51[Nicholas P. Trist] to James Madison, 23 November 1832 (Madison Papers)
Thinking on this subject last night in bed, it occurred to me that the most effectual way to keep these madmen in check, would be for the upper country in S. C.—(the only part of the state which is self-sufficient for the purposes of internal security, and which is decidedly against nullification) to say to the others, we here part company. If you choose to pursue this course, we will not; and...
52Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 7 July 1831 (Madison Papers)
I am returning to the City from a trip to the Rip Raps (the most delightful spot, as to atmosphere, I have ever been at) in company with the President, and sit down to scrawl a few lines in the hope of their reaching you in time. I have good grounds for thinking that your presence—if it be only for one or two days—at the approaching meeting of the Visitors will be highly important to the...
53To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 18 January 1828 (Madison Papers)
I am utterly ashamed of myself for having kept you waiting so long for letters which you have, doubtlessly, been impatient to receive; and this shame is the greater from the delicacy which has prevented your jogging my memory on the subject. The only excuse I have to offer, is the procrastination forced on me by the multiplicity of agenda constantly before my eyes; & the forgetfulness which...
54Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 24 September 1828 (Madison Papers)
A letter just received from Mr Monroe, betrays the erroneous impression that the first monday--whereas it is the first day--was appointed for the meeting of the Board; and, lest the other members should be labouring under the same mistake, I have lost no time in calling their attention to the subject. The students at the University have not yet reached one hundred. Dr P. evinces several...
55To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 26 April 1827 (Madison Papers)
Calling by here in haste this morning, I am met by Mr Brockenbrough who calls me into his office, to show me the enclosed. They are on a Subject of such deep interest, that I have asked his permission to send to you the letter addressed to himself. It may turn out a God send. You will judge of the expediency of obtaining the opinions of Bowditch & of Farrar; and of using every effort to close...
56Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 1 December 1832 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed will give you a juster idea of the real state of things at the Head Quarters of Nullification &c than you can get at second hand. Offers of military support are pouring in upon the President. Not a few from Virginia . The People of So. Ca. are becoming aware of the impositions [pra]ctised upon them as to the peaceableness of the remedy, and there are already some symptoms of a...
57Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 1 September 1829 (Madison Papers)
It is my intention some day or other to take up seriously the politics of this country. If a moment of leisure is ever allowed you for the purpose, will you add to your many kindnesses that of pointing out, in as much detail possible, a course of reading on the subject? Ever yours N. P. T. RC ( ViHi : Nicholas P. Trist Album Book).
58Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 2 July 1833 (Madison Papers)
You were right in supposing that my thoughts had been given to the subject of the void made in the University by the resignation of Dr Dunglison; but I am sorry to say that it has not been to any purpose. Indeed I was satisfied from the beginning that it would be utterly impossible to fill his place, even tolerably; and that the days of the Medical School in our University were numbered. I...
59Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 13 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
You will be surprised at the place from which I date. I reached the Courthouse in good time to avoid the rain; and was so anxious that the stage should not pass me—as I was told the want of a horn might cause it to do—that after tossing in bed until two o’clock, I then rose & lit my candle. The Stage was much later making its appearance, than common; & when, at last, it did appear, there was...
60Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 5 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
January is past, and I am still here, without any immediate prospect of getting away. I still flatter myself, however, that I may yet, before this month passes over, make my appearance at Montpelier. My health is sensibly improved. Indeed every one tells me I look remarkably well; but with this, my feelings are still far from according. I yet suffer much from a general want of tone of body and...
61Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 10 October 1830 (Madison Papers)
Mr Davis asked me some time since to procure & send him by the earliest conveyance the accompanying volume, my copy of which I had recommended to his perusal some years ago. ’Tis Bentham’s annihilation , I must call it, of Blackstone, not only as a politician, but as a lawyer ; which, it now appears from Neale’s late work, enlisted or rather impressed (for it must have been against their will)...
62Nicholas P. Trist: Notes on Student Tickets, 1 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
If the price of tickets be reduced from $50 to $30 a piece on the student’s taking two whole tickets, what will be the corresponding reduction on his taking one ticket & 15/50 of another ? The answer is furnished by this proportion Two tickets, are to The reduction operated by them on the price of each, as 1 & 15/50, is to The reduction operated by them on the price of the whole ticket. 2: 20...
63To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 25 March 1827 (Madison Papers)
I owe you many apologies for so late an acknowledgment of your kind favor of the 2 inst.; but it was postponed some days unavoidably; and then, by the daily expectation of learning Mr Key’s final decision, which to the very last, I entertained some hope would be such as I wished. There is considerable intimacy subsisting between Mrs D. & Mrs K, by means of which I had derived some knowledge of...
64To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 28 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
Your letter found me engaged with the papers relating to Mr Jefferson’s memoir. As I could not therefore immediately attend to it without pretermitting these; and as the time for communicating the report was distant enough to admit of a little delay, I contented myself with sending you word, through Mrs Randolph, that it had come to hand & should receive the earliest attention in my power to...
65Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 14 February 1829 (Madison Papers)
I have time, this morning, for only a single line, to remove all doubt as to the receipt of your last packet. It came in due course of mail, & its contents went with the first dispatches: so also did its previous brother, which ought to have been immediately acknowledged; & would have been, but for collateral causes of procrastination. Mrs Randolph & Virginia have been for two or three weeks,...
66[Nicholas P. Trist] to James Madison, 18 February 1830 (Madison Papers)
In putting up the enclosed for yourself, I take the liberty of adding three packets for the Orange Ct. House post=office. This I do in the conviction that; from the nature of the packets, it is no abuse of your frank, and that the liberty will be excusable in your eyes. Ritchie’s conduct on the occasion has been most inexcusable . His notes to the friend in Richmond whom I had charged with the...
67Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 12 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
Taking the white sheet in which the papers were wrapped, for a mere envelope; I did not notice your "iterum", until I came to put away my letters, after my last to you was despatched. The extract you desire, is now enclosed. Mr Gilmer’s information leaves it uncertain whether the contract be in this county, or with his uncle, in Liberty. To the latter, I shall write by the first mail. In the...
68Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 17 December 1835 (Madison Papers)
Until a few weeks ago, I counted with certainty on making my usual pilgrimage to Montpellier during this visit to the U. States. But circumstances beyond my control have put it out of my power, and I am now hastening to New Orleans, by the Way of Charleston, Augusta & Mobile, in company with Septimia Randolph, who has already suffered such effects from the cold weather as to make her friends...
69Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 11 July 1833 (Madison Papers)
A note from Mr Kane informs me that Mr Longacre—whom I had previously the pleasure of knowing, and whom he speaks of as "one of our most accomplished & estimable Philadelphia artists, is on his way to Virginia, and proposes to visit Montpelier in the hope that it will not be found too inconvenient to you to allow him an opportunity to take your picture. Mr Kane says he has never seen a good...
70Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 13 June 1829 (Madison Papers)
Dr Jones has lost his situation in the Patent office, and now holds a clerkship in this Dept. I accidentally learnt yesterday that he had told one of his acquaintance that this was only temporarily, for "he had once been offered professorships in the University of Virginia & some other institution, and would again turn his attention that way." On hearing this, I determined to lose no time in...
71Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 20 August 1834 (Madison Papers)
Since my return here (last friday) I have been engaged in the examination of Mr. Jefferson’s papers, for materials to put the measures of ’98-’99 in their true light, and thus to vindicate his memory & that of his co-laborers from the deep reproach of having given birth to the doctrine of Nullification as now understood. I have found several precious things, among which is the memorandum of...
72Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 29 July 1830 (Madison Papers)
The step which I now take, I venture on With the less reluctance, as, if not entirely approved by you, it will rest altogether with you to prevent its reaching the field of impropriety. Mr Davis has written to ask me to procure, & send him without loss of time, a book which I once lent him. I have determined to avoid delay by sending him my copy; but it being altogether uncertain when this...
73Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 29 August 1834 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 25th came duly to hand. There was a reason for the application to G going from you which I intended, but forgot at the moment, to state. Of this, however, another time. Every day has been devoted to the examination of Mr. J’s papers: beginning at the beginning, & coming down regularly. I have almost got through, and at every step something occurs to confirm my own opinion, &...
74To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 6 December 1827 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter, I received yesterday evening and hasten to forward to you, as well as my reply, which is subjoined. From these data, you will be able to judge what will be the intentions of the members in Richmond after the receipt of my letter, as they will have it in their power to judge of your probable decision under all the circumstances which have occurred. “At the momt. of writing...
75Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 12 January 1829 (Madison Papers)
Thompson received four copies of Lyman’s work, on Saturday. Two were immediately taken—the one by Mr Everett, the other by the Russian minister. These circumstances, together with the annunciation of "considerable additions" to the part formerly published, & the continuation of the history through periods concerning which you may feel the interest of curiosity, determined me on subjecting you...
76To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 6 May 1827 (Madison Papers)
I owe many apologies for this tardy acknowledgment of your favor of last month. Several causes have contributed to this remissness, but the chief of these is the paradoxical one of that extreme punctuality which you persist in observing towards me, which has been the cause of a compunctious visitation every time that it has been displayed, and which therefore, honestly and sincerely, I do not...
77Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 11 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have not had it in my power to thank you sooner, for your kind compliance with my request in relation to Mr Gallatin. A few evenings after the receipt of your letter, it procured for me an interview in which my high expectations were realised, & I moreover experienced the gratification of having my own views on many points, confirmed by such high authority. It was not the least of the...
78Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 20 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
The somersets which have been turned here since I last wrote have changed the aspect of things in more respects than one. It has opened prospects with regard to the prosecution of internal improvements, and among others the Chesapeake & Ohio canal, which will not be without their effect upon the value of property here. Should this new scheme be adopted, the inevitable effect will be a large...
79[Nicholas P. Trist] to James Madison, 7 March 1830 (Madison Papers)
Had the many interruptions been anticipated, which have arisen to prevent an earlier reply to your favor of the 16th ulto., I should have immediately written a line to relieve you from doubt as to its safe transmission. The justness of your criticism is felt, upon the imputation of ignorance as to the doctrines of self government, to the period of the Revolution. I was indeed unaware of the...
80Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 21 March 1829 (Madison Papers)
The branch of business that has been assigned me, makes this the busiest period of the year: indeed the press scarcely allows me breathing time. This will be a sufficient apology, I trust, for not sooner answering your last favor. In relation to the Faculty report, I took the liberty of departing from your directions, so far as to have it inserted by both the Intelligencer & the Journal, as a...
81To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 8 November 1827 (Madison Papers)
Owing to my not attending Court on Monday I did not receive your favor of the 3d. till the next day. Nothing has reached me concerning the papers you enquire after. I think it not unlikely, however, that Mr Sparks may have entrusted them to Mr Hilliard of Boston, who set out thence some weeks since, & has been daily looked for for a good while. When he arrives, I shall ask if nothing was put...
82Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 17 October 1830 (Madison Papers)
In the hurry of folding last Sunday, the enclosed was omitted; and as it may be necessary to assure you, in case of one of those collecting visits, which, from the loose manner in which newspaper accounts are generally & in a great measure unavoidably kept, I know by experience one is liable to a repetition of,— I now enclose it. I have been running over the essay on distress, and found in it...
83Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 5 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
The two packets containing your letter to Mr Eppes, and those from Mr Hassler, came to hand in due course of mail: the contents of the former were immediately forwarded to Lynchburg, Mr E’s post-office; those of the latter, placed among the papers of the board. I write now for the purpose of saying--lest you should be deterred by the late event--that you are expected to establish yourselves...
84To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 31 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
I send, with the request that they be returned when you shall have done with them, a couple of Harmony papers, containing some articles on the subject of gymnastics. The flattering reports brought up by Genl. Cocke on the prospects of further assistance from the legislature, and the consequent probability that it will be in the power of the Bd. to do something on the subject, has revived my...
85Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 20 May 1829 (Madison Papers)
An accidental opportunity offers to send you a few oranges, which may, perhaps, be a rarity; and will, I trust, be more acceptable than my prescription during your last illness. The news of this, recd. yesterday from Mr Rives, was as unexpected as it was unpleasant: for but a few days had elapsed since I had called at Mr Cutts’s, & learnt you were both well. You must have been thinking me very...
86Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 21 February 1829 (Madison Papers)
Instead of your hearing from me early in the week, as, in my few lines of last week, I promised you should, the end of it has arrived & found me still delinquent. I have as yet completed but two copies of Mr Monroe’s paper, which go, in separate parcels, by this mail; they had best, I think, be sent to Mr Johnson & Mr Cabell: the former having been on the committee with Mr Monroe, the latter...
87To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, [3 April 1827] (Madison Papers)
Stepping into the post-office to put my letter in, I am pleased to find the enclosed left here for distribution. It so happened that it was my intention to say Something in my letter, on this very subject, in connexion with one of the transactions at the last meeting, and an account I have since heard of Mr Maxwell’s Speech at Hampden Sydney, in which he triumphantly foretold that they (the...
88To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 29 January 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have been expecting by every mail for a week past, an answer to a letter I wrote you on the 18th instant; and I begin to fear that it has either miscarried, or found you unwell. It was to apologise for my long neglict of your wishes on the subject of the remaining letters from you to Mr Jefferson, & to apprise you that they were at length separated from the books in which they had been sewn,...
89To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 30 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
The first thing to be done after the adjournment of the Board, was to make up the record & copy off all those long enactments of Mr Johnson. This I commenced on the succeeding day, & was occupied by, pretty closely, till the Thursday ensuing. Then I went immediately, to the university, where Mr Lomax & myself commenced our joint labours of digesting the enactments, which we got through by...
90Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 8 July 1830 (Madison Papers)
In the scrawl I sent you just before my departure for Philadelphia, I adverted to another subject, on which I proposed to write soon. Circumstances have encouraged my procrastinating disposition, until it has brought me to the last moment. The subject in question is the creation of a Professorship for (for this is truly the only light in which the subject can be viewed by an impartial...
91Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 26 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have never lost sight of the report to the Legislature; and yet it has been impossible for me to make the sketch which goes by this morning’s mail, before this moment. The first days of my arrival were entirely engrossed by attendance on the office, & then, receiving & making calls and seeking a lodging. These things, added to the bustle of a tavern, made it so difficult for me to collect my...
92Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 21 September 1830 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Gales having told me on Saturday that the communication in question would appear in the ensuing paper, I was apprehensive, on the receipt of your last favor, that it would be too late to avail myself of the suggestion contained in it. The paper yesterday morning, however, proved not to contain it; and I went down to the printing office as soon as I could. Mr G. (nor S.) was not in; & after...
93Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 20 October 1828 (Madison Papers)
Your kind favor of the 12th (post-mark-14th) was received on the 17th, & I wished to answer it by return of post, but found it impossible. I wrote, however, by that mail to Mr Clay, saying that, provided the duties were such as I felt competent to, the office would be very acceptable; and that my determination would be communicated the moment I could receive the necessary information on the...
94Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 11 January 1833 (Madison Papers)
On christmas morning, In attempting to rise, I found myself completely nullified , and almost as stiff as a statue, in the body. I had for some days felt a slight pain in the back, which had now almost impreceptibly ripened into quite a severe acute rheumatism, that rendered every attempt at motion excessively painful. In the course of 36 hours, the stiffness disappeared; but I had to confine...
95Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Under this cover is the speech of Genl. H. which you will oblige me by returning when you have done with it. The particular part in question is in the appendix, p. 44. The consideration I have again bestowed on the subject confirms me in the conviction that it may, without difficulty, be placed in its true light. One of the passengers in the stage obtained at the Ct. House an orange Press , in...
96Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 7 October 1829 (Madison Papers)
Mr Van Buren is reported to contemplate a visit to Richmond, where he will, of course, see you. He has expressed himself favorably concerning me, to several persons. But I have not had any opportunity to make myself known to him, except in the mere routine of a subordinate clerkship. Should no circumstance exist to make such a thing unpleasant; an expression of the sentiments with which it has...
97Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 1 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
A steady rain all day yesterday prevented my going to the University then. The hour at which the mail closes just allows me time to send you a copy of the Contract with Mr Long —which I have selected, thinking it might be the one you have occasion for—The others are in substance the same. If copies of them are wanted, please drop me a line to that effect. Affectionately, Your very devoted...
98Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 29 May 1830 (Madison Papers)
On reading the message of the President on the Maysville road bill, you will be, probably, as astounded as I was, at the preposterous misconstruction of your very plain language, and the ascription to you of a concession utterly at variance with the idea of a limitation of the authority of the Fed. govt, and with the uniform & emphatic tone of your mind on these subjects. Conceiving it to be a...
99To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 9 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
When I came to make a copy of the report, I was stopped at the first step, by the want of a caption. How was this difficulty to be got over? I could not communicate with you on the subject, without a loss of time that might add still more to the delay of the report. I have determined therefore on the following course. To transpose a portion of body upon the shoulders—thus making a head of...
100Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 14 December 1831 (Madison Papers)
Your letter & the Speech are recd.—Your signature on the frank indicated but too plainly the state of your hand; and I fear that this unprecedented weather strengthens the enemy to the point of allowing you no rest. I shall write a few lines to-night, if not prevented. Meanwhile Affte adieux RC (ViHi : Nicholas P. Trist Album Book).