5201To James Madison from Lafayette, 11 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
Amidst the services I would be happy to render to the U.S. I set in the first rank an acquisition so precious, that America is the only Country upon earth which I cannot grieve to see benefitted by the loss of France. General Bernard whom the Polytechnic School glories to have possessed, has so eminently distinguished himself in the Corps of Engineers, namely on the fortification of Antwerp,...
5202To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 31 October 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have just been honoured with your favour of Septr. 5th. which has been so long on the road in consequence of its going round by way of Natchez. I am gratified to find that my communication to you was acceptable, and still more so to be able to repeat my assurances that the expedition is at an end. One of the leading partizans takes to himself the merit of having induced the government to...
5203Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 15 October 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Tho late, I congratulate you on the revocation of the French decrees, & Congress still more; for without something new from the belligerents, I know not what ground they could have taken for their next move. Britain will revoke her orders of council, but continue their effect by new paper blockades, doing in detail what the orders did in the lump. the exclusive right to the sea by conquest is...
5204To James Madison from Chiefs and Warriors of the Six Nations, 28 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
The undersigned chiefs and Warriors of the Oneida, Onondaga, Stockbridge Tuscarora and Seneca Tribes of Indians as far West as Tonawanta, regularly deputed by our respective Tribes have this day lighted up a Council Fire at Onondaga, the Ancient Council ground of the Six Confederate Nations of Indians, and have invited our white Brothers of Onondaga to meet with us and hear what we have to...
5205To James Madison from Hobohoilthle, 29 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am going to talk to you my friend and brothers, This day I talk to you, the one who sits in General Washingtons place, you will expect this talk is from me the King of this Nation. When you see it you will expect it is come from your friend the same as if it was gione from my mouth and that it is straight. It is from the Chief principal towns now met who send this talk Cowituh and Cussituh....
5206To James Madison from William Jones, 25 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed are copies of the last received from Com. Chauncey. I regret to find that the enemy raised the schooner which had been sunk with the guns and stores onboard and that we have lost seven guns instead of two as I had supposed. Except the heavy guns the loss is unimportant as the entire upper deck battery of the President Frigate consisting of 42 ? carronades were sometime since...
5207To James Madison from John Armstrong, 11 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
About 1 oclock this morning I received the enclosed letters from Major Gen. Hampton. I immediately answered by express—that “the Main army was descending the St. Laurence; that notice of its approach would be given to him; that he must immediately make another movement in a direction which should secure to him the ability either of effecting a junction with it, or of detaining the enemy on the...
5208To James Madison from Jonathan Russell, 10 June 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have learnt with much pain that Mr Pinkney, the American Minister at London, has publicly censured, with great asperity, my conduct, as it relates to him, since I have been entrusted with this legation. The only charge however which he has preferred against me, with any precision, is that my correspondance with him has been incorrect, inasmuch as I did not communicate to him the seizure of...
5209To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 12 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
To save time, I inclose the rough sketch of a second letter to the General Officers, giving a view of the effect of the Act of Congress on the preexisting military code. You will perceive that it corresponds with the view which Mr. Monroe had taken of the subject. It seems indispensable that the Adjutant General’s Office should be retained, to connect the War Department, by a proper link, with...
5210To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 7 October 1811 (Madison Papers)
It has been suggested that the provisions of the non-intercourse Act which forbid the importation of articles of British growth, produce or manufacture are violated by certain coasting vessels, in the following manner. Masters of vessels bound from a port of the United States, to another port of the United States enter on their manifest, certified by the Collector of the port of departure, a...
5211To James Madison from John M. Gardner, 27 August 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 August 1813 , “ US Gun Boat No 67 .” “Recent occurrences in the Navy Department have imposed on me the painful duty of appealing to you as the commander in cheif of the army and navy of the UStates to obtain that justice to which I consider myself entitled, and which if I am right, in this opinion I am sure I may confidently expect at your hands. In making this appeal I pray you to beleive...
5212To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 3 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
I rather think that Mr. Serurier mistakes the temper of his government if he thinks to recommend himself by a zeal so intemperate & a stile of writing so little suited to the dignity of his station as is observed on every occasion that he has for indulging his favorite talent of complaint. I may be decieved, but I believe he will get a reprimand instead of praise for his manner of treating...
5213To James Madison from Finis Ewing, 27 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The only apology which I shall offer for troubling you with the perusal of a letter, from an unacquainted friend, is the gratification I feel as a citizen, in expressing my most cordial approbation of your conduct, as the chief Magistrate of a great and free people. Such expression, I think the duty, in some way, of every friend to his Country, who feels for himself, and anticipates for his...
5214To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 20 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
I almost blush at my own presumption when I take the liberty of addressing you upon the present occasion. There is not a man in America, who has more uniformly than myself felt a confidence in the principles and wisdom of the national executive: and if a knowledge of local circumstances, induce me to become a humble petitioner in behalf of thousands around me; I trust it will be ascribed to...
5215To James Madison from Willie Blount, 21 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
Feeling a warm interest in the Welfare of the United States, a respect for you, and a desire to assist in bringing men of Talents and Worth in aid of your Administration of the affairs of the people of the United States, are reasons why I take the liberty of recommending to your Notice and Consideration a worthy and respectable Man Col. John McKee, at present at Natchez who will feel himself...
5216To James Madison from John Smith, 7 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing a transcript of Governor Harrison’s Letter of the 22d. Ult. & of the Papers therein mentioned. The originals have been forwarded to the Secretary of War at Boston. I am with perfect respect, &c. &c. &c. 22 August 1810, Vincennes. Describes his meetings between 12 and 21 Aug. with the brother of the Prophet, Tecumseh, who is “the great man of the Party.” Tecumseh’s...
5217To James Madison from Benjamin Waterhouse, 18 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
Duty, and the consideration of a large family impel me to address the President of the United-States at this period of the reduction of the army. It is pretty well known that from the time of “ the affair of the Chesepeake frigate ,” that I, with my friend J. Q. Adams, (who was then on a visit in my family) abandoned the ranks of the Federalists; and have ever since steadily supported the...
5218To James Madison from Paul Carrington Jr., 17 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Conformably to an order of a general meeting of the people of Charlotte at their Court-house I transmit to you a Copy of their Proceedings. The Coincidence of your order, and the people’s sentiments, is satisfactory evidence of their truth, and justice; and I am the more gratifyed, as I am forceably reminded of our early acquaintance in 1786, and 1787, when we generally concurred in important...
5219To James Madison from Charles Gobert, 29 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
On the 7th. of this month, I had the honor of Tendering to your Excellency, for public service, The Hydro-war-ship which I have invented for the efficient defence of our Bays & harbours, & which is precisely in the purview of the act passed by Congress for that express purpose on the 5th. of this month & for the execution of which they have appropriated 500,000 Drs. I would have been happy to...
5220Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 21 June 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
your favor of the 6 th has been recieved, and I will beg leave to add a few supplementory observations on the subject of my former letter. I am not a judge of the best forms which may be given to the gunboat; and indeed I suppose they should be of various forms suited to the varied circumstances to which they would be applied. among these no doubt Commodore Barney’s would find their place....
5221To James Madison from Return Jonathan Meigs, Jr., 1 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit the foregoing resolution and embrace the Opportunity of expressing the high Esteem with which I am Sir your Mo Ob st 26 December 1811. Reviews the conduct of the European belligerents toward the U.S. and describes the consequences as “a scourge from heaven.” “A retrospective view of the sufferings, injuries, and insults which have flowed to this country, from a...
5222To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 24 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had intended to leave this for Orange to morrow; but, under an impression that the late accounts from England must necessarily bring you here for a few days in order to make the arrangements & give the directions required by this unexpected change of circumstances, I have concluded to wait at least for your answer. That will reach this city on Sunday morning; and if you conclude not to come,...
5223To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
I was duly honored with the receipt of your Letter of the 1st. of October, and took immediate measures to procure “some perfect fruits of the Bow wood of Louisiana, and some perfect Seeds of the same.” This wood is not to be found in this vicinity; But it grows (I learn) in the Parish of Feliciana in this State, and near to Fort Adams in the Missisippi Territory, from whence I hope soon to...
5224Thomas Jefferson’s Memoranda to James Madison, [ca. 4–11 March 1809] (Jefferson Papers)
Memoranda for the President. Information having been recieved in October last that many intruders had settled on the lands of the Cherokees & Chickasaws; the letter from Gen l Dearborn to Col o Meigs was written to have them ordered off, & to inform them they would be removed by military force in the spring if still on the lands. these orders remain still to be given, & they should go to the...
5225To James Madison from Joseph Wheaton, 10 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I feel it my duty to give you Some information relative to this post. Immediately on the ill advised, and unfortunate affair of Genl. Winchester at the river reason, in the total loss of one thousand men, General Harrison, as Soon as it came to his knowledge that the wild attempt was made to take post there, unprovided with provision, amunition and without any forces in his rear within...
5226To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 10 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
Believing it essential to the happiness of every Community that each Individual should aid in promoting the Public Good, leads me, without apology to submit the following Suggestions: Of Primary Importance to this Country, in order to securing its Peace & Prosperity, is the Balance of Trade. One Means to obtain this, is, our own Manufactures. Of these, the most essential are, every article...
5227To James Madison from William McIntosh and Alexander Cornells, 6 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
It has been four or five years since we was to see you at the seat of Goverment—when we had the pleasure of seeing you—we agreed to ⟨lend?⟩ you a small path for the benefit of a mail path and our Brother white Travellers to pass through —and it has never been made yet, for the Officers that you send here is not Strait people—the first was Mr Bloomfield who came in this Country almost a Beggar....
5228To James Madison from David Howell, 26 November 1810 (Madison Papers)
After prevailing on the late Judge Cushing to retain his office for several years, under the failure of his powers, lest a Republican Should succeed him, the Federalists have had the address to unite with that Fraction of the Republican party in this State, which is inimical to Governor Fenner & his Friends, in recommending Asher Robbins, Esquire, of Newport, in this State, to succeed him. I...
5229To James Madison from William Jones, 1 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
Respectfully offered for the consideration of the President. The late disaster is the result of a desperate enterprise of the enemy and a too confident security on our part. It is strictly in the nature of a surprise and cannot again happen. The capitol, the Presidents mansion, the Treasury, War, & Navy Buildings have been destroyed, but in all other respects the seat of government remains the...
5230To James Madison from the Chiefs and Warriors of the Ottawa, Chippewa, Potawatomi, and Wyandot Nations, 13 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
We the undersigned Cheifs and warriors of the Mawwa Chipowa Potawawtomie and Wyandots Nations, living within the United States of America upon the waters of the Lakes and vicinity, On behalf of Ourselves and Nations, request Our Father the President of the United States listen to Our desires. It is well known to Our Father the President that we your red Brethern cannot make known our mind and...
5231To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 14 May 1811 (Madison Papers)
The reports which I some time since communicated to you relative to the dispositions towards the government of the United States existing in a part of the country lately taken possession of, adjacent to the Mississippi, render it proper that I should state to you the impressions which have resulted from personal observation. I have lately been attending at Baton Rouge as a witness in the case...
5232To James Madison from William Harris Crawford, 1 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of August last, enclosed in one from Mrs Custis, has been recd. Colo. De Greffe, the Gentleman referred to, has not called upon me, nor do I know whether he has been in Paris. If he is here, it is very probable, that he has been prevented from calling, by the representations of Mr Warden, thro’ whom, Mrs Custis conveyed her letter. The conduct of Mr Warden since he has been removed...
5233To James Madison from George Joy, 19 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Maury has transmitted to Monroe M.S. copy of a peice that I had the good fortune to get into the Times of the 24th. Ult. I am not advised of his having had an opportunity of sending the enclosed rejoinder to a note of the Editor thereon which however he has refused to insert from, among other things, “the absolute want of room for new correspondents when the Journal cannot afford space...
5234To James Madison from Abner Beckham and Thomas C. Warner, [ca. 4 July] 1812 (Madison Papers)
A number of the Inhabitants of this Parish, having assembled, to commemorate as well the Anniversary of American Independance, as those events which have united them, with its government, they should feel themselves, deficient in sensibility and gratitude were they to omit the present occasion of addressing of you. Situated on a Frontier where our sources of information are limited and...
5235To James Madison from Alexander McRae, 11 August 1809 (Madison Papers)
On the 22nd. Ult. I enclosed to Mr. Jefferson a letter from Mr. Wirt, communicating in substance the information contained in Mr. Wirt’s letter to you, (which I had the honor of forwarding about the same period) concerning the object which carries Majr. Clarke & myself to Europe. I have received from Mr. Jefferson a very friendly answer, containing letters of introduction which place Majr....
5236To James Madison from John Geddes, 14 May 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1813, Charleston. “Knowing the situation of our Country, and the important duties you have had to discharge, I have been unwilling to permit myself to intrude much on your time on any occasion—yet I cannot but participate in the feelings, and anxieties felt for the safety and honor of the Nation. Our exposed situation in many parts of the United States, and our extensive Sea Coast,...
5237To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 10 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
I respectfully request permission to submit to your perusal the enclosed papers, merely for information. You will appreciate the injury to the service & myself from the unprecedented exclusion of a late officer from his books and papers. Mr. Mifflin, late deputy commissary, who first made the obstructions appears on the books a debtor in $444. & never returned an answer to my request that he...
5238To James Madison from David Howell, 18 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
The object of this letter is to bring under your view, the grounds whereon I consider the office of Collector of the Customs for the Port of Providence as claimable by my Son, intending only to discharge the duty I owe to him, and the Public, and hoping to keep in mind the delicacy of the task. In the year 1808 Col. J. Olney resigned that Office, my Son had then held the place of an Inspector...
5239To James Madison from Thomas Flournoy, 6 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
The situation in which I am placed in consequence of my having received no letters from the war department in answer to some of those which I have fowarded, on subjects vitally connected with the public welfare—at war with the Creek Indians who are laying waste the frontier of this territory, at a loss how to conduct myself towards the Spaniards, who secretly abet those Indians; I have taken...
5240To James Madison from William Pinkney, 22 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have received a Letter from Mr Dallas (of the 16th.) from which it appears that he had not been applied to by Mr. Gallatin to assist in the Cases in the supreme Court of the US. in which it was thought his Aid would be advisable, and further that he would be willing to assist if applied to. Although I shall be perfectly prepared to argue one of them (the Case of the French National Vessel)...
5241To James Madison from Daniel D. Tompkins, 3 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
It is with pain I have to inform you that the state of things on the Niagara frontier of this State is truly distressing. An express, who arrived last evening, brought intelligence of the destruction of the village of Buffalo, which was preceeded by the capture of Fort Niagara, with its immense stores, by the burning of Lewiston, Manchester, (Schlosser) & all the buildings near the Niagara...
5242To James Madison from Batran G. Hipkins, 12 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 July 1813, Washington. “Conceiving myself to have been much aggrieved by an act of the late secretary of the Navy, & having in vain applied to his successor for redress, I am under the necessity of making an appeal to you. I know that these appeals are not common, & probably it is only on an occation like the present, when condemnation instead of following guilt has preceeded tryal when an...
5243To James Madison from John Wayles Eppes, 1 November 1810 (Madison Papers)
My absence from chesterfield prevented my receiving your letter until a few days since. When the papers relating to the proceedings of the convention were put into my hands for the purpose of being copied Mr. Jefferson was very particular in his charge. I understood from him perfectly that it was a trust entirely confidential. The particular and confidential manner in which he entrusted them...
5244Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 16 July 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday from our friend Gov r Nicholas a letter stating that very advantageous offers had been made to his son at Baltimore (late a colonel in the army) which would induce him to go and fix himself at Leghorn , and that it would add very much to his prospects to be appointed Consul there, and counting on my knolege of the character of his son , he supposed my testimony of it to...
5245To James Madison from John Everingham, [ca. 1 March 1816] (Madison Papers)
The Petition of John Everingham, of the City of Charleston in the District aforesaid—Respectfully Sheweth; That during the Session of the District Court of the United States for the District aforesaid in December last, a Judgment was obtained against your petitioner on a Bond in the penal sum of five thousand Dollars, given for the Privateer Schooner Lovely Cordelia. That your Petitioner was...
5246Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 November 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night yours of the 27 th & rode this morning to Col o Monroe’s . I found him preparing to set out tomorrow morning for Loudon , from whence he will not return till Christmas. I had an hour or two’s frank conversation with him. the catastrophe of poor Lewis served to lead us to the point intended. I reminded him that in the letter I wrote to him while in Europe proposing the...
5247To James Madison from William Jones, 18 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have deemed it proper to submit to your inspection the enclosed letter from Commodore Bainbridge respecting the irregularity and serious evil arising from the loose and uncontroled manner in which communications by flags of truce with the ships of the enemy are conducted, and respectfully invite your attention to the subject with a view that some settled regulation may be adopted if you...
5248To James Madison from John Kilbourn, 24 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty, although, personally, a total stranger, of writing this communication. Dr. E. Tiffin, esqr. can inform you more particularly of me. The western mail has this moment arrived, and brought the following letter without name. The following is a literal copy from the original now before me. “August 16th 1812. Fort Detroit Surrendered to Major Genl. Brock Commanding his Brittanic...
5249To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 12 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
It is a long time since I have had the honor to address a letter to you personally; but I hope you will not impute my silence to a want of respect, or to a forgetfulness of your favor and friendship; for I can most truly assure you that it has not been owing to either; but more to an apprehension of intruding upon your time, which must of late, have been very much occupied, and which is too...
5250To James Madison from Richard M. Johnson, 12 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recommended for the appointment of Chaplin the Revd Joel Haden to th[e] Sec of war & hope it will meet your sanction as he is one of the first men in this county for talents & correctness. I feel some Solicitude also for the appointment of John T. Mason as deputy Commissary. I have had as difficult a task here as I have always had a hard one at the City in relation to the 1500 $ to...