1To James Madison from Cyrus Griffin, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Will you permit an old and sincere Friend to congratulate his Country, on what Tomorrow shall auspicially witness: from my Heart and Soul I rejoice at Your Elevation to the chief Magistracy of our Union. Long, very long, may you enjoy the best Health—as I am certain you will live long in the Blessings of the American People. With every Sentiment of perfect Respect and Esteem, for yourself, and...
2To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, [ca. 3 March] 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have endeavoured to ascertain how the votes wou’d be in the Senate upon the nomination of Mr. Galatin. My information is that there are seventeen votes against him—ten gentn. will vote for him, some of them reluctantly, and that there are seven doubtful votes. This information is obtained through sources not friendly to Mr. G—— but I fear it is correct as to the number of votes he will lose,...
3To James Madison from the Republican Committee of Salem County, New Jersey, [3 March] 1809 (Madison Papers)
On the eve of your entering into the duties of the high station, to which the voice of a free people has called you, the Republicans of the County of Salem (N. J.) in general Committee assembled tender to you their congratulations on the occasion. Your elevation to the presidency we consider an auspicious period in the Annals of our Country, as it assures us of a continuance of that system of...
4To James Madison from Jonathan Trumbull, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with a request of the Legislature of this State, I have the honor to transmit the inclosed Resolutions which have been passed by them during their Session which is just now closed. With great Consideration & respect I have the honor to be sir Your Obet & hume Servant RC ( DLC ). Enclosures not found, but see n. 1. Following passage of the Enforcement Act, Governor Trumbull called...
5To James Madison from William H. Crawford, 3 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 March 1809, Senate Chamber. Withdraws his earlier support for Obadiah Jones, who had sought a federal judgeship in the Mississippi Territory. The application on Jones’s behalf “was delayed from a sense of the indelicacy of making it before the Presidential votes had been counted, & the President-elect, announced to the nation.” Has heard JM is disposed to appoint Jones a judge in the...
6To James Madison from Robert Williams, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The period is now at hand when I intend retireing from the administration of this government. I did hope for the arrival of my successor by that time, but of this I begin now to despair. I shall, therefore, prepare to take an important Step—I mean a dissolution of the general Assembly, which will take place this evening. Were it not Consistant with my duty to assign any reasons for this...
7To James Madison from R. Nelson, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having been informed that Mr. Tench Ringgold is an applicant for some appointment under the general government; we take the liberty to state, that he has always been the uniform and zealous supporter, of the measures of the present administration, and the advocate of republican institutions; Being acquainted with his character and habits of life, we have no doubt, that in any appointment,...
8To James Madison from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with a request of the Legislature of this State, I have the honor to transmit the inclosed Resolutions which have been passed by them during their Session which is just now closed. With great Consideration & respect I have the honor to be Sir Your Obed. & humle. Servant DLC : Papers of James Madison.
9To James Madison from Edward Hall, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
On the eve of your entering into the duties of the high station; to which the voice of a few people has called you, the republicans of the County of Salem (N.J.) in general Committee assembled tender to you their congratulations on the occasion. Your elevation to the presidency we consider an auspicious period in the Annals of our Country, as it assures us of a continuance of that system of...
10To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have endeavoured to ascertain how the notes wou’d be in the Senate upon the nomination of Mr. Galatin to be Secretary of State. My information is that there are seventeen votes against him—ten Gentn. will vote for him, some of them reluctantly, and that there are seven doubtful votes. This information is obtained through sources not friendly to Mr. G —— but I fear it is correct as to the...
11To James Madison from Cyrus Griffin, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Will you permit an old and sincere Friend to congratulate his Country, on what Tomorrow Shall auspicially witness: from my Heart and Soul I rejoice at Your Elevation to the chief Magistray of our Union. Long, very long, may you en joy the best Health—as I am certain you will live long in the Blessings of the American people. With every Sentiment of perfect Respect and Esteem, for Yourself, and...
12To James Madison from Hezekiah Huntington, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are the resolutions adopted by the Legislature of this State at the extraordinary Session, with their inflamatory address to the people. No friend to his Country & Government Can wish the Embargo continued—after the period arives; where in the Judgement of Congress & the Govt. the Honor & Interest of the nation will permit it to be raised. But we hope & trust Congress have not receded...
13To James Madison from John Morrow, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received a letter from Capt. George Hite of Jefferson County Virginia, stating his intention to apply for an appointment for his son Robert in some of the civil departments of the goverment of the United States, and requesting me to inform him if any opening should take place wherein his said son could get employment. It appears that Mr. Hite, for reasons he has mentioned, did not...
14To James Madison from James W. Stevens, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
At this critical and eventful period in our national Affairs I have ventured with the most perfect respect for the Administration to solicit their Attention to some Matters of minor Consideration, which in the present embarrassed State of our foreign Relations, necessarily occupying so much of the Attention of our Government, have not perhaps been the Subject of their Reflection, or at least...
15To James Madison from William McCreery, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Being inform’d that Mr. Tench Ringgold is an applicant for an appointment under the general Government; and believing that the political tenets of Gentlemen are in such cases, very carefully enquired into, I take the liberty to state to you that so far as my knowledge & information extends, he has been invariably attach’d to our republican institutions & principles. I have the honor to be with...
16To James Madison from John Morrow, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received a letter from Capt. George Hite of Jefferson County Virginia, stating his intention to apply for an appointment for his son Robert in some of the civil departments of the government of the United States, and requesting me to inform him if any opening should take place wherein his said son could get employment. It appears that Mr. Hite, for reasons he has mentioned, did not...
17To James Madison from Hez Huntington, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are the resolutions adopted by the Legislature of this State at the extraordinary Session, with their inflammatory address to the people. No friend to his Country & Government Can wish the Embargo, Continued after the period arrives; where in the Judgement of Congress & the Govt. the Honor & Interest of the Nation will permit it to be raised—but & tried Congress have not receded , nor...
18To James Madison from James W. Stevens, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
At this critical and eventful period in our national Affairs I have ventured with the most perfect respect for the Administration to solicit their Attention to some Matters of minor Consideration, which in the present embarrassed State of our foreign Relations, necessarily occupying so much of the Attention of our Government, have not perhaps been the Subject of their Reflection, or at least...
19To James Madison from Ezekiel Bacon, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am sensible that I discharge a very delicate & perhaps officious Duty in mentioning the Name of Gideon Granger Esqr. as a Gentleman who in my opinion would afford much satisfaction to the friends of the Government in the Eastern Section of the Union as the head of one of the Departments composing the Cabinet Council of the President under the next Administration. Nothing but my sincere...
20To James Madison from Joseph B. Varnum, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
In selecting Gentlemen for the great heads of Departments, in the Executive branch of the Government, I feel confident, that the greatest good of our common Country will be your primary Object; Yet it must be considered very desirable, that they should be Gentlemen, who combine Your personal confidence, with their Abilities faithfully to discharg their public Functions: In this view of the...
21To James Madison from Henry Daingerfield, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I was informed the last evening by a gentleman lately from the City of Washington that in the course of the ensuing week officers would be appoint’d to fill the various offices under the new territorial government to be established in consequence of the late division of the Indiana territory, and a Judge in the place of Judge Bruin of the Mississippi territory. If you think me qualified to...
22To James Madison from Edmund Bacon, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am sensible that I discharge a very delicate & perhaps officious Duty in mentioning the Name of Gideon Granger Esqr. Gentleman who in my opinion would afford much satisfaction to the friends of the Government in the Eastern Section of the Union as Staff hand of one of the Departments composing the Cabinet Council of the President under the next administration. Nothing but my sincere...
23To James Madison from Joseph Bradley Varnum, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
In Seluting Gentlemen for the great heads of Departments, in the Executive branch of the Government, I feel confident, that the greatest good of our common Country will be your primary Object; Yet it must be considered very desirable, that they should be Gentlemen, who combine Your personal confidence with their abilities faithfully to discharg their public Functions: In this view of the case,...
24To James Madison from United States Congress, 28 November 1808 to 28 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
It will be very agreeable to us that Mr. Granger should be advanced to one of the Cabinet Departments under the next Administration. DLC : Papers of James Madison.
25To James Madison from Peter Early, February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Genl. Meriweather is confined at his lodgings in G. Town. His signature therefore cannot be had to the recommendation herewith sent to the President. Were he here, t here is no doubt he would heartily unite with us. I am your Obt. Sert. DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.
26To James Madison from Pseudonym: "Cassandra", 28 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your predecessor has brought the Commonwealth to the very jaws of destruction. Whether through supineness, timidity, or enthusiasm, is unimportant, as it respects the public. It may affect his character with posterity. Treason, Treason, has stalked through the land for two or three years, in all the glare of day. Its brazen front has audaciously bearded the government, & appeared to court its...
27To James Madison from Samuel Latham Mitchill, 28 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Sam L. Mitchill has, tho perhaps indiscreetly, ventured to entertain a Sentiment that the speedy cessation of his Senatorial functions might coincide with the President’s wish to find a man that would answer to represent this country in a diplomatic capacity at St. Petersburgh. He therefore ventures to suggest the hint, not obtrusively, but with the intention of signifying his willingness to...
28To James Madison from William Branch Giles, 27 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having very recently intruded one letter upon you in relation to Executive appointments, nothing but my sincere and anxious desire for your personal and political prosperity, could induce me now to make another intrusion of the same kind. You may however find some consolation, from an assurance, that this will probably be the last letter I shall ever address to you upon the same subject. It is...
29To James Madison from John Gavino, 27 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Without the honour of any of your favour sine my last adresses to you No: 68 under date 19t. Ultimo to which please be referrd: On the 19: Ulto: arrived in this Bay from Cadiz under American Collours the Ship Sidney, Samuel Thompson Master, & Daniel Tilton of Ph ilada: Super Cargo, loaded with About 240 Hogsheads Tobacco, & reported from Norfolk in Virginia, stating that she was blown off the...
30To James Madison from William L. Blair, 27 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
After congratulating you, upon your elevation to the supreme Magistracy of the nation, permit me, from the kindness, and politeness, I have experienced from you, and your family, to take the freedom to solicit a favour from you. That is, if any change should be made in the office of District Attorney for the Pennsylvania District, permit me to offer myself a Candidate for said office, And...
31To James Madison from James Taylor, 26 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Before this can reach you you will have entered up the duties of the high and important trust of President of the U: S. and I sincerely congratulate you on the event. I regret extremely that you will enter on the duties of your Office at a time so tempestuous and difficult, but Knowing your experience, judgment, moderation and firmness I felicitate our countrymen generally on your elevation to...
32To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 25 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
As the present critical situation of public affairs renders it, I should Conceive, more interesting than ordinary to the government, to be acquainted with the temper and conduct of those public officers of foreign governments who are stationed adjacent to the territories of the U. States; I persuade myself that it will be deemed no intrusion to detail to you what has occurred with relation to...
33To James Madison from John Pope, 25 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to send you inclosed a recommendation of Mr. Thomas to the office of Judge in the Illinois Territory My acquaintance with him commenced during the present session. I believe he is qualified & that his appointment would be very popular in that Territory I am very respectfully yours & c DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.
34To James Madison from John Tyler, 25 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Colo. Miles Selden informs me he has made Application to fill the vacancy occasion’d by the death of Mr. Page, and has requested me to speak of him to you only as I think he deserves that his pretensions may accompany those which I doubt not before this have been placed in your view. This is a delicate and interesting Subject both to you and me. To you, because in many cases your Appointments...
35To James Madison from Daniel C. Verplanck, 25 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of submitting to your consideration the enclosed letter. It is from a young Gentleman of the City of New York, of regular mercantile education, of genteel manners, good character, & most respectable connexions. Should any prior arrangement prevent you from complying with his wishes, as they relate to an appointment in your family, I must beg leave to recommend him to you as...
36To James Madison from William Jarvis, 25 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor in my last private letter to acquaint you with my having shipped on board the Brig Betty of New York Captn. Morehouse, a pipe of Bucellos Wine a pipe of Lisbon & a quarter Cask of Port agreeable to your instructions. This vessel Sailed the early part of March last, was captured off the mouth of the Tagus, sent to England & there condemned vessel & Cargo, with the sole exception...
37To James Madison from John Gassaway, 24 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to You the Maryland Gazette, in which is contained Resolutions of a Democratic Meeting of the Citizens of Annapolis, expressive of their Sentiments, of the Measures lately adopted by the general Government. The time is but short when You will come into the Presidency of the United States, and may You, when You retire from it, go out with as much applause as when You...
38To James Madison from Daniel Buck, 24 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
You are entering upon the arduous task of directing the affairs of a great nation at a time portentious of the most astonishing events, and pregnant with the fate of the World! Europe is destined to the sway of one Man! who, aspiring to universal empire, has marked Great Britain for distruction and the nations standing in his way are as grasshoppers before him! He will sweep her commerce and...
39To James Madison from Davis Wingate, 23 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Agreeable to Repeated applications of many of the Republican Inhabitants of the Town of Eden, Trenton, & Mount Desert, a Collection of Respectable Supporters of our National Constitution assembled at an appointment at Eden to take into Consideration the Necessary Mode of exerting their abillities in Supporting the Union, and convincing Government there Still exists (even at these remote Parts)...
40To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 23 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Newspaper accounts of the proceedings of the Legislature of Mass., during the present session, must have prepared you & the nation for results similar to the enclosed. It is not for me to assign reasons for such extraordinary conduct, different from the objects and the motives avowed. There is nothing concealed. The facts and their tendencies are on the face of the transactions and cannot...
41To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 23 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have more than one motive for complying with the request of my amiable young Friend Mr. James Craig of giving him an opportunity of paying his personal respects to you; for the Period being near when by official Rule I can only communicate with you on military Subjects, through the medium of the department, I wish now to avail myself of the liberty of private friendship, to Solicit in the...
42To James Madison from George Joy, 23 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
By the enclosed you will perceive the use I have made of the Papers you were so good to send me. This Copy I had prepared for Mr: Whitbread who has already in his hands some Essays I had written for the Chronicle for which the Debates & ca. having left no Room, I desired the Editor to pass them into his hands; and he has since assured him he thinks them very important, and shall benefit by...
43To James Madison from Francis Preston, 23 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I understood on my return from the City that the Office of Commissioner of Loans in Virginia was vacant. My Brother James P. Preston whom I named to you last Summer for Post master at Richmond wishes the appointment I therefore take the Liberty to mention him to you as a Candidate for that Office, with this single observation that he is Competent to its duties and a man of unimpeachable...
44To James Madison from James Maury, 22 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 6th. instant, and am truly mortified to inform you that Embargo breakers have continued to arrive. I now count within my district, in the whole, from the commencement of this business by the James, twenty two. Inclosed you have Copies of the reports at this Customhouse of fourteen of them as pr List annexed. As soon as I can obtain the same particulars...
45To James Madison from Isaac Hite, 22 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Mr. Mordecai Booth whose object in his present visit to Washington city is to obtain some appointment under the government from the proceeds of which to support his family which consists of a wife & eight chldren. Waller his eldest child fortunately is provided for in the navy. Mr. Booth married a widow Travis who was daughter to Ben Waller Esqr. decd. They set...
46To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
On the 15th. of January last I had the honor to enclose you a Letter which had been addressed to me, by Governor-General Salcedo, announcing his determination to deliver to the order of their masters certain Negro’s who had fled to the Province of Texas. Desirous to pursue on my part a like conduct as relates to slaves the property of Spanish Subjects, who might take refuge in this Territory,...
47To James Madison from John Morrow, 22 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have been informed that the Office of Governor of the Mississippi Territory will be Vacant the 4th. day of March next. I would therefore beg leave to recommend the Honble. David Holmes, who has long been a member of this House and a faithful Servant of the public, as a fit person to fill that Office. This letter is written without the knowledge of Mr. Holmes, and my Opinion of his being...
48To James Madison from John Mitchell, 21 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Perceiving by the public prints that the Embargo is likely to be raised on the 4th. March; I have thought it likely that the interest of the U States might require Agents to be appointed & particularly in the Portuguese & Spanish posessions. Should this be the case, permitt me to solicit the favor of your granting Me an Appointment in that quarter. If no Appointments should be thought...
49To James Madison from John Rowan, 21 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
The territory of Illinois having been lately erected I take the liberty of recommending the Honorable John Boyle as a Suitable Person to be Appointed Governor of that Territory. I have had the pleasure of an intimate acquaintance with Mr. Boyle for Several years. He has in a very high degree those Attributes of head and heart which constitute the principal qualifications for a Station so high...
50To James Madison from Matthew Clay, 21 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
In a belief the office of Governor in the Mississippi Territory, will be vacant, on the fourth of next Month, I beg leave to recommend to notice the Hon’ble David Holmes, who is, and has been, for twelve years a member of the house of Representatives of the United States. Mr. Holmes fitness to fill this important Office can not be doubted, if known; he is highly respected by all his...