51From James Madison to George Washington, 3 March 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Convention of N. Hampshire has afforded a very disagreeable subject of communication. It has not rejected the Constitution; but it has failed to adopt it. Contrary to all the calculations that had been made it appeared on the meeting of the members that a majority of 3 or four was adverse to the object before them, and that on a final question on the merits, the decision would be in the...
52To George Washington from James Madison, 7 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
My last inclosed a continuation of the Fœderalist to number 14 inclusive. I now add the numbers which have succeeded. No authentic information has yet arrived concerning the posture of Europe. Reports, with some less doubtful symtoms, countenance the suspicions of war. I understand that the Constitution will certainly be adopted in Connecticut; the returns of the deputies being now known, and...
53From James Madison to George Washington, 2 July 1784 (Madison Papers)
The sanction given by your favor of the 12th. inst: to my desire of remunerating the genius which produced Common Sense , led to a trial for the purpose. The gift first proposed was a moiety of the tract on the Eastern Shore, known by the name of “the Secretary’s land.” The easy reception it found induced the friends of the measure to add the other moiety to the proposition which would have...
54To George Washington from James Madison, 20 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
It was my purpose to have dropped you a few lines from Philada but I was too much indisposed during my detention there to avail myself of that pleasure. Since my arrival here I have till now been without a fit conveyance to the post office. You will recollect the contents of a letter shewn you from Mr Innis to Mr Brown. Whilst I was in Philada I was informed by the latter who was detained...
55To George Washington from James Madison, 12 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
Mr Madison presents his respectful compliments to the President of the United States, with a letter from Arthur Cambell Esqr. which an accompanying letter to Mr M. requests him to deliver to the President. Mr Cambell makes a further request of Mr M. to make any explanations that may be necessary. Mr M. is not sensible that he possesses any local or other knowledge that can elucidate the...
56From James Madison to George Washington, 7 December 1786 (Madison Papers)
Notwithstanding the communications in your favor of the 18th. Ult: which has remained till now to be acknowledged, it was the opinion of every judicious friend whom I consulted that your name could not be spared from the Deputation to the Meeting in May in Philada. It was supposed that in the first place, the peculiarity of the mission and its acknowledged pre-eminence over every other public...
57To George Washington from James Madison, 14 September 1788 (Washington Papers)
The delay in providing for the commencement of the Government was terminated yesterday, by an acquiescence of the minor number, in the persevering demands of the major. The time for chusing the electors is the first Wednesday in Jany, and for chusing the President the first Wednesday in Feby. The meeting of the Govt is to be the first Wednesday in March, and in the City of New York. The times...
58To George Washington from James Madison, 28 October 1787 (Washington Papers)
The mail of yesterday brought me your favor of the 22d instant. The communications from Richmond give me as much pleasure, as they exceed my expectations. As I find by a letter from a member of the Assembly, however, that Col. Mason had not got down, and it appears that Mr Henry is not at bottom a friend, I am not without fears that their combined influence and management may yet create...
59From James Madison to George Washington, 18 October 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have been this day honoured with your favor of the 10th. instant, under the same cover with which is a copy of Col. Mason’s objections to the Work of the Convention. As he persists in the temper which produced his dissent it is no small satisfaction to find him reduced to such distress for a proper gloss on it; for no other consideration surely could have led him to dwell on an objection...
60From James Madison to George Washington, 9 December 1785 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 30. Novr. was received a few days ago. This would have followed much earlier the one which yours acknowledges had I not wished it to contain some final information relative to the commercial propositions. The discussion of them has consumed much time, and though the absolute necessity of some such general system prevailed over all the efforts of its adversaries in the first...
61From James Madison to George Washington, 26 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
I subjoin two resolutions lately taken by Congress in relation the Mississippi, which I hope may have a critical and salutary effect on the temper of our western Brethren. On report of the Committee &c to whom was referred the Report of the Secy. for For. Affairs on a motion of the Delegates of North Carolina, stating the uneasiness produced by a Report “that Congress are disposed to treat...
62To George Washington from James Madison, 28 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
The information which I have by the Eastern mail rather increases than removes the anxiety produced by the last. I give it to you as I have recd it in the words of Mr King. Boston 20 Jany 88 “Our Convention proceeds slowly. An apprehension that the liberties of the people are in danger, and a distrust of men of property or education have a more powerful effect upon the minds of our opponents...
63To George Washington from James Madison, 1 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
The Eastern Mail which arrived yesterday brought me a letter from Mr King, of which a copy follows. “Our prospects are gloomy, but hope is not entirely extinguished. Gerry has not returned to the Convention, and I think will not again be invited. We are now thinking of Amendments to be submitted not as a condition of our assent & ratification, but as the Opinion of the Convention subjoined to...
64From James Madison to George Washington, 14 January 1789 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. instant with the letters attending it never came to hand till last evening. I have good reason to believe that the delay happened between Alexanda. & Fredg. rather than at or from the latter place. Mr. F. Maury pays particular attention to all letters which arrive there for me, and forwards them to Orange by opportunities which are frequent & safe. I apprehend there will...
65From James Madison to George Washington, 26 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
I am just informed by a Delegate from New Hamshire that he has a letter from President Sullivan which tells him that the Legislature had unanimously agreed to call a convention as recommended, to meet in February. The second wednesday is the day if I have not mistaken it. We have no further information of much importance from Massachussetts. It appears that Cambridge the residence of Mr. Gerry...
66From James Madison to George Washington, 18 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
No question direct or indirect has yet been taken, by which the state of parties could be determined. Of course each is left to enjoy the hopes resulting from its own partial calculations. It is probable the majority on either side will not exceed more than 3, 4, or 5 or 6. I indulge a belief that at this time the friends of the Constitution have the advantage in point of number. Great...
67From James Madison to George Washington, 20 [30] November 1787 (Madison Papers)
My last inclosed the seven first numbers of the paper of which I gave you some account. I now add the seven following numbers, which close the first branch of the subject, the importance of the Union. The succeeding papers shall be forwarded from time to time as they come out. The latest authentic information from Europe, places the Dutch in a wretched situation. The patriots will probably...
68Motion on Instruction to George Washington, [7–8 November] 1782 (Madison Papers)
On Mature deliberation on all the papers which had been referred to the Committee respecting the murder of Capt: Huddy, the British officer allotted as the subject of retal[i]ation for the murder and to the trial of Lippencut as the perpetrator thereof[,] It is deemed expedient & accordingly resolved that the Commander in cheif be directed to set at liberty the said British officer Resolved...
69To George Washington from James Madison, 20 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 7th inst: and will attend to your wishes as to the political essays in the press. I have given notice to my friends in Orange that the County may command my services in the Convention, if it pleases. I can say with great truth however that in this overture I sacrifice every private inclination to considerations not of a selfish nature. I foresee that the...
70From James Madison to George Washington, 12 August 1784 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your favor of the 12th. of June during my attendance in the Legislature and of answering it a few days, before I left Richmond. Since my return home I have been informed that the gentleman into whose hands my answer was put has mislaid or lost it, and that I cannot rely on its ever finding its way to you. I have therefore to repeat, Sir, that the sanction which...
71Address of the House of Representatives to the President, [9 November] 1792 (Madison Papers)
The House of Reps. who always feel a satisfaction on meeting you are much concerned that the occasion for mutual felicitation afforded by the circumstances favorable to the National prosperity, should be abated by a continuance of the hostile spirit of the Indian tribes; and particularly that the reiterated efforts for effecting a pacification with them should have issued in new proofs only of...
72From James Madison to George Washington, 20 October 1785 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 October 1785. In a letter of 29 October from Washington to JM he refers to JM’s “favor of the 20th.” with an enclosure, which contained suggestions of a suitable form for Washington’s letter to the General Assembly requesting the donation to some public institution of the Assembly’s gift of canal shares to Washington.
73From James Madison to George Washington, 7 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
My last inclosed a continuation of the Fœderalist to number 14. inclusive. I now add the numbers which have succeeded. No authentic information has yet arrived concerning the posture of Europe. Reports, with some less doubtful symtoms, countenance the suspicions of war. I understand that the Constitution will certainly be adopted in Connecticut; the returns of the deputies being now known, and...
74To George Washington from James Madison, 14 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
The Daily Advertizer of this date contains several important articles of information, which need only be referred to. I enclose it with a few other late papers. Neither French nor English packet is yet arrived; and the present weather would prevent their getting in if they should be on the Coast. I have heard nothing of Consequence from Massachusetts since my last. The accounts from New...
75From James Madison to George Washington, 20 June 1792 (Madison Papers)
Having been left to myself, for some days past, I have made use of the opportunity for bestowing on your letter of the 20 Ult: handed to me on the road, the attention which its important contents claimed. The questions which it presents for consideration, are 1. at what time a notification of your purpose to retire will be most convenient. 2 what mode will be most eligible. 3 whether a...
76From James Madison to George Washington, 21 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
Some little time before my arrival here a quorum of the States was made up and Genl. Sinclair put in the Chair. We have at present nine States on the ground, but shall lose South Carolina today. Other States are daily expected. What business of moment may be done by the present or a fuller meeting is uncertain. The objects now depending and most immediately in prospect, are 1. The Treaty of...
77To George Washington from James Madison, 14 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
Along with this are inclosed a few of the latest gazettes containing the additional papers in favor of the federal Constitution. I find by letters from Richmond that the proceedings of the Assembly, are as usual, rapidly degenerating with the progress of the Session: and particularly that the force opposed to the Act of the Convention has gained the ascendance. There is still nevertheless a...
78To George Washington from James Madison, 19 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
On our arrival here we found that the number of Representatives on the spot had been stationary from the second day of the Meeting. Mr Page, Mr Lee, & myself raised it to 21. and Mr S[amuel] Griffin and Mr [Andrew] Moore have been since added. The number of attending Senators continues at 8. When a Quorum will be made up in either House, rests on vague conjecture, rather than on any precise...
79To George Washington from James Madison, 8 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
We arrived here yesterday evening where we have met with Mr Dawson just from New York. When he left it, 18 Representatives and 8 Senators had assembled. It is not certain when the deficiencies will [be] made up. The most favorable conjectures postpone it to Monday Sennight. The members attending are chiefly from the Eastward. I do not learn that a single member except Mr White is from a State...
80From James Madison to George Washington, 8 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here yesterday evening where we have met with Mr. Dawson just from New York. When he left it, 18 Representatives and 8 Senators had assembled. It is not certain when the deficiences will [be] made up. The most favorable conjectures postpone it to Monday Sev’-night. The members attending are cheifly from the Eastward. I do not learn that a single member except Mr. White is from a...
81To George Washington from James Madison, 11 December 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Madison, 11 Dec. 1784. On 28 Dec. GW wrote to Madison : “I have been favored with your letter of the 11th.”
82To George Washington from James Madison, 9 December 1785 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 30 Novr was received a few days ago. This would have followed much earlier the one which yours acknowledges had I not wished it to contain some final information relative to the commercial propositions. The discussion of them has consumed much time, and though the absolute necessity of some such general system prevailed over all the efforts of its adversaries in the first...
83VI. James Madison’s Concurring Opinion, [14 July 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
This reasoning is inforced by the clause (Art. 2. Sect. 1. < cl. 3 >) which says the list of votes of the electors shall be transmitted to the seat of Govt. directed to the President of the Senate who in presence of the Senate and H of Reps. shall open the certificates &c. The seat of Congress then must be at the seat of Govt. It is admitted that the seat of Govt. can not be where the Ex: part...
84To George Washington from James Madison, 1 January 1785 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your favor of the 28 Ult. accompanying the report of the Conferees &c. &c. The latter have been laid before the H. of Delegates, and a Com[mitte]e appd to report a bill & Resolutions corresponding with those of Maryland. The only danger of miscarriage arises from the impatience of the members to depart, & the bare competency of the present number. By great efforts...
85To George Washington from James Madison, 25 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
On the question today for previous amendments, the votes stood 80 ays—88 noes—on the final question the ratification passed 89 ays—79 noes. Subsequent amendments will attend the act; but are yet to be settled. The temper of the minority will be better known tomorrow. The proceedings have been without flaw or pretext for it; and there is no doubt that acquiescence if not cordiality will be...
86From James Madison to George Washington, 11 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 11 December 1784, Richmond . Washington had traveled to Annapolis to further his favored scheme for an interstate project to build a canal along the Potomac River. He acknowledged the arrival of this letter on 28 December. JM probably told Washington of the main business that had occupied the General Assembly since Washington’s departure from Richmond ca. 20 November.
87From James Madison to George Washington, 24 December 1786 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 16th. inst: came to hand too late on thursday evening to be answered by the last mail. I have considered well the circumstances which it confidentially discloses, as well as those contained in your preceding favor. The difficulties which they oppose to an acceptance of the appointment in which you are included can as little be denied, as they can fail to be regretted. But I...
88To George Washington from James Madison, 14 January 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 2d instant with the letters attending it never came to hand till last evening. I have good reason to believe that the delay happened between Alexanda & Fredg, rather than at or from the latter place. Mr F. Maury pays particular attention to all letters which arrive there for me, and forwards them to Orange by opportunites which are frequent & safe. I apprehend there will be...
89To George Washington from James Madison, 10 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Having seen a part only of the names returned for the Convention, and being unacquainted with the political characters of many of them, I am a very incompetent prophet of the fate of the Constitution. My hopes however are much encouraged by my present conjectures. Those who have more data for their calculations than I have, augur a flattering issue to the deliberations of June. I find that...
90To George Washington from James Madison, 21 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have deferred writing since my arrival here in the hourly hope of being enabled to communicate the final news from Poughkepsie. By a letter from Hamilton dated the day before yesterday I find that it is equally uncertain when the business will be closed, and what will be its definitive form. The inclosed gazettes state the form which the depending proposition bears. It is not a little...
91To George Washington from James Madison, 20 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured on Saturday with your letter of the 7th instant, along with which was covered the printed letter of Col. R. H. Lee to the Governour. It does not appear to me to be a very formidable attack on the new Constitution; unless it should derive an influence from the names of the correspondents, which its intrinsic merits do not entitle it to. He is certainly not perfectly accurate in...
92From James Madison to George Washington, 28 October 1787 (Madison Papers)
The mail of yesterday brought me your favor of the 22d. instant. The communications from Richmond give me as much pleasure, as they exceed my expectations. As I find by a letter from a Member of the Assembly, however, that Col. Mason had not got down, and it appears that Mr. Henry is not at bottom a friend, I am not without fears that their combined influence and management may yet create...
93To George Washington from James Madison, 5 November 1788 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed memorandum was put into my hands by Mr St John the French Consul. He is a very worthy man & entitled by his philanthropy and zealous patronage of whatever he deems useful, to much esteem and regard. You will therefore oblige me by putting it in my power to afford him the little gratification he asks. I have another request to trouble you with, which concerns myself. Col. H. Lee...
94From James Madison to George Washington, 25 [23] June 1788 (Madison Papers)
We got through the constitution by paragraphs today. Tomorrow some proposition for closing the business will be made. On our side a ratification involving a few declaratory truths not affecting its validity will be tendered. The opposition will urge previous amendments. Their conversation to day seemed to betray despair. Col. Mason in particular talked in a style which no other sentiment could...
95From James Madison to George Washington, 3 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
Another mail has arrived from Boston without terminating the conflict between our hopes and fears. I have a letter from Mr. King of the 27. which after dilating somewhat on the ideas in his former letters, concludes with the following paragraph. “We have avoided every question which would have shewn the division of the House. Of consequence we are not positive of the numbers on each side. By...
96To George Washington from James Madison, 30 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
My last inclosed the seven first numbers of the paper of which I gave you some account. I now add the seven following numbers, which close the first branch of the subject, the importance of the Union. The succeeding papers shall be forwarded from time to time as they come out. The latest authentic information from Europe, places the Dutch in a wretched situation. The patriots will probably...
97From James Madison to George Washington, 19 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
On our arrival here we found that the number of Representatives on the spot had been stationary from the second day of the Meeting. Mr. Page, Mr. Lee, & myself raised it to 21. and Mr. S. Griffin and Mr. Moore have been since added. The number of attending Senators continues at 8. When a Quorum will be made up in either House, rests on vague conjecture, rather than on any precise information....
98To George Washington from James Madison, 14 December 1792 (Washington Papers)
Mr Madison presents his respectful compliments to the President, and informs him that Mr Johnson⟨,⟩ the candidate for the light-house appointment, having left the City yesterday morning, it cannot now be ascertained how far he is apprised of the limited provision annexed to the place. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters. For background on John Waller Johnston’s unsuccessful attempts to...
99To George Washington from James Madison, 2 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
The information conveyed in your favor of the 17th ulto lays me under great obligations. It was by no means my wish to have imposed the task of so full and particular a view of the subject. The general result in your own mind was all that I had in contemplation. One of the papers herewith inclosed will shew you the state of the election for the Senate in Massts. It was understood here, that Mr...
100To George Washington from James Madison, 8 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
The prospect in Massts seems to brighten, if I view in the true light the following representation of it. “This day, (Jany 30) for the first our President Mr Handcock took his seat in Convention, and we shall probably terminate our business on Saturday or tuesday next. I can not predict the issue, but our hopes are increasing. If Mr Hancock does not disappoint our present expectations, our...