11From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, [ca. 31] March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Notwithstanding the lapse of time, nothing definitive has taken place, in concert with Mr. Hassler, in relation to Mr. Le Sueur. Mr. Crawford has the subject in hand, and will communicate the result. I can add but little to the public information which goes to you from the official source, and thro’ the press. You will find that specie is at length re-instated in its legitimate functions; at...
12From James Madison to Charles Carroll, 4 April 1817 (Madison Papers)
Yours on the subject of Mr. Brewer was duly received, and would alone have been a sufficient evidence of his worth. It would have been very agreeable, if it could have been rewarded by such an appointment as he wished, consistently with the pretensions of others, & with the collateral considerations which necessarily turn the scale, where there may be an equilibrium of qualifications. Had the...
13From 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 In answer to it I have to observe merely that, on the statement of the case as originally made to me, I expressed or acquiesced in the opinion that under the circumstances of it, you could not be re-instaled in the Station at Charlestown, by the removal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...
14From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 April 1817 (Madison Papers)
Having been detained in Washington untill the 6th. inst. I did not reach home till Tuesday night, and of course too late to comply with the arrangement notified in yours of the 10th. March by Bizet. I take for granted that the other Visitors met, and that for the present at least my attendance will not be needed. As it has always been our purpose to pay a visit to Monticello at no distant day...
15From James Madison to James P. Preston, 10 April 1817 (Madison Papers)
The interval between the date and the transmission of the inclosed was occasioned first by the extreme hurry in which the communications from you found me, & finally by the reflection that as the Legislature had adjourned, the delay was immaterial. At the next session, there will be nothing to call their attention to the circumstance, and this explanation will I hope be an apology for it to...
16From James Madison to Richard Rush, 23 April 1817 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. the English papers you were so good as to send me; and which I now return. Altho’ less interesting than they usually are even when the Parliament is not in session, they contain some things which were worth looking at; and I thank you for the opportunity of doing it. We reached our home without accident, and in the computed time. I found the agricul[t]ural prospects in this...
17From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 23 April 1817 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 23 April 1817, Montpelier. Described as a one-page autograph letter, signed, in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 873 (20–21 Feb. 1902), item 204.
18From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 24 April 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. my dear Sir, Your favor of the 18, with the Lupinella Seed, for which I thank you. I will endeavor to make the most of it by sowing a part now, and the rest in October. It will be a valuable acquisition, if it has half the merit ascribed to it. The British affairs appear to be approaching if not already in a paroxism, which but for the horrors of the Revolutionary experiment in...
19Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the Central College, 5 May 1817 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors of the Central college held at Charlottesville on the 5th. day of May 1817. on a call by three members, to wit, John Hartwell Cocke, Joseph C. Cabell & Th Jefferson, present James Monroe, James Madison, John H. Cocke, and Th: Jefferson. The records of the trustees of the Albemarle academy, in lieu of which the Central college is established, were recieved from...
20From James Madison to John Adams, [22] May 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 22d Ult: with the two vols. bearing the name of Condorcet. If the length of time they remained in your hands, had been in the least inconvenient to me, which was not the case, the debt would have been greatly overpaid, by the interesting observations into which you were led by the return of them. The idea of a Government “in one center” as explained and espoused...
21From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 27 May 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have rcd. your two letters of the 21. & 22d. They came by the same mail. I return the letters inclosed in them. I missed the sale of my flour at the moment most favorable, in consequence of a trip to Charlottesville which I could not avoid, and which prevented the intended trip of Eddins to Fredg. My crop is still on hand, with the exception of a few barrels, which were disposed of before I...
22From James Madison to Francis Corbin, 28 May 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. duly your favor of the 29. Ult. The cask of wine has also come to hand. I thank you for it, with as much sincerity, as if the impression under which you converted a proposition on my part into a token of friendship on yours, had been strictly correct. As this was not the case I feel myself so much a debtor on the score of justice, and if it were the case should feel myself so much one...
23From James Madison to George M. Dallas, 28 May 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 19th. inst. and can not withold my consent to any use of the correspondence between your father and myself, which without violating the reserve due to personal & confidential considerations, may do justice to his merits, or give additional value to the publication you have in view. On his side of the correspondence I have preserved I believe the whole of it, and...
24From James Madison to James P. Preston, [ca. 31] May 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. lately a letter of which the inclosed is an extract. I know nothing more of the writer than what is stated by himself. As it is possible that he may possess useful talents in the branch of business he professes, I have thought it not amiss to give you this opportunity, of making further enquiry, in case the services he may be capable of rendering should be desireable for the public...
25From James Madison to Valentine Gill, [ca. 31] May 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. lately your letter of Apl. 4. and have made known its contents to the Govr. of this State. I think it probable however that provision has been already made for the engineering aid required in the internal improvements on foot in this State. Should there be occasion for your services, you will probably receive a communication on the subject. In the mean time it would evidently not be...
26From James Madison to David Gelston, ca. 5 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Gelston and requests that he will forward the inclosed to Halifax N. S. by some early conveyance. RC (Gallery of History, Las Vegas, Nev., 1998). Undated; conjectural date based on cover marked “Orange CH June 5th.” Addressed by JM to Gelston at New York and franked. Docketed by Gelston, “recd. 9th.” The enclosure was evidently JM to Valentine Gill, ca....
27From James Madison to George Bomford, 7 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Eddins the proposed contractor for the Musket Stocks, has since my last, ascertained by a careful examination of the fund of Walnut Trees on which he relied, that it will not yield more than about 12,000 Stocks of the description required. He can not therefore with prudence or safety engage for a greater amount. The form of the contract you inclosed has been so varied as to limit his...
28From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 7 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 7 June 1817, Montpelier. Offered for sale in King V. Hostick List No. 28 [1966], item 59.
29From James Madison to George Bomford, 23 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is the Copy of Agreement relating to Muskit Stocks, signed by Abram Eddins. He is anxious to receive as soon as ⟨pos⟩sible, the rough model, without which he can not begin to saw the Walnut plank, so as to make the most of the Stuff. Friendly respects RC ( PHC ). Addressee not indicated; identified as Bomford based on evidence contained in JM to Richard Cutts, 27 May 1817 , JM to...
30From James Madison to Dominick Lynch Jr., 27 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 18th. inst. informing me that “the Amn. Society for the encouragemt of domestic manufactures,” have been pleased to elect me one of its members. Altho’ I approve the policy of leaving to the sagacity of individuals, and to the impulse of private interest, the application of industry & capital, I am equally persuaded, that in this as in other cases, there are...
31From James Madison to Richard Rush, 27 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two favors of the 18 & 20 inst. I am promised a visit from Mr. Jefferson, the ensuing month, and shall not fail to communicate to him, the one you note for that purpose. I readily conceive that Mr. Correa, may feel some conflict, in his present position, between his two characters of Philanthropist and Plenipotentiary; and that he may infer some indulgence towards the latter,...
32From James Madison to Charles Stewart, 30 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 30 June 1817. Acknowledged in Stewart to JM, 6 July 1817 .
33From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 13 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. your favor of the 6th. inst. As Mrs Cutts keeps you informed of what relates to herself & the part of her little family with us, I have only to make Mrs. Ms. and my returns to you and the part with you, for the affectionate remembrances you communicate. I am just closing my wheat harvest. It will not exceed 2/5 perhaps not ⅓ of what it would have been if uninjured by the Insect....
34Account with Charles Taylor, [14 July] 1817 (Madison Papers)
Colo. James Madison To Charles Taylor Dr. 1816 Novr. 19th To Medecine Directions &ce for Ralph 10/ £ 0.. 10.. 0 1817 Jany. 12th A Viset Castor Oil. Sachr. Sat: Flor Chame &c { 14th Balsamic Drops —Bark Rhap &ce for Hannah 24/1.. 4.. 0 Feby. 18th Anode. Camphd Linament for Lewis 4/6 0..
35From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 23 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 20th. and should with pleasure comply with the wish you intimate, but the remnant of my funds in Washington has been so reduced by necessary drafts, that there is little more there than will suffice for a debt I expect daily to be called for, incurred by Payne Todd on my account, in the purchase of a set of 4 if not 5 horses. The purchase has been made, and by the...
36Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the Central College, 28 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
At a called meeting of the Visitors of the Central College, held at the House of Mr. Madison in Orange, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Hartwell Cocke, and Joseph C. Cabell, being present: The plan of the first Pavilion to be erected, and the proceedings thereupon, having been stated and agreed to— It is agreed that application be made to Doctor Knox of Baltimore to accept the...
37From James Madison to the Committee of the 1776 Association of Charleston, South Carolina, 8 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 August 1817, Montpelier. Offered for sale in Charles Hamilton Catalog No. 77 (2 May 1974), item 255, where it is described as a one-page letter thanking the committee for “an oration delivered by Mr. Elliott on the 4th of July last, which you transmitted by direction of ‘the ’76 Association’ … my thanks for the opportunity of perusing such a specimen of vigorous talents...
38From James Madison to George Joy, 15 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your several favors, the last bearing date the day of , on the subject of your translation from Rotterdam to Amsterdam; and have expressed to the President the sentiments which my knowlege of your exertions in the cause of your Country, and my friendly dispositions I have entertained towards you, suggested. He has been for a considerable period on a tour along our E. & N....
39From James Madison to James Monroe, 22 August 1817 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of July 27. from Plattsburg was duly received, and I am very glad to learn from it, that the fatiguing scenes through which you have passed, had not prevented some improvement in your health. The sequel of your journey will have been still more friendly to it, as affording a larger proportion of the salutary part of your exercise. I hope you will find an ample reward for all the...
40From 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...
41From 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...
42From James Madison to Charles Fenton Mercer, [ca. 31] August 1817 (Madison Papers)
It has been decided by the Visitors of the Central College about to be established near Charlottesville, that among other Counties, subscriptions for the purposes of the College should be opened in Loudon; and it is deemed proper that one of the papers should be placed in your hands. It would be very superfluous, Sir, to point out to you the great advantages of such an Institution; and full...
43From James Madison to Hezekiah Niles, 7 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of July —— was not recd. till last evening. The Baltimore post mark is of Aug. 5. There is another post mark of Aug. 18. at a place not legible; and a manuscript endorsement “missent.” These are the only circumstances explaining the delay. I sincerely regret the difficulties you experience on continuing “The Weekly Register.[”] During the period of my public occupations, I was not...
44From James Madison to William Lee, [ca. 8 September] 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. the inclosed letter from Mr. Capellano, and write him the answer also inclosed. Be so good as to seal and forward it. As it is not presumable that a Model in clay without a Marble copy, would induce him to visit me, and as the expence of the latter is not to be thought of, it will be best to let the object vanish, in a manner most delicate towards the artist; and I must...
45From James Madison to Antonio Capellano, 8 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 5th. inst: and thank you for your disposition to accommodate yourself to my conveniency. Unforeseen engagements will deprive me of the pleasure of seeing you at Montpellier during the present month; and it is probable that the period will be somewhat prolonged. Under these circumstances I can not do better than to leave the favor of a visit from you to be...
46From James Madison to George Graham, 10 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
Will you be so good as to have the files of the War Dept. searched for the letters referred to in the inclosed, and to forward them if found ⟨to⟩ the ⟨writer.⟩ Friendly respects RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , M–317:10). Docketed by a War Department clerk in September 1817, with the note: “James Madison Esq. requesting that the papers mentioned in the enclosed letter be forwarded to the person.” At...
47From 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...
48From 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...
49From James Madison to Charles Kelsall, October 1817 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. the Copy of the “Phantasm of an University” which you were so obliging as to send me; and I owe you many thanks for so learned and interesting a work. The recommendation of a National University in the U. S. has not yet been successful. But a Central Institution is just now on foot in the State of Virga., which in its development will embrace an extensive circle of Sciences; and...
50Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the Central College, 7 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors &c. held at Charlottesville 7. Oct: 1817. On information of the amount of the subscriptions to the Central College, known to be made, and others understood to be so, the board resolves, that the Pavilion now erecting be completed as heretofore directed, with the 20. dormitories attached to it, and that two other pavilions be contracted for and executed the next...
51Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the Central College, 8 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors &c. 8. Oct: 1817. Certain letters from Doctor Thos. Cooper to Th: Jefferson, dated Sep. 17. & 19. received since the meeting of yesterday being communicated to the board of Visitors, and taken into consideration with his former letter of Sep. 16. they are of opinion that it will be for the interest of the College to modify the terms of agreement which might be...
52From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 12 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 8th. has been duly recd. as was that from Mrs. C. to her sister. I thank you for your attention to the Gardiner. Bizet has indicated a disposition to remain with us; and it is probable will suit the place better than a stranger, till we shall be able to avoid the expence altogether. The entire ignorance of our language and of the habits of the blacks wd be serious...
53From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 18th. was handed to me by your servant, at a moment & place which did not permit me to acknowlege it by him. We regretted very much the circumstances which deprived us of the expected pleasure of seeing you all on your way to Washington. I inclose the copy of your letter to Gen: Jackson. Your reasonings on the singular step taken by him can scarcely fail to convince him of...
54From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 24 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
… I feel more satisfaction than surprise at the excess of the Revenue beyond the estimated amount. It is principally drawn from imposts, and these will generally tally with the value of exports, which has, of late, been enhanced by good crops, or good prices overbalancing deficient crops. The difficulty of finding objects for our ways and means will startle foreign Governments, who husband...
55From James Madison to Thomas Mann Randolph, 24 October 1817 (Madison Papers)
I recd. on the 22d. inst: your letter of the 14th. making known to me, “that the Agricultural Society of Albemarle &c” had been pleased to make choice of me, for its “Honorary Head.” The high degree in which I value the objects of the Institution, and the particular respect I entertain for its members, do not permit me to decline so flattering a distinction. I shd. accept it nevertheless with...
56From James Madison to Edward Caffarena, 1 November 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have just received your letter of July 12: and owe more apology than I well know how to make for not acknowleging your former one accompanying the little equestrian statue of Napoleon in Alabaster, which came safely to hand. In this as in other cases the best resort is the simple truth, which is that I was unwilling to accept such an article without some equivalent; and I was not able to...
57From James Madison to Morris Birkbeck, [ca. 9 November] 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of Sepr 18 though at a much later day than that at which it was due. The letter inclosed in it from Mr. Coles wd. have been recd. with additional pleasure from your own hand if you had found it convenient to take Montpellier in your Westward route. He was a few days ago with me, and confirmed verbally His esteem & the friendly interest he takes in your behalf. I can...
58From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 14 November 1817 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 November 1817. T. Madigan Autograph Album (December 1922), item 591.
59From James Madison to Richard Cutts, [ante–26 November] 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours enclosing the Bills of Exchange &c &c. The letter for Mr. Rush contains one of them for the amount in the hands of Barring & brothers & co. If there be time to forward it to Annapolis before the Franklin sails, be so good as to give it that destination; if not, it may be sent from the Dept. of State with the first despatches to him. We have had a spell of weather remarkable...
60From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 26 November 1817 (Madison Papers)
Before I left Washington, I authorizd the Editor of the W. City Gazette then a Weekly paper to continue to send it to me, and I believe he was paid the arrears due, & the requisite advance. The paper has lately been converted into a daily & triweekly one, and the former is now sent me. I must ask the favor of you to have it discontinued, and the triweekly paper sent in its place which will...