301From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 8 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your letters and communications by Dr. Bullus were duly delivered on the day of . The same conveyance brought a copy of the sentence pronounced by the French prize Court in the case of the Horizon, giving a judicial effect to the Decree of Novr. 21. 1806, as expounded in the answer of Mr Champagny to your letter of the . Whilst the French Government did not avow or enforce a meaning of the...
302From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 15 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
In the event of a war, or even of a general stop to the commerce with Great Britain, the renewal of the intercourse with St. Domingo, will become an object of great importance to the United States. In a letter of the 31 Jany 1804 to Mr Livingston, your predecessor, observations on the subject of this intercourse were addressed to the inte rest of France, as requiring her acquiescence in it....
303From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 10 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
When possession was delivered to our Commissioners by Mr. Laussat under the Treaty of 30 April 1803 it happened that a small settlement called Bayou Pierre was not included; altho it lies Eastward of the Sabine, is much nearer to our frontier post at Natchitoches, than to the Spanish one at Nacogdoches, and is known to have been a French settlement which was never under Spanish jurisdiction...
304From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 20 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed copy of a letter to Mr. Ervine, accompanying a statement of the case of the Marquis de Casa Yrujo, with certain other documents, will give explanations very proper to be possessed by you. To these are added other printed papers, which bring down to this date, the information and proceedings which relate to the enterprize of Burr and to such of his associates as have been arrested....
305From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 10 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
The letter, of which a copy is inclosed, from Mr Portalis, the French Minister of Worship to a Citizen at New Orleans named Castillen who is stiled President of the Fabrique of the Church of St. Louis, appears to have excited considerable sensation there, as an interposition disrespectful to the Government of the United States, and as evidence of a wish in that of France to keep alive in the...
306From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 18 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have received since my last of July 15 your letters of May 12th. June 4. 7. 26. July 12. 24. August 3d. continued 15 and one of the 23d. Your communications with Mr Champagny give some hope that our affairs with Spain may have been at length put into an effective course of adjustment; tho’ it is seen with regret that nothing has yet passed absolutely inconsistent with further delays, if...
307From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 21 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
Herewith you will receive a copy of the papers relating to one of the vessels which were destroyed at sea by the French Frigates returning from the West Indies. I observe that in your letter to Mr. Champagny of the 2d. of April, you have incidentally noticed this occurrence. If ample reparation should not have been made to the sufferers, the President thinks it proper that as their cases...
308From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 20 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I inclose the sequel of the information respecting Mr Burr’s enterprize as communicated to Congress yesterday whereby you will perceive that he has surrendered himself to the Civil authority of the Mississippi Territory. I have the honor to be with great respect, Sir, your most Obt. Svt. Privately owned.
309From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 22 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your dispatches by Lt. Lewis were delivered on the 8th. inst. It is regretted that the interval between his arrival and the date of your letter to Mr. Champagny, during which I presume some verbal intercommunication must have taken place, had produced no indication of a favorable change in the views of the French Government with respect to its decrees; and still more that instead of an early...
310From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 15 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed copy of a Proclamation of the President will inform you of a late extraordinary hostility and insult committed by a British Ship of War on a frigate of the U. S. near the Capes of Virginia, and of the measure taken by the President in consequence of the outrage. The subsequent proceedings of the British Squadron in our waters have borne a like stamp of hostility; and altho’ it may...
311From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 2 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
Information has been received thro’ a channel justly claiming attention, that the people of West Florida meditate an effort to liberate themselves from the Spanish Government; and that with this view it is intended in case the pulse of this Government does not promise a taking them by the hand, to address themselves to the British Government. No doubt is entertained of the ease with which the...
312James Madison to L. Y. Atkins, April 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yrs. to [ ] of 26 Ult. enclosing the Rept. of Col. Long on the contemplated subject of a Rail Road from Fredg. to the Western counties, and requesting my view on it, particularly of the route for it. Impressed as I am with the importance of improvts. which cheapen & expedite, transportation & travel, I shd. feel it a duty as well as pleasure, to promote them in every way that I...
313James Madison to S. Yorke Atlee, 30 June 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 3. Instant. My handwriting is now so varied by the effect of rheumatism on my fingers that it may be best to comply with your request by its ordinary character when in health, of which the enclosed is a specimen. I well recollect your father as a cotemporary in public service, and the personal respectability which he combined with that of his representative...
314From James Madison to Caleb Atwater, April 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of March 18. with the copy of a Bill providing for Common Schools in Ohio. It affords much gratification to see the emulating attention which is paid to this vital object throughout our Country; particularly in a young State which is rising to such national importance; and I shd. most cheerfully contribute any suggestions which might be of use on such an occasion. But...
315From James Madison to Jesse Atwater, 21 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
The dispatches with which you are charged for Mr. Pinkney, you will deliver to him in London. The Schooner Hope, in which you take your passage, is to land you at some convenient place on the English Coast, on her way to Havre de Grace. You will let Mr. Pinkney know that the Hope, after receiving at that place Dispatches from Genl. Armstrong is to pass over to Cowes or Portsmouth, in order to...
316From James Madison to Peter Audrain, 7 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 11th. ult.. The printed laws of Michegan have been packed up and are on their way to Detroit, if they have not arrived there. Governor Hull has been authorised to procure the seals necessary for the Territory. I have directed a copy of the laws of the last session of Congress to be forwarded to you. The proportion intended for the use of the Territory has...
317From James Madison to Thomas Auldjo, 9 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Thomas Auldjo. 9 January 1806, Department of State. “I enclose a copy of a letter from Capt. Stephen Merrihew, stating that your Consular Agent at Portsmouth, also acts as prize Agent for the Vessel which captured and sent his into that port. As it would be contrary to his most obvious duty for any Consul or Agent of the United States to interfere in the incidents of the war, more...
318From James Madison to Benjamin Austin and Others, 7 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. fw. Citizs. the address transmitted by you on the 23d. of Feby.; with the attention due to the occasion which gave rise to it, & to the view which it takes of past scenes & events. Whatever difference of opinion may have existed, among good Citizens, all will rejoice in the happy result of the Contest in which we have been engaged. If this has been attended with difficulties &...
319James Madison to James T. Austin, 6 February 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of 19th. ulto. requesting "a communication of any facts connected with the services of the late V. president Gerry in the Convention of 1787". The letter was retarded by its address to Charlottesville instead of Orange Ct H. It would give me pleasure to make any useful contribution to a biography of Mr. Gerry for whom I had a very high esteem & a very warm regard. But...
320From James Madison to the Marqués de Avilés, 27 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
In behalf of an individual Citizen of the United States, who has been deeply injured in his private Circumstances by certain proceedings which took place in the province over which your Excellency presides, I am induced now to call your attention to his Case. This Individual is James Yard Esqre, who is a very respectable Inhabitant and extensive Merchant of Philadelphia. He represents to me...
321From James Madison to Joseph S. Ayers (Abstract), 20 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
20 February 1805, Department of State . “I have received your letter of the 27th. Ult. The injury you sustained by the detention of your vessel is of a nature to be redressed only by your prosecuting the captor or his surety. There is therefore no form in which the Executive can with propriety interpose.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. No letter of 27 Jan. 1805 from Ayers...
322From James Madison to Domenico A. Azuni, October 1817 (Madison Papers)
The 3 Copies of your work on Piracy were duly recd; and 2 of them disposed of, one for the library of Congress, the other for that of the Department of State. For the 3d. presented to myself, I pray you to accept my thanks. An historical, juridical, & remedial view of Piracy, was a subject, which merited the researches & disquisition you have bestowed on it; and I have perused this gift of...
323From James Madison to Richard Bache, [post–8] January 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 7th inclosing the prospectus of a Gazette which is to be devoted to the cause of public liberty & free from the personal abuse which infects so many presses. I sincerely wish the example may have as much effect in exciting a laudable emulation, as examples of an opposite character have in provoking slanderous competitions. It is not within the rule I have laid...
324From James Madison to Richard Bache, 16 July 1825 (Madison Papers)
Mrs. Madison unites in the request that you will so obliging, in case J. P. Todd should not be in Philada. as to forward to him the inclosed letter (with the 2 others lately addressed to your care) by the most suitable conveyance; unless it be presumed that the letters will be sooner received by awaiting his return to Philada. When last heard from he was at N. York. Draft ( DLC ). JM...
325From James Madison to Richard Bache, 8 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Yrs. of is just recd. I am too sensible of yr. kind intentions in takg up the note it speaks of to hesitate in determining to save you from loss [ illegible ]. I am sorry to be obliged to add that as the case comes on me witht. any foreknowledge of it, & finds me a sharer in the general pressure of the times, I must hope that either the draft itself allows time, or that yr. conveniency will...
326From James Madison to Charles Bagot, 31 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have but this moment received your agreeable favor of the 26th, which ought to have come [to] hand a day or two sooner; and from the arrangement of the mail days, this will not reach Washington so soon by a day or two, as the mere distance would permit. Mrs. Madison and myself learn with sincere pleasure that we shall not be disappointed of the kind visit promised us: We shall be at home...
327From James Madison to Charles Bagot, 26 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. from the hand of Mr. Harris your favor of the 20th. However much we regret the delays which have suspended your journey, we could not wish that the gratification it holds out to us should be at the cost of your official obligations. We flatter ourselves that no further impediments will deprive us of it, in the early part of the ensuing Month. For myself, I am compelled as a...
328From James Madison to Chester Bailey, 19 September 1826 (Madison Papers)
Yrs of the 130. has just been recd. I sincerely regret the occasion for it, & that I can not venture to comply with its request, by fixing a time at wch. your bill agst. Cd. be discharged. When I authorized expectations on that subject, I was aware that circumstances might require this delay then reserved to myself and they have proved even more unfavorable than were anticipated. I must hope...
329From James Madison to Chester Bailey, 26 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yr. letr. of 12. postmarked 22. It is proper that I sd acknowledge the friendly views you have mingled with the other considns. which led to the painful communication it makes. I shall write to yr. debtor, & press on him the immediate return you advise & promise to promote. Shd. the want of a sum for his travelling expences be an obstacle, you will oblige me by advanci[n]g as...
330Promissory Note to Chester Bailey, 20 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
I promise to pay to Chester Bailey or order, on or before the first day of July one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight, six hundred dollars with interest thereon from October 23. 1826. in discharge of a note of that date and for that amount, from J. Payne Todd to the said C. Bailey, and by his endorsement, assigned to me. RC (owned by Mr. and Mrs. Philip D. Sang, Chicago, Ill., 1958)....
331From James Madison to Chester Bailey, 12 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 4th. inst. I hope your Guest will very soon set out, if he sd. not already have done so. On the subject of yr. charges agst. him, I must refer to my last, adding only, that speedy attention will be given not only to any necessary advance for his journey, but to what may become due for his ordinary expences, during his detention if that sd. happen. The bill for the...
332From James Madison to Chester Bailey, [ca. 20 December 1826] (Madison Papers)
I recd. some days ago your friendly communication of the 7th. I regret the continuance of circumstances wch. suggested it. I hope you will be satisfied with the footing on which I have put your claim for the arrears due from J.P.T. Inconsiderable as the amount may be thought, such have been the failures of my crops & the prices for them for a series of years, & such the utter failures of...
333James Madison to Lydia R. Bailey, 5 January 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have received a few days ago No. 36 of the Quarterly Review, the preceding no. 35 was omitted or miscarried—You will be so good as to forward that no. with respect. FC (DLC) .
334From James Madison to William Bainbridge, 5 April 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of Mar. 27. inclosing a copy of a letter to the Secy. of the Navy of the same date. In answer to it I have to observe merely that, on the statement of the case as originally made to me, I expressed or acquiesced in the opinion that under the circumstances of it, you could not be re-instaled in the Station at Charlestown, by the removal of Capt: Hull. The new matter on which...
335From James Madison to John Martin Baker, 2 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
You will hasten to Baltimore, and embark at that place in the Brig St. Michael. This Vessel being employed in the service of the Government is placed under your direction, and the Master will of course follow such instructions as you may give him and as are consistent with the Charter Party, of which a copy is enclosed. You will proceed with all practicable dispatch to the Port of L’Orient,...
336From James Madison to John Martin Baker, Ca. 7–15 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To John Martin Baker. Ca. 7–15 April 1806, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 8th of January requesting leave to return to the United States this Spring, and I have the pleasure to inform you that no objections occur to the gratification of your wishes.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC , vol. 1). 1 p. Undated; conjectural date assigned based on the document’s location...
337From James Madison to Henry Baldwin, ca. 13 February 1821 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ To Henry Baldwin. Letter not found. Ca. 13 February 1821 . Printed facsimile of RC cover sheet, addressed and franked by JM; postmarked 13 Feb. 1821 at Orange Court House. Offered for sale in Robert F. Batchelder Catalog 64 [1988], item 32. Henry Baldwin (1780–1844), a Connecticut-born, Yale-educated, Pittsburgh lawyer, was half-brother to Abraham Baldwin and Ruth Baldwin Barlow. Baldwin...
338From James Madison to Isaac Ball, 4 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 4 April 1809. Acknowledged in Ball to JM, 11 Apr. 1809 . Authorizes Ball to list JM as a patron of a proposed new edition of his work, An Analytical View of the Animal Economy .
339From James Madison to Alexander Balmain, 23 November 1794 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 23 November 1794. Acknowledged in Balmain to JM, 8 Dec. 1794 . Encloses a copy of Washington’s 19 Nov. annual address to Congress denouncing “certain self-created societies.”
340James Madison to George Bancroft, 13 April 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. with your letter of the 8th. the first Vol: of Genl: Armstrong’s "notices of the War of 1812" and offer my thanks for the politeness to which I owe it. It cannot but be agreeable to know that you were pleased with your short visit at Montpellier, where the impression it left will always ensure you a sincere welcome. Mrs Madison is very thankful for your kind sentiments addressed...
341From James Madison to Henry Banks, 18 December 1827 (Madison Papers)
I recd tho’ at a late day your letter of Ocr. 27; on the subject of which I am not able to furnish any information. I was not acquainted with your brother, and being absent from the State of Virginia, during the period in question, was not in the way of being acquainted with his transactions. With friendly respects Draft ( DLC ).
342From James Madison to François Barbé-Marbois, 4 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
I recd your favor of the 21 prairial, with a pleasure which is redoubled by the consideration that I am able in acknowledging it, to inform you of the formal approbation of the late Treaty & Conns. by every branch of our Govt. The event establishes, I hope for ever, perfect harmony between the two countries. It is the more likely to do so, as it is founded in a policy, coeval with their...
343From James Madison to François Barbé-Marbois, [ca. 17 February 1820] (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. the volume relating to the Equestrian State [ sic ] of Henry 4th. with one of the medals to which it gave rise for both which I offer you my thanks. The volume is not only a valuable present to Artists, but is enriched with articles of information, which make it interesting to the curious who are not artists. I observe that it justly records your essential agency in this...
344From James Madison to James Barbour, 13 October 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. a letter from Majr Byrd C Willis, of Tallahassee well known to you reminding me that I was the medium of an application for a Cadet Warrant in behalf of his son George, and requesting me to intimate that he has still the same object in view: and that as his son, “is no longer a Citizen of Virga., but hails from Florada,” the former difficulty that the claim of Virginia had no...
345From James Madison to James Barbour, 26 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 17th. inst. accompanied by a Resolution of the House of Delegates of Virginia has been duly received. An Engineer has been designated to make a further examination & report, with respect to Fort Powhatan; and it is intended to strengthen its works, and to place therein a suitable Garrison. Accept assurances of my consideration and esteem RC ( Vi : Executive Papers); FC ( DLC...
346From James Madison to James Barbour, 13 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. a letter from Mr. Byrd Willis manifesting great anxiety to obtain a Cadet appt. for his son George, who he says has long been on the list of Candidates. The father derives encouragement from the descent of consanguinity of the son, connecting him with the Military merit of the revolution. Notwithstanding my general forbearance to intermeddle in such cases, I cannot well...
347From James Madison to James Barbour, 16 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 13th instant. That the late events in Europe will put it in the power of G.B. to direct a much greater force agst. the U.S. cannot be doubted. How far she may be restrained from so doing by an estimate of her interest in making peace, or by a respect for the sentiments of her allies, if these should urge it, can not yet be known. It is incumbent on us to...
348From James Madison to James Barbour, 10 February 1826 (Madison Papers)
Col: McKenney supposing that the favorable opinion I formed of him during my long residence in Washington may corroborate the confidence & friendly dispositions he flatters himself you have derived from a more temporary acquaintance, I can not refuse him the justice of saying that I always regarded him as a very intelligent upright & patriotic Citizen: and that his official conduct was...
349From James Madison to James Barbour, 15 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed speaks for itself. Should there be an opening at West Point, the pretensions of young Lewis are certainly very respectable, and, as you know, respectably vouched. I do not trouble the President, because your communication as far as the occasion may require will be sufficient. Health & prosperity RC (owned by Henry N . Flynt, Greenwich, Conn., 1961); draft ( DLC ). RC addressed by...
350James Madison to James Barbour, 18 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of duly receiving your interesting favor of Sepr. 29. The agricultural scenery which charmed you so much has had the same effect on other strangers surveying it with an equal taste for such improvements. I wish you may have as much reason to be pleased with the countenance of the Cabinet when your objects are presented to it. We think here it is high time for a...