51To James Madison from Hugh McMillen, 4 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1809, New Boston, New Hampshire. Has invented a system of medicine that will cure soldiers and sailors “of all camp sicknesses” and seeks a government subsidy to manufacture and bottle his medicines. “I hope if I have done no other good by writing this letter it will be pleasing to your phylanthropick mind to be informed of the thriving of us[e]ful arts in our land so as to prevent the...
52To James Madison from James Taylor, 26 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of calling your attention to the situation of the claim to Land of a Number of the Officers (and their representatives) of the Va. Cont. line. I am the agent of a number of Persons whose claim I am sure amount to at least 40,000 acres which have been located North of the Indian boundary line & south of a line to be run from the head of the Little Miami to the head of the...
53To James Madison from Gideon Granger, 28 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
G. Granger presents his compliments to the President, and informs him that it is not contemplated to continue the route mentiond by Mr Verdier after the 1st of next month. Expresses will be sent when the president wishes it; but it will be much the most convenient to have the Agent here. G. Granger has written to Mr Verdier to this effect, and he returns the letter. RC ( DLC ). See Paul...
54To James Madison from David Gelston, 11 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 May 1809, New York. Has received a bill of lading from William Jarvis in Lisbon “for two pipes and one quarter cask Wine, and two boxes Citron.” Promises to send the wine and an account of expenses to JM in Washington. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Docketed by JM.
55To James Madison from James Smith, 18 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
Feeling confident, that on any subject of national concern, every Citizen may address your Excellency, with equal Expectations of an attentive regard; I have taken the Liberty, on this occasion, to submit to your consideration A Plan, which I have devised, to preserve & distribute the genuine vaccine Matter ; &, which if supported, by any authority adequate to the importance of the Subject,...
56To James Madison from James Taylor, 6 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
James W. Moss e[s] quire now of Mason County in this State has made some arrangements to move to that part of the Indiana Territory which appears by a late law of Congress to be made a Separate Territory. He has suggested to me a wish to recieve some secondary appointment in the Illinois Territory, such as Secretary, Register or reciever of public Monies or indeed any other you might please to...
57To James Madison from Tristram Dalton, 4 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 August 1809, Alexandria. The former Massachusetts senator recommends Edmund Jennings Lee for the vacant District of Columbia judgeship. “I am not capable of forming a correct opinion of his Legal Abilities,” but is certain satisfactory recommendations will be forthcoming “from Gentlemen who are Judges.” Hopes JM “will pardon this freedom.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, Letters of Application, 1809–17). 1 p.
58To James Madison from James Purcell, 17 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
As men in public offices are Subject to Recive public addresses and private proposals—I Solicit yr indulgence to Consider of my proposals which may not be the most unworthy of yr Notice. Sr yr Long inguaged attention to the wellfare of yr Country and the Liberty of Mankind in General has proved to the people that you are a Man whoes tried integrity and unblemished Fidelity Deserves yr...
59To James Madison from David Holmes, 9 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 August 1809, Washington, Mississippi Territory. Since writing JM on 7 Aug. Governor Holmes has appointed William B. Shields the territorial attorney general as the office was vacated by a resignation. Alexander Montgomery from Adams County would be a salutary choice for the legislative council. RC ( DNA : RG 59, Territorial Papers, Mississippi). 1 p. Printed in Carter, Territorial Papers,...
60To James Madison from Thomas Urquhart, 18 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1809, New Orleans. Encloses 7 Mar. proceedings of the territorial House of Representatives related to a vacancy on the Orleans Territory Legislative Council. Urquhart, Speaker of the House, and Martin Duralde are the candidates. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, Territorial Papers, Orleans). RC 1 p.; enclosure 2 pp. Printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Orleans , 9:830.
61To James Madison from Charles W. Goldsborough, 14 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 August 1809, Navy Department. The chief clerk transmits copies of a letter from Capt. David Porter and Goldsborough’s reply. Goldsborough has submitted Porter’s letter to the secretaries of state and of the treasury, who have approved his reply. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to the President). 2 pp. Enclosures not found.
62To James Madison from John MacGowty, 19 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 March 1809, Windham, Connecticut. Discusses the Embargo, MacGowty’s experience as a seaman, master, and owner of a vessel, and his thoughts on a war with Great Britain. Advises JM “for the last time to offer to that Corrupt nation the last Olive Branch and if Sir they have not good sense enough to come forward and settle with us as an onest nation then Sir My opinion is that our government...
63To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 2 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of offering, for your acceptance, the life of the Duke of Malborough lately published here by the Emperors’ instructions. He has intimated his intention of engaging certain literary Men to write the lives of other distinguished Generals according to the same plan. I also inclose two brochures relating to Mr Barlows’ Poem, and am, Sir, with the greatest respect Your very obedt...
64To James Madison from Tristram Dalton, 11 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Prevented by a severe cold from paying You my Congratulations, personally, on the 4th of March, I requested our mutual Friend Mr Deblois to present them, hoping, ere’ this day, to have had the pleasure of renewing them myself. As the weather & roads still keep me from that satisfaction, I cannot longer delay begging You to accept my sincere professions of Joy on Your being placed at the Head...
65To James Madison from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 12 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Previously to the establishment of arrangements for carrying on the work during the ensuing Season, I beg to lay before you a proposition of which I hope to receive your approbation, and which I beg specially to explain on account of the personal interest I appear to have in it. Independently of my Salary, the expenses of the direction of the public works have been, Salary of the Clerk of the...
66To James Madison from Peter Isaacsen, 11 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 August 1809. The war in Europe has disrupted commerce, and twenty-six American ships have been captured by privateers and brought into Christiansand and neighboring Norwegian ports. The captains and supercargoes of those vessels chose Isaacsen to represent them as a de facto consul, although he is a Danish merchant residing in Christiansand. He acted on their behalf, and of the eighteen...
67To James Madison from William Bentley, 16 August 1809 (Madison Papers)
My worthy friend, General Dearborne informed me, that the President of the United States would kindly accept any expression of my sincere confidence in him. The highest esteem & his distinguished reputation & virtues, as well as respect for his high station must oblige me to put all the value of myself, in my own discretion. Permit me, Sir, to say, that during the Administration of President...
68To James Madison from Caesar A. Rodney, [4 April] 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will observe by the enclosed letter, that Mr. Dallas wishes to know, what he is to do with the indictment against Bartholemew White, one of Burr’s men. The fact is, that Genl. Wilkinson had left Washington for New-Orleans sometime before I recd. the letter enclosing a commission to take his deposition. I agree pretty much with Mr. Dallas in opinion that White is too small game for us to...
69To James Madison from John Armstrong, 20 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a note just received from Lafayette which confirms my belief in the interest M. F. takes in our business. Lafayette is not in the secret of the invitation stated in my letter of the 18: but his friend appears to be privy to the wishes and intentions of the Minister. I am very truly your most respectful & obedient humble servt RC ( DNA : RG 59, Diplomatic Despatches, France)....
70To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed Letter is from the Lady Abbess of the Ursuline Convent, And in compliance with her particular request, I have the honor to transmit it to you. I avail myself of this occasion to Accompany the expression of my sincere pleasure at your elevation to the Presidential Chair, with my best Wishes for the honor, the happiness and the prosperity of your Administration. I have the honor to...
71To James Madison from Philip Reed, 6 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
Ph: Reed presents his compliments to Mr Madison, and in answer to Mr. Madisons note of yesterday, Ph: Reed begs leave to observe that he is now confined to his chamber in consequence of the effects of a fall from a horse two weeks ago, that he has not been able to get from his lodgings but one day since his arrival in the City—to this cause it is that Mr. Madison will have the goodness to...
72To James Madison from Joseph B. Varnum, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
In selecting Gentlemen for the great heads of Departments, in the Executive branch of the Government, I feel confident, that the greatest good of our common Country will be your primary Object; Yet it must be considered very desirable, that they should be Gentlemen, who combine Your personal confidence, with their Abilities faithfully to discharg their public Functions: In this view of the...
73To James Madison from George Joy, 27 June 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 June 1809, London. Appointed the American consul in Rotterdam, Joy has not taken his post. He has heard of the difficulties now thrown in the way of travelers trying to reach Holland. Encloses a letter telling of the uncertain status of neutral vessels, including American ships now in the Amsterdam port. Joy has applied for a passport through “the Court of Holland” instead of through Paris,...
74To James Madison from the Republican Meeting of Pittsfield, Vermont, [4 July] 1809 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of a part of the Inhabitants of the Town of Pittsfield in the County of Rutland & state of Vermont, July 4th. 1809. to commemorate the Independence of the United States of America; said Inhabitants then agreed & voted to offer the following Address to the President of sd. states, & also directed who should sign the same. Dear sir. While you stand encircled with merited honours,...
75To James Madison from the Mother Superior of the Ursuline Convent, 11 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 March 1809, New Orleans. Congratulates JM upon his inauguration and asks for the same “Solicitude paternelle” for the convent’s work in educating the young as was enjoyed during the Jefferson administration. RC ( DLC ). 2 pp. Written in French and signed: “ Sr. de St. Xavier farjon / Superieure des Religieuses ursuline .” Docketed by JM. Enclosed in W. C. C. Claiborne to JM, 20 Mar. 1809 .
76To James Madison from Hezekiah Huntington, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are the resolutions adopted by the Legislature of this State at the extraordinary Session, with their inflamatory address to the people. No friend to his Country & Government Can wish the Embargo continued—after the period arives; where in the Judgement of Congress & the Govt. the Honor & Interest of the nation will permit it to be raised. But we hope & trust Congress have not receded...
77To James Madison from Richard Forrest, 25 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter contains an acknowledgment of the remittance made to Jacob Adams for the wine imported in his Ship from Madeira, which it is right you should have. I have recd a similar one from Mr. Gelston for 146 dollars, which I am unable to send by the present Mail, having left it at home this Morn’g. The News from England has astonished every person I have heard speak on the subject....
78To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 6 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
Col. Swan has desired me to hand you the enclosed letter. It seems as if it should have been addrest to the Secy. of the Treasury. But he asks only for a suspension of a decision, and as that cannot be final without you, it may not be improper. With great respect— RC ( DLC ). Enclosure not found. James Swan emigrated from Scotland to Boston in 1765, served in the Revolution, and engaged in...
79To James Madison from Caesar A. Rodney, 18 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Mr John Crow who is an applicant for the office of Marshall which it is expected, I understand, will become vacant before long, by the resignation of Paul Lewis. Mr Crow has been personally known to me a considerable time. In political Sentiment he has been uniform, and has been active on the Republican Side. He has been repeatedly Supported as the candidate...
80To James Madison from the French Refugees in New Orleans, ca. 20 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 20 May 1809. Petition asks permission for the signers, who first fled from Santo Domingo to Cuba and have lately been driven from there, to bring their slaves ashore despite U.S. laws preventing importation of blacks. They first sought refuge in Cuba, but their five-year stay there has ended in turmoil, and they would like additional ships to bring their fellow refugees to the Orleans...