8001To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 14 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
From the British papers and a Philada. federal paper (emanating I presume from Mr. C.) we are at liberty to guess, at what are the principal features of the Treaty. I will take leave to offer my opinion thereon. If my guess should be right my observations will apply. If not, then you will lose your time in reading, and I shall have only amused myself in writing on that which had no existence...
8002To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 19 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to enclose, herewith, Nominations for the promotions and appointments required by the Naval Service of the United States. I have the honour to be, &c. Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). JM forwarded the nominations, listing forty-nine names, in two messages to the Senate on 20 Apr. 1816 ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations,...
8003To James Madison from Robert Purviance, 20 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Purviance. 20 November 1805, Baltimore. “I had the honor to receive your Letter of the 13th. Inst. [not found] and have conformable to your request shipped the articles imported in the Brig Lyon, on board the Schooner Betsy & Charlotte Alexander Lammond master for George Town. “I have inclosed you Capn. Lammonds receipt, the Bill of Loading [not found], and Mr. Guestier’s receipt...
8004To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 November 1804, New Orleans. “Since my last letter Mr Canterelle and Mr Clarke have also declind accepting their commissions, as Members of the Legislative Council. There is no doubt but some of the promoters of the Memorial, have taken these means, to embarrass the local Government, and to force Congress to accede to their wishes; but such Imprudencies seem to me, illy calculated to benefit...
8005To James Madison from Valentin de Foronda, 28 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
En mí carta ultíma tenía la honra de decìr á V.S. que no ínculcaba en hacerle presente que no recibia repuesta sobre la solícítud de los 21.655.$. que reclamaba el Gobernador de las Provincias ínternas occidentales de Nuevo Mexíco, el Señor Salcedo; y así el escribir á V.S. sobre este asunto nó es otro que envíarle copía de la carta qe. acabo de recíbir de dho. Cavallero, con los documentos...
8006To James Madison from Edmond Kelly, [ca. 30] June 1821 (Madison Papers)
I hope you will find from this letter that the Vanity of giving an opinion on the spanish Constitution was not the cause of the Conclusion of my last long letter. I Conjecture it to be the Code given by Joseph Buonaparte and to be of french & not of spanish Manufacture, & to acct for the unity of the legislative departments in one body. If I am correct in the opinion that a senate & house of...
8007To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose herewith a convention concluded by me on the part of the United States, with Hamet Bashaw. We have been detained here twelve days by reason of delinquency in our commissary Department. The camp moves tomorrow morning for Derne. I have the honor to be with perfect respect, Sir, your Mo Obedt servt. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tripoli, vol. 2, filed at end of...
8008To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 26 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 September 1803, New Orleans . Offers his services as naval officer at New Orleans. “I hope that five years of faithful attention to the duties of the Office I now hold, and a knowledge of the French, and Spanish Language, and of this Country; will justify my application.” Sent the original of this letter to the secretary of the treasury; solicits JM’s “good Offices with the President in...
8009To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 3 October 1823 (Madison Papers)
Tho it is probable, that the subject may reach you & Mr. Jefferson in some other way, I think it a duty to submit the two inclosed scraps to his and your perusal. They are some of eight or ten which have come on. The pamphlet of Mr. Cunningham (of whom or his deceased father I never heard till within a week) has reached the ultra federal men here within a day. I not heard of or seen any copy....
8010To James Madison from Christopher Colles, 3 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
I flatter myself that the Design herewith transmitted to you will be consider’d an object of National importance. Should you view it in that light I must request the favour of you to convey your sentiments thereon to me at No. 42 Pearl street, which will be an obligation conferr’d on, Sir, Your most Hble. Servt, DNA : RG 59—ML—Miscellaneous Letters.
8011To James Madison from John Gavino, 28 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I herewith inclose you Copy of my last dispatch No. 60 to which please be referrd. By the last accounts from aloft the French Squadron was at Tolon. A french 44 Gun Frigate from the west with 740 Men, & Sundry Stores on board went by, and the English frigate Febe that was Cruising aback of the Rock Chased her, & after came up an Action took place for 1 1/2 hours in which the French had upwards...
8012To James Madison from William Radford, 9 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 February 1802, Richmond. Knowing that the office of Richmond postmaster is vacant and that General Guerrant has declined the appointment, asks JM to intercede on his behalf with the president for the position. Governor Monroe has promised to mention him to Jefferson, and John Harvie has written to Jefferson on his behalf. Asks JM to excuse the freedom he takes since “no intimacy exists...
8013To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 21 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
Having neither the law authorizing the Commissrs. on the Georgia business to enquire into the claims of individuals, nor the compromise with Georgia, I cannot frame a satisfactory advertisement till my return which I expect to be before you shall have left the city. But as those documents are not necessary at least to enable me to convey my ideas on the subject of the letter to Gov. Claiborne;...
8014To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 15 June 1806, New Orleans. “I have this moment held a conversation, with a gentleman of respectability from the County of Appalousas. He represents that a considerable emigration is about to take place from that County to the Spanish settlement on the river Trinity, where great encouragement is given to settlers. “The Gentleman adds, that the ancient inhabitants...
8015To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 1 March 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Benjamin W. Crowninshield. 1 March 1815, Navy Department. “I have the honor to request that you will please to nominate William Lewis, now a Lieutenant, to be a master commandant in the Navy of the U States. ” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3). Letterbook copy 1 p. The enclosure (1 p.), prepared in the Navy...
8016To James Madison from John Armstrong, 30 December 1804 (Madison Papers)
The object of this letter, is to communicate some facts which I did not know, or which had not occurred at the date of my last. The answer to Mr Munroe’s note was prepared soon after its receipt, and submitted to the Emperor, who, though he approved of it, both in form and substance, directed, that “it should be returned to the Bureau of the Minister, until it was called up by some new...
8017To James Madison from Thomas Tingey, 21 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is Copy of Extract, added at, the conclusion of a letter (on Navy Yard business) rece’d yesterday from Benjn: Stoddert Esqr. It appears in the sequel that, it was his desire that, I should shew it to the President, or to yourself, and with this view I had the honor to call (in your absence) at your office this day, and, it was then also, too late to obtrude on the Presidents time....
8018To James Madison from Audley Laurens Osborne, 24 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Audley Laurens Osborne. 24 July 1805, Salisbury, North Carolina. “It is with considerable reluctance, that I again presume to intrude on the time of one to whom I am altogether a stranger. How anxious soever I might have expected an answer to my late letter, I must acknowledge I was not disappointed. The various important avocations of men holding the higher offices of government,...
8019To James Madison from James Maury, 20 July 1822 (Madison Papers)
On the 24th Ulto I had the pleasure of presenting you a news paper, announcing the passage, in the Upper House, of a bill opening intercourse between the United States & the British Colonies in the vessells of each nation, which bill of course has become law. On the 2d instant I had the honor to receive your letter of the 23d May; and it is indeed with pleasure that I see you had preferred the...
8020To James Madison from Jonathan Thompson, 7 May 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have rec’d per the Ship Stephania, Capt. Macy from Havre, a small box of seeds to your address, which I have forwarded by the Sloop Ranger, Capt. Smith to the care of Messrs. Mackay & Campbell, Fredericksburg, Virginia, as per bill of lading enclosed. With great respect am Your Obt. Servt. Charges. Paid Freight from Havre, carriage from Paris & shipping charges there with 10 Per Ct. primage...
8021To James Madison from Robert Dickson, 22 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
The practice which has of late taken place in England of individuals procuring and supplying their Vessels with false American papers has got to such a height as to call for the immediate inferference of authority to put a stop to it; By every Convoy from London there are Ships of this description bound up to Russia, and in a short time the Seas will be entirely covered with them to the great...
8022To James Madison from William Pinkney, 3 October 1810 (Madison Papers)
I thought it possible that the Hornet would touch at Cowes—although I gave no order to that Effect. But I did not expect that Mr. Spence wd. come up to Town, or that the Brig wd. be detained a Moment. My Despatches were sent to Mr Auldjo —to be delivered with the least possible Delay to Mr Spence on Board in Case Circumstances should render it proper for the Brig to call. Mr Spence, however,...
8023To James Madison from William Jones, 22 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I took occasion, some short time since, verbally to represent to you the merits & qualifications of Mr E W Duval, which fit him for the correct discharge of more important duties than those in which he has been engaged in the Navy Department, and to suggest his peculiar fitness for the trust of paymaster of the Navy, should that office be created by law. My regard for this gentleman, founded...
8024To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 5 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
If General Wilkinson is not greatly deceived, the safety of this Territory is seriously menaced. You may however be assured, that every exertion will be made to repel the advancing Foe. From the firmness and Bravery of the Army and Navy on this station, much may be expected; But as regards the support which the militia may render, I cannot hazard an opinion; It will be best determined in the...
8025To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 26 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
I left at Washington a great coat of which I shall have great need. Should this reach you before your departure I will thank you to bring it; and it will be in time if I recieve it when you come to Monticello yourself, as it will be on my return only that it will be wanting. I have written to mr. Lemaire to deliver it to you. The drought in this quarter is excessive. It begins about the...
8026To James Madison from William Rush, 30 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
I regret very much, that my design for delivering plaster paris cast of Genl Washington, to the public, by way of Subscription is vanished, it necessarily deprives me, of the happiness of complying with the order, your Excellency so highly honored me with, it is the only positive order I have received, Except one from Governor Tompkins. After such high boasting professions, and wonderful...
8027To James Madison from Rufus King, 4 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 October 1801, London. No. 37. Had expected to close negotiations on article 6 of the Jay treaty in time to forward result via Dawson, who is on the point of embarkation, but they are not yet concluded. Transmits instead a report of activities since his dispatch no. 32 [24 Aug.]. Will not agree to any variations on or enlargements of the [1783] treaty of peace as this would only “lay the...
8028To James Madison from David Gelston, ca. 1 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 1 July 1802, New York. Encloses an “Account of Impressed Seamen for the Quarter ending the 30th June 1802” (DNA: RG 59, Correspondence with Collectors of Customs regarding Impressed Seamen, box 12), which lists only one man, seaman John Dowcher, who was impressed from the schooner Atlantic into a Danish warship at St. Croix; Capt. J. Bennet’s protest was dated 5 May 1802.
8029To James Madison from William Pinkney, 8 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have received a Letter of which a Copy is enclosed from Mr. Thomas Goodchild, of the Island of Malta, but now in London, the object of which is to solicit through me the Appointment of American Consul and Agent for that Island which he supposes to be vacant. He is introduced and recommended to me by Benjamin Rotch (whom you know I believe) and by William Vaughan who is a respectable Merchant...
8030To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I shall be detained here longer than I had anticipated. The extreme heat of the Season, and my state of health will render it inconvenient for me to return to New-Orleans by Land, & a Water Conveyance has not yet presented; I however expect one in a few Days, and shall avail myself thereof. By Letters from New Orleans, under date of the 7th: Instant, I am advised that a Town Meeting was called...
8031Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Commissions to be made out. Thomas Rodney of Delaware to be judge of Missipi. vice S. Lewis Thomas Rodney of Delaware. } to be Commrs. &c West of Pearl river. Robert Williams of N. Carolina Ephraim Kerby of Connecticut } to be Commrs. &c East of Pearl river. Robert Carter Nicholas of Kentucky A blank commission for the Register East of Pearl river. Tenche Coxe of Pensylvania to be Purveyor....
8032To James Madison from George Davis, 30 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George Davis. 30 May 1806, Tunis. “On the 30th. Mr. Devoize, the French consul, concluded the contract, for the liberation of the slaves of St. Pierre’s, 100,000 Spanish dollars. “It thus far concerns the government that the claim of William Eaton, esquire, for 17,000 piasters of Tunis, paid for the ransom of one of His Sardinian majesty’s subjects, will be brought to an issue. In the...
8033To James Madison from C. T. Chapman, 12 November 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty to enclose to you certificates for Three quarter Casks of Wine for the President of the United States sent to my care by Mesrs. Oliveira & Sons of Norfolk —and now on board the Sloop Eliza Ann Captain Evans bound to this City; who I have directed to deliver the same to you. His charges you will please pay and as soon as I pay the freight and charges from Norfolk and at...
8034To James Madison from James Monroe, 26 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
We have the Honor to transmit enclosed a Duplicate of our letter of the 3d. Instant, in which several Errors of some importance which found their way into the first hasty copy of our draft, are corrected. Some of these errors were mentioned in our letter of the Instant, of which also a copy is enclosed. The others, of which the most material occurs in the explanations on the subject of Export...
8035To James Madison from Jedadiah Harmon, 5 September 1806 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ From Jedadiah Harmon. Letter not found. 5 September 1806. Acknowledged in Daniel Brent to Harmon, 23 Sept. 1806, as enclosing a copy of a protection for Harmon’s son Walter Harmon, “an Impressed Seaman on board the British frigate Mermaid, at Halifax.” Brent sent the copy back, asking the elder Harmon to return it after writing his “own affidavit of the Truth thereof” on the back of it,...
8036To James Madison from Constant Taber and Others, 12 February 1816 (Madison Papers)
The undersigned citizens of this town, and friends to the General Government, are informed, that it is probable, the office of District Attorney may be vacated; they are also informed, that Gentlemen ( who are warm federalist ) have been recommended from Providence for that appointment. That town only, already possesses the District Judge, the Marshall, the Commissioner of loans and the clerk...
8037To James Madison from William Cooke, 27 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 November 1801, Havana. Encloses documents describing his treatment at the hands of Don Luis de Viguri, intendant at Havana, which led to the seizure of his ship and other property, the imprisonment of himself and his crew, and the subsequent death of three seamen. Hopes these documents, together with the explanation of George C. Morton, who is taking charge of the documents, will inform JM...
8038To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 25 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 September 1804, Monticello. “I intended to have been with you tomorrow evening, but it is rendered now improbable, partly by the weather, but more by the arrival of M. & Made. Yrujo last night. They are now here, and go back from hence to Washington. If they leave us tomorrow I shall be with you the next day. He has opened his budget which we have smoothed off. It must be the subject of...
8039To James Madison from Samuel Spring, 26 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
By recurrence to the intimacy which subsisted between us in youth & the pleasant hours I spent at your Seat in connexion with your manner of treating me when I wrote you several years since on a particular subject, induce me to write at this time. I am oppressed & even overwhelmed with the times. While I respectfully express my sentiments, I hope you will neither consider me as dictating to...
8040To James Madison from Lafayette, 24 March 1810 (Madison Papers)
The Letters intended for the John Adams Are Gone an other Way. I Will not However Miss the Opportunity of the frigate. It is probable, after she is Arrived from England, Gnl. Armstrong Will Have to detain Her a few days, and By that time More May be Said on the Situation of American Affairs With Respect to Both Belligerents. My feelings and Wishes You Well Know. What information May Be...
8041To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 20 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed is Copy of my last Letter 15 Inst. forwarded by the Hornet Sloop of War. By this days Post I have received a Letter from Thomas Gorman Vice Consul at Almeria advising that several Algerine Cruizers had appeared off the Coast, as you have observed by its Copy herewith, to which I refer you. I am very respectfully Sir Your most obt hl. St. DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Malaga.
8042To James Madison from Monsieur Jorre, 5 November 1791 (Madison Papers)
Dr. McHenry has communicated to you how & why I came to this country. Your character of liberality encourages me to address to you withoute even the suspicion that you will look upon me as importunate or forward. From this I ask your leave to submit to your consideration the case I find myself in. I came to this country with more than necessary to efface from the minds the general presumption...
8043To James Madison from William Jarvis, 15 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
The Commercial part of this City has been kept in a high State of ferment for two days past in consequence of the return of the Brig Tiger of Boston, Wm. Bartlett, Master, owing to his papers being indorsed to prevent his entering any port of France: for the particulars I must beg leave to refer you to the inclosed copy of my letter to Captn. McKinley dated yesterday. I waited on Lord...
8044To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 21 April 1816] (Madison Papers)
The Revd. John H. Rice called on me today, with a view that I might present him to you. He is on his way to New York, to attend a general meeting of the bible societies of the UStates, and the object of his call was, to solicit such countenance to them, as yourself & the others, in the principal offices of the govt., might be disposed to give, not as members of the govt., but individuals...
8045To James Madison from the Merchants and Traders of Harrisburg, [ca. 2 March 1814] (Madison Papers)
Memorial of the Merchants & traders in the Borough of Harrisburg respectfully represent. That your memorialists having to transact much of their mercantile business with merchants in the city of Philadelphia through the medium of the Post office consequently are under the necessity of remitting by mail large sums of money to the merchants in the city of whom they purchase merchandize &ca. It...
8046To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 14 December 1788 (Madison Papers)
My health has been so unsettled this fall I have been but little in Richmond. When I last came down I wrote you a letter but as I have not for some time heard from you I suspect it was in the mail that was robed or that you were absent from New york. The Session of the general assembly it is thought will terminate about Christmass. The first month of their being together was employed in...
8047To James Madison from John Graham, 3 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
I had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 30th. Ulto this morning, together with two Packets exclusive of the one in which it came. I have not seen Mr. Forrest since his return from Baltimore. He is kept at Home, by the Death of his youngest Child. He sent me the inclosed Note, yesterday. I have received the Passport for the Hamlet, from Genl. Turreau & forwarded it on to Mr. Hill by the...
8048To James Madison from Hans Rudolph Saabye, 7 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I send you enclosed Duplicate of my last letter of 16 Febr. Since which very important events have happend. An English fleet consisting of 58 Ships of the line, frigats and smaller armed Vessels having appeared in the Cattegat, between de Koll and Elsinear, there arrived the 20 March a frigate under flag of Truce with dispatches for the English chargé d’affaires Mr. Drummond, who after having...
8049To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 29 March 1798 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you last on the 21st. Your’s of the 12th. therein acknoleged is the last recd. The measure I suggested in mine of adjourning for consultation with their constituents was not brought forward; but on Tuesday 3. resolutions were moved which you will see in the public papers. They were offered in committee to prevent their being suppressed by the previous question, & in the commee. on the...
8050To James Madison from James Monroe, 13 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here to day, with my family in the American ship the Augustus in 28: days from Portsmouth. It is my intention to set out for Richmond without delay, & leaving my family there, to proceed thence to Washington, for the purpose of giving you all the information in my power respecting our affairs with the British government. We are much exhausted by fatigue & sickness on the voyage, &...