5251To James Madison from the Kentucky Legislature, ca. 18 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 18 December 1812. “The Legislature of Kentucky fully impressed with the importance of Unanimity amongst the several States Composing the Union, On the Subject of the War we are engaged in with Great Brittain, believing that at no time, since the revolution, which established our Glorious independence, has there been a Crisis so eventful as the Present, deem it Proper to declare to their...
5252To James Madison from James Monroe, ca. 17 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 17 December 1812. Lists proposed appointments in the U.S. Army from North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Virginia, Vermont, Ohio, New York, South Carolina, Connecticut, Delaware, and Tennessee. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 1 p.; undated; date assigned here on the basis of JM’s letter dated 18 Dec. 1812 submitting these appointments to the Senate ( Senate Exec. Proceedings...
5253To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 17 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 December 1812, New York. After sending his letter to JM to the post office “Yesterday,” was informed that Samuel Swartwout had arrived from Niagara. “I called to see him but had little opportunity of talking with him, from what little I heard it appeared, that the health of the troops at that place is not properly attended to.” Swartwout informed him that he was going to Washington with...
5254To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 16 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
It is only from a desire to reserve from the public files of the war department an application, which might wear the appearance of complaint, where none is intended, that I have ventured to do my self the honor to address the requests in this letter to you. In the week preceding the cessation of my operations as Purveyor, I made applications to the war department for the name of an officer...
5255To James Madison from Henry Dearborn, 16 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to observe that I concider it of the utmost importance that improvements should be effected as soon as may be in the Staff Departments of the Army, and especially in that of the Quartr. Mastr. Genl. and it is indispen[s]able that the Q, M, G, should be a real man of business, in addition to good talents, general information & integrity, he should be habitually industrious, energetic...
5256To James Madison from Jacob Kimball and Others, 16 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1812 , “ Bridgeton (Maine) .” Explain that under the direction of J. D. Learned they have been recruiting volunteers to be organized into a regiment. As soon as five companies had been filled, “several others being then in forwardness,” the captain and subalterns thought it proper to recommend field officers and accordingly did so. “Soon after this had been done certain individuals...
5257To James Madison from the Pennsylvania General Assembly, 16 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1812. “Viewing the present state of our foreign relations We with astonishment and regret behold the Emperor of the French withholding from our Country those indemnifications which ought to have been rendered with liberality and promptness. After the Aggressions of Great Britain had by long continued practice been regarded by her Government as right—After the forebearance of the...
5258To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 16 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1812, New York. Requests JM’s “Indulgence to the talk of an Old Soldier.” “It is not however a little humiliating while I use this appelation as a claim to Indulgence when I reflect on the conduct of some of my old Cotemporaries who have been invested with Command in the late Campaign. Imbecility a want of decition and unsolderly Conduct has marked their proceedings and made our...
5259To James Madison from John Graham, [ca. 14 December] 1812 (Madison Papers)
In corroboration of what is stated in this Letter, it may not be improper to remark to the President that a Gentleman who was recently in this City from Caracas (Mr Picornell) stated to Mr Thos Brent that Mr Scott was held in some measure as a Prisoner and not permitted to carry on any corresp[ond]ence. This if true, accounts for the circumstance of no Letter having been received from him. I...
5260To James Madison from the Tammany Society of Cincinnati, 14 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 December 1812. “The Tammany society belonging to Wigwam No. 3 in the State of Ohio, at this time deem it their duty (as freemen and Republicans) to express to you their Chief Magistrate, their opinions and feelings as they relate to the present crisis in our National affairs. They are Sir induced to this course most particularly, from the hostile spirit and want of unanimity; which we learn...
5261To James Madison from Henry Dearborn, 13 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
I confidently hope that the Campaign that has now closed, has afforded sufficient evidence of the necessary of having a regular Army fully competent for all offensive opperations, from fifteen to twenty additional Regiments, ought in my opinnion, to be raised North of the Potomack, what additional force will be necessary to the South, & west, I have found no opinnion. If an adaquate force...
5262To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 12 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
In support of the suggestions heretofore made against permitting Gen. Armstrong to raise a volunteer force on different principles from those recognized by law and adopted elsewhere, I enclose 3 advertisements from the late New York papers. Whilst such improper encouragement is given for a local force, it will be impossible to recruit for the army or for general purposes; and the general...
5263To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 12 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am happy, extremely so, in the prospect of your re-election; for the reverse of this would, in my mind, have given to G Britain, a complete triumph over our most meritorious administration, & Legislature, & Would have been considered by her, & probably by all Europe, as a sure pledge of the Revocation of our Independence. If the issue of the Election should be such, as is here anticipated by...
5264To James Madison from Phineas Stevens, 12 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 December 1812, Andover. Informs JM that for five years he successfully commanded an infantry company that included Revolutionary War veterans before requesting and obtaining an honorable discharge two years ago because his command was incompatible with his business. Since the declaration of war, his acquaintances have urged him to join the army. Has complied with their request and in one...
5265To James Madison from Elkanah Watson, 12 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 December 1812, Pittsfield. Is gratified to hear from Ezekiel Bacon that JM has received the “elegant Cloth” Watson manufactured for a coat. Believes that if double duties continue on fine cloth, New England will soon rival Great Britain “in that essential prop to that Sinking power.” Though the recent state of things has generated in New England “a temporary and a lamentable predilection...
5266To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 11 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter asserts positively that Hutchinson is warmly attached to the present administration. That from his connections & residence at Lisbon, he will be the most respectable & best appointment, I really believe. On those grounds, permit me once more to renew my application in his behalf. Cathcart is already placed, & will certainly give much less satisfaction to the commercial part...
5267To James Madison from Richard M. Johnson, [ca. 10 December] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Plan of a Winter Campaign of mounted force against the Savages, hostile to the U. States The Objects 1st to secure the North Western frontier from Fort Wayne to the Mississippi 300 miles a direct course. 2d To prevent the North Western Army from having convoys of provisions destroyed, when the Army shall be lessened in the Spring 3d to furnish some inducement for the neutrality of the Savages...
5268To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, [ca. 10] December 1812 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you the other day recommending to you a gentleman who will forward the letter —since this as I stated to you we have on the 2d given to you an unanimous vote by our Electors & North Caroline having done the same fixes you in the Chair for 4 Years more on which Event I congratulate yourself & our Country—it is one I never had any doubt of but as there was a stir in some of the northern...
5269To James Madison from Joseph Wheaton, 10 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 December 1812, Canton, Ohio. Explains that he received an assistant deputy quartermaster’s appointment on 10 Aug. 1812 and was directed by the secretary of war on 14 Aug. to proceed to Pennsylvania to deliver commissions to three captains and the officers of three infantry companies who had tendered their services to JM “and to furnish those companies with funds instead of rations &...
5270To James Madison from George Luckey, 8 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
Many strange & unexpected things have happened since I received Your last favour. The present period is eventful. The United States have enjoyed peace liberty & safety longer than is common for nations. Luxury & its concomitant evils have followed, & the most high would deal With us otherwise than he has dealt With nations, if he does not bring us low; to humiliation & repentence; or...
5271To James Madison from the Illinois General Assembly, ca. 8 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 8 December 1812. “The general Assembly of Illinois Territory, as the representatives of the good people thereof, beg leave to address you upon a subject highly interesting to them, both as it respects their property, & their very existence, not doubting that this appeal to your Justice, and that of the nation, will have all that consideration to which it is entituled. Recent events which...
5272To James Madison from William Tatham, 7 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 December 1812. “Last evening I recieved information, accidentally, that the Committee had acted on my Memorial concerning the subject of topographical documents, without investigating the vouchers or surveys prepared in support of my statement. This being a matter of surprize to myself,… I have this day applied to the Chairman for information. “I learn … that the Committee (being persuaded...
5273To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 6 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
Notwithstanding the length of time since I addressed a letter to you, be assured it has not been in the least degree owing to the want of respect for your person, or a steady adherance and full confidence, in the wise political system you have invariably recommended, and so far as depended on yourself decisively adopted, to promote the peace, happiness & preservation of our much beloved...
5274To James Madison from the Citizens of the Big Creek Settlement, 6 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 December 1812, Illinois Territory. “The Memorial, of the undersigned Citizens of the united States Humbly Sheweth … That whereas Many thousands poor Industrious Inhabitants, faithful Citizens of the United States, are now Struggling under heavy Burthens for the want of a necessary portion of the soil of the united States; and whereas many Millions of acres of land, lying West of the river...
5275To James Madison from the Illinois General Assembly, ca. 5 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 5 December 1812. “The General Assembly impressed with the importance and danger of the approaching crisis and believing that the energies of our General Government will be necessary to save our fellow Citizens their wives and Children from the indiscriminate Slaughter of an extensive Confederacy of hostile irretated Savages, or even to maintain any part of this Territory against their...
5276To James Madison from John Whitehead, 5 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 December 1812, Burke County, Georgia. Explains that in August 1789 the Creek Indians took from his Liberty County plantation “Four Negroes women and One man, the property of your Petitioner.” Calculates that these slaves and their increase “amounting in December las[t] to twenty one (who can be indisputably identified) are now in the Nation.” States that he has used “all due diligence” to...
5277To James Madison from Thomas Lehré, 4 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 December 1812, Columbia , “ In the Ho. of Representatives 4 oClock P.M. ” Informs JM that both branches of the South Carolina legislature have reelected John Gaillard to the U.S. Senate. Gaillard received 118 votes to Governor Middleton’s 37, and there was “one lost Vote.” Gaillard’s reelection proves South Carolina’s attachment to JM, because he firmly supported JM’s administration. “There...
5278To James Madison from William Eustis, 3 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
The constitution of the War Department as well as that of the military force rendered the duties of the Secretary of that department necessarily arduous during a time of peace. When war was declared the augmentation of duty, the great responsibility attached to the department, together with a belief that some other citizen might be selected, possessing greater military knowlege and commanding...
5279To James Madison from John Williams, 3 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
Late intelegence shews a want of troops in East Florida to check the hostile savages. A considerable part of the Georgia Militia it is said have refused to afford relief to the troops of the United States Stationed at St. Johns from a fatal exposition of the constitution relative to the militia. And believing from the course of political events that the Government of the United States will...
5280To James Madison from Stanley Griswold, 1 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 December 1812, Kaskaskia. “Edward Hempsted, Esqr. the Delegate from Missouri territory, now on his way to the city of Washington, knows my wishes—which remain the same as heretofore made known to you, particularly by Col. Mansfield, late Surveyor General, the last summer. If however the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of the latter gentleman might be obtained, it would please me better...