1To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
When you can find leisure, read this & the paper enclosed; & I will promise you not to request your attention again political subjects. They relate to our concerns with France & G Britain. On the 27th. of January last, a town meeting was held here, on the subject of the last embargo act. As the federalists conducting it were leading characters, & extremely opposed to Government, & their party...
2To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 2 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Count de Crillon, son of the celebrated Duke, who beseiged Gibralter, & was famous as a great mi[li]tary character, arrived here a day or two past, & proposes to go on to Washington. He came from England in company with Captain Henry, formerly of our army; whom you probably know, is also a great military character, & in every point, truly respectable. He wishes to pay his personal respects...
3To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 21 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
I was arrested in my intention to have left my family in time to have met the Senate on the first day of their Session, by the sudden & severe illness of Mrs Gerry & two children; & after their recovery, did not conceive that the political campaign would open before the newyear, & concluded it best to remain here & avoid the extreme bad roads. The Publick are anxiously waiting the result of...
4To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 17 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have read your message, with great attention & pleasure. It is clear, candid, firm & dignified, & cannot fail of convincing G Britain, that your object is just, your demands are reasonable, & that you will support them at all events. In this resolution, you will unite the eastern part of the nation; except british subjects, traders & partizans, who in case of a conflict, would soon...
5To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 20 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have heard, Dear Sir, with no small surprize, that charges have been preferred against Doctor Waterhouse, for misconduct as physician of the U. S. marine hospital at Charleston. I have been intimately acquainted with the Doctor for thirty years, so far at least as to have been able to form for myself, a correct opinion, which has ever been a respectful one, of his moral, political, &...
6To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 5 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed is a letter for our commercial agent at Bourdeaux, & I shall be obliged to you for transmitting it, when you write to him. When you have leisure, I shall take it as a favor, if you will peruse a letter of the 7th Novr 1798 from Mr Pickering, & my answer of the 15th of that month, on the subject of the copies, which I had transmitted to him, of Mr Tallyrand’s letters to me, & on the...
7To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 3 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I addressed, at the request of some Gentlemen, a line to you yesterday, introducing the Count de Crillon to your Excellency; and think it expedient to inform you, that I am in every respect uninformed in regard to the politicks of that nobleman, he being to me an entire stranger. Respectfully your Excellency’s unfeigned Friend RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). Later docketed by JM,...
8To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 7 April 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Elbridge Gerry. 7 April 1814, Washington. “I have the Honor of enclosing another letter from B General Boyd, on the subject of his rank. I do this, to comply with his manifest wish & expectation, in writing to me on the subject.” RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 1 p. The enclosure (3 pp.) was Brig. Gen. John P. Boyd to Gerry, 24 Mar. 1814, stating Boyd’s belief that his merits and...
9To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 15 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor last week of addressing a line of introduction to yourself, of my neighbour John Appleton Esq, stating his desire to be occupied in some public office; and being apprized of his wish to administer the functions of the Marshalls office in regard to Prisoners, it is incumbent on me to be explicit on the subject, by declaring, that this was not my object, but that on the other...
10To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 13 June 1810 (Madison Papers)
From some circumstances which have come to my knowledge, I am induced to think, that measures are adopted to shake the confidence of Government, in their district attorney, George Blake Esqr. If so, the grounds are said to be, his having had in his office, a brother, & his having associated with native & foreign gentlemen, of different politicks . I regret exceedingly, that reports of this...
11To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 26 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am honored, dear Sir, by your letter of the 14th. instant in answer to mine of the 20th of february, stating, that “tho you do not enter into the aptitude of all my observations, you perceive in them a very interesting veiw of our public affairs.” Since the adoption of those measures, the relaxation of Government, in regard to the embargo, has happily changed the phrenzy, excited by the last...
12To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 12 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
The late President Adams communicated to me yesterday, in a friendly interveiw at my house, the enclosed extract of a letter; & expressed great apprehension, that if all the propositions, for enforcing the non intercourse act, should be adopted, they will overthrow the republican governments of the New England States & make them compleatly federal. The searching houses, as proposed before the...
13To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 22 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Since my recovery from indisposition, I have had an interview with General Dearborn, who informed me that he was soon to depart from Boston; & being informed by him of the state of our Castle, I enquired what was to prevent the Enemy, if apprized of our defenceless situation, from embarking all its regular troops at Nova Scotia, in transports trusting its defence for a short period to their...
14To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 16 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I sincerely congratulate you on your election to the Presidential Chair: an event which has saved the Country, in my opinion, from innumerable evils. The object of this, is to bring to your veiw an application which, as I am informed, was preferred by the late Governor Sullivan, Mr. Blake our district Attorney, six out of seven senators, & thirty Representatives from Maine, in favour of Nathan...
15To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 13 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I addressed a line to you on the 5th, & am happy to learn that Colo Porter has the command of Fort Independence; that he has upwards of three hundred men; & that he is daily receiving reinforcements. Sure I am, that nothing will be wanting on the part of the Republicans in this State, to aid General Dearborn, & to promote the veiws & orders of the national Government. It is impossible to say,...
16To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 27 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
I addressed a line to you yesterday on a minor subject; at this time, my mind is intent on a very important point. It has been confidentially communicated to me, that there are two revolutionary officers on the list of candidates for the office of Commander in chief of the national Army; Governor Hull & General Brooks. Governor Hull & General Dearbo[r]n were in my mind the most prominent...
17To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 19 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have been honored by your letter of the 9th, & having heard of two instances only, in which is manifested a disposition to embarrass the detachments, I flatter myself they will be generally successful. When I came into office there were seven federal of eleven Major Generals, & now there are but six of seventeen; being the number of existing militia divisions. The increase I effected as an...
18To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 20 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
In a letter which I addressed to You yesterday, I omitted to mention, that you have the entire confidence of the republicans in this quarter. They veiw with deep regret, every attempt of a few of the republican party to supplant you; with indignation, the proffered support of the federalists to your competitor; & with grief, the division, small as it is, which has been the result: but you may...
19To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 16 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have received a letter from Mrs Corran, formerly Mrs Bland, at Paris, expressing “a wish to acquire for Mr Corran an appointment of Consul.” I do not know the Gentleman, or his character; you are probably acquainted with both, & can judge of the expediency & policy of the measure. Havre de Grace, or Antwerp she prefers, & states, that “tho her husband was a subject to England, his opinions...
20To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 22 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
The death of Judge Cushing, having produced a vacancy which must soon be filled, the general expectation in this quarter, I find is, that George Blake Esqr will be his successor. It is grounded, On the professional character of that Gentleman, which is supposed to be paramount to that of any person in this State, who can be a candidate for that office; On ten years practice in the federal...
21To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 2 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr Henry Orne, a Grandson of Colo Azer Orne decd., one of our principal revolutionary characters, a young Gentleman of inflexible honor, of an excellent moral Character, warmly attached to the existing government, & possessing talents which particularly qualify him for military pursuits; for which he uniformly has manifested a strong predilection, has applyed for a Captaincy, or if no vacancy,...
22To 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...
23To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 25 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed petition I have the honor to transmit. It should have been directed to the supreme Executive, & affords me an opportunity of renewing my assurances of perfect esteem & respect, & of my remaining Yours most sincerely The petitioners I have reason to believe, are firm supporters of the national Government RC ( MdHi ). Enclosure not found, but a docket on the cover of the letter...
24To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 17 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
I am honored by your letter of the 5th, & thank You for the communications it contains. Your system of policy, a vigorous preparation for war, appears to be wise & secure. If Britain is, as she seems to be, so mad as to indulge all her vindictive feelings & visionary pursuits in regard to this Country, we shall then be prepared to meet her on martial ground, & have every prospect, under Divine...
25To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 5 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
I think it necessary to communicate in toto, General Boyd’s letter to me of the 22d of Feby, & also Doctor Eustis’ of the 14th, on the subject of promotions over the General. Some part of the former, indicates an intention to have confined the letter to my own inspection; but I prefer your perusal of both, confidentially. I can give no opinion on the subject, & submit it implicitly to your...
26To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 20 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed are recommenda⟨tions⟩ of Doctor Elnathan Judson, for the office of Surgeon’s mate in the 40th Regiment of infantry, commanded by Colo Joseph Loring. The father of this young Gentleman I know, his character is truly respectable, & he is firmly attached to the existing Government of the U States. The recommendations of his son are such, as I presume can leave not a doubt of his...
27To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 9 February 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 February 1813, Cambridge. “The bearer John Appleton Esqr, one of the Consuls of the U.States, is a neighbour of mine, & proposes to pay his respects to you at Washington. His object, as he informs me, is to express his readiness, as he has much leisure time, to occupy it in any public employment which may be for the mutual benefit of the Publick & himself, in this quarter. Mr Appleton is a...
28To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 9 [November] 1801 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Capt. Nathl Fellowes, a firm republican & one of the wealthiest merchants of Boston, being the copartner also of Mr. Brown, who received an appointment under the present government. Capt. Fellowes I am acquainted with but am a stranger to the gentlemen mentioned in his letter: The former of them indeed, Mr. Cushing, has called on me, & stated, that in a conference...
29To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 12 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have heard with concern that the Yazoo Company in this State have agreed to divide their lands into small parcells, to locate & to dispose of them, under the title confirmed by the Judiciary of the UStates. His Excellency Governor Hull being fortunately here on a visit, & informed of this proceeding, has endeavoured to stop it; from a conviction of unpleasant consequences; & has also...
30To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 10 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
Executive Officers in this quarter have at different times expressed their chagrin, at the success of the enemies of the national Government, in sapping it’s confidence in some of our most meritorious officers. While these are impenetrable to the lures, wiles, & threats of the malcontents, the latter unite in denouncing the former; who are disheartened when they have the least reason to...
31To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 26 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
Accept my sincere thanks for your friendly favor, without date; & for the cheerful manner of your meeting my request. At the time prescribed, & before the District Judge & a circle of my friends, I propose to take the oath, agreably to your information; unless it should be requisite, for public purposes, to be then at Washington, in which event I shall claim no indulgence. Nothing delights me...
32To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 18 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
I am just informed of the death of Mr. Lovell, naval officer of this port, & think that our friend the Honble Jonathan Loring Austin would fill the place in a manner that will meet the entire approbation of Government & that will be honorable to himself. Mr Austin has been Secretary, & also Treasurer of this Commonwealth, & in both houses of the Legislature, has a compleat knowledge of...
33To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 25 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
On the 21st instant, I received a letter from the Secretary of War of the 15th, for detaching, pursuant to your directions, ten thousand of the militia of this Commonwealth; & immediately gave orders to the Adjutant General to make the arrangement, & to the Secretary to convene the Council, lest their aid may have been wanted. This day I have issued General Orders for compleating this...
34To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 31 December 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1811, Boston Council Chamber. Introduces Richard Devens Harris—“a young Gentleman of this place & of one of the most respectable families in it, of a liberal education, & of correct morals & politicks”—who wishes to pay his respects. “Mr Harris having spent two or three years at London, Paris &c has obtained much useful information; which qualifies him to serve his Country in many...
35To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 18 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit a letter received from Jacob Gerrish Esq of Newbury Port of the 16th instant, with the statements therein enclosed. As they relate to supplies for the enemy, I have no doubt thereof; & it is much to be regretted that your wise proposition for laying an embargo last session was not adopted. With the highest esteem & respect, I have the Honor to remain, Sir, yours...
36To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 5 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
[.…] Will you be so kind as to make it, & give me the information. With sentiments of the highest esteem & respect, I remain dear sir yours.…” FC ( MHi : Elbridge Gerry Papers). 3 pp. The FC is a letterpress copy of the RC . The RC , with lower part of last page clipped, is printed in PJM-SS Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Secretary of State Series (7 vols. to...
37To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 11 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The petition enclosed, I have this moment received with the request of the subscribers “to forward it to the President of the United States.” General Boyd’s character as a brave experienced soldier, an uniform & a firm republican, & a zealous friend to the existing Government, has often directed the anathemas of its foes against him, & every insidious measure to wound & injure him. Of these...
38To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 22 May 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 May 1812, Cambridge. “The letter enclose[d], I recd, from Colo Sherburne of Newport, an old revolutionary Officer. He has been always respected as a Soldier, a Gentleman & man of honor. I am not informed of his politicks, but if the office he applies for in the war department should be conferred on him, he would undoubtedly discharge it With fidelity.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 94,...
39To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 9 March 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Elbridge Gerry. 9 March 1814, Washington. “Lieutenant Walter Coles, of the Cavalry, expresses a wish to be appointed a Captain in the new corps to be raised & apportioned amongst the States. I have sent his letter, containing other subjects, to Mrs Gerry, but think it was the rifle corps. Mr Coles I know, & have heard much of him by the Massachusetts Officers, & they all agree, that he...
40To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 24 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
Our late Secretary, Benjamin Homans Esqr will have the honor of paying his respects, & presenting this to you. His object is to obtain some place, in which he may be employed for the mutual benefit of himself & the Publick. The Consulate to which he was lately appointed would not have enabled him to subsist himself, & his Family. His success in the present pursuit, would afford great pleasure...
41To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 9 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 November 1801, Cambridge. “Enclosed is a letter from Capt Nathl Fellowes, a firm republican, & one of the wealthiest merchants of Boston; being the copartner also of Mr Brown, who received an appointment under the present government. Capt Fellowes I am acquainted with, but am a stranger to the gentlemen mentioned in his letter: the former of them indeed, Mr Cushing, has called on me, &...
42To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 16 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
The injuries which have resulted to me, by filling the office of Chief Magistrate of this Commonwealth; in consequence of the great expence thereof, of the smallness of the salary, & of the neglect of my private concerns—The state of the banks, in which is locked up, a great part of the circulating medium of the country—And other concurrent, unfortunate public & private events, have rendered...
43To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 5 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
War is declared, God be praised, Our Country is safe. But great care & caution, at this Time is necessary. The Castle, I understand, is under a Captain’s command, & he a Federalist; with a single company of Artillerists; & may be carried by a coup de main. This Prospect is the tory plan, as the best stratagem to change the Government. The Governor, I am informed, obstinately refuses the...
44To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 12 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
Being informed, Dear Sir, by my friend General Bloomfield, that he proposes soon to pay his respects to you, permit me to introduce him to your acquaintance as a firm & important friend to the existing Government, an inflexible Patriot, & an influential Character in his own State, as well as in other parts of the Union. The General for a number of years filled with great dignity & energy, the...
45To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 4 October 1810 (Madison Papers)
On the 22d of Sepr last, I had the honor of addressing you a letter, on the subject of a candidate to supply the vacancy, caused by the death of Judge Cushing; & also of one for the office of district attorney, if that should be vacant by the promotion of the present incumbent. Being then in haste, I had omitted to mention, that my Son in law, by the appointment of Governor Sullivan, had...
46To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 26 February 1806 (Madison Papers)
In the letter which I addressed to you last week, I omitted in haste to state, that it appeared as irrational to attempt a competition of a navy, with the great maritime powers of Europe, as to depend on small craft to combat ships of the line. If however an annual appropriation should be made, to be increased in War, for the establishment of a navy, our ships of the line would prevent our sea...
47To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 19 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
Shall I request the favor of a letter of introduction to Mr Armstrong, our minister at Paris, for Mrs Blake who is to embark soon for Marseilles, with her little daughter, for her health? This lady is a particular friend of ours, wife of George Blake Esq, district attorney for Massachusetts, & an elegant fine woman: from Marseilles she proposes to proceed to Paris. accept my best wishes for...
48To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 11 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
J. A. Henry Esq, who formerly commanded a company of Artillery of the U States, wishing to pay his respects to your Excellency, I take the liberty to introduce him to your acquaintance; as a Gentleman who has resided heretofore in this State & who for his professional, literary, & polite accomplishments, has been much respected by all his acquaintance. Accept, I pray you, dear Sir, assurances,...
49To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 12 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am this day favoured by your highly esteemed letter of the 3d. We are informed that the House have passed the Rubicon; God grant to the Senate the same Wisdom & fortitude. Our anxiety is great, in a State of such awful Suspense; but we have great confidence in a majority of its members. On the 1st of May last I addressed a letter to our mutually revered Friend Mr Jefferson; & not having...
50To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 15 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed is a letter which I have received from Colo. DeLacroix at Baltimore, of the 14th instant. I saw in august last a regiment under the command of Colo Hawkins which he informed me would reinlist almost to a man, having been inlisted for a year which expired in September or october last. That regiment, I was also informed, consisted of about a thousand men, was disciplined by Colo...