon to receive further information....
432From James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, 12 February 1827 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday yours of the 6th. and at the same time a letter from Mr. Matthews on the same subject. I have sent back his letter to you, with the sanction to his proposed arrangement in the terms above copied. A military school may be useful, especially if admitted as a substitute for Militia exercises; but for all physical purposes the Gymnasium is incomparably superior. It would be well...
433James Madison to John Hartwell Cocke, June 5, 1829 (Madison Papers)
I forward herewith a copy of Mr. Monroe’s paper from Mr. Trist. Your two letters from Charlottesville came duly to hand. I shall write to Mr. Long on the subject of the "Thesaurus", by Mr. Rives; who if he halts in England will probably see him; and if not will ask the favor of Mr. McLane to take charge of the letter. I have heard nothing from Mr. Long or Mr. Barbour on the subject of a...
434From 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...
435From James Madison to William J. Coffee, 13 January 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of Jany. 1825. on the subject of a life-size Statue of Mr. Jefferson in Plaster, to be placed in the Library of the University. How far the consent of Mr. Jefferson may be attainable or not I can not pretend to say. But on the supposition of his yielding it, I should be chargeable with a want of candour if I witheld the remark that there could not be a time more...
436From James Madison to William A. Coffey, 12 September 1823 (Madison Papers)
I acknowledge, as requested, the rect. of a Copy of “Inside out” accompanied by the letter of “Wm. A. Coffey.” Without any reference to the merits of the Administration of the State Prison of N. York, the volume may be said to contain remarks throwing light on the Objects of such Institutions, and suggesting precautions agst. abuses to which all of them must be more or less liable. I wish the...
437From James Madison to Isaac Coffin, 2 April 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have been so fortunate as to procure for you, 3 wild Turkies, two Goblers and one hen. I regret that I could not double the latter also, but all my efforts have failed. The solitary Gobler in a Coop by himself, is several years old, is very large, and has the finest plumage I have ever seen on a Turkey. The pair in the other Coop are of the last year’s brood, and not a forward one. They will...
438From James Madison to Isaac Coffin, 1 October 1819 (Madison Papers)
On receiving your letter of June 10. I offered without delay encouragements for obtaining a few young wild Turkies, but have not been successful. It was too late in the Season to get Eggs, to be hatched under tame hens; and young ones are seldom otherwise procured. Nor indeed is it easy to rear very young ones however procured, such is their mortality under the best domestic management, and...
439James Madison to William Cogswell, 10 March 1834 (Madison Papers)
private Your letter of the 18th. Ult: was duly received. You give me a credit to which I have no claim, in calling me " The writer of the Constitution of the U.S." This was not, like the fabled Goddess of Wisdom, the offspring of a single brain. It ought to be regarded as the work of many heads & many hands. Your criticism on the "Collocation of books in the Library of our University, may...
440James Madison to Edward Coles, 15 October 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have received my dear Sir, your letter of the 15th. ultimo. I did not anticipate a complaint that mine was not full enough; being an effort which in my present condition, I had rarely made. It was not my object to offer either a plenary or a public review of the agitated topics; but to satisfy a friend that I ought not in my 84th. year, and with a constitution crippled by disease, to put...
441From James Madison to Edward Coles, 23 May 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of April 25. and lose no time in acknowledging it. If the Constitution does not authorize, or practical objection forbid, a Call of the Senate by the Govr, it would seem proper in the case stated, that he should give effect to the law, by appointing the necessary officer; laying the proceeding with the grounds of it before the Legislature, in confidence that if any...
442From James Madison to Edward Coles, 23 February 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment recd. your kind letter of the 17th. You seem to have attached more importance to my letter than it required. It would nevertheless have been very grateful to us to have had 2 or 3 days carved for us out of your allowance for Washington. We thank you much for your readiness to be of service to us at Philada. The best you render will be that of increasing the pleasure of your...
443James Madison to Edward Coles, 16 February 1835 (Madison Papers)
As the most secure mode of paying the inclosed account I trouble you with a request that you will apply five dollars for the purpose, and return the account with the receipt. A letter of late date from your brother Isaac mentioned that all friends at and about Enniscorthy were in good health. We hope neither yours, or that of Mrs. Coles has suffered from this irregular and hard Winter. Mine...
444James Madison to Edward Coles, 29 August 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have received, my dear Sir, your favor of the 17th. The motives to it are as precious to me, as its object is controvertible. You have certainly presented your views of the subject with great skill and great force. But you have not sufficiently adverted to the position I have assumed, and which has been accorded or rather assigned to me by others, of being withdrawn from party agitations, by...
445James Madison to Edward Coles, 10 May 1836 (Madison Papers)
At the request of Mr. Madison who is too feeble to write, I subjoin a copy of the reply he dictated to an application renewed by C. S. Todd, thro’ my sisters, for the same object with that lately addressed to yourself. He adds his thanks for the copy you forwarded him of Armstrong, and his cordial respects. Allow us all to unite in the same tender to Mrs. Coles & yourself. "I have recd....
446James Madison to Edward Coles, 2 April 1829 (Madison Papers)
You have obliged us very much by your favor of the 29th. Ult: It gave us the first knowledge of the accident to Payne. Altho’ it guards us agst. unfavorable reports, it leaves us very anxious to learn that the progress of his recovery correspond with your anticipations. We must ask the favor of you also to let us know from whom the required medical aid was obtained, and whether he has been...
447From James Madison to Edward Coles, 7 February 1827 (Madison Papers)
Your letter from the Green Mountain did not come to hand till last evening. You have disappointed us of a great pleasure by the change of your route Northward. We were extremely anxious to see you without the delay now threatened; and do not despair that it may yet be in your power to gratify us. If you allot weeks for Washington, why not carve out of them a very few days , in which you can...
448James Madison to Edward Coles, 2 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
You have obliged us very much by your favor of the 29th. ult. It gave us the first knowledge of the accident to Payne. Altho’ it guards us against unfavorable reports, it leaves us very anxious to learn that the progress of his recovery corresponds with your anticipations. We ask the favor of you also to let us know from whom the medical aid was obtained, and whether he has yet been able to...
449From James Madison to Edward Coles, 13 March 1827 (Madison Papers)
Since my last P. has written as he promised to his Mother, and stated the posture of the dft to pay Nicholls—and that in the hands of Astor in N.Y. I expect to obtain a Credit with the B. in Richmd that will meet directly these demands, so that he need not be detained a moment on their acct. from returning with you. Let us know when we may expect to see you, and previously , with certainty...
450James Madison to Edward Coles, 3 October 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have received yours of the 15th Sepr. and have commenced an answer; but interruptions of different sorts and my crippled fingers, make the progress very tedious. Tell me where an answer will catch you. Finding that I have in order to avoid the sale of Negroes sold land till the residue will not support them, concentered and increasing as they are, I have yeilded to the necessity of parting...