105251To James Madison from Levett Harris, 29 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 June 1804, St. Petersburg. “My last respects were paid You the 12/24 instant . I this morning received a note from the Prince de Czartoryski, desiring to see me at one oClock. I accordingly waited on him. The Prince after communicating to me the particulars of the instructions, transmitted by order of the Emperor, to the Russian Ambassador at Constantinople, informed me in reply to the...
105252To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 29 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 September 1802, Georgetown. The claim of French merchant Coulon, about which Pichon wrote JM on 7 Mar. 1802 , having failed in Congress, calls JM’s attention to the manifest wrong that appears to have been done to Coulon. Recounts the beginning of the affair. Two French prizes, the Betty Cathcart and the Aaron , the first of which was Coulon’s, were taken into Wilmington, North Carolina, in...
105253To James Madison from Joseph C. Cabell, 10 July 1819 (Madison Papers)
When I last had the pleasure to see you at Monticello you appeared to approve of the plan which I had suggested to Mr. Jefferson for augmenting the funds of the University by applying to the legislature for the balance of the debt due to the state from the General Government. I then mentioned to you that subsequent to the period at which I had addressed Mr. Jefferson on that subject I had...
105254James Cornick to James Madison, 27 January 1832 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of making a few enquires of you relative to a claim it is believed our family have for the revolutionary services of my father Lemuel Cornick, who from all the information to be gathered upon that subject, was one of those active partisans who got on board the French fleet off Cape Henry, near his residence and Piloted them into and up the Cheasapeak and from that place to...
105255To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 31 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed you have the Leyden Gazettes up to this day, the last of which contains the Treaties of Peace lately made between France & Russia & Prussia. The first stipulates for the Conditional mediation of the Empr. of Russia towards making a peace between France & England, but the Condition is of nature which may tend to defeat the Object it is ostensibly designed to promote. I have the honor...
105256To James Madison from James Monroe, 9 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here yesterday in 29. days from the Hook. The voyage was as favorable in other respects as it was in point of dispatch, having experienc’d no storm or other unpleasant incident in it, the sea sickness of my family excepted. To avoid the expence of entering the port with the ship, the Captn. had contracted to land us from the road which he proposed doing in his own boat, but as there...
105257To James Madison from David Montagu Erskine, 17 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the Honor of seeing you this morning, I have referred to a letter from His Majesty’s Consul at Norfolk, which I found announced the arrival of His Majesty’s Ship The Cambrian in Hampton Roads on the 29th of last month having sprung her Boswsprit. This circumstance will I hope account satisfactorily for the Cambrian having enter’d one of the Ports of the U.S. after the Proclamation...
105258To James Madison from Charles Carter, 16 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 4th I duly recieved, and am much pleased, at the acct of my Dr Boys situation, & that he pleases his master. From my last letter from the Atty, I feard there woud have been, some dificulty as to the time, of his continuance with Mr Hunter, but hope all obstacles are removd. Shoud any thing be yet unsetled, I hope your aid will not be wanting, to accomodate, the business. I have...
105259To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 2 October 1805 (Madison Papers)
With this you will receive a packet directed to our Minister Mr. Armstrong: it contains a number of astronomical observations for Mr. Delambre, one of the perpetual secretaries to the national institute of france. I wish your interest with Mr. Armstrong, to have my letters delivered, and the answers, when put in his hands, either forwarded with his dispatches to you, or sent to our consul Mr....
105260To James Madison from Richard Bache, 21 July 1825 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Tod is in the City. I delivered him your letter yesterday and had the pleasure of seeing him at the dinner given to Mr. Rush. Mrs. Bache joins me in our most affectionate regards to Mrs. Madison & yourself. With great esteem Yrs RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM . Letter not found. A full report of the public dinner for Richard Rush, including toasts and speeches, held on 20 May at Washington...
105261To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 14 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since my last respects to you of the 10th: & yesterdays date, I have received the Inclosed Packet from Mr. John Gavino of Gibraltar directed for you, & which I dont loose a moment in forwarding you, as likewise Copy of the answer from Commodore Morris which you will find herewith; nothing further to add worth your notice. I have the honor to be very Sincerely, Sir, Your most obt. hble Servt:...
105262To James Madison from Thomas C. Levins, 14 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
A few weeks since I had the honour of addressing you relatively to the Professorship of Mathcs. in the Virginia University. I then stated my wish to be admitted to fill the station, shd. I be deemed worthy, and shd. the present professor resign. The present letter is written, simply under the impression my former communication might not have been received. On the subject I wrote to the Honble...
105263To James Madison from Erick Bollman, 23 December 1810 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of sending Your Excellency a Copy of a trifling Production which may perhaps derive some Interest from the Circumstances of the Moment. If You will receive it with Indulgence and on Perusal should think well of it I shall be highly gratified. I have the Honour to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient St. RC ( DLC ). Bollmann probably enclosed a copy of his...
105264To James Madison from James Gamble, 24 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
Understanding, that the general government may possibly have Occasion to employ Merchant Vessels, for the covenience of foreign correspondence during the continuance of the embargo, I am induced to recommend to your Attention, the Ship Susquehanna. On this Subject, I would respectfully solicit an answer that I might know whether it will be necessary to lay before you the terms of charter. She...
105265To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 9 December 1796 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the first of this month. Was absent when it arrived or shod. have answered it the last post—that of the 5th. I have just recd. From both I collect it is very uncertain who will be the President. I have long apprehended the consequence which now appears probable that in the struggle between the principal Candidates and the friends of each voting for Pinkney or generally so as V....
105266To James Madison from Carter B. Harrison, 9 November 1798 (Madison Papers)
I have lately seen in a Richmond paper Zakh Burnleys advertisement of 1600 acres of Land in your County seven miles above the Court house. I am disposed to become a purchaser of some good Land in that part of the State. Can I get the favor of you to let me know the price & your opinion of its real value? If you think the purchase adviseable I will if possible see it on my way to Philada....
105267To James Madison from Rawleigh W. Downman, [ca. 1 August 1815] (Madison Papers)
The Memorial of Rawleigh William Downman of the county of Lancaster & State of Virginia most respectfully represents that some time in the month of December 1814 whilst the enemy’s vessels were up the Rappahannock, a flag was sent by Capt. Barrie, the Senior officer of their flotilla, to procure the release of a surgeons assistant who had been made a prisoner. Capt. Barrie addressed a letter...
105268To James Madison from John Barber, 30 January 1807 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Barber. 30 January 1807, Albany. “Please to pay Killian K. Van Rensselaer, Esq. or order, the amount due me for publishing all the laws passed at the last session of congress, and this order shall be a voucher for the payment.” RC ( DNA : RG 217, First Auditor’s Accounts, No. 19,042). 1 p. Filed with this letter is Barber’s account, written and certified by Pleasonton on 10...
105269To James Madison from William Paulding Jr. and Others, 1 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The death of Genl Smith having caused a vacancy in the Office of Marshall of the Southern District of New York We do respectfully recommend Roger Strong Esqr. for that Office. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Strong”). A note at the foot of the page in JM ’s hand reads: “some papers are with Mr. Dallas recommending Mr. Strong.” William Paulding Jr. (1770–1854), brother of James K....
105270To James Madison from William Buchanan, 30 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 May 1802, Ile de France. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s standing instructions under date of 9 July 1801 as well as a copy of his commission as U.S. commercial agent for Ile de France and Bourbon; “the Vessel by which the Original was forwarded is unquestionably lost.” Will follow JM’s instructions “respecting returns of the American Vessels which may arrive within my district … tho’ I am...
105271To James Madison from John Griffin, 14 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having passed three years in this Country, and finding my Health extremely shattered, by the severity of the Climate, if there should be no impropriety in the application, and if the vacancies in the Illinois Territory should not all be filled, may I venture so far to trouble your Excellency, as to propose that I might be transferred to that Territory, upon my resignation of the situation I...
105272To James Madison from David Jones, 23 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
Last Tuesday, I came to my own house, in a weak State; but I am mending every hour. I left sackets harbor on Sunday oct 3. and came to york next Sunday. Previous to my Departure, I had been for a week so affected with a Diarrhea that I could scarsely walk alone. The generals all advised me to return home, & general Lewis gave me leave of absensce the remaining part of the Campaign. I beleive...
105273To James Madison from John Gavino, 30 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to referr to what I had the honour of writing you No. 63 under date of 15t: Inst: & 64 the 16t: Do. P Copys herewith. By the former you will see the particulars of the Schooner Philadelphia Packett, Nathl: Norris Master; all that I have been able to find out since then is that she was cleard from Philadelphia for Boston with the Proofs of Property. Finding some days had elapsed...
105274To James Madison from Robert Montgomery, 11 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you under the 2d Current, I have not received any of your favors, or has any circumstance occured here worthy of your attention. No Enemy from the Coast of Barbary has appeared to molest our Trading Vessels. The purport of the present is only to cover the List of arrivals for the last Six Months which being all I have to trouble you with, I have the honor to...
105275To James Madison from Richard Peters, 11 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
Genl Armstrong, when in France, sent me over some Seeds; &, among them, about 2 Quarts of most remarkably fine Rye , of a Species entirely unknown here. With my usual Desire to disperse what I obtain in this Way, I distributed, in very small Portions, the whole of what I had, except about half a Pint. I planted my Modicum in single Grains, in Drills; &, after some Growth, I found that each...
105276To James Madison from Marie-Adrienne-Françoise de Noailles, marquise de Lafayette, 9 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
Mr. de Monlezun la Barthette Requires me to introduce Him to My friends in America. He is particularly desirous to be Recommended to our Respected president and to You. Both objects I Know Will Be fully Attained by this Letter, and I am the More Warranted to introduce Mr. de Monlezun la Barthette, as His father and Himself Have Been Under My Command in Virginia. The Services they Have Rendered...
105277To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
It is long since I have had occasion to address a line to you, and the present is an irksome one. With all the discouragements I can oppose to those who wish to make me the channel of their wishes for office, some will force themselves on me. I inclose you the letters of several merely to be placed on the file of candidates & to stand on their own ground, for I do not know one of them...
105278To James Madison from Joseph Hutton, 9 October 1815 (Madison Papers)
Emboldened by the conviction that your Excellency’s inclination is to encourage literature generally, but more particular, any attempt to perpetuate the renown of those gallant men who lately fell in the service of their country, as well as those who have survived to experience the gratitude of the republic, I venture to solicit the patronage of your Excellency for a poem on the subject of the...
105279To James Madison from Thomas Newton, 15 March 1807 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Thomas Newton. 15 March 1807, Collector’s Office, Norfolk. “I recd. yr letters of the 7th & 9th instant [not found]. Wm. Milfield I believe is incorrect in his statement of being a native of this place from my own knowledge & from every inquiry no such name has ever been resident here if I can get any documents in his favor I will use my endeavors to releive him.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML...
105280To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 24 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit the following Statement to the consideration of the President of the United States. Treasury Notes, which were issued under Acts passed prior to the Act of the 24. of February 1815, were payable at the expiration of a year from their respective dates, with interest at the rate of 5 2/5 per cent. per annum, at the Loan Offices, respectively,...
105281To James Madison from Phinehas Drinkwater and Others, 19 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Memorial of the undersigned Captains and Supercargoes Citizens of the United States Respectfully Sheweth That in the prosecution of our several voyages, undertaken with the sanction of our Government, and consequently (as we are bound to beleive) not only conformably to its laws, but also fair, and legal, as they respect the treaties existing between the United States, and the Court of...
105282To James Madison from George Warner and Others, 3 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
The Subscribers Republican members of the Legislature of the State of New York, respectfully recommend John T Irving Esquire as a suitable person to fill the Office of District Attorney for the United States for the district of New York. The Subscribers Members of the Legislature from the City of New York beg leave respectfully to recommend John T Irving Esquire of that City as a suitable...
105283To James Madison from John Gavino (Abstract), 25 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
25 March 1805, Gibraltar . No. 1. “On the 12th: Inst: I had the honor of adressing you accompanying Copy of one received from Mr: Mountford, our Charge at Algiers, to which referr, and goes by this Conveyance being detaind for want of a fair wind. “Last Night arrived a British frigate from Malta by whom have Letters to the 9h: Instant, she brought the one herewith for you. “I am sorry to find...
105284To James Madison from Benjamin Rush, 27 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your polite letter, I have only to repeat my congratulations to you for the honor you have done to the claims of justice and patriotism by your motion. The small number of the minority that rose to support it, does not lessen its merit. The decision upon that great Question will leave a stain upon our Country which no time nor declammation can ever wipe away. History will decide...
105285To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 7 April 1781 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Another copy is printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 127–28. I have yr favr of the 27th past, which gave us the first certain account what had become of the French Fleet since the Engagement off our Capes. It is confidently affirmed the british took a 64 or 74 & have her now with their fleet. I do not believe it...
105286To James Madison from Samuel Herrick and Others, May 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
May 1813, Zanesville. “Believing that Genl. Cass Marshal for the District of Ohio, has resigned that Office, or intends shortly to do so; and viewing it as a matter of importance, at this juncture of our national affairs, that his successor should be a person of capacity; of correct political and private principles; we recommend Doctor John Hamm of this Town as possessing these requisites, and...
105287To James Madison from Roger C. Weightman, 14 June 1826 (Madison Papers)
As chairman of a committee appointed by the citizens of Washington to make arrangements for celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of American Independence in a manner worthy of the Metropolis of the nation, I am directed to invite you, as one of the former Presidents of the United States, to honor the city with your presence on the occasion. I am further instructed to inform you, that, on...
105288To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 24 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
I send by this post a roll containing a patern for a coat, of cloth which Mrs. Edward P Livingston begs you wd. do her the honor to accept. It is a fine specimen of domestic manufacture, & of the superiority of Cler Mont Merino wool, as you will Judge by its being much finer than the superfine british broad cloths made from Spanish wool, since it took 1/ 4 less wool to make the same quantity...
105289To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 23 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
I am truely sorry that appearances are not more promising in Massachussets than I learn from your letter of 20th instant. The pamphlet may be of signal service as things unhappily are so circumstanced & I rejoice in having sent it. I hope the movements of the tradesmen will have an influence on a principal Character. The peculiar situation of Maine is unfortunate. The greatest difficulty will...
105290George Joy to James Madison, 24 December 1834 (Madison Papers)
I have just rec’d from Mr Scrope, one of the M. Ps for this County, a Pamphlet sent him ex officio. I have made some short hand marginal Notes upon it which I have not time to transcribe, and they would be little worth if I had; but I have ordered one of the Pamphlets to be sent to you from London, where, I suppose, they are by this time on Sale. The short of the Story I take to be this. The...
105291To James Madison from John J. Murray, 26 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have now the honor to transmit you a Report of the Trade of the United States within my district ending 30 June la st, or so much of it as has come to my kn owledge. I beg to refer you to my c ommunications of the 22 June & 14 Ulto. vi a London & Liverpool and of this let ter under cover to a friend in New York, an d have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir Your Most Obt. Hble...
105292To James Madison from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 19 July 1811 (Madison Papers)
My duty, as Chairman of the Commissioners of the Columbia turnpike roads obliged me to spend the whole of this morning upon the line leading towards Monty. C. House, and I transmit to you the annexed accts., not so early as I could have wished, but still I hope in time to meet your object in calling for them. The whole of the Sheet iron required by the letter of your superintendent at...
105293To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 28 June 1818 (Madison Papers)
Being to set out in a few days for Bedford from whence I shall not return till about a week before our Rockfish meeting, I have been preparing such a report as I can, to be offered there to our colleagues. It is not such an one as I should propose to them to make to an assembly of philosophers, who would require nothing but the table of professorships, but I have endeavored to adapt it to our...
105294To James Madison from Christopher S. Thom, 10 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have not yet experienced much benefit for the complaint in my Eye, and think it advisable to quit the Office. Previous to leaving Washington I settled the Contingent accounts at the Treasury. Mr. Pleasonton is acquainted with the business that I was employed on, and will I presume have the goodness to superintend the settlement of the accounts for the payment of awards under the British...
105295Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 22 December 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Declining in every possible case to harrass you with sollicitations for office, I yet venture to do it in cases of science and of great merit, because in so doing I am sure I consult your partialities as well as my own. mr Hassler furnishes an occasion of doing this. you will find his character, his situation and claims stated in the inclosed letter from Rob. Patterson , whose integrity &...
105296John Coalter to James Madison, 29 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you a few days ago that the Governor had not receivd from you a Copy of the proceedings at Charlottesville. It may be that you have no extra Copy left; and I have got one made out from the Enquirer, in which paper of the 25—July, the proceedings were published—I now take the liberty to apprise you of this in case you should find any difficulty on that subject—your obt. Servant RC (DLC)...
105297To James Madison from James Monroe, 30 June 1795 (Madison Papers)
I send herewith a copy of the constitution reported by the committee of 11. & which will be discussed in the course of a few days. A doubt arises with many upon the propriety of the executive organizn., & some wish and with a view of strengthening it that the number be reduc’d to 3—but this wod. certainly produce the opposit effect, for the annual rotation by the with-drawal of one & the...
105298To James Madison from William Lee, 8 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
By a confidential letter received yesterday from an obliging friend at Washington I learnt you had done me the honor to appoint me accountant to the War department and that the Commission had been directed to me at Philadelphia where I presume it still lies in the post office as it has never come to hand which I am a little surprised at as several letters directed to me in that City have been...
105299To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 26 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
Your polite & friendly communication of the 15 Int. has been duly rec’d, wherein you state that your thoughts have been turned to me as a proper person for Secretary of the Navy Department; for this expression of your kind & frankly avowed opinion of my fitness for the office, be pleased to accept the thanks of a grateful heart, & be assured, if I could, consistant with the duties I owe my...
105300To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 15 August 1805, New Orleans . “A short time previous to the transfer of Louisiana to the United States, Governor Folch having doubted the Authority of Morales to sell lands in West Florida, without his (Folches) assent, would not permit the Surveyors to proceed. The consequence was, that Titles for vast Tracts of Land which had been enter’ed, remained...