5151To James Madison from William Wirt, 23 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
I thank you very sincerely for your letter of the 19th. inst. from Washington. The business of recommending a candidate for office is always disagreable to me; not only because I fear it may be assuming higher ground than I am entitled to occupy, but because I am fully aware of the swarms of applications by which you are importuned on every vacancy, and it is extremely painful to me to run the...
5152To James Madison from William Wirt, 23 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
As I intimated, in my last letter, a wish to make farther enquiries before I should answer decisively as to the proposition you were so obliging as to make to me, I think it probable you may expect to hear from me again on this subject. It is for this reason I trouble you now, with stating my willingness to accept the office, which I understand Mr. Hay has laid down. At the same time, I beg...
5153To James Madison from William Wirt, 10 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I understand that the office of attorney for the U.S. in the district of Virginia is vacant by the resignation of Mr. Hay; and if a successor be not already selected, I beg leave to present to your notice Mr: Abel P. Upshur of this city. The circumstance of Mr. Upshurs having read law under my direction and lived in habits of great intimacy with me for several years, has brought me closely...
5154To James Madison from William Wirt, 29 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have been deliberating for six months whether I should or should not write you on the subject of this letter. Were I a stranger to you, I should fear that it might subject me to the imputation of officiousness, and an idle & improper encroachment on your precious time—it might, too, with a mind differently constructed from yours, farther subject me to the unjust & degrading suspicion of...
5155To James Madison from William Wirt, 17 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
On passing through the county of Powhatan two days ago, I had the mortification to learn from a friend of mine that he had, with a kind yet illjudged officiousness, written to you in my behalf, recommending me for a military appointment. I was aware that you had lately received a similar intimation, through Mr. Brent, from another quarter; and ’though I had explained, immediately, to Mr. Brent...
5156To James Madison from William Wirt, 7 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
It is understood that the American consulate at Cadiz is vacant by the death of the late incumbent. If a successor have not been, already, appointed, or selected, I beg leave to recommend to your notice Mr. James Hagarty, a Virginian who was raised at this place, and who now resides at Cadiz. Mr. Hagarty has spent two or three years at Lisbon and Cadiz, and from the reports of the American...
5157To James Madison from William Wirt, 26 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
I understand that Mr. Boyle has resigned the government of the Illinois territory, and that Ninian Edwards, the President of the court of Appeals of Kentucky, has been thought of and perhaps named to you, as a fit successor. Having known Mr. Edwards, personally, from the time he was fourteen years of age untill he grew up to manhood and having for several years past maintained an intimate...
5158To James Madison from William Wirt, 10 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
Alexander McRae lately and for several years a member of the privy council and lieutenant Governor of this state, and Majr. John Clarke, as highly distinguished for his mechanical genius, are about to proceed to various parts of Europe on private business of considerable magnitude: such as is highly honorable to themselves and will, if they shall be successful, reflect benefit and lustre on...
5159To James Madison from William Wirt, 11 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I understand that we have lost Judge Tyler and that his place is to be immediately filled, will you give me leave to bring to your recollection for the appointment St Geo Tucker, late judge of our court of appeals. I do this without the privity of Judge Tucker much less without his authority; but I am under the impression that he will probably accept & I know of no one who would do more...
5160To James Madison from William Wirt, 21 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
*I presume it is not improper to address you, as filling the department which superintends the execution of the laws of the U.S. as to a difficulty which has presented itself, in the execution of a duty devolved on me, as the District atto’ of Virginia, under the act of the 3d. of March 1815, entitled “an act to vest more effectually in the state courts and in the district courts of the U.S....
5161To James Madison from Caspar Wistar, 23 February 1816 (Madison Papers)
The friends of Mr. Jno. Cuthbert, who Solicit of you for him the appointment of Consul at Hamburgh, have requested me to state to you what I know respecting him. If it were not for the reluctance I feel when intruding upon your valuable time it would be a gratification to do so, for all that I know is very pleasant to tell. He is a man of great Steadiness & regularity, & of excellent Conduct,...
5162To James Madison from Caspar Wistar, 22 April 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 April 1813. “Doctor Saml. Conover of this City having been mentioned to you as a Candidate for the place of Treasurer of the Mint, I beg leave to say that I have known him for more than twenty years & have allways Considered him as a Gentleman of honour & respectability.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
5163To James Madison from Caspar Wistar, Jr., 13 April 1811 (Madison Papers)
It is with great reluctance that I intrude upon your valuable time, but the occasion seems to demand it of me. The Patriotism of Mr. B. McClenachan during the revolution is I believe well known to you, & you are probably as well acquainted with his history since that period. He wishes me to state to you my opinion respecting his health, & capability of attention to the office which he solicits...
5164To James Madison from Caspar Wistar, Jr., 12 April 1810 (Madison Papers)
The letter which accompanies this was written at my request by one of my patients who lately commanded a Vessel in the London Trade. His communications respecting the subjects to which this letter refers appeared so interesting that I requested him to give me a statement in writing. Altho it is very probable that you have more full information, yet as it is possible that your communications...
5165To James Madison from Caspar Wistar, Jr., 22 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I assure you that I feel great diffidence & reluctance at writing on the subject which I am about to mention but I hope the nature of the Case which is my inducement will be my apology with you. There is now at Washington an Elderly Gentleman of this State who I believe is known to you Col: T. Matlack. He engaged in the service of his Country at the Commencement of the Revolution & Commanded a...
5166To James Madison from James Witherell, 27 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
Impressed with the nec[e]sstiy of having a secretary in the Territory, if that Office is vacant, I feel great confidence in recomme[n]ding Joseph Watson Esquire, as possessing the requisite qualifications —he is about thirty years old—of good natural, and acquired abilities, and temperate habits—he acquired the French language in Paris, when on a tuor with his Uncle, Elkanah Watson of...
5167To James Madison from Alexander Wolcott, 21 November 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have never entered on a subje[c]t with so much reluctance and hesitation as on that t⟨o⟩ which this letter will be devoted. This reluctance is owing to many causes, all applying to feeling, and which nothing could forc[e] me to resist, but a settled opinion that a public evil exists and that the public service impereously demands the application of the proper remedy. When Mr. Huntington was...
5168To James Madison from Alexander Wolcott, 11 June 1811 (Madison Papers)
I received a letter a short time since from a Mr. Jacob Ogden Jr., a native of this State, now residing at Havana, informing me that he contemplated establishing himself in business, either at Buenos Ayres or at Monte Video and expressing a wish to be appointed consul at one of those places. With regard to the expediency of such an appointment I have formed no opinion. I have had very little...
5169To James Madison from Oliver Wolcott, 1 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
In addressing to you my sentiments on a particular subject, I hope not to incur the imputation of presumption, or of being influenced by any other, than patriotic motives. The Ship President, with a gallant Crew, under the command of Commodore Decatur, is now ready for Sea, and it is generally believed, that he will proceed on a Cruize the first opportunity: if such are his orders, I have no...
5170To James Madison from Cathrine Wolger, 29 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
The humble Petition of the Subscriber to your Excellency begs leave to represent to you that she has been Confined in the City Goal for an Assault and Battery, and still remains Confined for the fines & fees which she [is] unable to discharge, she therefore solicits you will have the goodness to grant her a free Release from her present Confinement & she will be in duty bound ever to pray for...
5171To James Madison from Joseph Woodman and Others, 28 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 January 1811, Boston. The subscribers, members of the legislature of Massachusetts, “having Understood that there would probably be a District Attorney soon Appointed for the District of Maine in room of the Hon. Silas Lee, … recommend Benjamin Green Esquire of Berwick in the County of York as … well Qualified to discharge the Duties of that Office.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed...
5172To James Madison from P. Woods, ca. 15 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 15 January 1813, Frederick County, Maryland. Proposes a plan to increase the efficiency of troops in battle. “The plan is that an instrument, which may be called a rest, be placed in front of each platoon of infantry formed in line of battle.” Gives seven arguments for adopting the plan: “1st, Two or three volleys well directed against the enemy in the open field would operate so general,...
5173To James Madison from William Woods, [ca. 10 August] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Since the commencement of the last Session of Congress I have with unremitted attention noticed the procedings of the same so fare as in my power lay, and it has been with pleasure I have markd there procedings from step to step, I do confess that it is my opinion that the members of Congress have felt the weight of there high responcibility while Transacting buisness for the Goverment which...
5174To 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...
5175To James Madison from Augustus B. Woodward, 26 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
The intelligence of a pacification, if authentic, as I presume it is, makes a great alteration not only in the state and affairs of the nation, but also of most individuals; and will excuse my addressing you a line personally. I dare not undertake to determine for myself whether the enterprize I have in view, and of which you are apprized, would be advanced, or retarded by a gratification of...
5176To James Madison from Augustus B. Woodward, 14 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
The indifference which has sometimes been exhibited, in the execution of those regulations of the military department which relate to chaplains, has occasionally attracted the observation of a portion of the public. I think that I have heard both Major General Brown, and Major General Macomb, express their wish that a more strict attention were directed to this subject. Of the great delicacy...
5177To James Madison from Augustus B. Woodward, 12 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to the president of the united states the observations alluded to in a former letter; and to be, with the greatest respect, his obedient servant, Considerations addressed to the president of the united states, on the subject of opening an intercourse between the american and Chinese governments. Several features of similitude exist between china and the united...
5178To James Madison from Augustus B. Woodward, 27 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
During my stay here the subject of opening an intercourse between our government and that of China has been pressed on my attention. It is certainly a matter perfectly congenial with my sentiments, and wishes; and I have consented to lay before the President of the United States a memorial on that Subject. In any mission our government might deem advisable to that country I would consider Mr....
5179To James Madison from Augustus B. Woodward, 31 March 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1812, Michigan. Has “the honor to present his respects to the President of the United States; and to subject to his inspection the two enclosed papers.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, TP , Michigan). RC 1 p.; printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Michigan , 10:381. Enclosures 7 pp.; printed in Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections , 36 [1908]: 249–51. For enclosures, see n....
5180To James Madison from Augustus B. Woodward, 25 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Woodward has the honor to present his respects to the President of the United States of America, and to submit to his perusal a discussion on the organization of the executive departments of the government of the United States. The papers are the property of the honorable Judge Duvall, of the Supreme Court of the United States; to whom Mr. Woodward solicits of the President the favor that...
5181To James Madison from William B. Wood, 19 June 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty of informing You of our safe arrival in this country on the 22d of May—it being past the season for making a crop an object I thought it best to hire out our negroes and rent a House in this place which I have succeaded in beyond my utmost expectation, in consequence of this arrangement I have had an opportunity of seeing many parts of this state also the County of...
5182To James Madison from Ralph Randolph Wormeley, 15 February 1816 (Madison Papers)
Captain Wormeley presents his respectful Compliments to Mr. Madison, will do himself the honour to wait on him at Dinner on Saturday next. RC ( CSmH ). Son of Virginia Loyalist James Wormeley and nephew of Edmund Randolph, Ralph Randolph Wormeley (1785–1852) entered the Royal Navy in 1799, where he served throughout the Napoleonic Wars. He returned to the United States between 1816 and 1818 in...
5183To James Madison from Thomas Worthington, 26 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
In a letter addressed to Col. Monroe, then Secretary for the Department of War, in February last, I took the liberty of recommending the propriety of calling the Indians, North-West of the River Ohio together in council and the distribution of some presents among them. The object, was two fold, first to conciliate them and secondly to keep them together as long in the season as possible for...
5184To James Madison from Thomas Worthington and Others, 18 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
Being informed that the Indians between the rivers Mississippi and Ohio will probably be called together some time in the present spring for the purpose of settling a peace with them, the undersigned, take the liberty of communicating to you facts and opinions, together with a plan for your consideration which, if adopted, will, in their view of the subject, be highly beneficial to the nation,...
5185To 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...
5186To James Madison from Thomas Worthington, 11 September 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 September 1810, Chillicothe. Reports that William Creighton will resign as U.S. attorney on 20 Sept. and in that event Worthington and several others will recommend Lewis Cass, the present U.S. marshal, as his successor. For the position vacated by Cass he recommends the appointment of Jessup N. Couch. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Couch”). 1 p. JM received similar letters...
5187To James Madison from Thomas Worthington, 8 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 June 1812, Senate Chamber. Has been requested by the Indiana territorial delegate and others to provide JM with information about James Scott, who “is recommended by sundry Gentlemen as a suitable person to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of one of the judges there.” Scott received a “liberal education” and for some time taught “the dead languages in a seminary in Kentuckey.” He and...
5188To James Madison from Thomas Worthington, 30 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
In complying with the request of the General Assembly of Ohio, I have the ho⟨nor⟩ to transmit to you, a copy of resolutions passed by that body. Very respectfully RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , W-36:9). Docketed as received in the War Department in February 1816. The enclosed resolutions (2 pp.), plus a one-page certification by Ohio secretary of state Jeremiah McLene, noted that...
5189To James Madison from William Grafton Dulany Worthington, 22 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
With very peculiar sensibility I avail myself of this last opportunity, to return you, my humble & sincere acknowledgments for the honor you have Conferred on me by your selection in the Mission to South America. Born in this land of Freedom, nurtured in the pure theories of Algernon Sidney & Confirmed in the practical School of your illustrious predecessor, yourself & the great Cotemporaneous...
5190To James Madison from Robert Wright, 13 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
My Son William who was studying Law in Balt, at the last Campaign, was taken off into Capt McGruder’s Company of Artillery and was with it in the Action of Bladensburg and Baltimore so as to have been aliened From his Studies, and devoted to a Military Life. He was in Novr ult honored by an apptmt of Lieutt. of light Artillery and in the Organization of the peace Establishment was left out,...
5191To James Madison from Robert Wright, 9 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
On the appointment of the Honnble. Gabriel Duvall to be a Judge, I was honored by the Recommendation of the Republican Delegation of Maryland as his Successor, and being informed that Mr Bacon has resigned, I feel it due, to the deranged State of my Funds in the public Service to inform you that, the appointment to that office will be very acceptable, to Yr mo. Obt Servt RC ( DLC ). Docketed...
5192To James Madison from Robert Wright, 8 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
My Solicitude for the Success of the measures of the General-Government, will be my apology for the freedom I take in suggesting to you what in my Judgment will promote that Success. I have understood that a Detachment of the Regular Troops has been ordered to Annapolis. The present security of that place by the Fortifications, a Troop of Horse, a Company of Artillery and a Company of Infantry...
5193To James Madison from James Wyley and Others, 27 February 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Under signed Respectfully sheweth that they are Inhabitants of the Counties of Rowane and Blount in the state of Tennessee and that they live on the Northain boundaries of the Cherokee, Nation; they feel it their duty to make known to your Excellency the Maney Inormetes, thefts, Robberes, and varies deprodations; commited on their property, and the property, of their Borders. The whites...
5194To James Madison from Wilson Yandell, 22 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
Nothing but the most imparative Sense of duty & a religious regard for those principles in our government which your talents & indefatigable industry so eminently shared in establishing could induce me to address to you the following extracts. “All I regret is that government did not order us to a theatre of active war. Where we might have had an opportunity of serving our country with effect...
5195To James Madison from John Van Ness Yates, 14 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of submitting to the consideration of the President of the United States the enclosed document. It will be seen, that it relates to certain Soldiers who have been unable to obtain honorable discharges from their officers, and that Copies of the Opinions of several Gentlemen of the law accompany this document. Aware of the delicacy of calling the Attention of the Executive to a...
5196To James Madison from Edman Yeates, 4 September 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 September 1813 , “ Exeter Berks County Penna .” “The Petition of Edman Yeates respectfully sheweth that the Petitioner was some time past ordered by the Marshall of the Pennsylvania District to leave the City of Philadelphia the place of his residence for near 10 years past, & however distressing the case of the Petitioner he forthwith submited to the order and removed to Exeter Township...
5197To James Madison from Yona Equa, 31 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
General Love seeing the way we were impos on by our white neighbours advised us to apply to you to appoint some person who might see us done justice and settle any disputes that might arise betwine us and our white neighbors As Colo. Meigs lived at too great a distance, in consequence of this we Wrote a petition from Cowe signed by the headmen of twenty towns and sent it by mail from...
5198To James Madison from Joseph Young, April 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
April 1810, No. 53 Catharine Street, New York. Relates a theory on circulation of blood. Has published a treatise on the physical cause of all motion, the astronomical part of which the “Gnosti machi” have attacked. Appeals to “those of more Liberallity, and discernment.” Sends a volume of the treatise with a manuscript appendix and asks JM to submit it to William Eustis and Joel Barlow. Hopes...
5199To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 20 July 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Josef Yznardy. 20 July 1814, Cádiz. “The silence which I have experienced from Government has been very long, the last official letters I received from the Secretary of State was dated April 1809 & was answered by me on 7th. February 1810, at the moment of my leaving this City for San Lucar on business, with a view to return to this City to continue my obligations, but unfortunately I...
5200To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 20 May 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 May 1813. “Although I have not been honoured since the commencement of the year 1810 with any official communications, I have not omitted transmitting in proper time to the Department of State, the requisite information regarding the American Vessells captured by French Privateers, and sent into Sanlucar, Rota, and Port St. Mary’s: at the same time I forwarded by Duplicates, all the...