61To James Madison from Henry Lee, 6 January 1825 (Madison Papers)
It is, you must allow, very natural that any inquirer into the meaning of the constitution, should desire to have his conjectures, approved or corrected by yourself. I therefore take the liberty of forwarding for your consideration the enclosed paper, and shall be proud to hear that it receives in any degree the approbation of a chief architect of our political temple. Without daring to press...
62To James Madison from Henry Lee, 19 November 1825 (Madison Papers)
The inclination which I expressed to you several years ago, in 1823 I believe, to devote myself to the cultivation of letters, still besets me, & I have been fortunate enough to select a subject which is capable of receiving and conferring ⟨imperishable?⟩ honour. Whether I shall be able to do it justice is a question which labour, patience, diligence, & the inspiration of the historic muse,...
63To James Madison from Henry Lee, 13 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
I felt myself pleased and honoured by your letter, & shall avail myself of the earliest stage of maturity that my materials may present, to impose on your politeness and patience in the manner you seem to prefer. Genl. Armstrong has also been liberal & encouraging but I am fearful of his competition, knowing that I must be content with the second place. But I aim at truth & truth has charms...
64To James Madison from Henry Lee, 2 February 1827 (Madison Papers)
In examining the events of the late war I believe I have ascertained that when in the fall of 1813, it became obvious that the campaign in the North would terminate in the disgrace of promising much and doing nothing, the govt. projected a plan for the operations of the ensuing year, of which the principal feature was to assemble a large force just within the limits of Canada—and near the...
65To James Madison from Henry Lee, 12 March 1827 (Madison Papers)
For your letter of the 16th. Feby I now beg leave to express my thanks, and shall take occasion shortly to add some observations, with a view of getting further information on parts of it. I have recd. such high recommendations of the bearer Mr. Clarke, an English Gentleman who is travelling for health & information; and have concieved such sincere esteem for him from an intimate acquaintance...
66To James Madison from Henry Lee, 24 August 1827 (Madison Papers)
In tracing the conduct and Character of Genl. Jackson I have had a correspondence with Genl. Armstrong upon the subject of the provisional order to Genl. Jackson of the 18th. July 1814 —authorising him on certain conditions to take possession of Pensacola. It appears that order was not recd. until after the peace, on or about the 14th. March 1815. The circumstances under which it was recd....
67To James Madison from Henry Lee, 7 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have some papers of a private nature touching some pecuniary concerns in London interesting to me, which I am now arranging with a view of transmitting to Mr. Monroe our Minister soliciting his care of them. A report is circulated here that our ministers are on their return home. In this event I beg to know from you whether any public character will continue in London to whom I can address...
68To James Madison from Henry Lee, 19 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
We seem to be passing the threshold of War. I fear it is inevitable. Therefore we ought to be prepared. There are two sorts of preparation necessary, first to hasten every mean of offence when necessary, & of defence always necessary, within our means. Pass not over the moment of Zeal (if war must come) to engage an adequate force for the contest. You not only secure the issue by so doing, but...
69To James Madison from Henry Lee, 18 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
So long seperated from politics & politicians I should not now revive even a momentary connexion with them, did not my solicitude for our common good at this momentous crisis & unceasing personal regard for you overweigh my scruples & reluctance. Yr. proper decision & our countrys good are at present inseperably connected. I sincerely hope you may soundly promote the last by the first. It is...
70To James Madison from Henry Lee, 29 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I was as far as G town on my way to Alexa. this morning when I recd. several letters, all of which but one from Shirley, regarded only you & our country. One letr. treated cheifly of our differences with England, especially of the late decree, & contains in my judgement, some ideas worthy of consideration. This induces me to write to you, which I do with concern, as I well know the fullness of...