5151To James Madison from Samuel McKee, 16 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I ask leave to lay before you the enclosed recommendation; I presume that Some of the persons by whom It is Sighned are knowen to you—they are generally men of the first respectibility; and influance in Kentucky, and I would Supperadd that Mr McBrides’ merit and worth entitles him to the respect and esteem of all those Who know him. I am only Sorry that a man of So much worth and capacity for...
5152From John Adams to James Madison, 17 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to You Col. William Sumner; and to Mrs Madison, his Sister, Miss Elizabeth Sumner, Children of our late Governor Sumner. They have requested an Introduction from me. And as I think it right that the President should know, and that his Family Should know Something of the Characters who appear at Washington; I beg leave to say, that Mr Sumner has the Advantages of...
5153To James Madison from John Adams, 17 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to you Col, William Sumner, and to Mrs Madison his Sister Miss Elizabeth Sumner; children of our late Governor Sumner; They have requested an introduction from me; And as I think it right that the President should know, & that his family should know something of the characters who appear at Washington I beg leave to say that Mr. Sumner has the advantages of Education,...
5154To James Madison from James B. Johnson, 17 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty as a free citizen of a free country of addressing thee on one of the most important subjects that ever attracted the attention of a citizen of the United States. And hope that liberty will be excused & that thee may read and consider the contents with that serious consideration for which so weighty a matter loudly calls. The subject is the manumition of the Africans held in...
5155To James Madison from Richard M. Johnson, 19 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
Such is my opinion of your wisdom, justice & humanity, that I must call your particular attention, to the decision of Mr Lee which makes a deduction of 40 Cents from those under Gov. Shelby after the 20th of Oct. till their final discharge which tirminated after allowing every 20 miles as one day. I am happy to find that this decision is contrary to the opinion, of the late Sec of War, instead...
5156To James Madison from Adrian Benjamin Bentzon, 20 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
Presuming on the personal acquaintance, you have honor’d me with, I venture to call on your attention for a few moments in order to explain in a private letter my motives for not immediately granting an “exequatur” to Mr Jacques, who has been appointed Consul at Ste. Croix. It is not customary to receive Consuls in Colonies, the trade in nearly all being in ordinary times exclusive with the...
5157To James Madison from Nicolas Gouin Dufief, 20 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The exalted station in which you are placed Justifies me in considering you as a patron of literature, and the whole tenor of your life confirms that belief, therefore, I have forwarded you a proposal for the publication of the fourth edition of my “Nature Displayed” much improved. The sale of three editions and the urgent call for a fourth induces a belief that it has become a standard...
5158To James Madison from George Graham, 20 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Acting Secretary of War has the honor to submit to the President, the report made by the Commissioner of Claims, relative to his proceedings under the act, “authorizing the payment for property lost, captured, or destroyed by the Enemy, while in the military service of the United States, and for other purposes.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 14A–D1); letterbook copy...
5159To James Madison from John J. Crittenden, 21 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The only apology I can have for troubling you with this letter, is that the subject of it is a matter of public concern. The death of the late Judge Innes has occasioned a vacancy in the Federal Court for the District of Kentucky. Mr: John T Mason has been recommended to your Excellency, as I am told, as a proper person to supply that vacancy. Mr: Mason, I am informed, is personally known to...
5160To James Madison from Samuel Latham Mitchill, 23 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The bearer of this note is Dr. Alexander McLeod, a clergyman of much learning, piety and respectability, in the city of newyork. He feels it his duty, on visiting Washington, to pay his respects to the chief magistrate of a free people. I yield to his request, without hesitation; assuring you at the same time of his sound republican sentiments; of which he has given proof in several valuable...
5161To James Madison from the Pennsylvania Legislature, [23 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
The period of your retirement from the toils and anxieties of public life, having nearly arrived, permit the General Assembly of Pennsylvania to indulge their feelings in respectfully expressing their approbation of your official conduct, and the grateful sense they entertain of the ability, zeal and fidelity which marked the discharge of arduous and multiplied duties, imposed on you by an...
5162To James Madison from Leonard Peirce, 24 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
Having obtained the consent of my parents to enter as a cadet in the Military Academy of the United States I would solicit from you an appointment to the Academy at West Point should there not be a full complement of cadets there; and if there should, to any other Academy which Congress has or may or established at their present session I am eighteen years of age, and have received a thorough...
5163To James Madison from Thomas Cooper, 24 December 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Thomas Cooper. 24 December 1816. “Mr. Cooper presents his respects to the President of the United States & will have the honor to dine with him on Thursday next.” RC ( ViU ). 1 p. Federalist Thomas Cooper represented Delaware in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Congresses.
5164To James Madison from Nehemiah H. Mason, 29 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The purport of this, will I hope excuse the liberty I have taken; It is in behalf of a poor orphan who is now confined in the penitentiary at Philadelphia for the crime of letter robbery. William Yeatman, the name of him alluded to; was born in this county, of reputable parents, but had the misfortune to be deprived of them when he was an infant. He was then taken by his paternal uncle James...
5165To James Madison from the Citizens of Detroit, 30 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Petition of the subscribers, Citizens of the United States, inhabitants of the District of Detroit, in the Territory of Michigan, respectfully sheweth. That your Petitioners are Generally farmers and heads of families. That on the commencement of the late war, with Great Britain, they were settled, upon the Waters of river Rouge. That they remained at their homes, except the time they were...
5166To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 30 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to transmit, herewith, Nominations to the Senate of the United States, on behalf of Shubael Butterfield, Thomas G. Chase, Robert Lyman, William Brown, Edwin B. Newton, John H. Duncan, Elijah I. Weed, and Augustus de Rumford, to be second Lieutenants in the Marin⟨e⟩ Corps. Very respectfully, I have the honour to be, &c Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). JM forwarded the...
5167To James Madison from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 30 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed Letter was written at the instance of several Members of Congress, who, on enquiry, finding that I could not give them any information respecting the expense, the probably [ sic ] time of completing, or the measures taken to complete the Capitol, wished me to state to You, and to the Committees of the District, the opinion I expressed to them, on the System, which appeared to me...
5168To James Madison from William Brown, 31 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The death of the late Honble. H Innis, having produced a vacancy in the District Court of the United States for the State of Kentucky, and no appointment having yet been made, has induced a belief that further information, of the relative pretentions of the candidates, is desired. I reside at Cynthiana; And practice law in the adjacent counties, and Since the vacancy has happened, have heard...
5169To James Madison from Rufus Easton, 31 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to recommend Docr. Thomas Neale of the town of Jackson in the Territory of Missouri for the office of Marshall for that Territory. Docr. Neale is a man of respectable talents of good character and well qualified in every respect to discharge the duties of that office. He resides near the center of population, of the territory. I am with great respect Sir, your most obedt....
5170To James Madison from Alexandre Monnier, [31 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
Alexandre Monnier Marchand à buffalo (état de New york) venant de Richemond pour y vendre quelques terres, n’ayant pu y réussir forcé de Séjourner en cette ville depuis 12 Jours avec Sa famille, faute de moyens ayant été désapointé d’une Somme de 300 $ par georges Nelson négt. à Petersburg en Virginie. Après avoir inutilement fait toutes les démarches possibles pour Se procurer l’Argent...
5171To James Madison from Stephen Pleasonton, 31 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
Capt. Mullowny who holds the Commission of Consul at Tenneriffe, but who has not yet found it convenient to repair to his Station, has sent me the inclosed papers with a view to induce the appointment of Emanuel J. West as Vice Consul there, to act during his absence. The recommendations of Mr West are very respectable, and if he could be appointed, it would greatly accommodate Capt. Mullowny....
5172To James Madison from John Rhea, 31 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of addressing to You a Letter dated at the United States Factory in the Chactaw Nation—informing that a treaty was concluded by the Commissioners of the US—with the Chiefs of that Indian tribe. I hope that letter was received. The treaty was forwarded to the War office from Nashville by mail—and I am very much Gratifyed to know, by a letter from that office, that the treaty...
5173To James Madison from William Hardy Murfree, 31 December 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Hardy Murfree. 31 December 1816. “Mr. Murfree will do himself the pleasure to wait on Mr. Madison on Thurs at 4 O Clock.” RC ( ViU : Madison Papers, Special Collections). 1 p.; docketed by JM . William Hardy Murfree, a presidential elector for JM in 1812, served in the House of Representatives from North Carolina in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Congresses.
5174To James Madison from Timothy Pitkin, 31 December 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Timothy Pitkin. “Tuesday,” 31 December 1816. “Mr Pitkin will do himself the honor to dine with the President of the UStates, on Thursday next, agreeable to invitation.” RC ( NN : James Madison Papers). 1 p. Timothy Pitkin served as a Federalist from Connecticut in the House of Representatives between 1805 and 1819.
5175To James Madison from Minor Winn and Others, January 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Subscribers Citizens of the county of Mercer and State of Kentucky respectfully take the liberty to recommend Robert Trimble Esqr. of the county of Bourbon, as a man eminently qualified to fill the Office of District Judge of the United States Court for the Kentucky District which has become vacant by the death of the late Honble. Harry Innes. Mr Trimble is a member of the Bar of very high...
5176To James Madison from Sanford Clark, 1 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to remind your Excellancy that it is now well nigh three years since the above resolution passed the National Legislature and the same has not been carried into effect. I am Sir, with the compliments of the season, Your Excellancy’s Very Humble Sert. RC ( DNA : RG 45, Misc. Letters Received). At the top of his letter to JM , Clark wrote: “[‘]Resolved, by the Senate & House of...
5177To James Madison from William Donnison, 1 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I fear I am doing wrong in claiming any portion of your precious time. I know your situation seldom permits such intercourse—but an insolated individual in Massachusetts, without wealth, is hard to be heard at Washington—the conductors of the sound of his voice are few and interested; and the medium through which it passes, receives many impressions before it arrives at its ultimate...
5178To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have now the honour of laying before you, a Report of the operations of the Mint during the last year. From the statement of the Treasurer, herewith transmitted, it will appear, that within the above period, there have been struck & emitted— In silver coins, 67,153 pieces, amounting to 28,575 dollars & 75 Cents & in copper coins, 2,820,982 pieces, amounting to 28,209 dollars & 82 Cents. The...
5179To James Madison from Cyrus King, 1 January 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Cyrus King. 1 January 1817. “C King’s respects to the President of the U. S. acknowledges the invitation to dine on Thursday, but regrets that his health will not permit him to accept the honor thereof.” Adds in a postscript: “C King avails himself, with pleasure, of this opportunity to tender to Mr. and Mrs. Madison, with perfect respect, the compliments of the season.” RC ( DLC ). 1...
5180To James Madison from Juan Martín de Pueyrredón, 1 January 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Juan Martín de Pueyrredón. 1 January 1817, Buenos Aires. Being placed at the head of these provinces by the suffrage of the Congress of its representatives, and having had the honor, on a former occasion, of offering to JM the tribute of his respects, and at the same time of transmitting the act of the declaration of our independence of the ancient Government of the King of Spain and...
5181To James Madison from John Tyler, 1 January 1817 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ From John Tyler. Letter not found. 1 January 1817. “J. Tyler regrets, that owing to a previous engagement, he can not accept the President’s invitation to Dinner tomorrow.” Offered for sale as item 103 in William Reese Company, Archives & Manuscripts , Catalogue 331 (February 2016). Tyler, who would later become the tenth president of the United States, 1841–45, was elected to the Fourteenth...
5182To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 2 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday we lost one of the brightest ornaments of our institution, (Mr. Cadet Low), by ⟨the⟩ premature discharge of a piece of artillerys—this is the second deplorable accident that has happen⟨ed⟩ at this place in the space of 18 months, both under the immediate command and eye of Captn. Partridge. Captn. Crozet a distinguished artilleralist from France, now in the employ of our government,...
5183To James Madison from David Easterbrook and Others, 3 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Petition of David Easterbrook, William Taylor—and Paul Bentalou and Cumberland Dugan, Executors of James Clarke deceased, all of the City of Baltimore, Most respectfully Sheweth; That the Schooner President commanded by Clement Cathell was together with her Cargo both belonging to David Easterbrook one of your Petitioners, Seized by the Collector of the Port of Baltimore on her return from...
5184To James Madison from Samuel J. Mills, 3 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Subscriber is an Agent for the Board of Directors of an African School established under the care of the Synod of Nyork And N Jersey. The object of this school is to raise up Coloured young men for teachers and Preachers among their Brethren either in this Country or Abroad. The Honourable Synod taking into consideration the fact, that there were within the limits of the States probably...
5185To James Madison from Isaac Briggs, 4 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Application has been made to me for a letter of introduction to the President U.S. on behalf of Jane—widow of John Dauphin deceased, late a citizen of the United States and an inhabitant of this Borough. She visits the seat of Government, a petitioner for relief. Of her case I know nothing. With her I am not personally acquainted, nor have I had any acquaintance with her late husband; but I do...
5186To James Madison from William Hendricks and Others, 4 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Permit us sir to recommend to you John Vawter Esquire Of Jefferson County and state Of Indiana, for the Appointment of Marshal of said State as soon As a law Shall have passed authoricing Such Appointment. Mr. Vawter has heretofore had the confidence and patronage Of your Excellency in the Appointment Of Marshal for the Indiana Territory, the duties of which office we believe he has in every...
5187To James Madison from the Inhabitants of St. Lawrence County, New York, [8 January 1817] (Madison Papers)
To his Excellency the President of the United States and the honourable the Senate and house of Representatives in Congress assembled. The Petition of the undersigned humbly Sheweth. That your Petitioners Conceive it proper and expedient that a Law Should be passed annexing that part of Champlain District of the Customs Called the County of Franklin to the District of Oswegatchee in the State...
5188To James Madison from George Thompson, 8 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have Not Seen you for Nearly twenty five Years. I am now an Old Man and Still I am as Much in love with our beloved Country as any Man in the United States. The time is Near at hand that you Are to quit publick life & Mr. Monroe to take the presidential Chair. I hope & believe that We Shall be As Safe under him as We have been for the last Sixteen years. When I think that I am Never to See...
5189To James Madison from Charles Edwin Clayton, [ca. 9 January 1817] (Madison Papers)
F⟨r⟩ Charles Edwin Clayton of the town of Sparta in the county of Ontario and State of New-York, being duly sworn deposes and says that in the spring of the year one thousand eight hundred and thirteen, his eldest son Charles Clayton then a lad of sixteen years of age, ran-away from this deponent and without his Leave or consent, enlisted at Cayuga Bridge in the regiment of United States...
5190To James Madison from Jane Dauphin, 10 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Petition of Jane Dauphin Surviving Administratrix of John Dauphin deceased intestate humbly Sheweth, That on the day of in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nine the Schooner Mary a vessel licensed for the coasting trade belonging to said intestate with that part of the Cargo of said Schooner belonging to Said intestate, wer⟨e⟩ condemned as forfeited for a breach of...
5191To James Madison from James Eastburn, 10 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Will you permit me to lay before your Excellency the prospectus of a course of publications, which I should wish to usher before the public with the Sanction of your Excellencys name. I beg leave to refer your Excellency for my Character & standing, to the Hon: R. Rush, to whom I am personally known. I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedient & very humble Servant RC ( DLC ). The enclosure...
5192To James Madison from Thomas Worthington, 10 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whilst attending the Indian council at piqua in the year 1812 I was informed that the Wyandot Shawnee Delaware and Miamia tribes of Indians were about to divide the lands held in common among them and lying principally within the limits of the State of Ohio but in consequence of the war could not at that time effect it. At the close of the war one of the chiefs called on me and informed me...
5193To James Madison from Thomas L. McKenney, 10 January 1817 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ From Thomas L. McKenney. Letter not found. 10 January 1817, Weston, Maryland. Offered for sale by Gary Hendershott, Little Rock, Ark., Sale 83 (1994), item 29. Described as a one-page autograph letter, signed, reading “Mr. McKenney’s respects to His Excellency James Madison, and will do himself the honor to dine with him tomorrow at 4 o’clock.”
5194To James Madison from William Harris Crawford, [ca. 11 January 1817] (Madison Papers)
The former decision on this case is enclosed. The practice of the department forbids the idea of rev[i]ewing the decisions of a predecessor in office; but in this case the decision must be considered that of the President, who can alone review his decisions. It may be proper to state that the Collector opposes the remission. The other officers interested are friendly to the application. The...
5195To James Madison from Augustin Thierry, 12 January 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Augustin Thierry. 12 January 1817, Washington City. “M. Thierry aura l’honneur de se rendre Jeudi prochain à l’invitation de Mr. et Mde. Madison. “Il les prie d’agréer l’homage de son profond respect.” [Mr. Thierry will do himself the honor of complying with the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Madison for next Thursday.] RC ( NNC-RB : Schaefler Collection). 1 p.
5196To James Madison from John Graham, [ca. 13 January 1817] (Madison Papers)
Capt Austin of the Ship Persia states the circumstances of an illegal Blockade to which he was subjected in the Port of one of the Native Powers in India, by the British altho they were not at war with that Power. Also commercial Regulations in India. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). Undated; conjectural date assigned based on Henry Austin to James Monroe, also undated but filed at 13 Jan. 1817...
5197To James Madison from James Prentiss, 14 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
My apology for this address is, that it relates to public concern. Being advisd that Jno. T. Mason & Robt. Trimble Esquires are candidates for the Judicial department, to fill the vacancy occasiond by the death of the late Honle. H. Innis, I presume you will be pleasd to obtain information, touching the character, standing, and fitness of the candidates. I therefore take the liberty of giving...
5198To James Madison from John Rhea, 14 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writting to You Some days past —and at that time did expect that this day I would have been a considerable distance from this place on the way to the city of Washington—but the stage disappointed me, hindered, probably, by bad Weather—and since then the days and nights have been very cold here. I am very anxious to have the pleasure of seeing You before the third of next...
5199To James Madison from Henry Rutgers, 14 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance the Bearer hereof Mr Robert White an intimate friend of mine, & one of the Directors of the Manhattan Co: who is going to Washington on special business. Your accustomary attention, shewn to him I shall ever consider as given to myself, and on all occasions shall be happy to acknowledge it. I remain Dear Sir with unfeigned [e]steem Your most Obedient...
5200To James Madison from James W. Clark, 14 January 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James W. Clark. 14 January 1817. “J. W. Clark accepts Mr. Madisons invitation to dine with him on thursday next.” RC ( Nc-Ar : Miscellaneous Papers, ser. 1, 2:85). 1 p. James W. Clark was a Republican representative from North Carolina in the Fourteenth Congress.