108801From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 1 November 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. Van Zandt a copy of his Bill in Chancery: of course known to you, and have answered the communicati⟨on⟩ by a letter a copy of which I have thought it proper to inclose you. The errors of fact which it corrects make me hope that I shall be rescued by the explanation from the disagreeable situation in which the Bill places me. With friendly wishes RC ( MHi ); draft ( DLC )....
108802James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 23 September 1831 (Madison Papers)
Interruptions from my Rheumatism and a succession of less unwelcome guests have delayed the thanks now rendered for your several printed communications, particularly, the Pamphlet of Mr. E. and the paper headed "Nullification Theory". The former is an able & well written performance; and will be denied this character by few of the adverse party. If the latter does not silence the adversary,...
108803From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 9 September 1805 (Madison Papers)
On the rect. of your favor on the subject to which the letter of Mr. Merry to you now inclosed relates, I wrote to the office of State to know whether in any former instance the indulgence claimed by Mr. Foster had been allowed to a Secy. of Legation. It appears that there has not, during the presence of the Minister Plenipoy. I do not find however that it has been refused. The probability is...
108804Circular Letter to the Marshals, 29 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed I transmit you a copy of the act of Congress passed at their last session “for the more effectual preservation of peace in the ports and harbours of the United States, and in the waters under their jurisdiction.” In the performance of your duty under the first section, it is the direction of the President, that, previous to the execution of any warrant committed to you, you are to...
108805From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 27 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Albert Gallatin. 27 January 1806, Department of State. “Be pleased to issue your warrant, on the appropriation for the Contingent expences of the Department of State, for five hundred dollars, in favor of Christopher S Thom: he to be charged & held accountable for the same.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 1 p. On 28 Jan. 1806 JM requested Gallatin to issue a warrant on the...
108806From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 29 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover missing. Letter docketed by Randolph, “James Madison. (of Congress). April: 29. 1783.” Yesterday’s post was the third that has arrived successively without a line from you. The Definitive Treaty it is said is to be remitted to the two Imperial Courts for their approbation, before the last hand will be put to it. This will be mere...
108807James Madison to [Thomas H. Ellis], 20 September 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 16th. As you have made the same commnication to the other members of the Ex-Committee who will be able to appreciate all the circumstances of the case stated in it, better than I can be, I must refer you to their decision on it, which I doubt not will be a just and proper one. With friendly respects RC (InU : Lilly Collection); draft (DLC) .
108808From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 October 1797 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of the 15th. and according to its request inclose back the pamphlet to Mr. Jefferson. I have looked over attentively the parts of it which regard you. It does not seem to me to present any ground on which you could resume the controversy with Col. H. with an appearance either of obligation or propriety. All the points deserving attention which grew out of the course of the...
108809From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, [3 June 1816] (Madison Papers)
I have written you several letters all of which, except one committed to your attention, letters for others. The one excepted requested an answer, and as it has not yet come to hand, and I learn that a late mail was wrecked on its passage, I am apprehensive my letter may have been in it. On the eve of my departure therefore I repeat its contents. It remarked that I had not yet made the...
108810From James Madison to the Chairman of the Republican Meeting of Elbert County, Georgia, 15 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 10 of Feby. addressed to the President of the U. S. inclosing the proceedings of the Meeting of Citizens of Elbert County, having arrived after the expiration of the term of my predecessor, it devolves on me to acknowledge the receipt of it. And I can not do this without expressing the satisfaction afforded by resolutions breathing sentiments of so much patriotism, at a...
108811From James Madison to Henry Lee, 28 March 1792 (Madison Papers)
No nomination has yet been made of a new commander for the military establishment, nor of any of the Brigadiers authorised by the supplemental act lately passed. I refer to the News papers for the inferior appointments which have taken place. It is understood that St. Clair is not to remain in service. A proposition was yesterday made in the H. of Reps. desiring the President to institute an...
108812From James Madison to William Hull, 17 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To William Hull. 17 March 1806, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 26th. ult. [not found] and to observe, in answer, that the President foreseeing no inconvenience from the delay, which will be occasioned by your returning to Detroit, by the way of Lake Erie, instead of a journey through the woods, does not object to the mode you propose.” RC ( MH-H ); letterbook copy (...
108813From James Madison to Thomas Ritchie, 18 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 10th. inst: was recd. a few days ago & I give it the earliest answer which circumstances have permitted. It has been impossible not to observe the licence of construction applied to the Constitution of the U. States; and that the premises from which powers are inferred, often cover more ground than the inferences themselves. In seeking a remedy for these aberrations, we must not...
108814To George Washington from James Madison, 26 December 1787 (Washington 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 Massachusetts. It appears that Cambridge the residence of Mr Gerry...
108815Notes on Debates, 13 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
Nothing noted till Teusday March 13. [1787] Col. Grayson & Mr. Clarke having lately moved to have the military stores at Springfield in Massachusetts removed to some place of greater security, the motion was referred to the Secretary at War, who this day reported agst. the same as his report will shew. No opposition was made to the report, and it seemed to be the general sense of Congs. that...
108816James Madison to Asher Robbins, 3 July 1830 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his respects to Mr. Robbins, returns his thanks for the speech of M. R. in the Senate of the U. S. on the 20th. of May. The Constitutional system of the U. S. being truly a Non-descript, can not be explained by the classifying & technical terms applied to other Governments; and the speech has judiciously adopted the mode of precise delineation of its features, according to the...
108817From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., [ca. 27 March] 1797 (Madison Papers)
This is committed to M. Collins who will explain to you the time of his arrival, the cause of stay here, and the time of his setting out. We are endeavouring to get away ourselves tomorrow afternoon, and have already seen the greater part of our effects on board the vessels which are to take them to Fredericksburg. The hurry & confusion we are all in, will apologize for no other letters being...
108818From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 24 February 1807 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Albert Gallatin. 24 February 1807, Department of State. “I request you to be pleased to issue a warrant on the appropriations for Barbary Intercourse, for two thousand dollars, in favor of Nicholas Whelan, the holder of the enclosed bill of Exchange, drawn on the 20th. of Feby. 1806, in favor of Richard W. Meade, by James Simpson, Consul at Tripoli, who is to be charged, and held...
108819From James Madison to Philip Mazzei, 5 November 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 5 November 1787. Acknowledged in Mazzei to JM, 21 Dec. 1787 . Reports on the Dohrman affair and comments on Mazzei’s book.
108820From James Madison to Richard Bache, [post–8] January 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 7th inclosing the prospectus of a Gazette which is to be devoted to the cause of public liberty & free from the personal abuse which infects so many presses. I sincerely wish the example may have as much effect in exciting a laudable emulation, as examples of an opposite character have in provoking slanderous competitions. It is not within the rule I have laid...
108821From James Madison to William Lee, 7 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
The wines you were so good as to procure me came duly to hand, and taking the price & quality together were so satisfactory that you will oblige me by a further supply from the same sources. I wish about 200 bottles of the Barzac, and about 150 of the Frontenac, with an addition of about 100 bottles of the best Liqueurs, one half at least being Noyau. Alexandria will be the port of address...
108822From James Madison to Roger Gerard van Polanen, 13 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have received & communicated to the President your letter of the 30th. Ulto: giving information of your appointment to another public station which terminates that which you have held near the United States. The President receives with much satisfaction the assurance that the disposition of the Batavian Republic to cultivate friendship with the United States, will suffer no diminution from...
108823Bill concerning Navigation and Trade, [17 May] 1790 (Madison Papers)
A BILL concerning the Navigation and Trade of the United States . Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the duty to be collected on all vessels, not built within the United States, and belonging wholly, or in part, to a citizen, subject or inhabitant of any foreign state, with which the United States shall not have...
108824Expense Account as Delegate in Congress, 20 September 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS (Virginia State Library). JM’s file copy is in LC : Madison Papers. JM’s covering letter, if any, to the Virginia Auditors of Public Accounts has not been found. 1781 Pena. Cury July 10 To bills drawn on Mr. R. Morris in my favor by G: Nicholson Agent for Mr. Ross Pennsa. Currency £100. - - By balance June 20th. £ - - - Sepr. 20 By Board & Lodging including Liqrs. &C. from June 20...
108825James Madison to Andrew Jackson, 11 October 1835 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 7th with the letter and Medal from Mr. Goddard, which you were good enough to forward under your cover. The use made of our expressed opinion on the temperance subject, denotes the peculiar zeal, with which its patrons are inspired. Should ardent spirits be every where banished, from the list of drinks, it will be a revolution not the least remarkable in...
108826From James Madison to Benjamin Rush, 20 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 6th. inclosing the Pamphlet from the Earl of Buchan. Could a portion only of his liberality & philanthropy, be substituted for the narrow Councils and national prejudices, which direct the course of his Government, towards the U. States, the clouds which have so long hung over the relations of two Countries, mutually interested in cultivating friendship, would...
108827James Madison to Henry Clagett, 27 September 1831 (Madison Papers)
I recd. several days ago your letter of the 20th. Not hearing from Mr. Randolph, on the subject of it I infer some obstacle on his part, or mistake on yours; and have forwarded your letter to him & Genl. Cocke. They will doubtless feel every readines to gratify the wishes of Mrs. Mason, unless the case be found beyond the discretion of the Ex Comee. respects & good wishes (DLC) .
108828From James Madison to Louis-André Pichon, 25 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State has laid before the President the note of Mr. Pichon of the 17th. inst. and has the honor to assure him that his communications on the subject of St. Domingo, and the arrival there of an armament from France, have been received with all the interest which the ties of sincere friendship between the United States and the French Republic ought to inspire. The note of the...
108829James Madison to M. Hersant, 23 February 1829 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir, with your favour of the 15th. inst. the Packet from the "Museum Royal d.’Histoire Naturelle." Having long since ceased to be the President of the Society to which it is addressed, I can only have the pleasure of forwarding the communication to my actual Successor, with a confidence it will be received with the due sensibility and attention. I pray you Sir to accept assurances...
108830Notes on Debates, 12–15 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). For a description of the manuscript of Notes on Debates, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , V, 231–34 . Words italicized in the present copy are those underlined by JM. These days were employed in reading the despatches brought on Wednesday morning by...
108831Notes on Kentucky Volunteers, 23 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
Letter of Aug. 1. 1813. from Govr. Shelby to the Secy. of War, recd. this day by J.M. In substituting volunteers for a draft of Militia, Govr. S. has judged very properly. The period of their service after reaching Head Quarters, will probably be equivalent to that expected from the militia called for. Altho’ the number of Volrs. is not limited, it may be presumed that it will not materially...
108832James Madison to Francis Page, 8 October 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 8th. requesting a recommendation to the President of the U. S. of your son F. M. Page, and Grand Son of the late Govr. Page & Genl. Nelson for a Midshipman’s Warrant. Knowing as I do the personal & political merits belonging to their distinguished names, & the particular sacrifices made by their devotion to the cause of their Country at the expence of their...
108833From James Madison to James Sullivan, 10 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
The establishment with the British Government of a proper boundary in the jurisdiction of the Islands in Passamaquody Bay and of proper regulations in navigations in navigating the channels between the same, is an object which for some time has engaged the attention of the Executive, and which, it appears by a late Resolution of the Legislature of Massachusetts is much desired by that State....
108834From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 10 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your several favors of the 29. & 31. July & of the 1st. 3d. & 6th. instant. I have delayed acknowledging them, in the daily expectation of receiving something from London which would supply the defect of information at Philada. relative to our affairs & functionaries there. A letter from Mr. Crawford recd. this morning, contains the agreeable information that he will become a...
108835From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday evening yours of the 24th. inst: inclosing a paper drawn up with a view to the question of “Roads & Canals,” and to the course of proceeding most expedient for the Legislature of Virga. now in session. In my retired position it is difficult to scan the precise tendency of measures addressed to the opinions & feelings of the States & of their Representatives; these being...
108836From James Madison to William Pinkney, 9 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
I find by the receipt of your last private letter by Mr. Atwater, that there has been no miscarriage of any preceding one. The conduct of the B cabinet in rejecting the fair offer made to it, and even sneering at the course pursued by the U. S. proves at once a very determined enmity to them, and a confidence that events were taking place here which would relieve it from the necessity of...
108837Circular Letter to the Federal District Attorneys of Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire, 12 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Merry, the Minister of Great Britain, having requested that Mr. John Coles may be permitted to act as the Consul of his Nation within the States of New Hampshire & Massachusetts, until a regular appointment to that office can be made, by the immediate order of his Government; and the present nomination not being adapted for the customary Exequatur, I have the honor to request, that, as far...
108838To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 13 May 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 3d. instant. My last acknowledged your preceding one. The successful use of the Despatches in kindling a flame among the people, and of the flame in extending taxes armies & prerogative, are solemn lessons which I hope will have their proper effect when the infatuation of the moment is over. The management of foreign relations appears to be the most susceptible...
108839From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 9 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Albert Gallatin. 9 July 1805, Department of State. “I have the honor to request that you will be pleased to issue your warrant, on the appropriations for Barbary Intercourse, for one thousand dollars, in favor of James Davidson, the holder of the enclosed bill of Exchange, drawn upon me on the 24th. Novr. last, for the same sum by James Simpson Esqr. Consul of the United States at Tangier...
108840From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 1 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have received your several letters dated 19. 21. 26 & 27th. January, & 6th. & 10th. February. You will have seen in the appropriation law for this year the provision made for the compensation of the Members of the Legislative Council and other objects of expense in the Territory of Orleans. For paying the expenses accruing in the interval between the 1st. of Novr. & 1st. of January last, the...
108841From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 March 1824 (Madison Papers)
In the early part of the year 1822 I was induced by the earnest desire of the Revd. Mr. Marshal the Episcopal Preacher in this neighbourhood, to mention, with his recommendation Mr. John Howe as worthy of a vacancy in one of the Collectorships in Rh: Island. In giving you the trouble then I departed from my general rule, & contravened my universal inclination, yielding only to my respect for...
108842From James Madison to Pierpont Edwards, 5 November 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Pierpont Edwards. 5 November 1806, Department of State. “It being perceived with regret, from your letter of the 1st. inst., that your money had not been remitted to the Branch Bank at N. York, the Treasury Department, has been reminded of the omission, which will be immediately rectified.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 1 p.
108843From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 31 January 1805 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State to whom by a resolution of the House of Representatives on the 15th. instant was referred the memorial of Stephen Sayre, has the honor to report, as follows: That he has had the said Memorial and accompanying ⟨doc⟩uments under his consideration, but having no new facts illustrative of the same to lay before the House, he begs leave to refer to those which form the result...
108844Bill Enabling the Executive to Pension Disabled Veterans, with Amendments, [16 November & 6 December] 1784 (Madison Papers)
Whereas the act of Assembly passed in the year 1782 intitled “An Act Concerning Pensioners,” which has been continued by several subsequent acts will expire at the end of the present Session of Assembly, and it is expedient that the same should be further continued Be it therefore enacted that the act intitled An Act “Concerning Pensioners” shall continue and be in force from and after the...
108845From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
Unwilling to detain the Rider, I send the letters recd by him witht. remark. It is possible we may be able to set out for Monticello on Wednesday next. This will however depend on circumstances. Yrs. &c &c DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
108846Presidential Proclamation, 1 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas by the act entitled “An act granting bounties in land and extra pay to certain Canadian Volunteers,” passed the fifth of March, 1816, it was enacted that the locations of the land warrants of the said volunteers should “be subject to such regulations, as to priority of choice, and the manner of location, as the President of the United States shall direct:” Wherefore, I, James Madison ,...
108847From James Madison to William F. Gray, 24 August 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 12. came safe to hand with the receipt & Books it refers to. No. 78. compleats my set of the Edinbg Revw. No. 45. for Ocr. 24 of the N.A. Revw: I return, that havg been previously recd. But I find that No. 43. & 44 for the same year are not among the recd. numbers. Be so good as to advert to this circumstance. I thank you for yr attention in sendg the several books with an...
108848From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 17 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 February 1810. Transmits reports from the secretaries of state and of the treasury in response to a House resolution of 5 Feb. Printed copy ( ASP American State Papers: Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States ... (38 vols.; Washington, 1832-61). , Foreign Relations , 3:341); enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages). RC not found. Enclosures are...
108849From James Madison to Bossange & Masson, 7 January 1811 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 7 January 1811. Acknowledged in Bossange & Masson to JM, 5 July 1811 . Accepts the offer of a translation of the Iliad (see PJM-PS Robert A. Rutland et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Presidential Series (3 vols. to date; Charlottesville, Va., 1984—). , 2:474 ).
108850From James Madison to the Senate, 26 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I lay before the Senate for their advice as to a ratification Articles of a Treaty and of a Convention which has been concluded with the Cherokee nation; with Documents relating to the losses by the Indians for which in demnity [ sic ] is Stipulated. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Indian Relations, 14B–C2). RC in John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . Enclosures...