51To James Madison from John Dawson, 9 December 1798 (Madison Papers)
By the enclosd speech you will find that the tone of the president is much changed, and that we may still hope for peace —what has producd this, or how far he is sincere, we cannot yet determine—in a few days we shall be able to form a better judgement—we have nothing late from Europe, nor can we form an opinion of the temper of our body—they do not appear to be in Spirits. Yrs. with much...
52To James Madison from John Dawson, 28 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Dawson. 28 April 1806, Fredericksburg. “I take the liberty to present to you Mr Morales consul general from the Batavian republic for the Southern states.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
53To James Madison from John Dawson, 21 January 1794 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 January 1794, Richmond. Introduces Francis Goode. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Francis Goode (1744–1795) was a justice of the peace and member of the Chesterfield County Committee of Safety in 1774. He represented his county in the House of Delegates, 1778 and 1781–82, and served in the militia as a captain, 1777, and colonel, 1787–89 ( DAR Patriot Index National Society of the Daughters of the...
54To James Madison from John Dawson, 27 July 1797 (Madison Papers)
We have nothing late from Europe—in our committee we go on well, & I have well grounded reasons, which I cannot communicate by letter, to say that we shall bring in some large fish. Colo Monroe is here & is very much engaged—he proposes to set out in about a week—in September I expect the pleasure of seeing you as I hope by that time I may with safety leave the committee. Yrs Truly RC ( DLC )....
55To James Madison from John Dawson, 13 May 1793 (Madison Papers)
Our correspondence has been discont[in]ued for some time, much against my wish. On Friday last Citizen Gennet passd this place on his way to Philadelphia. He appears to me to be a man possessd of much information, added to the most engageing & agreeable manners that I ever saw. He is very easy, communicative & dignified & will precisely suit the taste of our countrymen. All who have seen him...
56To James Madison from John Dawson, 1 March 1798 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your letter without date, & have had the enclosure deliverd agreeably to your request. The degrading business between Griswold and Lyon has at length come to an end, without even an censure on either—those gentlemen who were so loud in favour of the expulsion of Lyon, voted against even a censure, when it was to expand to their favourite Griswold, who had committed a more...
57To James Madison from John Dawson, 27 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 May 1801, Paris. Mentioned in JM to Levi Lincoln, 25 July 1801 , and JM to Monroe, 25 July 1801 . Appearances indicate the convention will be ratified by France, but stage for formal ratification has not been reached.
58To James Madison from John Dawson, [13 September] 1789 (Madison Papers)
You’ll be pleased to accept my thanks for your two letters with the inclosures, which I receivd on thursday & saturday. By the papers I discover that the bill for fixing the Seat of Goverment &c was not reported on Friday morning, and I have been assurd by a Gentleman in this place , that the committee appointd woud not bring it in untill they had collected, and sworn in all their forces. The...
59To James Madison from John Dawson, 25 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Before this you are fix’d at the seat of goverment and I hope in a manner agreeable to yourself and to Mrs. Madison, to whom I pray you to present me with much esteem. I have just seald a letter directed to the Secretary of state. This is intended for yourself, and our friend Mr Jefferson. A strange and mysterious delay has taken place relative to the ratification to the causes of which I am...
60To James Madison from John Dawson, 29 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I arriv’d here about an hour ago—soon after I saw Commodore Barney, who presented to me Mr. Dalbart, on the latter’s withdrawing, the commodore informd me that he was Jerome Bounaparte, who was here with his Secretary, and a son of General Reubell on their return to France—they stay at Barney’s, whose character you know. He has purchas’d a carriage and horses for them, and Reubell has already...
61To James Madison from John Dawson, [ca. 5 June] 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have been favourd with your letter of the 27th. uto. inclosing some papers for which I request that you’ll accept my thanks. I hope that the speculations on the officers and soldiers who were to the south at the close of the war have not been so extensive as you apprehended, and that the plan adopted will prevent the injury & do justice to this meritorious class of our citizens. Our clerk...
62To James Madison from John Dawson, 20 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have not been honour’d with a letter from you since your return to New York, for which I must express my disappointment, altho I am more willing to attribute it to the many engagements which you have than to any other cause—the want of something new has prevented my writing. The rejection of the constitution by the State of N. Carolina, at this period, has been the cause of as much surprise...
63To James Madison from John Dawson, 12 February 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am much hurt that I cannot communicate to you, and to my other friends in Orange and Madison the pleasing information which I anticipated in my last—the enclosd paper will shew to you our proceedings —on today we met at twelve and gave one vote, the result of which was the same as before—we then suspended voting untill tomorrow at eleven, and all other business is prohibited by a rule. What...
64To James Madison from John Dawson, 7 January 1799 (Madison Papers)
I have recievd your two favours of the 16 & 28 of december, & their enclosures, to which I paid immediate attention. You observe how slowly we move on in congress—the criminal absense of nine of our members, while they are on the floor to a man, has prevented our attempting any thing, & it is matter of astonishment that they have not effected every thing—a declaration of war might be obtaind...
65To James Madison from John Dawson, 23 June 1792 (Madison Papers)
You have returnd home I hope in good health, & found your friends well. Two questions divide the opinions of Gentlemen in this quarter. To what number of Electors is this entitled in the choice of President & Vice President at the next election? Will we be entitled to send a member to the house of Representatives in the room of Brown, who will probably be elected into some office in the state...
66To James Madison from John Dawson, 14 April 1794 (Madison Papers)
I thank you, my dear Sir, for your favour of the 7th & the papers enclosd. On searching into the post office I found that there were a number of letters from you as well as Colo Monroe, for Mr. Jefferson. They have stopt here for some time owing to the communication being cut off. The post however set out yesterday morning for Charlottesville with them, & I believe there will be no farther...
67To James Madison from John Dawson, 28 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Dawson. 28 May 1806, Fredericksburg. “I take the liberty to present to you Docr. Wellford, who, with his daughter, proposes to pass a day in this city, on their way to the north—and to pray your attention to them, as the young lady is anxious to see any thing worthy notice.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. This was probably Robert Wellford (1753–1823), a physician who came to America with the...
68To James Madison from John Dawson, 29 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1803, Washington . “Some time ago I intimated to you my willingness to go to New Orleans, and reflection has not chang’d that disposition, provided I can be plac’d in a situation not subordinate.… The length of time I have been in public life, the situations I have been placd in, and the conduct and principles I have supported are well known to you and to Mr. Jefferson.” RC ( DNA :...
69To James Madison from John Dawson, 9 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Dawson. 9 October 1805. “I have pleasure in presenting to you Mr. Fuller—a gentleman, and a member of the legislature of S. Carolina, who, with an amiable lady, has been on a visit to the Eastern states, and is now on his return. I pray your civilities to them and a belief in the regard of Your friend & Sert.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. This was Christopher Fuller (1777–1818), a physician...
70To James Madison from John Dawson, 26 June 1806 (Madison Papers)
I spent some hours on yesterday in the company of Govr. Mc.Kean; Mr. Dallas, Mr. Rodney and others—most of the conversation turnd on Miranda, and on the propriety of your attending the Court on the 14th. of the next month—there was one decided opinion, that, both legally and politically, you ought to attend. I mention this under a belief, that shoud it be determind not to come, some measures...
71To James Madison from John Dawson, 20 July 1785 (Madison Papers)
Your goodness will excuse me, for addressing this letter to you, when you consider of what consequence it may be to me. The General Assembly, at their Session in October last, I find, had it in contemplation to pass an Act respecting Naval Officers, by which Collectors are to be appointed to the several Districts; and altho it did not then pass for want of a sufficient number of members to...
72To James Madison from John Dawson, [25 March] 1812 (Madison Papers)
I do think that the appointment of federalists to command both the regiments in Virginia will give discontent, and the rejection of one Major, and nomination of others, whose pretentions are not higher, will increase that discontent. You will readily appreciate the motive from which this opinion is given, and will believe me to be sincerely Your friend RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Undated; date...
73Circular Letter from John Dawson, 20 March 1798 (Madison Papers)
After fourteen days delay, on yesterday the President sent to us the inclosed important, intemperate, and unconstitutional Message, which is referred to a Committee of the whole on the State of the Union. Circumstances prove clearly to my mind, that the fixed policy of our Administration will involve us in the war on the part of Great-Britain—an event which I very much dread, but which I fear...
74To James Madison from John Dawson, 15 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Dawson. 15 June 1806, Fredericksburg. “I inclose you one hundred dollars which you lent to me on my leaving Washington, with many thanks for your kindness, & regret for the delay in returning them which has been caus’d by the uncommon scarcity of money. “It is probable that I shall have the pleasure to see you in a week on my way to the north.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
75To James Madison from John Dawson, 22 December 1793 (Madison Papers)
Recieve my thanks for your favour of the 15. which came by the last evening’s stage. You cannot expect any thing new from this quarter. We all look with g[r]eat anxiety towards Phia. for a full disclosure of the very momentous communications made by the President. While G. B carri[e]d on the war only on our frontiers, the merchant, & all those in the middle secure country felt themselves very...
76To James Madison from John Dawson, 7 November 1791 (Madison Papers)
By the public papers I observe that you have arriv’d in Philadelphia, & I trust in good health. It is very doubtful whether the present will be a very long or short session of the general assembly. The commissioners appointed to prepare & report on the laws of the state have not yet come forward—but it is said they will in a few days. Shoud this business be gone into, it will take up much...
77To James Madison from John Dawson, 15 January 1799 (Madison Papers)
We have no mail on this morning, which prevents my hearing from Virginia. The president has not yet made the promisd communication, nor can we account for it—attempts made to cast censure on Logan for his trip to Europe have recoild on the authors, whose conduct has been wonderfully imprudent & unwise —at present we are engagd on the old subject of a Bankrupt law, which after taking up much...
78To James Madison from John Dawson, 29 March 1798 (Madison Papers)
I have recievd your favour & attended immediately to its contents. We are now in committee of the whole on the president’s message of the 19th. Int., on which three resolutions which I presume you have seen, have been brought forward & I believe will be agreed to—it certainly will be highly important to collect the sentiments of the people, & forward them as soon as possible. New England...
79To James Madison from John Dawson, 28 July 1800 (Madison Papers)
On the first monday in October the legislature of this state is to be chosen, & the contest in all the counties is uncommonly warm, it being understood, that shoud they obtain a majority, which I think more than probable, they will be immediately calld together, for the purpose of appointing electors of president themselves—this will give the whole vote to Adams & Pinckney & will endanger the...
80To James Madison from John Dawson, 7 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Some private business brought me from New York, & will hurry me back in three or four days. I met Mr Cutts & his lady at the North river & they were well. It is reported that Mr. Monroe, Mr. Livingston and perhaps Mr. Pinkney are about to return—shoud that be the case & the administration shoud think proper to appoint me I will go, & shoud prefer France. Accounts are receivd on this morning,...
81To James Madison from John Dawson, 5 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have on this morning seen a letter from the Marqs. de Yrujo, the contents of which, it seemeth to me, ought to be made known—it is written to General Dayton, and, agreeably to request forwarded to Colonel Wm Smith, under an impression that his son, who is with Miranda, had been capturd by the Spaniards. He begins by stating, that notwithstanding he had some political differences with Mr....
82To James Madison from John Dawson, 14 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
I am now to acknowledge with many thanks your favour of the 31 January. The hope of collecting some thing worthy communicating has prevented my writing earlier but I fear shoud I let this rule govern there woud be an end to our correspondence; sure I am I shoud not hear from you as often as I wish. I[n] this place where most persons are dealers in public securities your plan for a...
83To James Madison from John Dawson, 17 December 1800 (Madison Papers)
Before this you have returnd to Orange, & I trust in good health. We are placd in a very unpleasant situation—the accounts which have been recievd from different states place Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Burr on an equall footing. Kentucky and Tennessee are not in, but we have good grounds to conclude that the votes will be equall. Shoud this be the case an effort will be made to prevent an election...
84To James Madison from John Dawson, 14 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for the information given in your letter of the 27th. uto. respecting the appropriation made at the last session of congress to pay certain arrears due to the officers & soldiers of the virginia line. The executive will readily cooperrate with you in any plan which will render a service to this class of our citizens & will feel a pleasure in being instrumental in doing them that...
85To James Madison from John Dawson, 23 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Dawson. 23 April 1806. “I call’d to see you on this morning, but you were engag’d. I am much push’d for some money to clear out and if you can lend me one hundred dollars it Shall be returnd with many thank [ sic ] on the day I arrive at Fredericksburg.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
86To James Madison from John Dawson, 5 July 1798 (Madison Papers)
On tuesday I recievd your letter of the 25 of the last month. Mr. Jefferson I presume calld on you & inform[ed] you of our movements here—since he went away we have been going on in the old way—today we have passd resolutions for raising 12 additional regiments of infantry & 6 companies of horse—on which a bill is orderd in, & will doubtless pass. The sedition bill, under the name of an act to...
87To James Madison from John Dawson, 29 December 1793 (Madison Papers)
I have this day written a letter to our friend Colo: Monroe relative to the arrival and continuance of a British frigate in this harbour. The contents of this letter I presume he will communicate to you, & if with myself & many in this place you are of opinion that it is a subject that demands serious & immediate attention I am persuaded that you will interest yourself in a business wh may...
88To James Madison from John Dawson, 12 April 1798 (Madison Papers)
I herewith enclose you a copy of the late communications from our envoys [in] Paris —& send a copy of the instructions to your brother William—both have been publishd by the Senate contrary to the sense of a very large majority of our house—I leave it to you to determine on their object. Altho things have an unpleasant aspect, owing in my judgement, to the infamy of some individuals, & to the...
89To James Madison from John Dawson, 13 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
Accept my thanks for your letter of the 20th. uto. which I have recievd. By the death of our very worthy friend Colo Grayson it became the duty of the Executive to appoint some person to fill the vacancy in the Senate. Application was made to Mr. Henry and on his refusal to serve Colo Mason was unanimously appointed—he also declind and then Mr. John Walker was chosen—who I presume will be in...
90To James Madison from John Dawson, 5 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
My letter to “the Secretary of State,” of this date will inform you of the ratification of the convention. The probable causes of the delay will be communicated when we meet. The ultimate result may be attributed to the first Consul, and I am happy in the reflection that my honest endeavours to serve my country have not been without their effect. After the departure of the ship which takes the...
91To James Madison from John Dawson, 28 November 1799 (Madison Papers)
I came to this place on Tuesday & shall go on to Philadelphia on tomorrow, from whence I shall write to you fully. The choice of the President seems to engage the attention of every person already—it is difficult to say how the vote of this state & of New York will be—the republicans are sanguine in both, & I think not without reason—district elections woud secure a majority, & a general...
92Circular Letter from John Dawson, 19 July 1798 (Madison Papers)
After a session of somewhat more than eight months, congress adjourned on Monday last, to meet on the first Monday in December. The senate was detained on Executive business; and have adjourned to day. Many laws have been past, a list of which I enclose to you, and send a copy of those which are printed to your court for the use of the county—Some of these are highly important, and claim your...
93To James Madison from John Dawson, 26 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
You’ll be pleasd to accept my thanks for your favour of the 31st ulto which I recievd in due time. I am by no means astonishd at the reports of the two Secretaries given rise to a variety of opinions. The subjects to which they refer are both incricate [ sic ], and the interest of different persons will induce them to adopt various opinions. Mr. Hamilton’s plan, altho it discovers knowledge &...
94To James Madison from John Dawson, [ca. 6 January] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Since I wrote you nothing worthy your attention has presented itself; We have now six states on the floor viz Massachusetts-bay, New York, New Jersey Pennylvania S. Carolina and Virginia; and a member from Rhode Island, North Carolina & Georgia—another member from Rhode Island is on his way and one from N. C. in Pennylvania. Connecticut, you know can come in at any time; we therefore expect in...
95To James Madison from John Dawson, [12 June] 1787 (Madison Papers)
After an absence of near three weeks I have just return’d to this place and am favourd with your letter of the 27 of May. The prospect of a general convention of the States appears to me very faint, and I wish to be informd, whether the states assembled, or those that probably will meet, will proceed to any business. I apprehend that nothing decisive can be done, without the concurrence of the...
96To James Madison from John Dawson, 27 March 1794 (Madison Papers)
By this mail I enclose to Colo Monroe a paper containing an extract of a letter which I receivd from Norfolk, and which gives an account of the success of our brave & generous allies on the Rhine, which I hope may prove true. That the object of the fiscal gentry is to defeat any thing like a systematic operation of the trade of G. B. & to quiet the public mind I am fully persuaded, & therefore...
97To James Madison from John Dawson, 21 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I regret that we did not meet before my sailing, which I expect will be on tomorrow. My trip will, I hope, prove usefull to my country, and advantageous and agreeable to myself. I shall return early in the fall, and expect that it will not be attempted in the district to take an advantage of my absence, or shoud it be that the attempt will be resisted by my friends. My wishes are to obtain...
98To James Madison from John Dawson, 8 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I am very sorry for the information which you came on the last Evening relative to Skipwith’s claim. I fear it will prove very injurious to him, as he has drawn bills, counting on this fund, which will be protested. I have written to Mr. Purviance to come to this place, under an expectation that he can give some usefull information. On conversing with the Secy of the treasury I find, that some...
99To James Madison from John Dawson, 8 May 1798 (Madison Papers)
Mrs. Madison’s letter has been deliverd, & I have paid Bache ten dollars agreeably to your request, & enclose you his reciept. On yesterday we limited the land tax to one year, which I do expect will defeat the provisional army bill now under discussion—it is now discoverd, that the eastern members, who so readily run into heavy expences, are alarmd when the[y] come to make provision for the...
100To James Madison from John Dawson, 27 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 15th. Inst: I receivd in due time. The attention of the house of delegates, which met on tuesday last has been engag’d chiefly by a long debate respecting Colo Carrington—on friday it was determined by a large majority that he shoud not retain his seat—he is gone to his county and no doubt will be reelected. Whether Mr. B. Harrison & Mr. B Randolph will be chosen Governor is...