1From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last was of the 29th. March. A few days ago I had the pleasure of yours of the 12. Jany. I thank you for your attention to the works of the Abbè Barthelemy and the Marquis Condorcet, And wish much that your attempts to procure me a genuine copy of the King of Prussia’s may succeed. I send you herewith the first No. of the Congressional Register, which will give you some idea of the...
2From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
This will I expect be handed you by a young gentleman, Mr. Colden, the son of an amiable lady of that name within the circle of my acquaintance in this place. I need not apprize you that the family, of which Governour Colden is the Ancestor, is a respectable one. The young gentleman has been in Scotland for some years, pursuing his education, and with the approbation of his friends proposes to...
3From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
Since my last which was written on sunday last and included an introduction of young Mr. Colden who is to be the bearer of it from Scotland where he now resides, I have had the pleasure of yours of March 15. My former letters will have made known to you the obstacles to a licence for your visit to America. The new authority has not yet taken up your application. As soon as the auxiliary...
4From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
The letter herewith enclosed from Col: H. Lee with the papers accompanying it fully explain themselves. Inclosed also is a letter from Mr. P. Carr, who has been here several weeks. One of his inducements to visit N. York during the present vacation, was a hope of falling in with you on your visit to America. I regret much both your disappointments. It is not yet in my power to say when the...
5From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 30 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
By this conveyance you will receive permission through Mr. Jay to make your proposed visit to America. I fear it will not reach you in time for your arrival here before the commencement of the windy season; yet I hope the delay will not oblige you to postpone your voyage till the Spring. The federal business has proceeded with a mortifying tardiness; chargeable in part on the incorrect...
6From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 October 1789 (Madison Papers)
A concurrence of motives has detained me here since the adjournment of Congress. One of them has been a hope of your arrival within the time. I set off tomorrow for Philada. where I shall remain some days, and not without a continuance of the same hope. I need not tell you how much pleasure I should feel in making my journey to Virginia coincide with yours, nor with how much patience I should...
7From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 November 1789 (Madison Papers)
In the letter left for you in N. York on my leaving that place I omitted to mention to you three names which solicit a Clerkship in the office which will be under your direction. They are Mr. Fisher, Mr. Smith, & Mr. Orr. The first has vouchers of his pretensions which will enable You to decide readily on them. The second is a son of Merriwether Smith. I am not personally acquainted with him,...
8From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
A dysenteric attack at Georgetown with its effects retarded my journey so much that I did not arrive here till a few days ago. I am free at present from the original complaint, but a little out of order with the piles generated by that or the medicine it required. The Cato in which were the busts of P. Jones and the box of books for myself never arrived till the day before yesterday, having...
9From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. of Jany. inclosing one of Sepr. last did not get to hand till a few days ago. The idea which the latter evolves is a great one, and suggests many interesting reflections to legislators; particularly when contracting and providing for public debts. Whether it can be received in the extent your reasonings give it, is a question which I ought to turn more in my thoughts...
10From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 11 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
By the last mail I acknowledged the receipt of your favor of the 9th. Ult: and hazarded a few remarks on the subject of that of Sepr. last from Paris. The newspapers forwarded by me from time to time will have exhibited something of the complexion of the politics here, particularly as they relate to the public debt. On this subject the H. of Reps. is at this moment deliberating. All that can...
11From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
We proceed slowly in business. The Report of Mr. Hamilton has been, of late, the principal subject of debate. On the foreign debt the vote has been unanimous. On the domestic, a reduction of the transferred principal has been brought into view by several arguments and propositions. My idea is that there should be no interference of the public in favour of the public either as to principal or...
12From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
The newspapers will have shewn you the late proceedings of the House of Representatives. The present subject of deliberation is the proposed assumption of the State debts. Opinions are nearly balanced on it. My own is no otherwise favorable to the measure than as it may tend to secure a final settlement and payment of balances among the States. An assumption even under such circumstances is...
13From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 September 1790 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yours of the 23 inst: by the bearer who now returns with the Horse. I will consult with some persons who are acquainted with him & let you know the price I set on him. The time & place of payment which you propose would suit me as well as immediate payment here: but I consider this credit as a necessary set off agst. advances which you will have made for me in France. If no obstacles...
14From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1790 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 31 December 1790. Acknowledged in Jefferson to JM, 1 Jan. 1791 . Gives his views concerning the application of the treaty of amity and commerce between the United States and France to the latter’s protest of the United States tonnage acts.
15From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [11 January] 1791 (Madison Papers)
T: J. to J. M. Dr. To advances for him on the road to Philada. £14..5..6 To Horse Credit By 50 dollars £18..15– Balance to T. J. £ 4..9..6. Pa. Curry. If the intended charge of £25. for the Horse is not cancelled by the presumptive evidence that he was not sound at the time of sending him, the balance will lie on the other side. The scruples of J. M. on this point are not affected,...
16From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [13 March] 1791 (Madison Papers)
Your first proposition having been arranged, I have only in answer to your last to acknowledge that I feel all the inducements you suggest & many more to be in a situation where your society would make a part of my hourly enjoyments. In making the sacrifice therefore you will be assured that the circumstances which determine me are unaffected. My stay here is so uncertain & limited that a...
17Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 18 April] 1791 (Madison Papers)
Substance of a Conversation held by Js. Madison Jr with Col: Beckwith, at the desire of Mr. Jefferson— Last evening offered the first opportunity of breaking to Col B—— the subject for which he has been thought a proper channel to the Governour of Canada. It was explicitly made known to him, that besides its being generally understood that the N. W. Indians were supplied with the means of war...
18From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 April 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 18 April 1791. Noted by JM in his list of letters to Jefferson as relating to the “conversation with Beckwith” (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers).
19From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1791 (Madison Papers)
Finding on my arrival at Princeton that both Docr. Witherspoon & Smith had made excursions in the Vacation, I had no motive to detain me there; and accordingly pursuing my journey I arrived here the day after I left Philada. My first object was to see Dorhman. He continues to wear the face of honesty, and to profess much anxiety to discharge the claims of Mazzei; but acknowledges that all his...
20From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1791 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. was recd. last evening. To my thanks for the several inclosures I must add a request that the letter to Baynton which came in one of them may be handed to him by one of your servants. The directory will point out his habitation. I had seen Payne’s pamphlet with the preface of the Philada. Editor. It immediately occurred that you were brought into the Frontispiece in the...
21From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 June 1791 (Madison Papers)
I received your favor of the 21st. yesterday, inclosing post notes for 235 dollars. I shall obtain the bills of Mrs. Elsworth & the Smith this afternoon and will let you know the amount of them. There is a bill also from the Taylor amounting to £6–7. which I shall pay. The articles for which it is due are in my hands and will be forwarded by the first opportunity. If a good one should fall...
22From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 June 1791 (Madison Papers)
By a Capt: Simms who setts off this afternoon in the Stage for Philadelphia I forward the Bundle of Cloaths from the Taylor. His bill is inclosed with that of Mrs. Elsworth including the payment to the Smith. I have seen Col: Smith more than once. He would have opened his budget fully to me, but I declined giving him the trouble. He has written to the President a state of all his conversations...
23From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday your’s of the 28th. and this morning called on Col: Smith from whom I obtained the pamphlet & map, herewith inclosed. The former you are to keep. The latter being the last copy is to be sent back to him after satisfying yourself with it. With respect to the Map of S. America he says that it was obtained from the Engraver by Pitt & Grenville during the squabble with Spain, and...
24From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 6th. came to hand on friday. I went yesterday to the person who advertised the Maple Sugar for the purpose of executing your commission on that subject. He tells me that the cargo is not yet arrived from Albany, but is every hour expected; that it will not be sold in parcels of less than 15 or 16 hundred lb. & only at Auction, but that the purchasers will of course deal it...
25From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
I received last evening your kind enquiries after my health. My last will have informed you of the state of it then. I continue to be incommoded by several different shapes taken by the bile; but not in a degree that can now be called serious. If the present excessive heat should not augment the energy of the cause, I consider myself as in a good way to get rid soon of its effects. Beckley has...
26From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 21 July 1791. Acknowledged in Jefferson to JM, 24 July 1791 . In his list of letters to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers), JM noted that this letter, like that of 13 July, concerned “Publicola.” Perhaps this was JM’s letter of 21 July to an unspecified correspondent, listed in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), p. 262.
27From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 21st. came to hand last evening. It was meant that you should keep the pamphlet inclosed in it. I have seen Freneau, and, as well as Col: H. Lee, have pressed the establishment of himself in Philada. where alone his talents can do the good or reap the profit of which they are capable. Though leaning strongly agst. the measure, under the influence of little objections which...
28From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
I am just in possession of your favor of the 24 inst: & thank you for the pamphlet which I shall look over without delay. Mr. Dorhman has this moment handed me a letter to Mazzei which will give him the change of prospect as to the balance of the debt. I really believe D’s misfortune to have been great & real. Mazzei must rest contented with his ultimate security in the land which I consider...
29From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [29 July] 1791 (Madison Papers)
I have this instant recd. yours of the 27th. in which you refer to as inclosed the pamphlet desired by me—to wit T. Coxes answer to Sheffield: As it is not inclosed I snatch this sudden oppty. to request you to forward it by Monday’s mail. I thank you for the other inclosures & have only time to add that I am Sir, RC ( DLC ). Addressed by JM. Docketed by Jefferson, “July 29. 1791 / recd July...
30From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 31 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yours of the 28th. last evening. Your preceding one covering among other things your memorandums through France was acknowledged by a few lines put into the hands of a young gentleman bound to Philada. in the Stage of yesterday. The purpose of them was to apprize you that you had omitted Coxe’s answer to Sheffield and to request the favor of you to send it by Monday’s mail. Should the...
31From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1791 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 1 August 1791. Acknowledged in Jefferson to JM, 3 Aug. 1791 . In his list of letters to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers), JM noted that this letter dealt with “Freneau. Col. H. Lee.”
32From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 August 1791 (Madison Papers)
It being probable that I shall leave this place early in the ensuing week I drop you an intimation of it, that you may keep back any letters that may fall into your hands for me, or that you might intend to favor me with. The outward bound packet for Halifax & London sailed to day. The one expected for some time past is not yet arrived, and I do not learn that any foreign news is recd. thro’...
33From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 August 1791 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of putting the inclosed into your hands that in case Col: Lee should have left Philada. the contents may find their way to Col: Fisher who is most interested in them. And I leave it open for the same purpose. The Attorney will be a fit channel in the event of Col: Lee’s departure, for conveying the information. You will find an allusion to some mysterious cause for a...
34From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
J. M. returns Mr. J. his note endorsed for negociation at the Bank, but recommends in preference a use of about 300 dollars of J. M. which will not be wanted till the time proposed for the redemption of the note. A Check for 150 dollars is inclosed. As much or a little more can be added as soon as an order from the Speaker can be got which will be tomorrow or next day. J. M. insists that Mr....
35From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed papers which I have got from Mr. Beckleys office furnishes an answer to your letter. There is a Bill depending in favor of claims barred by the limitation of time—which if it passes will provide for those of Owen & Woods as I understand the tenor of the Bill and the nature of their claims. As soon as the fate of the Bill is decided I shall write to the parties. RC ( DLC :...
36From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 June 1792 (Madison Papers)
Since I got to the end of my journey I have been without an opportunity of dropping you a line; and this is written merely to be ready for the first casual conveyance to Fredericksburg. I received yesterday your two favors No. 1 & 2. The gazettes under a preceding cover had come to hand some days before. Your answer to Hammond has on the whole got triumphantly through the ordeal. It is...
37From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 June 1792 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have had the pleasure of your two letters of the 10. & 17. inst. The latter has but just come to hand, and I can not say any thing as to the legal arrangement of the Cutters. We have had very seasonable weather of late in this quarter. I understand it has been less so farther South. How Albemarle & Bedford have fared I can not tell. Notwithstanding the good weather the very...
38From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 June 1792 (Madison Papers)
I wrote last evening by a conveyance that hast[i]ly occurred to Fredg. This, an idea occurred which I have executed in the inclosed; & shall carry with me to Orange Ct. today whence I expect to find another to the post office. Yrs. affy. RC ( DLC ). Addressed and marked “ private ” by JM. Docketed by Jefferson, “recd. June 30.” Enclosure not found, but see n. 1. In his list of letters to...
39From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 June 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of June 21. No. 4. came to hand yesterday. I shall take due care of the N. Y. gazettes & return them by some safe conveyance to the post office. I have given a hasty perusal to the controversial papers on the election. The spirit of party sufficiently appears in all of them. Whether Clinton ought to wave the advantage of forms may depend I think on the question of substance involved...
40From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 July 1792 (Madison Papers)
My last acknowledged the last of yours that has come to hand. From the date of that I shall probably have the pleasure of another as soon as an opportunity from Fredericksbg. happens. I write at present merely for the sake of one thither which has just fallen in my way. The most remarkable occurrence of late date here, was the excessive heat on sunday the first instant. At two OClock the...
41From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 July 1792 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday your letters containing the papers inclosed. I recd. at the same time a letter from Mr. Maury of Liverpool in which was the little note which I also inclose. Brown & a Col Edwards are the Senators for Kentucky. The latter sd. to be a good man & not likely to differ from the politics of his colleague. A distant kinsman of Mine Hubbard Taylor is likely to be one of the Reps....
42From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 September 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 16 September 1792. In his list of letters to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers), JM noted that this letter, like that of 27 July, concerned “Kentucky Elections.”
43From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 October 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your 3 favors from G. Town, Bladg. & Balte: have come safe to hand. The accident mentioned in the 2d. has caused no small anxiety; which wd. be much greater were it not hoped from your not waiting to repair it, that a safe train had been laid for the purpose, & particularly that the article had been put under seal. The possibility of its falling into base hands at the present crisis cannot be...
44From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 October 1792 (Madison Papers)
I got here a few days ago, & shall set out in company with Col: Monroe tomorrow. Parker Giles & Venable are here also on their way to Philada. The information they give of the temper of the Assembly is in all respects favorable. The vacancy produced by R. H. Lee’s resignation is filled with Col: J. Taylor. He had 90 odd votes, A. Lee, 39. & Corbin 33. Great efforts were made for A. L. among...
45From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1793 (Madison Papers)
I wrote at Baltimore, but the letter being too late for the mail, I have suppressed it. It contained nothing of consequence. We arrived here to day (2 OC) and shall proceed to Colchester tonight. Our journey has been successful; tho’ laborious for the horses. The roads bad generally from Head of Elk; on the North of Baltimore, and thence to George Town, excessively so. I am just told by Mr. R....
46From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 31 March 1793 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 31 March 1793, Orange. In his list of letters to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers), JM noted that this letter, like that of 24 Mar., concerned “Elections in Virga.” Received by Jefferson 9 Apr. (Jefferson’s Epistolary Record [DLC: Jefferson Papers]).
47From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 April 1793 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 31. Ult: and the preceding one without date have been received. The refusal of Dunlap in the case you mention confirms the idea of a combined influence against the freedom of the Press. If symtoms of a dangerous success in the experiment should shew themselves, it will be necessary before it be too late to convey to the public through the channels that remain open, an...
48From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 April 1793 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 29 April 1793, Orange. Acknowledged in Jefferson to JM, 13 May 1793 . In his list of letters to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers), JM noted that this letter concerned “political sentiments of Va.” Received by Jefferson 8 May (Jefferson’s Epistolary Record [DLC: Jefferson Papers]).
49From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1793 (Madison Papers)
Your last recd. was of the 28 Apl. The rect. of all the preceeding is verified by the uninterrupted dates of the Gazettes inclosed. I anxiously wish that the reception of Genest may testify what I believe to be the real affections of the people. It is the more desireable as a seasonable plum after the bitter pills which it seems must be administered. Having neither the Treaty nor Law of...
50From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1793 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter with the unsealed one for Monroe & have forwarded the latter. Your subsequent one, which I calculate to have been written on the 12th. inst: came to hand two days ago. I feel for your situation but you must bear it. Every consideration private as well as public require a further sacrifice of your longings for the repose of Monticello. You must not make your final exit...