1951From James Madison to Congress, 23 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress copies of an Act of the Legislature of New York, relating to a canal from the Great Lakes to Hudsons river. In making the communication, I consult the respect due to that State; in whose behalf, the commissioners appointed by the Act, have placed it in my hands for the purpose. The utility of canal navigation is universally admitted. It is not less certain that...
1952To James Madison from John Gassaway, 23 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 December 1811, Adjutant General’s Office, Annapolis. Transmits a general return of the Maryland militia for 1811 [not found]. RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , G-31:6). 1 p. Docketed by a War Department clerk as received 26 Dec. 1811.
1953To James Madison from Jonathan Russell, 23 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 December 1811. Introduces Thomas L. Halsey, Jr., who will hand this letter to JM and is “a Gentleman with whom I have been well acquainted from his childhood.” Halsey desires either to serve in the army, if the country should be involved in war, or to obtain a consular appointment to South America. He will faithfully discharge any trust, and “I shall feel personally much gratified in the...
1954To James Madison from Willie Blount, 24 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 December 1811, Knoxville. “I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 10th Instant, in reply to an address of the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, which will be laid before that body, at next Session. It breathes the true American Spirit, and contains Sentiments worthy of the chief Magistrate of an independent Government, who is determined it shall remain so. I...
1955To James Madison from Anthony Charles Cazenove, 24 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 December 1811, Alexandria. “Enclosed is Messrs. Murdoch Y. W. & Co.’s draft on you in my favor for £60. Stg for your last pipe of wine, the amount of which you have been good enough to remit me per your letter of 16th. instt. The vessel I have mentioned before will sail for Madeira, in case you should have any further commands to go by her.” RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 1 p. Docketed by JM....
1956To James Madison from Charles Collins, 25 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
Well assured that matters of high consideration press upon thy attention I feel diffident in diverting thee a moment therefrom, but would just say in a brief manner that for sometime past I have felt it my duty to abstain from the consumption of the produce of Slaves and there being some in our society similarly situated I have been induced to commence the trading in such articles as do not...
1957To James Madison from William Hawkins, 25 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 December 1811, Raleigh. Transmits the enclosed resolutions at the request of the General Assembly of North Carolina. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, Misc. Letters Received). Both the RC and the enclosure are printed copies, one page each, with Hawkins’s signature and JM’s name as addressee added to the RC and the signatures of the clerks of both houses of the North Carolina General Assembly...
1958To James Madison from William Hawkins, 26 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to transmit to you, the enclosed authenticated copy of certain resolutions which have been adopted by the General Assembly of this State, approbating the sentiments contained in your message of the 5th Ultimo, to the Congress of the United States; attributing the evils which we have experienced “wholly” to the “unprincipled conduct” of the belligerent powers of Europe; and...
1959Circular Letter to State Governors, 27 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to forward to you a copy of “an act for the appointment of representatives among the several states, according to the third enumeration.” As the subject will necessarily engage the attention of the legislature of your state at an early period, I have thought it proper to hasten the transmission of this document to you, And Am, &c. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL ). U.S....
1960To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 27 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
I addressed a line to you yesterday on a minor subject; at this time, my mind is intent on a very important point. It has been confidentially communicated to me, that there are two revolutionary officers on the list of candidates for the office of Commander in chief of the national Army; Governor Hull & General Brooks. Governor Hull & General Dearbo[r]n were in my mind the most prominent...
1961To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 27 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have once more escaped from the Jaws of death last night for the first time I went to the Theatre. At ½ past eleven it caught on fire 800 persons present & in a few minutes the whole was in flames. I kept back to permit the crowd to precede me until the black warm smoke suffocated all around me, & falling also I made a mighty effort & sprung forward far enough to descend about 12 feet on the...
1962From James Madison to Congress, 27 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 December 1811, Washington. “I lay before Congress copies of Resolutions entered into by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, which have been transmitted to me with, that view, by the Governor of that State, in pursuance of one of the said Resolutions.” RC , two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of...
1963To James Madison from Lafayette, 27 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 December 1811, La Grange. Discusses Franco-American relations and introduces Mr. de Correa. “When I have left town Some days ago symptoms seemed to promise a Better Answer to Mr. Barlow’s note than had been for a long while obtained by An American Minister—I hope he is By this time coralled to send of the frigate, and will not Any Longer Delay these few lines depending upon him to Give you...
1964To James Madison from Henry Lee, 27 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 December 1811, Baltimore. This letter will be presented by Major Clark of Little York in Pennsylvania. He was introduced to JM many years ago but has sought this reintroduction in the belief that JM will have forgotten him. He was an aide-de-camp of General Greene until he was appointed accountant general of the army. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Docketed by JM. John Clark, Jr. (1751–1819), entered the...
1965To James Madison from Joseph G. Cadiz, 29 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 December 1811, Washington. Submits a short sketch of his life with a view to obtaining an appointment as consul at Buenos Aires. Mentions that he was born in Caracas and resided there until he was sixteen, then went to Barcelona, where he was employed for two years as a clerk in a commercial house. He immigrated to Havana, where he worked as a clerk, then went to Baltimore for three years....
1966To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 30 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
In my private letter to you of the 19th. I took the liberty to intimate that I might address you by the frigate on the subject of connecting the indemnities due to our citizens with a convention of boundaries of Louisiana. I have had many hints on this subject both from Spanish & French authority. I have always discouraged the idea by a declaration as general & vague as might be, that I am not...
1967To James Madison from John Stevens, 30 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
The great importance of the subject of the following communication must be my apology for intruding on your time. A bill respecting the naval establishment has, I find, been reported in the house of representatives, by which, among other things, it is provided that Dollars be appropriated to the purpose of establishing a dock-yard for repairing the vessels of war in such central and convenient...
1968To James Madison from Calvin Jones, 30 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 December 1811, Raleigh. Encloses a return of the militia of North Carolina for 1811 [not found]. “The Militia of this state would afford good materials for an Army. They have the necessary talents, courage and patriotism, but they are very defectively armed. Many are entirely destitute of arms, and of those reported a great proportion are totally unfit for service.” Wishes to bring this...
1969To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
It is long since I have had occasion to address a line to you, and the present is an irksome one. With all the discouragements I can oppose to those who wish to make me the channel of their wishes for office, some will force themselves on me. I inclose you the letters of several merely to be placed on the file of candidates & to stand on their own ground, for I do not know one of them...
1970To James Madison from William Eustis, 31 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1811, Department of War. Lists proposed promotions in the U.S. Army for JM’s approval. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, 12B-A1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 3 pp. Forwarded by JM to the Senate in a message of 31 Dec. 1811 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, 1828). ,...
1971To James Madison from William Eustis, 31 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1811, Department of War. Lists proposed appointments in the U.S. Army for JM’s approval. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, 12B-A1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 4 pp. Forwarded by JM to the Senate in his 31 Dec. 1811 message ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, 1828)....
1972To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 31 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1811, Boston Council Chamber. Introduces Richard Devens Harris—“a young Gentleman of this place & of one of the most respectable families in it, of a liberal education, & of correct morals & politicks”—who wishes to pay his respects. “Mr Harris having spent two or three years at London, Paris &c has obtained much useful information; which qualifies him to serve his Country in many...
1973To James Madison from the House of Representatives, 31 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1811. “Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause to be laid before this House information whether, tobacco the growth of the United States is admitted into Holland, and if admitted, whether the administration en regie on that article as it exists in France, extends to Holland and the Hansiatic towns; and whether the tariff in Holland is the same as...
1974To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 1 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
You will perceive in my dispatch to the Secretary of State, that a treaty of commerce is to be the depot in which we are to collect and consign such principles as we can agree upon, and that I conceive myself well grounded in believing that most if not all the points I have discussed in my note of the 10th November will be accorded. But when I turn to my instructions it seems doubtful whether...
1975To James Madison from John Cocke, 1 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I observe in your communication to Congress at the commencement of the present session that our Just rights are still invaded and no reparation offered and that an appeal to arms may be necessary before those rights are respected, in that event I tender my services together with those of the officers & soldiers in the first Division of Militia of the State of Tennessee which I have the honor...
1976To James Madison from William Lee, 1 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
The answer to Mr Barlows note is not what was expected and most certainly is not what was intended to have been given for many days. What can have changed the Emperors opinion is not known. All the persons about the court of any influence have been of opinion that complete success would attend Mr Barlows mission. No one knows what answer Mr Barlow has recd. but it is feared it is not favorable...
1977To James Madison from Return Jonathan Meigs, Jr., 1 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit the foregoing resolution and embrace the Opportunity of expressing the high Esteem with which I am Sir your Mo Ob st 26 December 1811. Reviews the conduct of the European belligerents toward the U.S. and describes the consequences as “a scourge from heaven.” “A retrospective view of the sufferings, injuries, and insults which have flowed to this country, from a...
1978To James Madison from John Montgomery, 1 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1812, Boston. Forwards this memorial mentioning his six years of experience in commerce at Boston and twenty-five years at Alicante. Has “a competent Knowledge” of the languages, laws, and customs of the eastern countries. Has performed the functions of a consul at Alicante “at intervals … in the absence of his brother.” Notes that there are vacancies at the ports of Constantinople,...
1979To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1812, Mint of the United States. Forwards a report on the operations of the Mint during the past year. “With the exception of a few weeks, after the expiration of the charter of the Bank of the United States, the supply of bullion, now furnished chiefly by the other Banks in this city, has never been more abundant.” The enclosed statement from the treasurer shows the amount of...
1980To James Madison from Eusebio Valdenegro, 1 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1812. Introduces himself as a citizen of South America who was dismissed by its oppressors and brought by fate to the U.S. Was prominent in the revolution in his native country and encloses documents in support of this fact. Cites his present indigence as proof of the purity of his intentions and the disinterestedness with which he has served his country. Lacking resources, he is now...