9601To James Madison from Evan Lewis, 8 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty, of sending thee a copy of the annexed pamphlet as a tribute of respect for our chief-Magistrate in whose talents and integrity, I have placed unlimited confidence, and whose official conduct, in that highly important office has hitherto met my entire approbation, and in this expression of approbation in the measures pursued, or the steps taken by the present...
9602To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 8 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
When I look at the date of your letter, I am actualy asshamed [ sic ] of the time I have kept the pamphlet you were so obliging as to lend me. But the fact is, that it has gone the round of the neighbourhood, every body in this vicinity being infected with the merino influenza, & eagerly seeking whatever may afford them information, or furnish food to their disease. Having the same feelings...
9603To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 9 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have never acquired the legal character of Guardian to my Child—Guardians ad litem can only be appointed by the Courts issuing process against infants; & as there has been no appointment there would be an impropriety in my acknowledging service of the Spa., which I should not hesitate to do if the act would be legal. Your Mo Obt Servt There can be no objection to acknowledging the service by...
9604To James Madison from John Armstrong, 10 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
In the haste in which I now write, I can do no more than acknowlege the receit of your letter by M. fenwick, and renew my request, that a ship of some kind be sent for me so as to reach France, & the port of Havre if possible, from the 1st. to the 15 of April next. As London is the theatre of the preliminary Negociation on foot between France & England, Mr. Pinkney will keep you advised of...
9605To James Madison from George Logan, 10 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
As a citizen of the United States, I have for several years viewed with considerable anxiety the future destinies of my country. Every reflecting and candid mind must be sensible of the weakness of a Government deriving its power from popular opinion, rather than from physical force. Such being the situation of the United States: would it not be sound policy in our Government not merely to act...
9606To James Madison from John Keemle, 11 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
The surviving Revolutionary Characters, residing in the City & County of Philada., feeling an anxious solicitude for the welfare of their Country, convened agreeably to public notice, for the purpose of assuring you of their approbation of the measures pursued for repelling the hostile attacks of foreign powers, upon the Neutral & National rights of the United States. In ’76 they risked their...
9607To James Madison from Carlo Giuseppe Guglielmo Botta, 12 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 January 1810, Paris. Sends a set of his Storia della guerra dell’Independenza degli Stati Uniti d’America , an account of the great scenes of the Revolution, inspired by the virtuous American people. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. In French, signed “Charles Botta.” Botta’s work, first published in four volumes in Paris in 1809, was forwarded in David Bailie Warden to JM, 26 Jan. 1810 . Botta also sent a...
9608To James Madison from “Mucius” [John Randolph], No. 1, 12 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 January 1810. No. 1. States that he is not a political admirer of JM’s but admits that he has found more to approve in JM’s administration than he had anticipated. Urges JM to look beyond the partisan divisions in the nation and requests him to consider future policy in the light of the true significance of Gallatin’s treasury report to Congress on 17 Dec. 1809. The finances are exhausted...
9609To James Madison from Alfred Madison, 13 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
My duties as a student, combined with a slight indisposition for some time past, have until this time prevented my acknowledgeing the receipt of those pamphlets, which you were good enough to send me. I have read them with peculiar interest; not merely because their contents deeply concerned the welfare of my Country, for at the same time they recalled to my mind some of the fundamental laws...
9610To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 13 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
Mr. D. Masson professor at the Military Accademy has presented to our Society a manuscript copy of his lectures on fortification. This work when compleated will be a transmission of all that is known in the french language into our own, in that condensed and simple shape which is best calculated for the Rudiments of instruction. I think it my duty towards you, as patron of the society, to...
9611To James Madison from George Logan, 14 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
I shall embark for England in about eight days. If you wish to forward any communications to our Minister in London, I shall be happy in being the bearer of them. With sentiments of great respect I am your real friend RC ( DLC ).
9612To James Madison from John Tyler, 15 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to introduce to your Notice George Wm: Smith Esqr. our Leiut. Govr: who having business in your City is desirous of being presented to you, whose Character he much respects. You will find him full worthy of your attention as a Patriot and Gentleman. I greatly fear the hint you have given Congress by your advise to place our Country in a proper State of defence will not be much...
9613To James Madison from Caesar A. Rodney, 16 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
The critical situation of our country necessarily engages the attention of every thinking man in the community. It must more particularly occupy the minds of those to whom the nation has confided any share in the direction & management of its political concerns. The Chief-magistrate of the Union, must feel in a pre-eminent degree, for the public welfare, from the peculiar responsibility...
9614To James Madison from John Tyler, 17 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
I receiv’d yours of the 13th Instant on the Subject of the 300$ deposited in our Bank for the purchase of a Sword for Genl. Campbell. We found your Letter which enclos’d the Money on which a memorandum on it gave us the information where it was deposited. Will it not be best to draw for the Money in some safe way? or if you chuse to have it enclos’d you will please to signify your desire to...
9615To James Madison from John Wayles Eppes, 18 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
A letter has been received by Mr. Kenan of North Carolina from an officer of the army of good character and veracity stating That of the Troops at Orleans only 950 remain—That of these 520 are on duty and convalescent—That 150 have deserted and about 850 have died since their being stationed there. This extraordinary situation of our force there is attributed to a disobedience of orders from...
9616To James Madison from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 18 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
In the original design of the senate chamber submitted to and approved by the late President, it was intended to place a range of seats along the semicircular wall of the room for the accomodation of members of the house of Representatives. This design was in the progress of execution during the summer session, and was observed and remarked upon by several members of the Senate. The result of...
9617To James Madison from George Logan, [19 January] 1810 (Madison Papers)
In a late Letter I mentioned to you my intention of embarking for England: Some circumstances have since occured which will prevent that event taking place at present. Two days ago I had some conversation with Mr: Onis. He expresses anxiety that a good understanding should be preserved between Spain & the UStates: he laments that he was not received at Washington; as he had full powers...
9618To James Madison from J. Nichols, Jr., 19 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 January 1810 , “ Near Boston .” Assures JM that in the event of war “thousands of N. England’s hardiest Sons” will “rally round their government.” Promises to send to the War Department plans for a “portable battery” for use on riverbanks and shores. RC ( DLC ). 2 pp. Docketed by JM.
9619To James Madison from Pierre Samuel DuPont de Nemours, 20 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
J’ai reçu avec une vive reconnaissance la lettre dont Votre Excellence m’a honoré le 3 décembre dernier, les marques de bienveillance qu’Elle me donne, et Surtout celle de permettre que je profite d’un des Vaisseaux des Etats Unis que Vous envoyez dans nos Ports pour effectuer mon retour en Amérique quand j’en aurai la possibilité. Vous rendez justice à mon attachement pour votre Sage nation,...
9620To James Madison from William Jarvis, 20 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
Having lately, with some pains, been able to obtain a few Merino Sheep, warranted of the best breed in Spain, I hope that you will allow me the honor of presenting you with a Ram & a Ewe. I shall also take the liberty of sending a pair to Mr Jefferson. There are now two or three large vessels bound to Alexandria, in one of which I am in hopes of being able to provide them a passage. As the...
9621To James Madison from John Stark, 21 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure yesterday of receiving an address from the first magistrate of the only Republic on earth. This letter compliments me highly upon my services as a soldier, and praises my patriotism. It is true I love the country of my birth, for it is not only the country I should choose above all others; but it is the only spot where I could were out the remnant of my days with any...
9622To James Madison from George Logan, 24 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
By the mail of yesterday I received your obliging Letter of the 17th. Your sentiments in favor of preserving our country in peace, at this momentous crisis, do honour to you as a statesman, and afforded me the most lively satisfaction. The political and commercial interest of Great Britain, and the UStates, demands, that laying aside mutual jealousy and distrust; we should renew our...
9623To James Madison from the Chairman of the Republican Meeting of Washington County, Maryland, 25 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with directions from a numerous and respectable Meeting of the Citizens of this County, I have the honor to transmit the enclosed proceedings of that Meeting, and to assure you that they contain their unfeigned sentiments and feelings, and, as I believe, of all the Citizens of the County, with but few exceptions. I have much pleasure in informing you also, that the Meeting was...
9624To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 26 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
Mr Harrison states that the swords purchased by Mr Livingston for the State of Virginia cost 257 dollars & 22/100. In order to close the business, the easiest mode would be that you should write to Govr. Tyler to remit that sum to the Treasurer of the United States on account of Mr Livingston; which paymt. being passed to his credit will balance that item in his accounts. Govr. Tyler may, I...
9625To James Madison from Matthew Lyon, 26 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
Had not Mr Brent came in & interupted our Conversation I should have mentioned some applications to me from Kentucky to Solicit the Appointment of Governor of Louisiana Territory Particularly one from John Rowan Esqr in behalf of Joseph H Davies Esqr. Mr Rowan calls Mr Davies an honest federalist, & presumes that you will have no Objection to Call forth tallents such as Mr Davies Possesses in...
9626To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 26 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of sending you by Captain Fenwick, a copy of Mr. Bottas’ “ Storia della guerra americana [”]: this is a solid work, and is well written. The Author has been occupied with it more than three years. I had the honor of writing to you by the Ship Madison . I shall not, at present, renew the subject which so deeply interests me. I still hope that you will continue me here as...
9627To James Madison from “Mucius” [John Randolph], No. 2, 26 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 January 1810. No. 2. Asserts that France has espoused the cause of universal monarchy since the time of Louis XIV and its inherent power is dangerous to the liberties and peace of Europe. Laments that the king of England has been so stupid as “to break down every barrier which wisdom and genius could … build up against the universal despotism of the natural enemy of his country.” The...
9628To James Madison from Willie Blount, 28 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
John Walker a half breed Cherokee who resides on the eastern side of Highwassee river, in the neighbourhood of the Garrison in the Cherokee Nation, and who is an influential man in his Nation & who conducts himself well has requested me to represent to you that he and some of his friends have a wish to commence a trade to Mobile, and wishes your permission and protection to him and his...
9629To James Madison from Jared Ingersoll, 28 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
This Letter will be handed to you by my son Charles, who is already known to you by correspondence and is desirous of the honor of being personally acquainted. We are anxiously waiting the result of the deliberations of Congress, the general sentiment seems to be in favor of adopting measures to prepare for defence if necessary and then to wait for the intelligence of the temper manifested in...
9630To James Madison from John Mitchell Mason, 29 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
I did myself the honour of calling to pay my respects the evening previous to my leaving Washington, but was not fortunate enough to find you at home. Your note of the 12th. inst., with its enclosure, was handed to me immediately on my arrival at my own house, which was the latter end of last week. I pray you to accept my thanks for the obliging manner in which you were pleased to communicate...
9631To James Madison from John Tyler, 29 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
Agreeable to your desire I have enclos’d a Draft on the Bank of Columbia for 257$ 22 Cts. The balance remaining in our Bank I suppose may be applied to our State Use; but as I am uninform’d on the Subject except from you, I shall for a while suspend the Application of it. Nothing new here, but that our assembly has the Palsy as well as Congress. However, this week resolutions will be mov’d on...
9632To James Madison from Charles Haumont, 29 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 January 1810, Sapelo Island. Fears that the book manuscript [mentioned in his 25 Apr. 1809 letter to JM ] that he sent from Savannah on 5 July has miscarried. The president has not acknowledged it; hence his anxiety. His hope was that JM would recommend the work, for since illness and old age now plague him, he needs the benefits derived from a presidential endorsement. Refers to his...
9633To James Madison from Robert Williams, 29 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 January 1810, Lenox Castle, North Carolina. Seeks appointment for his brother, Marmaduke Williams, who has moved to Madison County, Mississippi Territory. Since Congress is considering a new federal judgeship in that territory, hopes his brother can be considered. “Permit me the liberty to say that his family consists of a wife whom you know, five small children, and about 12 Slaves Clear...
9634To James Madison from William Cushing, 29 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 29 January 1810. Described as a one-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2).
9635To James Madison from William Eustis, 30 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 22 Instant, I have the honor to transmit you the following returns, marked A. B & C. A. Exhibits a General return of the troops of the United states composing the Military peace establishment and the Additional military force, specifying the particular force of each Regiment and Corps, taken from the latest returns received by...
9636To James Madison from Benjamin Smith Barton, 30 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 January 1810, Philadelphia. Introduces his nephew, W. P. C. Barton, who holds a naval commission and “will never disgrace the important station in which you have been pleased to place him.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Docketed by JM. Benjamin Smith Barton, the eminent botanist, had recommended William Paul Crillon Barton for appointment as a naval surgeon. JM nominated him in June 1809 (B. S. Barton...
9637To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 30 January 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 January 1810, Treasury Department. Transmits “copies of the instructions issued at several times by this Department with respect to foreign armed Ships or vessels within the waters of the United States” in response to the 18 Jan. resolution of the House of Representatives. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Gallatin. Enclosures 15...
9638To James Madison from William Bentley, 1 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
With the utmost care I conveyed the Letter to General Stark, & tho’ my importunity might be troublesome, it obtained for me a great pleasure. On the occasion, I find, the General has not so much of the Philosopher, as of the Good Old man. He felt with extasy, that he had a share in the affections of the man he reverenced as a rich Benefactor of his Country, & like Good Old Simeon, he...
9639To James Madison from John Mason and Others, 1 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 February 1810. Recommends that Nathan Lufborough and Walter S. Chandler be appointed as magistrates for the northwest part of the county of Washington. RC ( DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, Executive Nominations, 11B-A2). 1 p. Signed by Mason and twenty-one others. On 6 Feb. 1810 JM nominated Lufborough and Chandler to be justices of the peace for Washington County in the District of...
9640To James Madison from George Stevenson, 1 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 February 1810, Pittsburgh. Encloses vouchers for medical services he rendered that were disallowed by War Department. Although he admits that “public services should be rendered through regular channels, and by those duly authorized to perform the same,” he believes an exception “has been justified by necessity.” Precedents for such cases “are to be found in the Annals of our own...
9641To James Madison from Thomas McKean, 3 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance Henry Pratt Esquire, an eminent merchant of this city, as my friend, and with whom I have a near family connexion: he is wealthy and a very benovelent [ sic ] citizen, and deservedly esteemed here. Mr; Pratt escorts Miss Elisa Pratt, his daughter, and Sophia Dorothea McKean, my daughter and only child in my family, to pay their respects to Mrs;...
9642To James Madison from John R. Smith, 3 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Robert Smith one of the Directors of the Bank of the United States who will hand this letter to you, is one of a Committee appointed by the Bank to proceed to the Seat of Government on the Subject of the renewal of their Charter. He wishes Sir to pay his personal respects to you, & to communicate his sentiments freely on a Subject much involving the financial interests of the United States...
9643To James Madison from the Democratic Meeting of Muskingum County, Ohio, 5 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 February 1810, Zanesville. Resolutions express regret at “accumulated aggressions and insults from the Government of Great Britain” in the face of JM’s “forbearance and pacific overtures.” Meeting approves of president’s action regarding Francis James Jackson and declares “fullest confidence in the wisdom and integrity of the constituted authorities of our general Government (the government...
9644To James Madison from William Woods, 6 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
William Woods Grocer of Baltimore having some time since had the pleasure of Presenting a cheese made in the place where the Noted Mammoth cheese was made to that great and good Man Thos. Jefferson Esqr. late president of the U. S. and also the honour of his Acceptance thereof Now presents his best respects to James Maddison President of the United States of America and begs he will please...
9645To James Madison from Samuel Kercheval, 7 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty of encloseing to your care, a subscription for the purpose of raising money to enable the Trustees at this place to proceed with the buildings already began. I am aware Sir, that you are probably too frequently applied to on subjects of this nature, and that such multitudes of applications are disagreeable and even irksome to you . I however flatter my self, that you...
9646To James Madison from William Short, 7 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
The present is merely to acknowlege the reciept & thank you for the kind expressions of your letter of Dec. 3. I shall add nothing more to this letter hoping very soon to have the satisfaction of renewing to you in person the assurance of my sentiments. I informed the sec. of State last summer on receiving his letter that I should return this spring. If there had not been an hope of some...
9647To James Madison from John Strode, 7 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
In dayly expectation (since the rect. of your favourable Letter of the 26th. of October last) of seeing here the manager of Your Orange Estates (Mr. Gideon Gooch) in order that He and I might have made the proposed Arangements for the debt wherewith You have so long indulged me; but as Yet not having seen or heard from him, have lost all hopes. Otherwise should not have presumed at this...
9648To James Madison from John Wayles Eppes, 8 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 February 1810, Washington. Upon learning that Mr. Graham has declined the governor’s post in Louisiana has decided to suggest Col. Benjamin Howard as “peculiarly well calculated for a station where military as well as civil Talents may be important.” The suggestion is made without Howard’s knowledge, but that officer’s name came to mind since Louisiana is “a station … surrounded by hordes of...
9649To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 8 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 February 1810, Philadelphia. Warns JM to expect “ill treatement” after the return of Francis James Jackson to Great Britain. Offers advice on preparations for war. RC ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , A-22:5). 1 p. Signed “A friend of this country.” Docketed by a War Department clerk as received 12 Feb. 1810.
9650To James Madison from Samuel Carswell, 9 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
An observation has occured to me, on the subject of Mr. Macon’s Bill, that I do not recollect having seen, in the debates of Congress, or elsewhere. As, in my opinion, it involves the dearest Interests of our Country, I would consider myself extremely reprehensible, were I to neglect stating it, to Your Excellcy. You will therefore have the goodness, to excuse the liberty I have taken, in...