51From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 December 1788 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Mr. Governeur Morris who will embark in a few days for Havre, from whence he will proceed immediately to Paris. He is already well known to you by character; and as far as there may be a defect of personal acquaintance I beg leave to supply it by this introduction. My two last were of Ocr. 8. & 17th. They furnished a State of our affairs as they then stood. I...
52From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 December 1788 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter has been just sent me by Miss Rittenhouse and I avail myself of the delay of Mr. Morris to give it a conveyance. Since mine already in the hands of Mr. Morris further returns have been recd. from the Western Counties of this State, which tho’ not the entire residue, reduces the final result to certainty. There will be seven representatives of the federal party, and one a...
53From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last was committed in December to Mr. Gouverneur Morris. I was then on my way to Virginia. The elections for the new government commenced shortly after my arrival. The first was of Electors, to Ballot for a President and Vice President. The successful candidates were General Wood, Mr. Zachy Johnson, Genl Edward Stephens, Doctor David Stuart, Mr. W. Fitzhugh of Chatham, Mr. Warner Lewis of...
54To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 September 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 31 ult: came to hand yesterday. As the reason which chiefly urged my departure for Virga. has ceased I have been led to protract my attendance on Congress by the interest I felt in some measures on foot, and the particular interest which my Constituents have in them. Two of these were the territorial cession and the permanent seat of Congress. The former was a few days ago...
55To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 30 September 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was written on the supposition that Mr. Jones and myself would be on our way to Virga. by the middle of Ocr. and that my best chance of an interview with you might be at Alexandria at the time of the races. On further thought I fear that you may be led by that suggestion to suspend your setting out longer than you proposed, and that I may not find it practicable to leave this place...
56To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
My journey from Annapolis was so much retarded by rains and their effect on the water courses that I did not complete it till the ninth day after I left you. I took Col. Mason in my way and had an evening’s conversation with him. I found him much less opposed to the general impost than I had expected . Indeed he disclaimed all opposition to the measure itself but had taken up a vague...
57To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 11. of Decr. ulto. came safe to hand after a very tedious conveyance. Mr. W. Maury having broken up his school in this Neighbourhood in order to attempt a superior one in Williamsburg and his pupils being dispersed, I have sent the book for Mr. P. Carr into the neighbourhood of Doctr. Walker whence I supposed it would most easily find its way to him. I thank you for the mark...
58To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you a few days ago by the post acknowledging your favor of the 10th. of Decr. Mr. Maury has since afforded me an opportunity which I cannot omit to acknowledge that of the first of Jany. which has just come to hand, and to express the concern I feel at the account it gives of your ill health. I hope earnestly that this will find it in a better state and that I may soon receive a...
59To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 20. Ult. came duly to hand a few days ago. I cannot apprehend that any difficulties can ensue in Europe from the involuntary and immaterial delay of the ratification of the peace, or if there should, that any imputations can be devised which will not be repelled by the collective force of the reasons in the intended protest; some of which singly taken are unanswerable. As...
60To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16th. of March came to hand a few days before Mazzei called on me. His plan was to have proceeded hence directly to Annapolis. My conversation led him to promise a visit to Mr. Henry from whence he proposed to repair to Richmond and close his affairs with the Executive. Contrary to my expectation he returned hither on Thursday last
61[To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 8 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 8 May 1784 . Recorded in SJL as received 24 May 1784. Not found.]
62[To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 14 May 1784 . Noted in SJL as received in Boston 19 June 1784, “inclosing on account B. Harrison John Pirkman’s draught on John J. Rogert [Bogert] Phila. for 333 ⅓ D.” Not found, but see TJ to Madison, 1 July 1784 .]
63To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 7th. inst: with another pair of Spectacles inclosed came safe to hand on thursday last. I shall leave the person for whose use they were intended to take choice of the most suitable and will return the other pair to Mr. Dudley by the first conveyance, unless I meet with a purchaser which I do not expect. The arrangement which is to carry you to Europe has been made known to...
64To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 3 July 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The Assembly adjourned the day before yesterday. I have been obliged to remain here since on private business for my Countymen with the auditor’s and other departments. I had allotted towards the close of the Session to undertake a narrative for you of the proceedings, but the hurry on which I did not sufficiently calculate rendered it impossible, and I now find myself so abridged in time that...
65To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 1st. July written on the eve of your embarkation from Boston was safely delivered by your Servant Bob about the 20th. of the same month. Along with it I received the pamphlet on the W. India trade, and a copy of Deane’s letters. My last was written from Richmond on the adjournment of the General Assembly and put into the hands of Mr. Short. It contained a cursory view of...
66To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 7 September 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Some business, the need of exercise after a very sedentary period, and the view of extending my ramble into the Eastern States which I have long had a curiosity to see have brought me to this place. The letter herewith enclosed was written before I left Virginia and brought with me for the sake of a conveyance hence. Since the date of it I have learned that Mr. Short who was to be the bearer...
67To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 September 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
In pursuance of my intentions as explained in my last dated in Philada. I came to this City on Saturday last. The information I have here received convinces me that I can not accomplish the whole route I had planned within the time to which I am limited, nor go from this to Boston in the mode which I had reckoned upon. I shall therefore decline this part of my plan, at least for the present,...
68To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 October 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
My last dated from this place on the 14. ult. informed you of my projected trip to Fort Schuyler. I am this moment arrived so far on my return to Virginia. My past delay requires so much hurry now that I can only drop a few lines for the packet which is to sail on the 15th. inst: The Marquis and myself were overtaken at Albany by Mr. de Marbois on the same errand with ourselves. We reached...
69To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 October 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
On my arrival here I found that Mr. Short had passed through on his way to N. York and was there at the date of my last. I regret much that I missed the pleasure of seeing him. The inclosed was put into my hands by Mrs. House, who received it after he left Philada. My two last, neither of which were in cypher, were written as will be all future ones in the same situation, in expectation of...
70To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 January 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was dated in Philada. Octr. 17. I reached this place the 14th. day after that fixed for the meeting of the Assembly and was in time for the commencement of business. Yesterday put an end to the tedious Session. According to my promise I subjoin a brief review of its most material proceedings. An act for the establishment of Courts of Assize . This act was carried through the House of...
71To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 January 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have remained here since the adjournment of the Assembly chiefly with a view of gaining from the Office of the Attorney some insight into the juridical course of practice. This has given me an opportunity of forwarding you 6 copies of the revisal with a few of the late newspapers under the cover which incloses this. They will go in a vessel belonging to Mr. Alexander. The gentleman also...
72To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your two favors of Novr. 11 and Decr. 8. Along with the former I received the two pamphlets on animal magnetism and the last aeronautic expedition, together with the phosphoretic matches. These articles were a great treat to my curiosity. As I had left Richmd. before they were brought thither by Col. le Maire, I had no opportunity of attending myself to your wishes with regard...
73To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 18th. of March never reached me till the 4 inst:. It came by post from N. York, which it did not leave till the 21. of July. My last was dated in April, and went by Mr. Mazzei who picked it up at N. York and promised to deliver it with his own hand. The machinations of G.B. with regard to Commerce have produced much distress and noise in the Northern States, particularly in...
74To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 3 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
In pursuance of the plan intimated in my last I came to this City about three weeks ago, from which I continued my trip to New York. I returned last night and in a day or two shall start for Virginia. Col. Monroe had left Philada. a few days before I reached it, on his way to a treaty to be held with the Indians about the end of this month on the Wabash. If a visit to the Eastern States had...
75To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 November 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I acknowledged from Philada. your favor of the 11 of May. On my return to Orange I found the copy of your notes brought along with it by Mr. Doradour. I have looked them over carefully myself and consulted several judicious friends in confidence. We are all sensible that the freedom of your strictures on some particular measures and opinions will displease their respective abettors . But we...
76To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, with Enclosure, 22 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
My last dated Novr. 15 from this place answered yours of May 11th. on the subject of your printed notes. I have since had opportunity of consulting other friends on the plan you propose, who concur in the result of the consultations which I transmitted you. Mr. Wythe’s idea seems to be generally approved, that the copies destined for the University should be dealt out by the discretion of the...
77To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 March 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favours of the 1 and 20 Sepr. under the same cover by Mr. Fitzhugh did not come to hand till the 24th. Ult: and of course till it was too late for any Legislative interposition with regard to the Capitol. I have written to the Attorney on the subject. A letter which I have from him dated prior to his receipt of mine takes notice of the plan you had promised and makes no doubt that it...
78To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was of March 18. since which I have been favored with yours of the 8. and 9th. of Feby. Bancroft’s application in favor of Paridise inclosed in the latter shall be attended to as far as the case will admit; though I see not how any relief can be obtained. If Mr. P. stands on the list of foreign creditors his agent here may possibly convert his securities into money without any very...
79To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last which was of the 18th of May I have received your very agreeable favor of the 28th. of Octobr. I began to fear it had miscarried. Your reflections on the idle poor of Europe, form a valuable lesson to the Legislators of every Country, and particularly of a new one. I hope you will enable yourself before you return to America to compare with this description of people in France...
80To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
My last of the 19th. of June intimated that my next would be from N. York or this place. I expected it would rather have been from the former which I left a few days ago, but my time was so taken up there with my friends and some business that I thought it best to postpone it till my return here. My ride through Virga. Maryd. and Pena. was in the midst of harvest. I found the crops of wheat in...
81To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 November 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter did not get to my hands till very lately though it was covered by one from Mrs. Carr dated Aug: 21. I conferred a few days ago with Mr. Wythe on the subject of your Nephew in Williamsburg, and had the pleasure of receiving the most favorable account of his capacity, his diligence and his disposition. He is now in the College and enjoys the advantage of Mr. Wythe’s valuable...
82To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 4 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Your last favor which was of the 25th. of April has already been acknowledged. My last inclosing a letter from Mrs. Carr, was dated a few days ago only. It was put into the hands of Monr. Chevalier who has gone on to N. York, whither I shall forward this to his care. He is to embark in the packet which will sail on the 15th. inst: The recommendation from the Meeting at Annapolis of a...
83To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was from Richmond of the 4th. of December, and contained a sketch of our legislative proceedings prior to that date. The principal proceedings of subsequent date relate as nearly as I can recollect 1st. to a rejection of the Bill on crimes and punishments, which after being altered so as to remove most of the objections as was thought, was lost by a single vote. The rage against Horse...
84To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 March 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was of the 15th. of Feby, and went by the packet. This will go to England in the care of a French gentleman who will consign it to the care of Mr. Adams. The appointments for the Convention go on auspiciously. Since my last Georgia, S. Carolina, N. York, Massts. and N. Hampshire have come into the measure. The first and the last of these States have commissioned their delegates to...
85To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 23 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last which was of March 19. I have had the pleasure of yours of Decr. 16. Jany. 30. and Feby. 7. which were handed to me by Col. Franks. Along with them were received the copying machine and other articles referred to in them. You will accept my warmest thanks for all these favors. The packet for the Governor of Virginia under the same cover with your letter of Feby. 7. has been...
86To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I am just furnished by Mr. Pollock with a box containing a few Peccan Nuts, which Mr. Jno. Vaughan of this City undertakes to forward by a Vessel just sailing for France. Monday last was the day for the meeting of the Convention. The number as yet assembled is but small. Among the few is Genl. Washington who arrived on Sunday evening amidst the acclamations of the people, as well as more sober...
87To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 6 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The day fixed for the meeting of the Convention was the 14th. ult: on the 25th. and not before seven States were assembled. General Washington was placed unâ voce in the chair. The Secretaryship was given to Major Jackson. The members present are from Massachusetts Mr. Gherry, Mr. Ghorum, Mr. King, Mr. Strong. From Connecticut Mr. Sherman, Doct. S. Johnson, Mr. Elseworth. From N. York Judge...
88To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I lately received and forwarded to Mr. Jno. Banister Jr. a packet which came from you under cover to me. I had an opportunity which avoided the charge of postage. The Convention continue to sit, and have been closely employed since the Commencement of the Session. I am still under the mortification of being restrained from disclosing any part of their proceedings. As soon as I am at liberty I...
89From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, with Enclosure, 2 August 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was of June 20. Your’s received since that date are May 15. and June 6. In mine I acknoleged the receipt of the Paccan nuts which came sealed up. I have reason to believe those in the box are arrived at Lorient. By the Mary Capt. Howland lately sailed from Havre to N. York I shipped three boxes of books one marked I.M. for yourself, one marked B.F. for Doctr. Franklin, and one marked...
90[To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 August 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 19 Aug. 1787 . Recorded in SJL as received 13 Dec. 1787, “(recommendation of Tenche Cox).” Not found.]
91To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 6 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was intended for the Augst. Packet and put into the hands of Commodore Paul Jones. Some disappointments prevented his going, and as he did not know but its contents might be unfit for the ordinary conveyance, he retained it. The precaution was unnecessary. For the same reason the delay has been of little consequence. The rule of secrecy in the Convention rendered that as it will this...
92To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
My two last, though written for the two last Packets, have unluckily been delayed till this conveyance. The first of them was sent from Philada. to Commodore Jones in consequence of information that he was certainly to go by the packet then about to sail. Being detained here by his business with Congress, and being unwilling to put the letter into the mail without my approbation, which could...
93To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 17th. of Sepr. with sundry other letters and packets, came duly by the last packet. Such of them as were addressed to others, were duly forwarded. The three Boxes, marked I M, G.W. and A D, it appears were never shipped from Havre. Whenever they arrive your commands with regard to the two last shall be attended to, as well as those relating to some of the contents of the...
94To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The packet has been detained here since the date of the letter which you will receive along with this, by some preparations suggested by an apprehension of war. The delay is very unfavorable to the trees on board for you. Mr. De la Forest the Consul here called on me a few days ago and told me he had information that the farmers general and Mr. Morris having found their contract mutually...
95To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Count de Moustier I received your favour of the 8th. of October. I received by his hands also the watch which you have been so good as to provide for me, and for which I beg you to accept my particular thanks. During the short trial I have made she goes with great exactness. Since the arrival of the Count de Moustier, I have received also by the Packet Mr. Calonne’s publication for...
96To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received an answer to a letter written to Mr. W. S. Browne on the subject of Mr. Burke’s affairs. The answer is written by direction of Mrs. Brown and informs me that her husband is absent on a voyage to the West Indies and is not expected back till April; that when “he arrives he no doubt will be ready to deliver the effects on proper application. The amount of effects I...
97To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Being just acquainted by a letter from President Griffin that Mr. Paridise is in N. York and proposes to sail in the first packet for France I drop you a few lines which will go by that conveyance if they arrive in N. York in time; which however I do not much expect. The proposed Constitution still engrosses the public attention. The elections for the Convention here are but just over and...
98To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two last unacknowledged favors were of Decr. 20. and Feby. 6. They were received in Virginia, and no opportunity till the present precarious one by the way of Holland, has enabled me to thank you for them. I returned here about ten days ago from Richmond which I left a day or two after the dissolution of the Convention. The final question on the new plan of Government was put on the 25th....
99To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Warville has just arrived here, and I sieze an opportunity suddenly brought to my knowledge to thank you for your several favors, and particularly for the pedometer. Answers to the letters must be put off for the next opportunity. My last went off just as a vote was taken in the Convention of this State which foretold the ratification of the new Government. The later act soon followed and...
100To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 23 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
My last went vià England in the hands of a Swiss gentleman who had married an American lady, and was returning with her to his own country. He proposed to take Paris in his way. By that opportunity I inclosed copies of the proceedings of this State on the subject of the Constitution. North Carolina was then in Convention, and it was generally expected would in some form or other have fallen...