1Petition of Merchants and Masters of Vessels Trading from the City of Albany to the City of New York, [1–19 January … (Hamilton Papers)
To the Congress of the United States The Memorial & Petition of the Subscribers respectfully sheweth That Your Memorialists are Owners or Masters or both of coasting vessels employed ordinarily and exclusively in transporting articles between the Cities of New York and Albany. That by a late Act of Congress constituting the City of Hudson a Port of Entry the Port of Albany has been annexed to...
2The Committee of Conference: Report to Congress, 24 October 1775 (Franklin Papers)
DS : National Archives We arrived at this place on the 15 and shoud have proceeded immediatly to perform the Duty imposed by the Congress, but the President of the Congress of New Hampshire was detained by the Illness of his Family from attending, after waiting two days for him it was determined to call in General Sullivan to represent that Colony. The president joined us next day, and we have...
3The Committee of Conference: Report to Congress, 17 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
DS : New York Public Library; DS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress The committee returned to Philadelphia on the morning of September 13. On the same day it gave an oral report to Congress, and was asked for a written one as soon as possible. The latter was presented on the 17th, and the same committee was ordered to publish it with other documents relating to the...
4Conrad Alexandre Gérard to Congress, 5 January 1779 (Jay Papers)
Le Ministre plenipotentiaire de france ne peut Se dispenser de deferer au Congrès des Etats Unis les passages Soulignés dans les deux gazettes ci jointes en datte du 3. et du 5. de ce mois. Il ne doute pas que le Congrès n’ait été indigné des assertions indiscrettes qui ces passages contiennent et qui compromettent egalement lui dignite et la reputation du Roi mon Maitre et cette des Etats...
5Thomas Paine to Congress, 8 January 1779 (Jay Papers)
Finding by the Journals of this House, of yesterday, that I am not to be heard, and having in my letter of the same day, prior to that resolution, declared that I could not “ in duty to my Character as a freeman submit to be censured unheard ,” therefore consistent with that declaration, and to maintain that Right, I think it my duty to resign the Office of Secretary for foreign to the...
The People of the State of New York By the Grace of God, Free and Independent To All to whom these presents shall come, send Greeting Know Ye that We having inspected the Records Remaining in the Secretary’s Office of our said State do find there a Certain Commission in the Words following to Wit: “The People of the State of New York, By the Grace of God Free and Independent, To all to whom...
7Report to Congress, 25 July 1789 (Jay Papers)
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of foreign affairs under the former Congress, in pursuance of the following Resolution viz t . “In Senate 22 d July 1789” “Whereas a Convention referred this day to the Senate, bears reference to a Convention pending between the most Christian King and the United States, previous to the adoption of our present Constitution.” “Resolved, that...
The Chief Justice and the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, respectfully represent to the Congress of the United States, That their Representation communicated, last year, through the President, to both Houses of Congress, and to which they refer, comprehended few other remarks than such as were suggested by the personal difficulties to which the Judges were...
9Address of the President to Congress, 8 December 1790 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and House of Representatives. In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able to repeat my congratulations on the favorable prospects which continue to distinguish our public affairs. The abundant fruits of another year have blessed our Country with plenty, and with the means of a flourishing commerce. The progress of public credit is witnessed by a...
10Commissioners of the Sinking Fund to Congress, 16 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1801, Washington. Transmits the secretary of the treasury’s 14 Dec. report and the proceedings of the treasury officers, in which are described the measures authorized by the board and completed since the commissioners’ report of 28 Nov. 1800. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Reports from the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, 7A-F7). RC 1 p.; signed by JM and the other...
11Commissioners of the Sinking Fund to Congress, 4 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 February 1804, Washington. The measures authorized by the board subsequent to the report of 5 Feb. 1803 , “so far as the same have been completed,” are detailed in Gallatin’s 3 Feb. 1804 report to the board and in the statements referred to therein, “which are herewith transmitted.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Reports and Communications Submitted to the Senate, 8A-F5); RC and enclosures...
12Commissioners of the Sinking Fund to Congress, 5 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Commissioners of the Sinking Fund to Congress. 5 February 1806, Washington. “The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, respectfully report to Congress, as follows— “That the measures which have been authorized by the Board, subsequent to their Report of 5th of February 1805, so far as the same have been completed, are fully detailed in the Report of the Secretary of the Treasury to this Board,...
13From James Madison to Congress, [23 May] 1809 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives. On this first occasion of meeting you, it affords me much satisfaction to be able to communicate the commencement of a favorable change, in our foreign relations; the critical state of which induced a Session of Congress at this early period. In consequence of the provisions of the act, interdicting commercial intercourse with...
14From James Madison to Congress, 26 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I now lay before Congress the Report of the Secretary of War, shewing the progress made in carrying into effect the act of April 1808, for raising an additional Military force, and the disposition of the Troops. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, Legislative Proceedings, and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings); FC of first enclosure ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers, William Eustis...
15From James Madison to Congress, 4 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with the request of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, I transmit to Congress a copy of certain of its proceedings, communicated for the purpose, by the Governor of that State. RC , two copies ( DNA : RG 233, Legislative Proceedings, and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings); enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings). House copy headed: “To the House of Representatives of...
16Annual Message to Congress, 29 November 1809 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate & of the House of Representatives. At the period of our last meeting, I had the satisfaction of communicating an adjustment with one of the principal belligerent Nations, highly important in itself, & still more so, as presaging a more extended Accommodation. It is with deep concern, I am now to inform you, that the favorable prospect has been overclouded, by a...
17From James Madison to Congress, 4 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 December 1809. Transmits report of the secretary of the navy referred to in the annual message of 29 Nov. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E7). Each RC 1 p., in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. House copy dated by JM; Senate copy undated. Received by both houses on 5 Dec. Senate copy read and tabled; House copy...
18From James Madison to Congress, 16 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1809. Transmits report of the surveyor of public buildings. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E2). Each RC 1 p., in a clerk’s hand, signed and dated by JM. Received, read, and tabled by the House on 21 Dec. and by the Senate on 22 Dec. ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the...
19From James Madison to Congress, 3 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
The Act Authorizing a Detachment of one hundred thousand men from the Militia, will expire on the 30th. of Mar: next. It’s early revival is recommended, in order that timely steps may be taken for arrangements, such as the act contemplated. Without interfering with the modifications rendered necessary by the defects, or the inefficacy of the laws restrictive of commerce and navigation, or with...
20From James Madison to Congress, 5 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 January 1810. Transmits the director of the Mint’s annual report for 1809. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E5). Each RC 1 p., in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Received by both houses on 10 Jan. Read and tabled by the Senate on 10 Jan. and by the House on 11 Jan. ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in...
21From James Madison to Congress, 22 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 January 1810. Transmits “an account of the Contingent expenditures of the Government for the year 1809.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E4). Each RC 1 p. Enclosure (1 p.) is an account signed by Joseph Nourse, register of the treasury, 16 Jan. 1810, showing $2,900 spent for chartering a schooner to return six...
22From James Madison to Congress, 28 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 February 1810. Transmits copies of the treaties concluded with the Delaware, Potawatomi, Miami, Eel River, and Wea Indians “for the extinguishment of their title to the lands therein described.” Recommends implementing legislation. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages; and DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, 11B-C1). Each RC 1 p., in a clerk’s hand, signed by...
23From James Madison to Congress, 15 March 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 March 1810. Submits for consideration copies of the ratified treaty with the Kickapoo Indians “for the extinguishment of their title to certain lands within the Indiana Territory, involving conditions which require Legislative provision.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages); RC ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E2). Each RC 1 p., in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM....
24From James Madison to Congress, 20 March 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 March 1810. Submits a return of the militia, “as received by the Department of War from the several States and Territories.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E6); RC ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages). Each RC 1 p., in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure (1 p., 16″ × 52″) is Eustis’s 16 Mar. report of returns, by states and territories, of numbers of...
25Annual Message to Congress, 5 December 1810 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives. The embarassments which have prevailed in our foreign relations, and so much employed the deliberations of Congress, make it a primary duty, in meeting you, to communicate whatever may have occurred, in that branch of our national affairs. The Act of the last Session of Congress “concerning the commercial intercourse between...
26From James Madison to Congress, 12 December 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 December 1810. Communicates a report from the secretary of state on expenditures from the fund for the relief of distressed seamen. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States … (38 vols.; Washington, 1832–61). ,...
27From James Madison to Congress, 3 January 1811 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress, in confidence, a letter of the 2d of December, from Governor Folch of West Florida, to the Secretary of State; and another of the same date, from the same, to John McKee. I communicate, in like manner, a letter from the British Chargè d’affaires, to the Secretary of State, with the answer of the latter. Altho’ the letter can not have been written in consequence of...
28From James Madison to Congress, 7 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 January 1811, Washington. Transmits the director of the Mint’s annual report for 1810. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E5). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Read and tabled by the Senate on 7 Jan. and by the House on 9 Jan. ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of...
29From James Madison to Congress, 10 January 1811 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress, in confidence, the translation of a letter from Louis de Onis, to the Captain General of the Province of the Caraccas. The tendency of misrepresentations and suggestions, which, it may be inferred from this specimen, enter into more important correspondences of the writer, to promote in foreign Councils, at a critical period, views adverse to the peace and to the...
30From James Madison to Congress, 12 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 January 1811. Transmits a copy of a letter from the U.S. minister in London to the secretary of state and a copy of a letter from the same to the British secretary of state for foreign affairs. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1); RC ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E3). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. For enclosures, see nn. JM...
31From James Madison to Congress, 14 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1811. Transmits an account of the contingent expenses of government for 1810. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E4). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure (1 p.) is an account signed by Joseph Nourse, 4 Jan. 1811, showing a balance carried forward of $14,110, “there not having...
32From James Madison to Congress, 14 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1811. Transmits a report from the surveyor of the public buildings “relative to the progress and present State of them.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure (9 pp.) is Latrobe’s “Report on the public buildings,” dated 28 Dec. 1810...
33From James Madison to Congress, 30 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 January 1811. “I transmit to Congress Copies of a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury accompanied by copies of the ‘Laws, Treaties and other documents relative to the public lands’ as collected and arranged pursuant to the Act passed April 27th 1810.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E2). Each RC 1...
34From James Madison to Congress, 31 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 January 1811. Transmits letters written by the U.S. chargé d’affaires at Paris to the secretary of state and to the French minister of foreign relations; also transmits two letters from the agent of the American consul at Bordeaux to the secretary of state. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E3). Each RC...
35From James Madison to Congress, 16 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 February 1811. Transmits “the Treaty concluded on the 10th of November 1808 on the part of the United States with the Great and Little Osage Tribes of Indians; with a view to such legal provisions as may be deemed proper for fulfilling its stipulations.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E2). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure (13 pp.) is a printed...
36From James Madison to Congress, 19 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 February 1811. Transmits a return of the militia of the U.S. as received by the War Department. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E6). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States … (38...
37From James Madison to Congress, 28 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 February 1811. Transmits a report of the secretary of state relative to deficiencies in the returns of the census. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E3). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosure is Robert Smith to JM, 27 Feb. 1811 .
38Annual Message to Congress, 5 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives. In calling you together sooner than, a separation from your homes, would otherwise have been required; I yielded to considerations, drawn from the posture of our foreign affairs; and in fixing the present, for the time of your meeting; regard was had to the probability of further developements of the policy of the Belligerent...
39From James Madison to Congress, 7 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I now lay before Congress, two letters to the Department of State, one from the present Plenipotentiary of France, the other from his predecessor; which were not included among the documents accompanying my Message of the fifth instant; the translation of them being not then compleated. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative...
40From James Madison to Congress, 13 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress, copies of a correspondence between the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain, and the Secretary of State, relative to the aggression committed by a British Ship of War on the United States Frigate Chesapeake; by which it will be seen that that subject of difference, between the two Countries, is terminated by an offer of reparation which...
41From James Madison to Congress, 13 November 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 November 1811. “I lay before Congress the Result of the census lately taken of the Inhabitants of the United States, with a letter from the Secretary of State relative thereto.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E3). RC 1 p. In the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For surviving enclosure, see n. 1. JM enclosed a letter he had received from James Monroe, dated...
42From James Madison to Congress, 18 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress two letters received from Governor Harrison of the Indiana Territory, reporting the particulars and the issue of the expedition under his command, of which notice was taken in my communication of November 5th. While it is deeply lamented that so many valuable lives have been lost in the action which took place on the 7th ulto., Congress will see with satisfaction the...
43From 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...
44From 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...
45From James Madison to Congress, 7 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 January 1812. Forwards a report from the director of the Mint. RC , two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E5). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures, see Robert Patterson to JM, 1 Jan. 1812 .
46From James Madison to Congress, 15 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 January 1812. Transmits an account of the contingent expenses of the government incurred in 1811 in taking possession of “the territory limited Eastwardly by the River Perdido” and amounting to $3,396. RC and enclosure, 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 Edward Coles, signed by JM....
47From James Madison to Congress, 16 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 January 1812. Communicates a letter from the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the secretary of state, with the answer of the latter. “The continued evidence afforded in this correspondence, of the hostile policy of the British Government against our national rights, strengthens the considerations recommending and urging the preparations of adequate means...
48From James Madison to Congress, 17 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 January 1812. Transmits a letter from the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the secretary of state, with the answer of the latter. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1); RC ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures (3 pp.; printed in ASP American State...
49From James Madison to Congress, 22 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
At the request of the Legislature of New Jersey, I communicate to Congress, copies of its Resolutions, transmitted by the Governor of that State. Whereas in cases of great national concern, involving in their consequences the interests, the rights and the welfare, as well of the future as of the present generation; it cannot fail to be useful and acceptable, to those entrusted with the...
50From James Madison to Congress, 1 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 February 1812. Transmits a report of the secretary of the treasury containing a statement of proceedings under the “Act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland in the State of Maryland to the State of Ohio.” RC , two copies ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E4; and DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1). Each RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. For...