361To James Madison from Robert Slaughter Jr., 20 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
You will no doubt be surpris’d on reading this and at the same time think it assuming in me to be thus intermedling in other peoples affairs in which I have no concern but the motive I hope will be taken in its proper point of view and plead an apology. The Death of the late Mr. Alexr. Shepherd has I am afraid left his family (which now too frequently happins) in a very distressd situation....
362To James Madison from Bushrod Washington, 23 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
Since my return from Washington the trunk in my possession, containing letters to & from the General, has been carefully examined, and the enclosed have been taken from the bundles found in it. Not doubting but that a much larger number of your letters are in the trunks at Richmond, I have written to the Chief Justice to request that he will in the course of the summer look over those bundles...
363To James Madison from James Pleasants Jr., 25 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letters & documents have been put into my hands through the agency of Robert S. Rose, at this time a member of the N. York legislature. A perusal of them will give you at once a view of the object they have in view. Your answer is solicited at as early a moment as your leisure will admit, as their election takes place early in April. Be pleased to direct yr. answer to Smith...
364To James Madison from Edward Coles, 26 March 1820 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you a receipt for the 10$ you sent by me for the Agricultural Society of Albemarle. I presume Judge Todd will be with you by the time this will be received. I beg you will urge him to come by and pay me and my friends here a visit. He will make us all particularly happy by doing so. I propose to set out for the West on Monday or Tuesday (the 3 or 4 of April) and should be very much...
365To James Madison from Edmond Kelly, April 1820 (Madison Papers)
I this day read the presidents last message wherein (agreeable to a wish of the rusian Emperor) he recommends it to congress to deferr any resolution to occupy E Florida untill as I suppose it shall be convenient to Ferdinand to signify how he has or will dispose of it—very probably to England for an armament and money to subdue the south An. colonies or some of them. I consided [ sic ] the...
366To James Madison from Francis Preston, 5 April 1820 (Madison Papers)
I am thus far on my return from Phila. with a sad heart being totally disappointed in the object of my journey there—and shall have to witness the innevitable consequence of seeing my misguided and unfortunate brother reduced from affluence to indigence—but notwithstanding this deplorable result I shall always regard with the best feelings of gratitude and friendship your kind and friendly...
367To James Madison from James Patton, 10 April 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have just received your favor of the 6th. instant advising of your being about to forward to my care some wild Turkies by the steam Boat via Potomac Creek at the request of Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, to be addressed from hence, to the care of Messrs. Thos. & Wm. Earle & Co. of Liverpool. When they reach this, you may rely on the utmost care, and attention being paid to them in my power, and I...
368To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 11 April 1820 (Madison Papers)
Our brewing for the use of the present year has been some time over. About the last of Oct. or beginning of Nov. we begin for the ensuing year, and malt and brew 3. 60 galln casks successively , which will give so many successive lessons to the person you send. On his return he can try his hand with you in order to discover what parts of the processes he will have learnt imperfectly, and come...
369Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 11 April 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Our brewing for the use of the present year has been some time over. about the last of Oct. or beginning of Nov. we begin for the ensuing year, and brew malt and brew 3. 60 gall n casks successively , which will give so many successive lessons to the person you send. on his return he can try his hand with you in order to discover what parts of the processes he will have learnt imperfectly, and...
370To James Madison from Mark Langdon Hill, 17 April 1820 (Madison Papers)
When I came to this City for the first time at the commencement of the present session, I intended to do myself the honor to call and pay my respects to you & President Jefferson & pass by the way of Williamsburg to see my friend Col. Basset; but oweing to the press of business and the procrastinated time of adjournment, will oblige me to return home, without enjoying the pleasure intended....
371To James Madison from James Patton, 18 April 1820 (Madison Papers)
Since I had this pleasure under date the 10th. instant, I have received yours of same date with its inclosure for Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin as also the Turkies. They appear in high condition and their fixtures well calculated to protect them on the Passage across the Atlantic. No oppy. yet offers from this to Liverpool, and I fear none will soon so that I am anxious to hear from you whether it...
372To James Madison from John S. Barbour, 1 May 1820 (Madison Papers)
Your late favour reached me in due time. The Chancellor entertained great doubts upon the subject of the rents which had been received by Mr. Berkely Ward. He directed an argument from the Bar, which was made on Friday last and this day he has delivered his opinion. The Court decrees that you are entitled to the rents from filing the Bill of foreclosure, and upon this basis you have recovered...
373To James Madison from William J. Coffee, 3 May 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the Liberty of Inclosing you Small Acct which I Shall be much favord by recving in a few days when I Shall Call on my way home. Sir I Am with Much Respect and Esteem RC ( DLC ). On 25 May 1820 JM made out a receipt, which Coffee signed: “Recd. of James Madison fifty dollars seventy five Cents: being in full for Models & Busts made for him” ( CSmH ). For the busts of JM, Dolley...
374To James Madison from Hazlewood Farish, 3 May 1820 (Madison Papers)
The box for Mr. Cutts has been delivered to me, & shall be immediately forwarded to Washington. I am very Respy Dear Sir Your mo: ob. St RC ( DLC ).
375To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 May 1820 (Madison Papers)
Our troubles with Spain are not ended, nor is it possible to say when they will be. It was hoped and presumed that this minister would have been authorisd to settle every difficulty, but it appears that he came, simply, to ask explanations, and report those given to his government, to amuse, and procrastinate as his predecessor had done. He admits that he is personally satisfied, as to the...
376To James Madison from Elkanah Watson, 3 May 1820 (Madison Papers)
Having terminated my Canal and agricultural Labours, I take the liberty to enclose for your acceptance a work just published comprising a historical view of these objects. I am with profound respect RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Elkanah Watson, History of the Rise, Progress, and Existing Condition of the Western Canals in the State of New-York … Together with the Rise, Progress, and Existing...
377To James Madison from Alexander Tunstall, 10 May 1820 (Madison Papers)
Alexander Tunstall will attend with pleasure to the directions of Mr. Madison respecting a package containing two Books, which was received yesterday, per the ship Comet from London, directed to the care of Charles K. Mallory Esqr. He has no knowledge of the Cost of the Books, & therefore is unable to ascertain the duty on them. RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). Alexander Tunstall...
378To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 May 1820 (Madison Papers)
As the measures which were adopted at the last meeting of our visitors were of a very leading character I have thought it proper to inform our absent colleagues of them; and have delayed the communication only until I could add what has been done under the resolutions of the board. As this latter information has not been received by you, I inclose you my letter to General Taylor for perusal...
379To James Madison from John Rhea, 17 May 1820 (Madison Papers)
I did anxiously desire to have visited You as I passed through on my way home, and had anticipated the pleasure of seeing Mrs Madison and Yourself—but some business in Tennessee requires my attention as soon as possible. The late has been a long session of Congress, and there has been some troublesome business—inclosed is a copy of a speech and of a circular letter, which please to accept. In...
380Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 17 May 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
As the measures which were adopted at the last meeting of our visitors were of a very leading character I have thought it proper to inform our absent colleagues of them; and have delayed the communication only until I could add what has been done under the resolutions of the board . as this latter information has not been received by you, I inclose you my letter to General Taylor for perusal...
381To James Madison from Mason Locke Weems, 18 May 1820 (Madison Papers)
I send by the stage a copy of what the Critics in these things call “A very interesting history of the Great French War” —in all its ramifications, I presume, of numbers, moods, Cases &c &c! This Copy belongs to your modest & worthy Son P. Todd Esqr who subscribd to me for it, last winter. I can’t conclude without adding my fond hopes that Doctr. Hunter has had the honor to amuse yourself &...
382To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 2 June 1820 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ From Thomas Jefferson. Letter not found. 2 June 1820 . Enclosed in Dolley Madison to Lewis J. Cist, 4 July 1842 ( DLC : Dolley Madison Papers).
383To James Madison from Benjamin Silliman, 9 June 1820 (Madison Papers)
I learned with some mortification that my printed circular relative to the Journal of Science had been forwarded to you—which was contrary to my intentions. I beg leave however to return my thanks for your very handsome treatment of the subject & to acknowledge the receipt of the 5$ enclosure. I hope you will not think me presuming if I take the liberty of forwarding the 1st. No of Vol 2...
384To James Madison from Thomas Sumter Jr., 9 June 1820 (Madison Papers)
Having by chance obtained in this distant part of the World from the Artist who took it 20 years ago, a portrait of Mr. Jefferson which is said by conoisseurs to be admirable for its execution, and which I think is the best likeness I have ever seen of him; I am convinced, if neither they nor I are mistaken on these points, that there are many persons in the U. States who have higher claims to...
385To James Madison from Levett Harris, 15 June 1820 (Madison Papers)
After having spent fourteen years of my life in the Service of my Country, and having had so distinguished a Share in the establishment of our Relations with the Emperor of Russia, I returned to the US under a full conviction of enjoying, as I felt I deserved, the countenance & Confidence of my Government at home, as I had done abroad. But I had not been long here, before I was apprized by Mr....
386To James Madison from William Maury, 19 June 1820 (Madison Papers)
I received, & thank you for your very friendly letter to me at Charleston last year, which set my mind at ease, as you would accept no apology for a Merchants interference with Agriculture. This letter relates only to my proper department, it is to ask you to ship your Crop (which I am informed is now in Fredericksburg), on board the Arethusa, a remarkably fine coppered Ship, now loading at...
387To James Madison from George Alexander Otis, 20 June 1820 (Madison Papers)
The translator of de Pradt’s Europe for 1819. hopes it may find acceptance as an apology for addressing So distinguished a fellow Citizen as the twice elected Chief Magistrate of the only free Nation. The writer also begs permission to offer the first Volume of his translation of Botta, which if it should be so fortunate as to meet the approbation and merit the high patronage of the late...
388To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 21 June 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your Letter of the 13th. instt. The error in the printed Journal of the Convention, by which the motion on the 7th. of September for the establishment of a Council of State, is ascribed to you, is in the original list of yeas and nays, taken at the time by the Secretary, who probably in the hurry of writing made the mistake which you suggest of your name...
389To James Madison from Frances Wright, 28 June 1820 (Madison Papers)
The Tragedy of Altorf, a copy of which I presume to request your acceptance, was favourably received, some time since, in the Theatres of New York and Philadelphia. The kindness which, as a young and unknown Author, I then experienced, has added sentiments of heartfelt gratitude and affection to that admiration which I had previously conceived for the people of America, from the consideration...
390To James Madison from Levett Harris, 29 June 1820 (Madison Papers)
I return You my acknowledgments for Your very kind Reply of the 21st inst to the Letter I had the honor to address You on the 15th. I purpose leaving here in All next Week for Monticello, on a Visit to Mr Jefferson, whose Stay there, he writes me is limited to about two Weeks, and I shall thence Repair to pay my Respects at Montpellier. I beg You to Accept in Advance the Renewed Assurances of...
391To James Madison from Joseph Wheaton, 1 July 1820 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed copy of a Statement (correctly made,) is some evidence of the truth of the memorial presented to the House of Representatives United States in N. York when you was a member of it, and which with your aid gave me the appointment of Sergeant at Arms to that Honorable Body, with that memorial and the enclosed Statement, and your personal knowledge of me for thirty years past, with...
392To James Madison from Peter Cardelli, 19 July 1820 (Madison Papers)
J’ai expedie deux bustes pour Votre Exellance au potomac crik dans le memme endrois que j’avais envoye; les Autres—Un c’est celui de Mr. Jefferson —et l’Autre de Mr. Clay ils ont une preparation que l’on peut toujour les laver. Je suis pret a partir bien tot; mon intention est de faire un grand tour jusque à la nouvelle Orleans et eax Quantoqui en debitent mes Ouvrajes; mes forses sont bien...
393To James Madison from Lafayette, 22 July 1820 (Madison Papers)
I Have not Had for a Long time the pleasure to Hear from You, and Beg You not to Leave me in this painful privation of Your Correspondence. It Has been Lately my fate to be entangled in a Long, boisterous Session; where much has been Said in favour of liberty, but much Has been perpetrated against it. Yet upon the whole I do not know whether the talkers Have not Had the advantage of the doers....
394To James Madison from George Watterston, 4 August 1820 (Madison Papers)
I beg you to accept the accompanying copy of a little work of mine, published a few winters ago. With most of the characters delineated in it, you are, I believe, well acquainted & will therefore be enabled to judge of the truth & correctness of the Sketches. I have it in contemplation to undertake a history of your administration, which I conceive to be the most interesting period, except the...
395To James Madison from Andrew Ramsay, 5 August 1820 (Madison Papers)
Mr. John Graham arrived at my house on the 23d. ultimo from Rio de Janeiro, in extreme ill health, and is now greatly worse—indeed, becoming weaker and weaker every day. His liver is seriously affected, and with it, a severe bowel complaint, which has reduced him to a mere skeleton. We are under the most serious apprehensions as to the result, and unfortunately, his brother Mr. George Graham...
396To James Madison from Jacob De La Motta, 7 August 1820 (Madison Papers)
The services of those who have acted well for their Country, can never be requited; and in a government like ours, the retirement of the first magistrate and relinquishment of his exalted station; does not lessen the respect that the people should, at all times entertain for him. Under this impression, and believing that you have ever been, and still continue to be, liberal in Your views of a...
397To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 13 August 1820 (Madison Papers)
I recieved yesterday the inclosed Letter proposing to me an interposition which my situation renders impracticable. The gentlemen of my family have manifested at times some opposition to mr. Nelson’s elections: which has produced an intermission of intercourse between the families: and altho’ I never took the smallest part in it, and nothing but what is respectful has ever passed between mr....
398Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 13 August 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday the inclosed letter proposing to me an interposition which my situation renders impracticable. the gentlemen of my family have manifested at times some opposition to mr Nelson ’s elections: which has produced an intermission of intercourse between the families: and altho’ I never took the smallest part in it, and nothing but what is respectful has ever passed between mr...
399To James Madison from Andrew Ramsay, 30 August 1820 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to receive your letter of the 13th. instant, and to communicate its contents this morning to Mrs. Graham, who returned to my house yesterday, after a short visit to her relations in Maryland. To a mind filled with deep affliction, and to the family throughout, your friendly and affectionate expressions of condolence at the death of Mr. Graham, together with Mrs. Madison’s,...
400To James Madison from Richard Rush, 30 August 1820 (Madison Papers)
The Mr Keilsall to whom the enclosed letter is addressed, I have not, by all the inquiries which it has been in my power to make since I came to London, been able to find out. I therefore return it, not without regret at my disappointment, which however is lessened by the excuse which the act of returning it affords me of writing to you. The last time I had that pleasure, was, if I recollect...
401To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 2 September 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have long intended to write to you but somehow or other have neglected it—it is a long while since we have seen each other—within a few days it will be 33 Years the day we dined together on signing the Constitution —what changes have taken place since & in my opinion, one of the worst to us is that we are so much older than we were then—for in spite of all that the divines & philosophers may...
402To James Madison from Mackay & Campbell, 4 September 1820 (Madison Papers)
Your favour 1st. inst. to our prior, covering your sett of exchange on Maury & Latham for £100 Sterlg. is before us. Seven weeks ago we Valued on these Gentlemen for £150 Stg. on account your 8 Hhd’s Tobacco & on account 8 Hhds of our own, Shipped per Scipio, Capt. Drummond, from Jas. River. Our Bill was made under the supposition that we were to Value for proceeds your Tobo. as well as our...
403To James Madison from Thomas Ewell, [6] September 1820 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of directing this to you, to ask your encouragement of an establishment designed to promote medical science, by the means of relieving the diseased poor around us. There is not in our country a population equal to that of this city and Georgetown, (exceeding twenty thousand,) which has not some medical institution for the relief of the sick. In addition to the number of poor...
404To James Madison from Bernard Smith, 6 September 1820 (Madison Papers)
Having voted against the proposed restriction on Missouri, attempts are making to prevent my re-election to a seat in Congress. This question is not generally understood and the restrictionists are actively employed in endeavoring to destroy the popularity of those who opposed the measure. In 1804, you appointed me to a situation in the Dept. of State, which I held for Six years. Soon after my...
405To James Madison from Maury & Latham, 13 September 1820 (Madison Papers)
We beg leave to inform you that by the Scipio, Capt Drummond, for Norfolk, we shipped the goods you directed should be purchased, and consigned them to Mess Moses Myers & Son, requesting them to receive Mess Mackay & Campbells instructions respecting them. We judged it best to send them to Norfolk as there may be no vessel from hence to the Rappahannoc this twelvemonth. We must apprize you...
406To James Madison from George Hay, 18 September 1820 (Madison Papers)
When I left Montpelier, I did not imagine that we should bring away more than we had carried. I find however, that three books belonging to the library, and a fourth belonging to Mr. T’s room, were transferred from the apartment to which Mrs. Scott was conducted, to Mrs. Hay’s chamber, and stowed away by her maid among her baggage. This petty larceny was not discovered until several days after...
407To James Madison from Bernard Smith, 20 September 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the letter which you did me the honor to write to me on the 13th. inst. The reasons which you give, for not wishing publicity to be given to your opinion as to the manner in which I discharged my official duties, while you were at the head of the Govt., are satisfactory. It is gratifying to me to learn, that you “should always be ready to bear the testimony requested, under...
408To James Madison from James Monroe, 22 September 1820 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶From James Monroe. Letter not found. 22 September 1820 . Offered for sale in The Collection of Autographs of Hon. James T. Mitchell (Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 731 [1894], 77).
409To James Madison from Edward P. Page, [ca. 24 September 1820] (Madison Papers)
[ … ] I am greatly encouraged to find that what I have been zealously contending for has recently been maintained by the Revd. Holland Weeks of Abingdon Massachusetts. A council of Presbyterian ministers have excommunicated him for entertaining similar dangerous heretical opinions to mine. Glory to God Babylon is on fire he declared before his judges “there is not a single truth remaining in...
410To James Madison from Edmond Kelly, 26 September 1820 (Madison Papers)
I hope you are perswaded that no wish to catch at popularity Induced me to write my former letters—that is the road usually traveled by obscure demagogues whose object it is to exalt themselves, and I wd. deserve contempt had I been actuated by any such motive—every days experience verifies the truth of Lord Mansfields observation that the applause of the mob is not always the meed of merit,...