105701To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 January 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last the Senate have agreed to the Report —& the Resolutions, by 15 to 6. To the latter they made an amendt. to the definition of the portion of C.L. in force in the U.S. by inserting the words “by Congress” after the word “adopted,” in order to repel the misconstruction which led the minority to concur in that particular resolution as it passed the H. of D. The amendt. was agreed to...
105702To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 October 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Trist left with me yesterday on his way home, the inclosed pamphlet which I return to him thro’ your hands, that you may have an oppy. of perusing it, in case a copy should not yet have reached you. I understand from Mr. T. who left Philada. on monday the 22d. that the prospect of a vote by Pennsa. was rather clouded by the uncertainty of the elections in one or two of the Senatorial...
105703James Madison to William Cabell Rives, 22 June 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have received your very friendly favor of the 15th. enclosing the Diploma of Honorary Membership of the United States Naval Lyceum. As I acknowledged through Captain Ridgely, soon after its receipt, the notification transmitted by him, that the Society had conferred on me this distinction, it may suffice to ask the favor of your communicating to Lieut. Hudson the safe receipt of the diploma....
105704To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Warville has just arrived here, and I sieze an opportunity suddenly brought to my knowledge to thank you for your several favors, and particularly for the pedometer. Answers to the letters must be put off for the next opportunity. My last went off just as a vote was taken in the Convention of this State which foretold the ratification of the new Government. The later act soon followed and...
105705From James Madison to Mahlon Dickerson, 15 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Objects interesting to the United States requiring that the Senate should be in session on the 4th of March next, to receive such communications as may be made to it on the part of the Executive, your attendance in the Senate Chamber in this City on that day is accordingly requested. RC ( NjHi : Dickerson Papers). In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM . Mahlon Dickerson (1770–1853), a graduate of...
105706For the National Gazette, 28 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
The boasted equilibrium of this government, (so far as it is a reality) is maintained less by the distribution of its powers, than by the force of public opinion. If the nation were in favour of absolute monarchy, the public liberty would soon be surrendered by their representatives. If a republican form of government were preferred, how could the monarch resist the national will? Were the...
105707From James Madison to Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 15 October 1802 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State was duly honored with Mr. Yrujo’s Note of the 28th. of July last. The communication made by Mr. Yrujo of the Peace between His Catholic Majesty and the Emperor of Russia has been received by the President with all the interest which humanity ought to take in such occurrences, and with that particular sympathy in the happy event which is due to a friendly nation, with...
105708From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 18 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing and the letter is not docketed. I recd. no letter from you yesterday nor shall I receive any for that week unless it be through the channel of Rivington’s Gazette, the Post having been robbed of his mail on Saturday eving last in Maryland. I hope your letter did not contain anything not in Cypher which is unfit for the public eye. The policy...
105709From James Madison to Henry Craig, 12 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 May 1801, Department of State. Encloses copies of documents in cases of Samuel Gawler and Daniel Clark, American citizens reportedly impressed by British naval officers at Martinique; orders Craig to “lose no time” in trying to obtain their release. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC , vol. 1). 1 p. Enclosures not found. JM wrote Craig again on 16 June 1801 concerning seaman Samuel Culver...
105710Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 17 July 1827 (Madison Papers)
The board met, present the same as yesterday. A letter was received and read from Professor Emmet, on the subject of the chemical laboratory. The reading of the minutes of the Faculty was resumed. Professor Bonnycastle was admitted to a conference on the subject of the schools of Mathematics and of Natural Philosophy. Resolved that hereafter, there shall be a standing committee of the...
105711From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 4 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. James McGregor, Consul of the United States, at St. Thomas’, having forwarded an account against this Department, for the relief of Seamen, which requires some explanation, and being desirous in the mean time to make him a partial advance thereupon, I have the honor to request you to issue a warrant for five hundred dollars, on the appropriations for the relief of Seamen in favor of...
105712From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 7 February 1807 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Albert Gallatin. 7 February 1807, Department of State. “Be pleased to cause fifteen thousand dollars, from the fund for foreign intercourse, to be remitted to Sir Francis Baring & Co., the Bankers of this Department in London.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 1 p.
105713From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 15 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Olsen the Danish Minister Resident has complained of Captn. Maley in capturing a Danish vessel the Mercator, which was afterwards lost by capture, whilst under the American Flag, by a British Armed vessel, and condemnation in a British Court of Admiralty. He has represented also, in behalf of the Danish owner, that Captn. Maley is both absent from the United States and in a state of...
105714To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 23 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing material has taken place since my last. The fact is confirmed that Clinton has returned to N.Y. with part of the Southern army, and has joined Kniphausen. They are at present man[oeuvering] for purposes not absolutely known, but most probably in order to draw Genl. Washington to an action in which they suppose he may be disabled to give the necessary co-operation to the french...
105715From James Madison to Gabriel Moore, 10 January 1828 (Madison Papers)
J.M. presents his respects to Mr. Moore & incloses an answer to Mr. W. Price which he requested might be conveyed thro’ his Representative in Congs. Draft ( DLC ). Subjoined to JM to William Price, 10 Jan. 1828 .
105716From James Madison to Congress, 17 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 January 1812. Transmits a letter from the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the secretary of state, with the answer of the latter. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1); RC ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures (3 pp.; printed in ASP American State...
105717Presidential Proclamation, [9 August] 1809 (Madison Papers)
By the President of the United States of America , A Proclamation . Whereas in consequence of a communication from His Britannic Majesty’s Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, declaring that the British Orders in Council of January and November, 1807, would have been withdrawn on the tenth day of June last; and by virtue of authority given, in such event, by the eleventh section...
105718From James Madison to Landon Carter, 7 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 23. Ult: and in obedience to its request, committed to the flames the paper delivered to my Custody, in Orange. The seal of it had never been broken. With my thanks for the Obliging sentiments you have been pleased to express, I remain, very respectfully Yr. Obedt. Servt. Catalog--Superior Galleries Auction.
105719From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 1 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
I send herewith 2 Copies of the Federalist, one for Mr. Leland—the other for Mr. Bledsoe. From Fredg. I may send probably a few more to be distributed as you may think best. I am just setting out Northwardly. John is so well as to be able to travel. I continue well myself. My affecte. regards to my mother & family. Your dutiful son RC ( DLC ). Docketed (by James Madison, Sr.?). The letter is...
105720From James Madison to William Bradford, [30 October–5 November] 1779 (Madison Papers)
satisfaction, a visit from I must own as your not any beneficial affects fro[m] a satisfaction should be your health, than that the waters have been as I flatter myself they have for a confirmation of it to future season when it may be convenient for you to extend your ride as far as Orange; where I may generally be found in those months in which the Springs are most used. The abrupt arrival...
105721To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I got to the end of my journey I have been without an opportunity of dropping you a line: and this is written merely to be ready for the first casual conveyance to Fredricksburg. I received yesterday your two favors No. 1 and 2. The gazettes under a preceding cover had come to hand some days before. Your answer to Hammond has on the whole got triumphantly through the ordeal. It is...
105722To 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...
105723Excise, [11 January] 1791 (Madison Papers)
The motion for striking out the twelfth section was defeated, 42 to 11. Jackson then moved to strike out the thirteenth section, providing for an excise on spirits distilled from materials grown or produced in the United States. Opponents of the excise argued that it was not necessary, that it would be particularly oppressive to southerners, and that other means of taxation were to be...
105724Notes on Emigration, [ante 19 November] 1791 (Madison Papers)
Emigration Both in the vegetable and animal Kingdoms every species derives from nature a reproductive faculty beyond the demand for merely keeping up its stock. The seed of a single plant is sufficient to multiply it an hundred fold. The animal offspring is never limited to the number of the parents. This ordinance of nature is calculated in both instances for a twofold purpose. In both it...
105725From James Madison to William Savage, 29 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your two Letters of the 20th. and 25th. January last have been received, and the two Bills which you draw upon me on those days, the first in favor of James Martin for fifteen hundred and Eighty Eight Dollars and thirty Cents, and the other for fifteen hundred Dollars in favor of Elliston and John Perott, have been accepted. But the acceptance is not to be understood as having reference to a...
105726From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
Yours of 21–22d. is just recd. You may authorize Mr H. de Neuville, to communicate with you previous to his formal recognition. Roth intimated that he wd. probably visit me here with his credentials. If he desires it, or you think it eligible, let him know that I will receive him with pleasure. The bias of his own mind, if ascertained, may decide the question. Mine has none. The Letters of...
105727From James Madison to Louis-André Pichon, 12 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 12 May 1801. Acknowledged in Pichon to JM, 17 May 1801 . Relays president’s directions concerning French ship La Sémillante at Norfolk. Returns commissions and conveys exequaturs from president.
105728From James Madison to Robert Smith, 6 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
Mr. James L. Cathcart, who is now at Leghorn, informs me, by letter of the 15th. of December last that he had given a credit of three thousand dollars or more to the Danish Consul at Tripoli, to enable him to relieve the wants of the Officers and crew of the Frigate Philadelphia. He also informs me that he is preparing two suits of Clothes for each individual of that crew. Mr. Lear, the Consul...
105729From James Madison to Robert W. Fox, 16 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of april 10. in which you ask a decision whether you may whilst american Consul perform certain services as agent for the Batavian Government. The constitution of the U. States has left no discretion to the Executive on this point “no person holding any office of profit or trust under them shall, without the consent of congress, accept of any present, emolument,...
105730To John Adams from James Madison, 3 June 1812 (Adams Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 21st ulto. inclosing one to yourself from Mr. Malcom. I return the latter as desired. Mr. Malcom was not in time to be taken into consideration along with others having the same objects with him. I need not say that if it had been otherwise, and his comparative qualifications had entitled him to the appointment, I should have felt a pleasure in knowing that...
105731From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Not being possessed of the answer from the War Dept. referred to in the inclosed, I can not compare the grounds of it, with the opinions to which it has given rise. It would seem however that the Soldiers in question must be entitled to such a discharge as will secure to them all the recommenc [ sic ] stipulated for serving during the war. Will you be so good as to take a legal view of the...
105732James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours inclosing two letters improperly addressed to you. A sketch in manuscript was brought by yesterday’s Mail from N. York , saying that a vessel just arrived, stated that the Prince Regent had appointed his Cabinet; that Lord Holland was prime Minister ,
105733Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 7 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of Virginia held at the said University on Monday the 3d. and Tuesday the 4th. of April 1826. at which were present Thomas Jefferson, Joseph C. Cabell, John H. Cocke, Chapman Johnson and James Madison the following proceedings were had. 86. There shall be established in the University a Dispensary which shall be attached to the Medical school, and...
105734James Madison to Isaac S. Lyon, 20 September 1834 (Madison Papers)
I must apologize for the great delay in acknowledging your letter of Apl. 20th, by referring, (now a common and necessary resort) to the feebleness of age, accompanied by severe & continued inroads on my health. My respect for your object, would make it very agreeable to me, to aid it in the way you mention. But on looking into the parcels of pamphlets I possess, I find none that would supply...
105735From James Madison to Peder Pedersen, 26 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving and laying before the President, your letter of the 21st. inst., communicating the Declaration published by His Danish Majesty, in consequence of the late attack on the Capital of His Kingdom. Separated as the United States are by their distance and their maxims of policy, from the scenes which unfold themselves on the Theatre of Europe, their duty lies in...
105736James Madison to Lewis Condict, 21 March 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your letter of the 15th. with the papers returned from Richmond by Mr. Venable. I am certainly not wanting in any of the recollections which ought to inspire my best wishes for the prosperity of Nassau-Hall. But the particular relations in which I stand to another Institution, more than that, deficient, both in Professorships, and in the means of providing them would of...
105737From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 30 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
I lost no time, after the receipt of your letter requesting a passport for Col. Livingston, in forwarding that document to Mr. Juhel ; and found it very convenient to add to it duplicates of letters for Genl. Armstrong & Mr. Bowdoin, the original of which had just been dispatched by another conveyance. Your preceding letter was recd. also in due time. I thought it most proper not to answer it...
105738To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 7 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last which went by the mail in course, the papers of my deceased father have been opened. His will was made thirteen years ago, since which two of my brothers have died, one of them leaving a large number of children mostly minors, and both of them intestate. The will itself, besides the lapsed legacies, does not cover all the property held at the time; & valuable parcels of property...
105739To James Madison from James Madison, 8 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I congratulate you & our common Country, most sincerely, on the Issue of the late presidential Election; nor have I a Doubt of the succeeding Administration being as distinguished for Patriotism & Wisdom, as the preceding. You will indeed, I fear, have a stormy Time to encounter; but that is the Season in which the Pilot discovers his superior Skill. Mr. Crittenden, who is from Kentucky, & has...
105740Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 14 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
Present James Madison Rector, James Monroe, John H. Cocke, Joseph C. Cabell and Chapman Johnson. Resolved that enactment 24 does preclude the professors from such pursuits as that contemplated in one of the suggestions lately submitted to the board by the Professor of Medicine: but, in consideration of the peculiar condition of the Medical school, the special consent of the board is, for the...
105741James Madison to Thomas McCleland, 31 January 1836 (Madison Papers)
I have received Sir your letter of Jany 23d. containing a plan for the proposed Washington Monument. When my appointment as President of the Society was made known to me, I intimated that my acceptance of it was merely as an evidence of the interest I felt in the object, and that in my present condition the appointment could be but honorary. This being every day more and more the case I shall...
105742From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. yours of the 13th. I had been apprised of the application by the Mayor of N Y. for a guard. Considering as you do, that the federal Govt. have only an incidental connection with the case of the French Negroes, I have waited for more particular information concerning them, before writing to Pichon, who I learnt from Mr. Brent, and also from himself, was exerting himself to get...
105743From James Madison to William Hull (Abstract), 11 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
11 June 1805, Department of State. “As no specific appropriation was made by Congress for the support of the Government of Michegan, it has been arranged, that the Salaries are to be paid out of the Contingent fund of Government; and the Governor Judges and Secretary may receive a quarters advance at the Treasury, reimbursable by the first salary which accrues to them respectively. It will be...
105744From James Madison to Peter Stephen DuPonceau, 8 December 1810 (Madison Papers)
I recd. in due time your favor of the 15th. instant ⟨and⟩ with it a Copy of your translation of Bynkershoek. I am glad to find that in the midst of your professional occupations, you have compleated a work which was so much wanted, and which required that accurate knowledge of both languages which you possess. The addition of your notes will contribute to recommend both the subject & the...
105745Deed of Sale, 29 July 1796 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 July 1796, Orange County, Virginia. Indenture by which Boswell Thornton and his wife Lucy of Orange County sold to JM for £25 eight acres of Orange County land adjoining Nathaniel Gordon’s property, “with all woods, waters, quarries of lime and other stone and the Reversions and remainders to the same appertaining.” Letterbook copy ( Vi : Orange County Courthouse Records). 2 pp. Witnessed...
105746From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 22 September 1806 (Madison Papers)
Among the inclosures is a letter from Turreau, requesting a loan, to be applied to the equipment of the damaged Ships of war now in our ports. I have sketched an answer for your consideration & correction. It is the more necessary to be explicit in the refusal, as the case may be followed by others of greater extent, and resulting from Combat as well as casualties. I have proceeded on the...
105747Power of Originating Money Bills in the Legislature, [13 June] 1787 (Madison Papers)
Gerry moved to prohibit the Senate from originating money bills. Mr. Madison observed that the Commentators on the Brit: Const: had not yet agreed on the reason of the restriction on the H. of L. in money bills. Certain it was there could be no similar reason in the case before us. The Senate would be the representatives of the people as well as the 1st. branch. If they sd. have any dangerous...
105748From James Madison to Richard Lee, Jr., 3 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Erskine having requested the interference of the Executive towards obtaining such aids as may be necessary in an attempt about to be renewed for getting afloat the Schooner Zenobia run aground to the Southard of Cape Henry, the President considers the nature of the case as entitled to the indulgence. You will therefore please to let it be known to such persons as may be willing to afford...
105749Notes on Debates, 18 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
See Journal till April 18th [1787] Wednesday It having appeared by the Report of Mr. Jay on the instruction agreed to monday the 2d. inst & on information refd. to him concerning the discontents of the western people: that he had considered the act of 7 states as authorising him to suspend the use of the Misspi. and that he had accordingly adjusted with Mr. Guardoqui an article to that effect;...
105750James Madison to Edward Everett, 20 August 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 11th. inst: & wish I could give the information it asks with the desired particularity and certainty. I believe, though I may possibly be wrong, that no answers to the Virginia Resolutions of -98, were given by States, other than those enumerated in the pamphlet you have. I have not the means of ascertaining the fact. If any instructions were given by the Legislature...