19491To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 21 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Honble James Madison jr. Philadelphia.” Docketed, “May 1782.” The friendly visits of my Neighbours and acquaintance[s] since my return has and still continues to occupy my time[.] having not been free from Company since the day after my geting home, of course I have thought little of those matters which used while in Philadelphia to employ our attention...
19492From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 20 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Col: James Madison Orange County Virginia[.] Favd. by Capt M. Walker.” Probably late in his life, JM, or John C. Payne, whose handwriting greatly resembled JM’s, wrote “(Biographical.)” above the salutation and “Madison, Jr” above the date line on the first page. Having written a letter and inclosed with it a large collection of Newspapers for you which...
19493To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 20 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Another copy, also made from the original manuscript, is in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 152–53. An extract is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), pp. 89–90. Your favr of the 7th brought me the debates in Parliament on which I suppose had been founded the story mentioned in my Last of their having...
19494To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 18 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but the letter is docketed by JM, “May 18. 1782.” The paper which you were so kind to send me does indeed contain intelligence of most interesting concern to us. had the lust for exorbitant power, and the prejudices of that haughty infatuated Nation been thus corrected four years ago, she would then have had good ground for the hope which some...
19495To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 16–17 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Words encoded by Randolph in the official cipher are italicized. The letter lacks both cover and docket. Mr. F. Webb, who left this place yesterday for Phila., is the bearer of a bill for 20 £ Penna. currency. I have requested him to deliver it to you. As it was not put into my hands, after it was drawn, I wish you may not meet with some impediment in the negotiation...
19496To James Madison from Arthur Lee, 16 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (University of Virginia Library). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison Esqr. in Congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “A. Lee.” I am extremely obligd to you, my dear Sir, for yr. favor of the —— together with the letter enclosd, which you were so good as to forward. It seems to me that the Party in G. Britain who flatter themselves, at this period of the contest, with being able to...
19497To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 13 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble. James Madison Esqr. Philada.” Another copy, taken from the original, is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 151–52. The last of yr favrs I have to acknowledge is that of April the 23d., a subsequent one I missed hitherto, as I was not return’d from Richmond when the Post rider pass’d...
19498To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 11 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honobl. James Madison of Congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “May 11. 1782.” I am exceedingly obliged by the friendly sentiments in your last respecting my late appointment. I have not been long enough in it to determine whether it will be attended with less inquietude than the former, but I think I discover a greater degree of trouble. Mr. Webb...
19499To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 10 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The honble James Madison jr. of congress Philadelphia,” but unsigned. The handwriting and contents of the letter permit no doubt that Randolph wrote it. Words encoded by him in the official cipher are here italicized. Yesterday I received your favor of the 1st. instant, and took Dr. Lee by the hand at almost the same moment. His brother Richard Henry...
19500To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 5 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The letter is not signed, but it is in Randolph’s hand. Addressed to “The honble James Madison jr. of congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “May 5. 1782.” Your flattering urgency for my return, contained in your favor of the 23. Ulto. was answered by anticipation in my letter of last week. I still adhere to the same inclination to revisit you. By the next post, I...
19501To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 26 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned, but in Randolph’s hand. Addressed to “The honble James Madison jr. of Congress Philadelphia.” The principle of “timeo Danaos et dona ferentes” has so powerful an effect upon the minds of our executive, that they seem fearful, lest the proposal of Pennsylvania to run a temporary line should contain an ambuscade. It offers the extension of Mason and Dixon’s...
19502To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 22 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble. James Madison Esq Philadelphia.” Another copy, also taken from the original manuscript, is in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 150–51. Taking up the Pen to acknowledge the receipt of yr favr of the 9th an Idea struck me that I had written to you last week, again transgressing the rotine which...
19503To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 20 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Apl. 20th 1782.” I sent on your favor which came by Post on Thursday to our friend Mr. Jameson, who is still at York; & doubt not he will replace the money immediately which was so kindly advanced his Nephew. I know he lodged thirty pounds with Mr. Foster Webb, before he left Richmond; and expected Mr. Webb would have been in Philadelphia by this...
19504To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 19 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). I derive the sincerest pleasure from the prospect, which your punctuality of correspondence presents. I could not begin my part of our intercourse by letter until the last week: but the obstacles must be invincible, which shall prevent me from a weekly return in future. Our maritime code requires a small alteration. From the deference, which we paid to the...
19505To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Another copy, also taken from the original manuscript, is in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 149–50. I have your favr of the 2d & agree with you that the expostulations of the friends to Virginia will be properly interposed, and the Clamours of her Enemies well applied, if both together will effect the rousing her to...
19506To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 11–13 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed, “Apl. 11th. 1782,” by JM. The cover is missing, and the letter is unsigned. The handwriting of the letter is Randolph’s, and its contents permit no doubt that JM was the recipient. We announced to you from Bush-town the difficulties, which we had encountered on our journey. Whether the roads were really better, as we advanced southwardly, or seemed so from...
19507To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 6 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Apl. 6. 1782.” Our friend Mr. Jameson resigned his seat in Council on saturday last: before he left this place he desired I would acknowledge the receipt of your favors as they come to hand: I shall do so with much pleasure, and transmit our Weekly papers, while I continue here: those of the present day contain very little of importance. Indeed there...
19508To James Madison from Philip Mazzei, 5 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is only a fragment, reading, “Hble: James Madi … of the Virgi.” Letter unsigned. A norma di quanto vi scrissi nella mia quarta lettera dei 28. del passato, vi mando l’incluse pregandovi di aggiungere a quella di Mr. Lomax il suo nome di battesimo, che non ò mai saputo. Da quella, e dall’altra che v’inclusi p[er] Mr. Man Page, voi vedete quel che penso...
19509From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 30 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but JM, Sr., docketed the letter, “Madison Js. cop. March 30. 1782.” Mr. J. Walker has safely delivered to me three letters from you attended with the money therein specified. He has also been so obliging as to undertake the conveyance of the several articles of Medecine you wanted with a Gallon keg filled with good Port: wine, to all which I...
19510To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, [25 March 1782] (Madison Papers)
… The people of Vermont, like many other Politicians of the cunning sort, seem to have overshot their mark, & will deserve to be mortified at least, before they obtain their point. However their conduct unavoidably suggests, a very serious consideration of the consequences of their emancipation; that is, will they be a proper firm Barrier to the United States in that quarter giving...
19511To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 25 March [1782] (Madison Papers)
I have yr. favr. of the 12th., & tho’ by the Irregularity of the Post, I have miss’d a few of yours, yet I have no doubt but upon a fair Adjustment I am greatly in arrear in point of benefit arising from the correspondence, and am only to trust to that acceptance which is allowed to a widow’s mite cast into the Treasury. I am pleased with the debates in the papers, and wth. Paynes Political...
19512To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
Draft ( LC : Jefferson Papers). I have recd from you two several favours on the subject of the designs against the territorial rights of Virginia. I never before could comprehend on what principle our right to the Western country could be denied which would not at the same time subvert the rights of all the states to the whole of their territory. what objections may be founded on the Charter...
19513From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 March 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received from you two several favours on the subject of the designs against the territorial rights of Virginia . I never before could comprehend on what principle our right to the Western country could be denied which would not at the same time subvert the rights of all the states to the whole of their territory. What objections may be founded on the Charter of N. York I cannot say,...
19514To James Madison from David Jameson, 23 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “March 23d. 1782.” I have your favour of the 12t. and have reason to suppose I did not express my meaning, properly when I mentioned the Associate to Mr. Andrews. there cannot be a doubt but a person skilled in Astronomy ought to be preferred. I intended to say, if such a person could not be got, a Man of Integrity & Abilities in other requisites...
19515To James Madison from Philip Mazzei, 13 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed, “March 13. 1782[.] Mazzei,” by JM, probably early in June 1782 when he received the letter ( JM to Edmund Randolph, 4 June 1782 , and n. 41). Eccovi La mia terza in risposta alla sola gratissima vostra pervenutami data di Filadelfia di 25. 8bre 1781, e diretta a me in Firenze. Quelle che dite avermi scritte anteriormente, non mi son pervenute. Vi ringranzio...
19516To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 11 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison junr Esqr Philadelphia.” Another copy of the original manuscript is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 148–49. I am to thank you for yr favr of the 25th past, in which you have removed by Objection to the Bank scheme by proving that it was founded in error. The King of...
19517To James Madison from David Jameson, 9 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “March 9. 1782.” I am to acknowledge the rect. of your favour of the 25th. ult. You are right in your observation of the person proper to be entrusted with transcribing letters & papers to replace our loss by Arnold, but God knows when we shall have money to employ such person. Mr Ross is not returned[.] I therefore cannot give you...
19518To James Madison from David Jameson, 2 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jameson D.” It was very unfortunate that Count de Grasse did not succeed in his designs agt. Barbadoes and Hoods fleet. had they fallen I think it must have shortened the War. however we will be content if St Kitts is reduced, but by information we have had, the French failed in an attempt to Storm Brimstone Hill, and lost a...
19519To James Madison from the Reverend James Madison, [ca. 2] March 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Letter has an appended note by Carlo (Charles) Bellini. Docketed by JM, “Madison Js. Revd. Mar. 1782.” After so long a Silence, my Friend, where shall I begin? Like Cain, I have been a Vagabond, since August last. But have at Length returned to this Place, for little else indeed, than to be a Spectator of Misery & Ruin. Our Friend Bellini, who has withstood all the...
19520To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 25 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison jr Esqr Philadelphia.” Another copy of the original manuscript is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 147–48. I have yr favr of the 7th and regret the Irregularity of the Post which has deprived me of some & delayed others of yr agreeable letters. However I comfort myself...
19521To James Madison from David Jameson, 23 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM at the beginning of the letter, “Jameson D.,” and at the close, “Feby. 23. 1782.” I am favoured with yours of the 7th. and am very sorry (as you will not under take to join Mr Andrews in the necessary observations for ascertaining the boundary line yourself) to find that you have not succeeded in your endeavours to engage a proper...
19522From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., [ca. 12] February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Years later, JM docketed the letter, “Madison Js Feby 1782.” Following the signature at the close of the letter, JM’s father added, “This letter was wrote about the 12th. of Feby. 1782.” A conveyance by a waggon returning to your neighbourhood this moment presenting itself I make use of it to forward you a collection of papers which have accumulated since the last...
19523To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 11 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison Esqr Philada.” Another copy of the original is in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 147. I have missed two Posts to get a letter from you, which proceeds from the Susquehanah being frozen which stopd the passage of the Post; the Mail however came to Fredg. but only brought an old...
19524To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 January 1782 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Another copy taken from the original is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 145–47. An extract is given in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). I have yr favr of the 8th. The Objections yr Bank was to encounter had not occurr’d to me, since if such a measure was useful, it seems necessary that Congress...
19525To James Madison from David Jameson, 26 January 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jany 26. 1782.” I am sorry to inform you we have had no Mail this week from the North of Potowmack In my last I mentd. Gen Greenes requisition and I believe told you the Executive have no power to send Militia out of the State nor have they power to raise supplies of any sort. I expected they would call the Assembly but that is...
19526To James Madison from Benjamin Harrison, 19 January 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Maine Historical Society, Portland). In the hand of Archibald Blair, clerk of the Council of State. Addressed to “The Hon. Mr. Jas. Madison.” The Executive have appointed Mr Madison and Mr Andrews commissioners to meet those of Pensylvania, to run and finally settle the boundary line betwixt this State and that; in order to do it with accuracy, some astronomical Observations are necessary,...
19527To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 15 January 1782—Misdated (Madison Papers)
Letter misdated. 15 January 1782[3]. The contents of this manuscript in the Madison Papers of the Library of Congress make certain that Randolph inadvertently dated it one year before he wrote it.
19528To James Madison from David Jameson, [ca. 12 January] 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). The cover is missing, and the letter is undated. Probably many years later, JM wrote “[1782?]” at the top of the first sheet. By last Post I told you Mr Stark had written to you about your Accot. in a conversation with him since on the subject, I find I was mistaken, he intended to write but did not, because he could not fill up the blanks. He...
19529To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 31 December 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison jr Esqr Philadelphia.” Another version is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 144–45. Since my last Mr Jefferson’s honourable acquittal of the loose sensure thrown out at Random on his character, hath come to my hand, and I send you a copy, which I doubt not you’l have...
19530To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 29 December 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Decr. 29. 1781.” I cannot give you a word of news, and I fear Mr. Hayes’s Paper of to day will afford but little. I have not seen it yet. The [Assembly is] still sitting, but the defection of the [members is] so great, that we are in dread lest every Evening should prove the last, and the business left—as they begun. The most sanguine seem as if they...
19531To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 22 December 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honobl. James Madison of Congress Philadelphia.” Our friend Mr. Jameson is gone below, and will be absent for some time, endeavouring to collect the scattered remains of the effects which are left him: I promised to acknowledge the receipt of your favors as they should come to hand, and to communicate any thing which should occur here worth your...
19532To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 3 December 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison jr Esqr Philadelphia.” Another copy of the letter, also made from the missing original, is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 143. I thank you for your favr. of the 13th past. of the territorial Cession offer’d by Virginia I have perhaps already said too much & shall only...
19533To James Madison from John Walker, ca. 21 May 1781 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 21 May 1781, Charlottesville. Mentions forced withdrawal of the Virginia legislature, owing to the threat posed by advancing British troops. “Charlotte[s]ville is now to be our metropolis. The Assembly will meet here on Thursday next.… I fear we shall have a red-hot campaign of it in this quarter; but our people appear to be firm and spirited.” The two-page letter is...
19534To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 19 November 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison jr Esqr Philadelphia.” The entire letter, with the exception of the complimentary close, appears in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 144. An extract is given in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892). I am now to thank you for yr favr of the 30th past. The Official returns of...
19535To James Madison from Samuel Hodgdon, 16 November 1781 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday I received yours relative to Capt. Irish’s affair, in which I observe you do not think yourselves at liberty to bind the State by any Act of yours but that you are willing to give every possible Assistance by representing the necessities of the United States to the State you represent, & thereby urge the Payment of the Bill, as I consider the Establishment of the post in Virginia a...
19536From George Washington to James Madison, 27 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I accept very kindly the Address of the President & Professors of the University of William & Mary. The Reduction of the British Force in this State for which I feel myself highly indebted to the Noble Exertions of our Brave and Generous Allies, is a Circumstance which gives me great pleasure, not only as it affords a Return of peaceful Security to many of my fellow Citizens, but as it will, I...
19537To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 8 October 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Addressed to “The Honble James Maddison jr Esqr Philadelphia.” Another copy, made from the original manuscript, is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 141–42. I have yr favr of the 18th Past and felt the justice of yr remark as to the benefits derived & in prospect to Virginia from the presence of the Commander...
19538To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Jefferson Papers). A second page, which Jefferson used as the cover of this letter, is addressed to “The honourable James Madison Philadelphia favoured by Mr. Short.” Note 2, below, explains why this letter was never received. I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance the bearer mr. Short who comes to Philadelphia in hopes of being able to prosecute in greater quiet there than he...
19539From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance the bearer Mr. Short who comes to Philadelphia in hopes of being able to prosecute in greater quiet there than he can here the studies in which he is engaged: and I chearfully add to what you may already have heard of him my testimony of his genius, learning and merit. I do this the rather as it gives me an opportunity of saving the right of...
19540To James Madison from David Jameson, 29 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Rives Collection of Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jameson D., Sepr. 29. 1781.” I have recd. your favour of the 18th. Ere this I expected to have had it in my power to give you some interesting information respecting Cornwallis All the regulars are I believe now landed amounting to about 12,500[.] Of Militia I believe there is a greater number collected, than Gen Washington will...