1401To James Madison from William H. Winder, 20 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have just returned from visiting the troops beyond the Eastern Branch—on my way out I met a dragoon comeing express from Colo Monroe who informed me he had no letter for me but that he bore one for you. The omission, from haste I presume, to write me, induces me to request any intelligence communicated to you which may be useful for me to know. I am with very high respect Sir Your obt Servt...
1402To James Madison from James Taylor, 7 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd a line from my friend H. Clay esqr. informing me of my rejection by the Senate. I have just written to the Secretary of War & enclosed him Mr Clays letter and requested him to hand it you afterwards. Mr C. informs me that Major Morison is to be nominated. If he appl[i]ed for the appointment or his friends urged his nomination before I was rejected I should suspect that he had...
1403To James Madison from James M. Harris, 30 October 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 October 1812 , “ Pine Hill Post office .” “I … Request … that you will give me by letter the prominent articles of your Religious Creed, the reason of such A singular request being solicited, is in Consequ[e]nce of the wonderful controversies that are kept up here concerning your Religious Sentiments.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; docketed by JM.
1404To James Madison from G. F. H. Crockett, 24 September 1823 (Madison Papers)
I send you, herewith, a copy of my address to the Legislature of this state. As I hope the subject will be taken up at the ensuing session, and as I wish to be in possession of all the information possible on the subject, between this & that time, I should feel myself under particular obligations, & much oblige to you for any hints or ideas in relation to it. I might, as an apology for...
1405To James Madison from Fulwar Skipwith, 1 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to forward herewith extracts from the judgments in the cases of two of the Vessels liberated, the Packet & the Charlstown Packet, which are mentioned in my letter to you of the 26th. Ulto. With great respect & consideration I am, Sir, Your Mo. Ob. Servt. DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Paris.
1406To James Madison from Elias Vanderhorst, 18 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Preceding is a Copy of my last of the 17th. of Decr. since which I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you. Enclosed you will be pleased to receive Accts. of Imports & Exports by American Vessels, within my District for the half–Year ending the 31st. of Decr. last. You will also receive here with some of our latest News–Papers, likewise a London Price-Current, to which I beg leave to...
1407To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 22 February 1798 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 12th. is recieved. I wrote you last on the 15th. but the letter getting misplaced, will only go by this post. We still hear nothing from our Envoys. Whether the Executive hear we know not. But if war were to be apprehended, it is impossible our envoys should not find means of putting us on our guard, or that the Executive should hold back their information. No news therefore is...
1408To James Madison from James Simpson, 14 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1803, Tangier. No. 56. Last wrote on 28 Mar. by way of Gibraltar and Lisbon. Has not since heard from JM. Admiral Cederström anchored at Tangier on 19 Apr. to invest Wyk with the Order of Vasa, then sailed for Sweden on 20 May, “his Squadron having all passed the Straits before him.” The emperor has returned to Meknes, where Alcayde Hashash and Wyk have been with him. Wyk returned to...
1409To James Madison from John K. Smith, 14 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th may. Mr Duplantier has at length returned & is now with me. He has received two letters from Genl. Lafayette under blank covers from you—upon seeing your letters to me & my answer of the 15th. may he agrees that nothing can now be done in the location of the remaining 500 acres adjacent to the City for the reasons stated in...
1410To James Madison from Valentin de Foronda, 10 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
Pongo en noticia de V.S. que dí parte al Exmo. Seňor Ministro de Estado de Rey mi Amo, de la nota que se sirvió dirijirme el 6. de Julio, como se lo insinué en mi respuesta del 7. En su conseqűenc ía á mi manda hacer presente á V.S. que las funcíones del Marques de Casa Yrujo, n aran, como supone, por determinacion alguna del Sr. Presidente de los Estados Unidos, a quien no correspondía de...
1411To James Madison from William Hull, 14 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
In conformity to an appointment and instructions from the officers of the Massachusetts line of the late American army, I have attended at the seat of government from the 20th of March to the present period. The object of my commission was to obtain a decision on a memorial which they had heretofore presented to Congress, on the subject of further compensation for themselves and the soldiers...
1412To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 13 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 13 June 1806, Amsterdam. “It appears that the information I gave you in a late letter [not found] of Prince Louis having been declared King of this Country on the 14h Ulto was premature tho’ I recd it from what I esteemed a correct Source; this important event has however eventually taken place at Paris on the 8h Instant as you will find fully detailed in the inclosed...
1413To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 10 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 August 1801, Leghorn. No. 10. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 21 May letter accompanied by a letter from Commodore Dale. Encloses copies of Dale’s letter and his reply to inform JM of their proposed method of procedure. His dispatches forwarded direct from Tunis and by True-man on the Columbia will convince JM that the dey of Algiers will never intercede on behalf of the U.S. but rather in...
1414To James Madison from Samuel Finch, 30 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is an accompt of money paid by me to Inn keepers for house room for a company of United States Volunteers under my Command from the Town of German to Sackets Harbour in the month of march 1813. and because I did not know that it was necessary to take receipts of the Inn keepers the Quarter Master at the Harbour refused to pay me, the accompt is certainly just and I hope his...
1415To James Madison from Louis-Marie Turreau, 23 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Louis-Marie Turreau. 23 July 1805, Baltimore. Encloses two of Napoleon’s decrees naming François Louis Michel Chemin Deforgues commissary of commercial relations and Anne Louis de Tousard under-commissioner and chancellor of commercial relations at New Orleans. Asks JM to present them to the president and obtain their exequatur in the usual form and to return them to him with the...
1416To James Madison from John Armstrong, 17 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment had the honor of receiving your letter of the 14th. instant and the commission it enclosed. Accept Sir, my thanks for this new mark of your confidence & my assurances that no personal consideration shall delay my journey southward a single moment. I do believe however that an interview with Gen. Dearborn, preliminary to my entering on the duties of the War Department, would...
1417To James Madison from Robert Johnson, 5 December 1802 (Madison Papers)
We have heard from Kallander considerable abuse against Mr. Jeferrson, I think not worth attention as it comes from so infamous a Charector. I have strong suspisions of Mr. Burr, from severall circumstances, & think it will be unsafe to run him with Mr. Jefeson for the next Presidenty. I hear Rhuphus King Intends offering for the next Presidency. We hear Louisiany is to be given up to the...
1418To James Madison from Philip Norborne Nicholas, 23 May 1800 (Madison Papers)
Mr Macons return to Orange affords me an opportunity of mentioning to you a subject, in which I cannot but feel an interest. Since the assembly rose the executive have appointed me to the office of Attorney General. My acquaintance in the country is not extensive and I must depend upon my friends making my pretensions known to the members of the legislature. If it is compatible with your ideas...
1419To James Madison from Christopher Ellery, 30 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
When, the last winter, the late Mr. Cushing, then one of the justices of the supreme court, U. S. left this town on his way to the seat of government, intending there to give in his resignation, I had the honor of writing to you, and of inviting your attention towards the state of Rhode Island; naming from among her citizens a successor. The old gentleman proved too infirm to reach Washington,...
1420To James Madison from John Gavino, 21 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 May 1803, Gibraltar . No. 121. Has received nothing from JM since writing on 5 May , nor has he heard anything of Commodore Morris or any U.S. frigates. Encloses a dispatch from Simpson [not found] and a copy of one from O’Brien dated 20 Apr. Received a letter from Sir Peter Wyk announcing that he had “returnd from seeing the Emperour” and that “his mission has ended to his entire...
1421To James Madison from Thomas Bulkeley, 11 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 June 1801, Lisbon. Announces retreat of Portuguese forces and preparation of strong Spanish naval force with troops. Postscript notes rumor that an express has just arrived with account of cessation of hostilities between Portugal and Spain. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Lisbon, vol. 1). 2 pp.; cover marked private; postmarked Philadelphia, 4 Aug.; docketed by Wagner as received 7 Aug. A full...
1422To James Madison from James Monroe and William Pinkney, 25 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
You will have been surprised at not hearing from us sooner on the business confided to us under the commission with which we are honored by the President. The delay proceeded from a desire to give you some satisfactory information of our progress in it, which it was not in our power to do. It happen’d unfortunately just about the time of mr. Pinkney’s arrival on the 24th. ulto., that mr Fox...
1423To James Madison from William Pinkney, 5 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have delayed writing to you on the Affair of the Maryland Claim in the constant Hope that I shd. soon have it in my power to announce the Transfer of the Stock, which forms the Subject of it, to the Use of the State. Not having yet been able, however, from unforeseen Impediments to procure this Transfer (altho it may be expected very shortly to take place) I ought not perhaps any longer to...
1424To James Madison from James Monroe, 13 February 1818 (Madison Papers)
In the proceedings of Congress there is little interesting as yet. Some question will probably be brought forward respecting the affrs. of the Spanish colonies, in some form, with intention to bring into discussion, the conduct of the government towards them, thro’ the whole of their contest with Spain, & more particularly within the last year. The recognition of Buenos Ayres, as an indept...
1425To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 1 September 1804 (Madison Papers)
It gives me much pleasure to have the enclosed letter from Mr. Monroe to communicate to you, as it removes the unfavourable impression of the disposition of the British government produced by his former one. Genl. Armstrong has received your letter accompanying his new powers. The enclosed letter from Mr. Merry will perhaps be as unexpected to you as it was to me, and that you may have the...
1426To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
Messrs. Daniel Clark, Workman, Kerr, Powers, Daversac & others are very intimate, and, actively employed in exciting opposition to the General and local Administrations. Clark (with the assistance of his friends) is writing a Book, the principal object of which, probably will be, to ruin General Wilkinson, and risque his (Clark’s) Character, from the injurious suspicions, which at present...
1427To James Madison from George W. Erving, 7 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 February 1803, London. No. 13. “I have to communicate to you the very disagreeable intelligence that Messrs: Bird Savage & Bird our Bankers in this City have to-day been obliged to stop payment. I had fortunately nearly balanced the ‘Spoliations’ Account with them on the 31st: December, & had divided amongst the proctors the whole of the fund destined for their payment. My Consular & Seaman...
1428To James Madison from Robert Slaughter Jr., 20 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
You will no doubt be surpris’d on reading this and at the same time think it assuming in me to be thus intermedling in other peoples affairs in which I have no concern but the motive I hope will be taken in its proper point of view and plead an apology. The Death of the late Mr. Alexr. Shepherd has I am afraid left his family (which now too frequently happins) in a very distressd situation....
1429To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 22 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Docr Julius R Shumate has been particularly recommended by Mr. Love of the House of Representatives for the appointment of Surgeon’s Mate in the Navy—& his services are now wanted at New orleans. I have the honor to be with great respect sir yr mo ob st. RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). RC in Goldsborough’s hand, signed by Hamilton; docketed by JM. On 27 Dec. JM nominated...
1430To James Madison from David Humphreys, 11 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to receive, upon my return to this Place, your letter dated the 14th of April last; in which you informed me, that the Accounts of Messrs John Bulkeley & Son had been adjusted at the Treasury. I immediately sent an extract of yours to that House; and I doubt not you will have forwarded the same statement. This prevents me from trespassing on your time with any remark, altho I...
1431To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 28 May 1806, New Orleans. “I pray you to lay before the President of the United States, the inclosed letters from Messrs. Destréhan and Sauvé, resigning their Seats in the Legislative Council; together with copies of my answers thereto. Colonel Bellechasse had also written his letter of resignation—but has since been induced not to forward it. “The services of...
1432To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 17 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Patterson, who applies for the Consulat⟨e⟩ at Nantz, is the son of the former Collector (under the King) of Philada. He Adhered to the Brittish. The son is much of an Englishman & Connected by Marriage & Commerce with the English House of Nicklin & Griffith of Philada. He is a Clever Young Man, but Certainly ought not to have an Appointment. He & all his Connexions are Anglo Federal . Mr....
1433To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 25 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 November 1801, Algiers. Reports that the George Washington and the Peace and Plenty left Algiers for Tunis on 22 Nov. Bad weather and the Algerine navy’s use of the port facilities explain the delay. Discusses state of U.S. accounts with Algiers, including the dey’s latest requests on his private account, the comparative advantages of gifts in cash and kind, and the benefits of bribing the...
1434To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 15 September 1778 (Madison Papers)
I have read over your theoretical objections against the doctrine of moral liberty; for practically you seem to be one of its disciples. I remember the manner in which you have formerly expressed yourself upon that intricate subject. And indeed they express the difficulties that occured to me in attempting to resolve it. I reasoned without hopes that the solution I have given it is at least as...
1435To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 June 1804, New Orleans. “I have the Honour to enclose you an estimate of the expense which will attend the support of the Government of the Orleans Territory for one year ensuing the 1st of October next. “The Council being appointed by the President, and their ⅌ diem allowance fixed by a Law of Congress, I have supposed their pay would be drawn from the Treasury of the United States; but I...
1436To James Madison from John Wilson, 25 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
With the greatest reluctance I address you on the following subject, why dont your excellency call on the Governors, of Pensylvania & Virginia to send their volunteers to the frontiers as well as the poor Ohio boys and Kentuckians, observe the new states have been very attentive and done as much for there country as any other state, and finding the[y] are oblidged to leave there familys and in...
1437To James Madison from James Taylor, 3 February 1806 (Madison Papers)
Agreeable to my promise I now send you a pacage of the Monthly or Alpean strawberry vines, also some Grafts from my Nectarines, among the slips I have put two twigs of what is here called, the Magdaline peach, these can be easily distinguished, as the bark is quite yellow. I have put up both the Strawberrys and Grafts with Moss which I have moistened and hope they will get safe to hand, and...
1438To James Madison from Henry Lee, 8 December 1788 (Madison Papers)
My business has yet detained me here. Three days ago I returned from a visit to the great falls where Genl. Washington was to have met me. The rain stopped him & the other directors, which to me was a mortifying disappointment as I entertained hopes with their aid to have concluded amicably & advantageously the dispute with Mr Fairfax. This is in train, tho the prospect is not the most...
1439To James Madison from James Monroe, 21 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I quartered last night near charlotte Hall, and took a view this morning at 8 oClock, from a commanding height, below Benedict Creek, of all the enemy’s shipping near the town and down the river, to the distance at least, of 8 or 10 miles. I counted 23 Square rigged vessels. Few others were to be seen, and very few barges. I inferred from the latter circumstance that the enemy had moved up the...
1440To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 28 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
We have heard much of the di[s]agreement between the two Houses respecting titles and the rules to be established for their correspondence—if report speaks truth they have manifested a strong desire for titles and pre-eminence—how comes it that the doors where the Senate sit in their legislative capacity are shut and those of the representatives open—it appears to be equally proper and...
1441To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 9 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
The moment is now approaching which will probably place in your hands the Destinies of millions, a moment important to yourself your country and Posterity: You have arrived at a crisis which requires not only the aid of much human wisdom but of an Almighty hand for the rule of your Government: To you Sir the American Empire is now entrusted To you Sir the American Nation look up for Safety and...
1442To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 13 November 1780 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). I have yr favr of the 31st past & am pleased to hear the former Account of the Arrival of the Cork fleet proved premature, since we are so bad Christians as to be gratified with the distress of our Enemies. It was probably the transports with their new levies which were mis taken for the others. The Enemy here have collected a handsome recruit of Provisions, but...
1443To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 28 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 July 1804, Cádiz. “I am honoured with your very obliging lines of the 2d. ulto. in which you are pleased to inform me that the following States Frigates are appointed to come to the Mediterranean (viz) The President of 44 Guns Commodore S. Barron The Congress 36. Capt. Rodgers The Constellation 36. Capt. Campbell The Essex 32. Capt. J. Barron & The John Adams Capt. Chauncey. Should any of...
1444Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 28 November 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have already delayed several days longer than I intended, the acknowledgment of the receipt of the books, and of the gratification of receiving a letter written with your own hand, which the transmission of the Cholera Report through you has afforded me. I now snatch a moment for the purpose, while waiting for a document which I am to copy. The copy of L’s book, I had no idea of your...
1445To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 24 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Cover missing. The address of congress has at length arrived, and received the commendations to which it is so justly intitled, and some of which I should enumerate here with cordiality, did I not perceive the marks, which it bears of your pen. Dr. Lee, who came yesterday, delivered me the copy, intrusted by you to him for my use. A...
1446To James Madison from William Harris Crawford, 18 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
In adopting regulations to prevent the abuses which have been practised in issuing provisions to the Indians, at the military posts esblished [ sic ] upon the frontier, or within territories, I was led to examine the amount of issues to the inhabitants of Detroit, and its vicinity, which commenced upon the recovery of that territory from the enemy in the year 1813. The issues were Continued...
1447To James Madison from John Dawson, 6 December 1793 (Madison Papers)
Your session no doubt commencd on the last monday & the communications which you will have it in your power to make to your friends for some time will be very interesting. I feel great anxiety to learn what direction the politiks of the present congress will take & must solicit a renewal of our correspondence. The general assembly will probably adjourn in two days. Those resolutions relative...
1448To James Madison from James Lloyd Jr., 21 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Lloyd Jr. 21 March 1806, Boston. “By desire of Cap: Ezra Lewis, I transmit under cover, a statement of the capture of the Brig Hoppet, himself late Master by a Spanish Cruizer, with an exhibit of the loss sustained in consequence thereof—the latter amounting to Dollars 4404.84.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 76, Preliminary Inventory 177, entry 322, Spain, Treaty of 1819 [Art. XI]...
1449To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 28 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 28 May 1801. Mentioned in Gallatin to JM, 29 May 1801 . Requests attested copy of Jefferson’s pardon of James T. Callender.
1450To James Madison from John J. Murray, 10 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of transmitting you a Report of the Trade of the United States of America within my Consulate c losing the 31st. Ulto. The Blanks I endeavoured to have filled up but could not succeed: the Report is therefore very imperfect. I think Sir if Congress would pass a Law to oblige Masters of American Vessels to Report their Arrivals to our Consuls and to shew them their Ships...