1001John M. Patton to James Madison, 9 March 1831 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter was handed to me by Mr. Verplanck Member of Congress from the City of New York, to be sent or delivered to you together with, a package, which I suppose the letter describes. It is about 12 inches square, and Mr. Verplanck, cautioned me against, doubling or folding it so that it cannot be sent by the conveyance which takes this communication Will you if an opportunity...
1002James Robertson, Jr. to James Madison, 8 March 1831 (Madison Papers)
Your acknowledged patriotism and known willingness to give all useful information to your fellow Citizens, induces me to ask of you information upon the two following points vzt Did you draft the resolutions offered to the Va. assembly in 1798 by Colo. Jno. Taylor of Caroline? And if so, were they presented in the form given to them by you? These resolutions, you will remember, were amended by...
1003James K. Paulding to James Madison, 6 March 1831 (Madison Papers)
The kindness with which you have always treated me, encourages me to consult you on the subject of an undertaking I have in contemplation. It has been proposed to me to write the Lives of some few of the most distinguished men of this country, in a manner somewhat different from what has been hitherto attempted by mingling more of their domestic habits and character, & confining the details to...
1004Joseph C. Cabell to James Madison, 3 March 1831 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th ult. was received in Richmond where I went about the middle of the month and remained till the 28th on business in the Court of Chancery. On the 1st. inst. I waited on Mr. John Page the Rector of Wm. and Mary and shewed him your letter and the two papers enclosed in it. The enclosed reply has been handed me by Mr. Page in reply to your communication, and you will perceive...
1005Lewis Condict to James Madison, 3 March 1831 (Madison Papers)
My little epistle will be an unexpected one to you, but as it is intended to invite your attention for a moment to the necessities of your Alma Mater , I trust it will not be altogether unwelcome. The enclosed letter to me from Doct. McDowell, one of the Trustees & the Agent employed by them, will inform you fully of the object. I have obtained a few names from among the members of Congress...
1006John Page to James Madison, 2 March 1831 (Madison Papers)
Your letter to Mr Cabell enclosing an extract of a letter from Mr Randolph of Roanoke with a communication from Mr Richardson of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich was presented to me as Rector of Wm & Mary College for the present year. The Professorship of Mathematics is vacant, and will I presume be filled at the annual meeting of the Visitors and Governors in July. Deeming it my duty to...
1007Gulian C. Verplanck to James Madison, 2 March 1831 (Madison Papers)
Mr Verplanck presents his respects to Mr Madison and requests his acceptance on behalf of the artists and authors of the publication of a copy of the proof impressions of the first number of the American Landscape. Mr. Verplanck takes the occasion to say that his father who was a representative from New York during the whole of Mr Jefferson’s administration & one of its staunchest supporters &...
1008James Madison to Charles E. Haynes, 25 February 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the Copy of Judge Clayton’s Review of the "Report of the Committee of Ways & Means" for which the Envelope informs me that I am indebted to your politeness. A perusal of the Review has left an impression highly favorable to the talents of the Author, & to the accomplishments of his pen. But I cannot concur in his views & reasonings on some of the material points in discussion; and...
1009James Madison to John C. Calhoun, 23 February 1831 (Madison Papers)
The Correspondence in itself deeply interesting; as an appeal to the Nation is doubly so. Such an occurrence, however caused, necessarily involves painful considerations. The alleviating one is, that the Tribunal resorted to, intelligent and well intentioned as it is, may be expected to decide justly on the subjects submitted to it. J. M. prays the Vice President to be assured of his high...
1010James Madison to Robert Walsh, 15 February 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. yours of the 10th. inst. The posture of Mr. Jefferson in 1801, was singularly delicate, and I thought the varied expression, better fitted it, than the text as it stood. I acquiesce however in your view of the case, the rather, as it avoids the awkwardness of a retrospective correction. I shd not certainly under any circumstances distrust your observance of the rule of...
1011Robert Walsh to James Madison, 14 February 1831 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to make known to you, Wm. Keating Esqr, a gentleman of this city, who holds an elevated rank as a traveller and savant. He is about to visit the South for scientific purposes, and will be glad to pay his respects to you on his way. His abundant information, excellent temper & refined manners will recommend him to your favor. With profound consideration, Dear Sir, your faithful...
1012James Madison to Theodore Sedgwick, Jr., 12 February 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of Jany 27. which was retarded a few days by going in the first instance to Richmond. You ask "whether Mr. Livingston [formerly Governour of N. Jersey] took an active part in the debates [of the Federal Convention of 1787] and whether he was considered as having a leaning to the Federal party & principles", adding "that you will be obliged by any further information it...
1013James Madison to Martin Van Buren, 10 February 1831 (Madison Papers)
I recd. lately thro’ the Dept of State a letter from Mr. Randolph our Envoy to Russia. I ask the favor of you to let the enclosed answer pass thro’ the same channel with your kind communications to him. Be pleased to accept, at the same time the renewed assurances of my high esteem with my cordial salutations. FC (DLC) .
1014James Maury to James Madison, 10 February 1831 (Madison Papers)
Indeed I rather considered an apology due from me to you than the reverse. Your kind letter of the 10 Decr reached me on the 28 of last month, long previous to which I had the satisfaction to know you had so far recovered your health as to attend the laborious tasks assigned you at Richmond, in the ultimate result of which you succeeded beyond the expectations of many in this country. I...
1015Robert Walsh to James Madison, 10 February 1831 (Madison Papers)
The letter in which you directed an alteration of the text of your defence of Mr. Jefferson, did not reach me until after the defence was printed. I regret this circumstance, inasmuch as you wished the change; but I do not think harm has been done. You have ably exonerated the deceased patriot, without giving cause of dissatisfaction to anyone. It gave me particular pleasure to publish the...
1016James Madison to Joseph C. Cabell, 9 February 1831 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are an extract of a letter from Mr. John Randolph, and a letter to which that refers, from a Mr. Richardson, both on the same subject. There being no vacancy in the University of Virginia for the services of Mr. R. I have thought it proper, in compliance with the request of Mr. Randolph, that the object of the former, should be made known to the university of William & Mary. I must...
1017James Madison to Andrew Stevenson, 8 February 1831 (Madison Papers)
Adverting casually to the draft of my letter to you on "Common Defence & Genl. Welfare" I ascertained that a passage was omitted in the letter which it may not be amiss to supply. It is accordingly inclosed with a designation of the place for it I have been sorry to observe your occasional absences from the Chair, on account of interrupted health. I hope it has been restored & that the coming...
1018James Madison to William B. Sprague, 6 February 1831 (Madison Papers)
I am at length enabled to enclose you the requested notice of the families to which by birth I belong, as made out by a friend. I enclose also a copy (a duplicate) of Mr. Pearce’s Notes taken in the Federal Convention of 1787. It was recd. from Mr. Tefts, with a request that it might be forwared to you. I take the occassion, Sir, to make my acknowledgements for the several communications I...
1019James Madison to Charles J. Ingersoll, 2 February 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of Jany. 21 asking 1. Is there any State power to make Banks? 2. Is the Federal power as it has been exercized, or as proposed to be exercised by President Jackson, preferable? The evil which produced the prohibitory clause in the Constitution of the U.S. was the practice of the States in making Bills of credit, and in some instances appraized property, "a legal...
1020James Madison to Robert Walsh, 31 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
Confidential I just discover that in the paper inclosed this morning, for the National Gazette, a correction was not made which I presume this will be in time to have supplied. I ask the favor then that in the 4th. paragraph, from the end, the words "and he saw at the same time no escape from all these dangers but", be erased; and "whilst the escape from these dangers, presented to him, was"...
1021Theodore Sedgwick, Jr. to James Madison, 27 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
In collecting materials which may be hereafter used as the ground work of a Memoir of the late Governor William Livingston of New Jersey, my great-grandfather, there is a portion of his Life in relation to which his papers afford me no information—& this information I think it possible you may have it in your power to give me. I refer to the Convention held at Philadelphia in 1787, of which he...
1022James Madison to Robert Walsh, 25 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
The National Gazette of Jany. 2 contained a publication, edited since in a pamphlet form; from two sons of the late Mr. Bayard; its object being to vindicate the memory of their father agst. certain passages in the writings of Mr. Jefferson. The filial anxiety which prompted the publication, was natural & highly commendable. But it is to be regretted, that in performing that duty, they have...
1023James Madison to Robert Walsh, 25 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
Confidential The publication which gave rise to the inclosed observations, having first appeared in the National Gazettes, I ask the favor of you, to allow them the advantage of issuing from the same source & of circulating thro the same channel. I have thought it best to leave them without a name, that no feelings of any sort towards the writer may mingle themselves with the impressions made...
1024Charles J. Ingersoll to James Madison, 21 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
Serving as a Member of the Legislature here my attention is much called to the subject of banks always in great numbers urging for acts of incorporation. In the Federalist No. 44 your judgment is pronounced I may say with uncommon force against all state contrivances to make currency, and my impression has always been that whether they consist of coin or paper the province altogether and...
1025William Allen to James Madison, 19 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
As requested in yours of the 14th. I shall exercise the best judgment in my power in the sale of your Flour now on hand as well as that to be delivered, and when sold advise you. The quantity now on hand is One hundred & fifty one barrels Superfine; the four loads first brought down (56 barrels) having been sold from the Waggons when delivered. The balance according to my books is at present 5...
1026James Madison to J. Addison Alexander and Others, 16 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have received, my young friends, your letter inviting me, in behalf of the Whig Society of Nassau Hall, to deliver the annual address in September next on the day preceding the commencement. I value too much the source from which the invitation comes, and respect too much the occasion which is the Subject of it, not to be flattered by the choice made of me for such a service. I am duly...
1027Edward Coles to James Madison, 16 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 8th of Nov: was recd. in due time, and should have been sooner answered, but for my absence from this place, and the expectation, which has been deferred from time to time, of finding the volumes of Franklins works which you requested me to procure. I enquired at the principal Book stores in the City, and of the persons I thought most likely to possess information, without...
1028James Madison to William Allen, 14 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
I did not receive yours of the 11th. in time to answer it by the last Mail. From the general prospect in Europe I should infer that the price of flour would not be likely to decline. But as you have the same information generally that I have, and occasionly fresher & better opportunities of learning the state of the Markets every where which influences the price with us, I wish you to consult...
1029William Emmons to James Madison, 9 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
Having learned it is not your pleasure to have the 2d Edition of the Fredoniad—I have sold to Gov. James Barbour of Orange the Copy that was sent you It would be a pecular favour to tax your kindness to have the 4 Vols. forwarded to the Family of Mr. Barbour the 1st opportunity. I am Sir with sentiments of respect your Obt Svt— RC (DLC) . Docketed by JM.
1030James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, 6 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of inclosing the manuscript of J. M. Patton on the subjects of which it is intimated that my opinion would be acceptable. The paper afford sufficient indication of the talents ascribed to the Author. Of his honorable principles, I believe no one doubts. And with these qualifications for serving his Country, it may be well for it that he is making its Institutions &...
1031James Madison to Thomas L. McKenney, 3 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
Mrs. Madison has just handed me her answer to your letter. I find it leaves me nothing to add. But I cannot inclose it without repeating the return of the kind sentiments you continue to entertain towards us: and our best wishes for your prosperity, especially that it may be advanced by the success of the interesting & attractive Work you have in hand. With these wishes I pray you to accept my...
1032J. Addison Alexander and Others to James Madison, 3 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
We beg leave to address you, in behalf of an institution which, though, now regarded, as an ancient one by thousands is proud to call, you Father. We cherish the belief that the threescore years, which have elapsed, since you left your Alma Mater, eventful as they have been to your country, and yourself have not caused you to forget, that you were once a Student, and are still a Whig. It is...
1033James Madison to John H. Lee, 1 January 1831 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Novr. 12. was duly recd. and has laid Mrs. Willis and myself under still further obligations for your continued attentions to the troublesome business you have kindly undertaken on our behalf. The inclosed letter expresses Mrs Willis’, concurrence in the expediency of compromizing the dispute with Mrs. Tapscott & Mrs Bell on the condition stated in your letters, and I very...
1034Indenture. Release of land to James Madison, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
This Indenture, made this day of one thousand eight hundred and thirty between Charles P. Howard and Reynolds Chapman of the first part Coleby Cowherd of the second part, Francis K. Cowherd of the third part and James Madison of the fourth part, all of the county of Orange and state of Virginia. Whereas the said James Madison, in order to secure to the said Francis K. Cowherd the payment of...
1035James Madison to Frank Carr, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your draft of the Rept. of the Visitors for the Genl. Assembly, was duly recd. & I thank you for it. You will see by the return of it, that I made a few alterations, perhaps not all of them for the better. I was afraid that the draft, expressed too strongly the certainty that Mr. Lomax would be continued on the Bench, under the New Constn. That he will be there can be little doubt; but the...
1036James Madison to Edward Everett, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
It occurs that the notions prevailing here agst. any subordination in the highest Judicial Authy of the State to that of the U. S. & the spirit of Criticism of which there have been examples, may render the word concurrent , preferable to that of co-ordinate as applied in one of the paragraphs of my letter of —Be so good therefore as to erase the latter & insert the former. The change seems to...
1037James Madison: Notes on nullification and Thomas Jefferson’s writings, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
All Govts. hitherto bad: either tending to despotism, or to anarchy & thro’ that to despotism. The expedt. of fedl. repub: aiming at a security agst both, merits a fair experiments, and the good wishes of all. [It h]as worked well as yet. It has controul’d the Genl Govt. thro the States, as in al: & sedn. laws, and the States when flying individually out of [thorn] yr. orbits have under the...
1038James Madison: Autobiography, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
J. M. was born on the 5th of Mar. (O. 5) 1751. His parents J. M. & N. (Conway) Madison, resided in the County of Orange in Virga. At the time of his birth they were on a visit to her mother, who resided on the Rappahannoc, at Port Conway in the County of King George. At the age of about 12 years, he was placed by his father under the tuition of Donald Robertson, from Scotland, a man of...
1039James Madison: Notes from State Papers, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Vol. 4. p. 324--"to encourage Agriculture"--How 332--Agricult. manufs. Come. & navy may be protected agst casual combts within [draft?] 449. not too much regulat—meet [un?]equaly [ ] in foreign intercourse 453—"foster fisheries for navy", & food, & protect manufacrs. adaptd. to our [ ] these rules of action [five? fine?] principle of Constn. 5. p. 31 "Take a broader field of Legisln., whether...
1040Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Under this cover is the speech of Genl. H. which you will oblige me by returning when you have done with it. The particular part in question is in the appendix, p. 44. The consideration I have again bestowed on the subject confirms me in the conviction that it may, without difficulty, be placed in its true light. One of the passengers in the stage obtained at the Ct. House an orange Press , in...
1041James Madison: Notes on the federal system and the nature of government, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Compact express or tacit, [begin? bein?] & essence of free Govt. social compact, theoretical, but possible to be realized in [unaccepted?] tendency __________ Majy. to decide, whether a necessary result or an [ ] one _________ Majy. to chuse a Govt. binding on all. __________ Govt. not a party to the compact, but the creature [ ] the compact being among the Governed (sound [construction?...
1042James Madison: Autobiographical notes, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
J. M. born 5. March (O. S.) 1751 at seat of maternal grandmother opposite Port Royal—recd. his elementary education at the home of his parents in Orange C.) At the age of 12—placed under the tuition of Donald Robertson a distinguished teacher in King & Queen where he went thro the studies preparatory to a college course. Continued those studies—under Revd Thos. Martin a private tutor in his...
1043James Madison: Advice to my Country, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
As this advice, if it ever see the light will not do it till I am no more it may be considered as issuing from the tomb where truth alone can be respected, and the happiness of man alone consulted. It will be entitled therefore to whatever weight can be derived from good intentions, and from the experience of one, who has served his Country in various stations through a period of forty years,...
1044James Madison: Notes re publication of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
superfluous, that this brotherhood and particularly the members of it in our view, have a keen conception of their own interest which governs their negociations. Of the other writings of Mr. M. it may not be amiss to use the inducement they offer of inviting liberality in present dealing by anticipated preference in the future. The test of their value may be referred to in what is now offered...
1045James Madison to Isaac Winston, 28 December 1830 (Madison Papers)
I recd yesterday yours of the 25th. I wish I could give you a useful answer But my memory affords me no means for it I can say nothing either as to the time of Col. Thorntons entering the military Service or his continuance in it nor can I refer you to any source of information to wch application could be made with a prospect of success. My acquaintance with Col. T. tho’ of the most cordial...
1046Richard M. Johnson to James Madison, 27 December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your favour has been rd respecting the books & message sent you by Wm. Emmons. His Brother the doctr is in the City & I will consult him what disposition to make of the Books—I am extremely sorry that Wm. Emmons should be troubling you with his Books & He deserves to have them put into the fire. I have no doubts such things are one of the greatest curses that a distinguished Citizen meets with...
1047James Madison to Reynolds Chapman, 22 December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Yours enclosing the paper of Mr Patton was duly recd. Fearing that the delay in hearing from me may be misunderstood, I think it not amiss to mention that I have been prevented from giving it the proper attention by several jobs of the pen, & especially by a painful Rhumatic attack not yet abated. It will give me pleasure to comply with the request you communicated as soon as I can: though it...
1048James Madison to Richard M. Johnson, 22 December 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. a letter from Mr. Wm. Emmons accompanied by a copy of the "Fredoniad," elegantly bound; observing at the same time that the Edition had left hanging over him a debt of $2000, and that if disposed to assist the effort $10, the price of the work might be forwarded to you. I am truly sorry that such an undertaking should have left him in such a situation, and consulting only my...
1049James Madison to Martin Van Buren, 22 December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your late favor inclosing the Message of the President was duly recd. And I should have been more prompt in my thanks for your politeness: but for a painful Rheumatic Attack which drew my attention from every thing not immediately & urgently pressing on it. To this apology, permit me to add a avowed renewal of my present respectful & cordial salutations Draft (DLC) .
1050James Madison to Thomas Maxwell, 21 December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Your letter inclosing one from Mr. Sloan accompanied by his little pamphlet on Priestcraft, was duly recd. As he wishes you to be the medium of an answer I must ask the favor of you to convey my congratulations on the health and other consolations he enjoys at so advanced a stage of life, and my thanks also for all the kind feelings he expresses towards me. Notwithstanding the lapse of time, I...