129501To James Madison from Martin Van Buren, 5 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
¶ From Martin Van Buren. Letter not found. 5 March 1816. Offered for sale in American Art Association Anderson Galleries catalogue no. 4201 (1935), item 306, where it is described as an autograph letter, signed, from Albany, recommending Lawrence L. Van Kleeck. On 12 Mar. 1816 JM nominated Van Kleeck to be collector for the thirteenth collection district of New York ( DNA : RG 46, Executive...
129502From James Madison to the Senate, 6 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
An error having been committed in the nomination approved by the Senate, of P.E. Dessessarts, as principal Assessor, I nominate D.R.D. Dessessarts, of Louisiana, to be principal Assessor of the Third Collection District of the same State. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A1). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . The Senate approved the nomination on 7 Mar. 1816 (...
129503To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 6 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit to the President a revised copy of the circular addressed to the collectors of the customs for carrying the act of Congress and the commercial convention with Great Britain into effect, together with Mr. Monroe’s opinion on the subject. The revisal is made to conform to the suggestions of the President’s note except in relation to the...
129504To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 6 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom the President of the United States, referred the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 17th. of February 1816, requesting a statement of certain expenses, which have been incurred for public edifices and improvements, in the City of Washington, under the authority of the United States, has the honor to ⟨Re⟩port: That the annexed Schedule A,...
129505To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 6 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have been very remiss in not mentioning to you, a wish which my Nephew Majr. Henry Lee requested me some months ago to communicate to you; that he was anxious to get into some civil employment, which his education would enable him properly to execute. The employment which he would most prefer would be that of Secretary to some foreign embassy. He is an accomplished Schollor familiar with...
129506To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 6 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The ordinary repairs of the Mint, the director has considered himself as authorized to make, from the annual appropriations for that purpose, without troubling the President with repeated applications for his sanction. But the repairs which the late fire has now rendered necessary, being so considerable, I would not venture to undertake, without your approbation; which is, therefore Sir, most...
129507To James Madison from William I, 6 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
C’est avec un vrai plaisir que j’informe Votre Excellence du mariage entre mon très Cher Fils le Prince d’Orange & Son Altesse Impériale Madame la Grande Duchesse Anne Paulowne, dont les fiancailles ont été célébrées à St. Petersbourg le neuf Fevrier dernier. Je Suis trop persuadé des sentimens que Vous me portez, ainsi qu’a ma Maison Royale, pour ne pas être convaincu que Vous partagerez la...
129508From James Madison to Edward Coles, 7 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
Finding by your letter to Mrs. M. answered by the enclosed, that you must have left N. O. before the communications from myself & Payne could have reached it, I take this occasion to thank you for yr. information given in two letters relative to abuses in the pub: lands, and the landed bounties for Soldiers. I hope the steps taken will prove some cure for them. The rule adopted by the War...
129509From James Madison to the Senate, 8 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate Anthony Haden, of the Mississippi Territory to be a member of the legislative counsel of the same Territory, in the place of Mathias McGirk resigned. Benjamin Cooper, of the Missouri Territory to be a member of the legislative Counsel of the same territory in the place of Abraham Gallatin resigned. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14A–B1). In John Payne Todd’s...
129510From James Madison to Congress, 9 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress a statement of the Militia of the United States, according to the latest returns received by the Department of War. RC , two copies, and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 14A–E6; and DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 14A–D1). Each RC in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM . RC and enclosure printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents,...
129511To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 9 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom the President of the United States referred the resolution of the 10th of February, 1816, requesting that there might be laid before the House of Representatives “such of the accounts of James Thomas, late a deputy quarter master general of the United States, as relate to the purchases made, or expenses incurred, under any order of General Smyth, in the...
129512To James Madison from Thomas Newton, 9 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of mentioning a gentleman every way qualified to be one of the Commissioners for ascertaining and fixing the boundary line between the United States and the British possessions in Canada. The gentleman I allude to is Isaac Briggs. This gentleman is well known to you and Mr. Jefferson. I know that Mr. Jefferson possesses the highest confidence in his honesty, and that he also...
129513To James Madison from John Stevens, 9 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The difficulties, dangers, delay & expense of transportation, experienced by the public as well as by individuals, during the late war with Great Britain, have fully demonstrated the necessity of effecting, if practicable, facile, cheap & expeditious means of communication generally throughout the Union, but more especially between the Eastern & Southern States parallel with the Sea Coast. But...
129514To James Madison from William Wirt, 10 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I understand that the office of attorney for the U.S. in the district of Virginia is vacant by the resignation of Mr. Hay; and if a successor be not already selected, I beg leave to present to your notice Mr: Abel P. Upshur of this city. The circumstance of Mr. Upshurs having read law under my direction and lived in habits of great intimacy with me for several years, has brought me closely...
129515From James Madison to the Senate, 11 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate Peter P. Ferry, of Ohio, to be Collector of the Customs for the district of Sandusky in the same state, in the place of E.W. Bull, deceased. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A1). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . The Senate approved the nomination on 14 Mar. 1816 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings, Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the...
129516To James Madison from David Jones, 12 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
Last December I was Seized with the Influenza, which confined me to my house through the winter, & I have not rode out yet more than one mile; but expect shortly to be ab⟨le⟩ to go to Philadelphia. I have most ardently wished for ⟨an⟩ hour’s Conversation with you. The first Subject is a Na⟨tio⟩nal Bank, which will be a national Curse, attended ⟨with⟩ innumerable bad Consequences, one of which...
129517From James Madison to the Senate, 13 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate Abel Boynton, of Massachusetts, to be consul in the Island of Curacoa. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A1). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . The Senate confirmed the nomination on 14 Mar. 1816 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings, Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, 1828). 3:36–37).
129518Pardon for John Everingham, 13 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at the session of the District Court of the United States for the District of South Carolina held at Charleston in the month of December in the year one thousand eight hundred & fifteen, a Judgment was obtained against John Everingham, of the said District, at the suit of the United States, for the penalty of a Bond given in a case of the Privateer...
129519From James Madison to William Wirt, 13 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
¶ To William Wirt. Letter not found. 13 March 1816. Acknowledged in Wirt to JM , 17 Mar. 1816 as offering Wirt the position of United States attorney for Virginia.
129520From James Madison to the Senate, 14 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, James Dixon of Maryland to be the Principal Assessor for the Sixth Collection District of Maryland in the place of Joseph Griffiss deceased. Francis A. Blanc of Louisiana to be Collector of direct taxes and internal duties for the third Collection district of Louisiana in the place of Duplessis Junr resigned. James F. Randolph, of New Jersey to be collector of direct taxes and...
129521To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 14 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Dallas respectfully states to the President that Mr. William Gamble has been appointed by the Secretary of War to receive from the British commander a surrender of Fort Michilimackinac, and Mr. Gamble is ready to proceed to the execution of his trust. Mr. Dallas recommends, also, that Mr. Gamble should be appointed collector at Michilimackinac. Mr. Abbot, who was formerly collector, has...
129522To James Madison from Philippe-Joseph Malherbe, 14 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
Le Soussigné dont l’adresse est cidessus pour eviter toute erreur, à l’honneur de faire offre de Ses tres humbles Services à Votre Excellence. Il ose se flatter et ne craint pas meme d’assurer à Votre Excellence, qu’elle aura tout lieu d’etre tres Satisfaite, si elle daigne lui Confier le Soin de quelques Commandes d’armes à feu Les temoignages flatteurs qu’ont dejà bien voulu lui donner Ceux...
129523To James Madison from John P. Van Ness, Richard Bland Lee, and Tench Ringgold, 14 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
To the President of the United States The undersigned commissioners appointed by him, for carrying into execution An Act “Entitled An Act making appropriations for repairing or rebuilding the Public Buildings within the City of Washington,” beg leave respectfully to report. That as soon as they had received his letter of appointment, they proceeded to the execution of the trust committed to...
129524To James Madison from Robert G. Scott, 15 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
At the moment of hearing of Mr. Hays resignation of Attorney for the United States, I was absent from my home engaged in the discharge of official duty; & was unable to write in time to be among the first to apply for that office. Inclosed is a letter this day received from Judge Tucker, in reply to one ⟨a⟩ddressed by me to him, which will ⟨exp⟩lain the reason, why my application for the...
129525To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 16 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have duly considered the subject of a letter from the Governor of Virginia, enclosing the Resolutions of the Legislature of that Commonwealth, which you were pleased to refer to the Navy Department. Availing myself of the experience and professional knowledge of the Commissioners of the Navy Board, I have requested their opinion upon the subject, which so fully accords with my own, that I...
129526To James Madison from Patrick Magruder, 16 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The office of accountant of the navy department being vacant by the death of Mr. Turner, permit me to express a wish to be considered on the list of applicants to fill the duties of that station. I have thought it unnecessary to procure recommendation letters, as presuming I am sufficiently known to you. Reasons very urgent have prompted this application and are deemed unnessary[ sic ] to be...
129527To James Madison from Edward W. DuVal, 17 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
A bill now before Congress proposes to allow, to the Representatives of the Officers & Crew of the late Sloop of War Wasp, the sum of 50.000 dollars, to be distributed as prize money; & to authorise the President, of the U. States, to Appoint a prize Agent, for the distribution thereof. Should this bill become a law, may I hope, Sir, to receive from you the Agency it contemplates? It would in...
129528To James Madison from Lewis Sutton, 17 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I hope this will find you in good health. You receive this note from an unknown hand, one who has always supported the republican cause, and always been a true friend to his Country. I am a Virginian by birth, but for some Years since, have had my residence in Calvert County, Maryland. I am a located Preacher belonging to the Methodist Church. I have been partially employed in Merchandise...
129529To James Madison from William Wirt, 17 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the thirteenth instant. I certainly had not thought of the Office in question, for myself, nor am I now sufficiently informed of the interference which the discharge of it’s duties at Norfolk will cause with my other professional engagements to decide, with entire satisfaction to myself whether I can with propriety undertake it. I have written to Norfolk to...
129530From James Madison to the Senate, 18 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, Cornelius P. Van Ness of Vermont to be a commissioner on the part of the United States to carry into effect the fifth Article of the Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States and His Britannic Majesty signed on the 24th day of December 1814. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A1). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . The Senate approved the...
129531To James Madison from Robert Brent, 18 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
In addition to the correspondence heretofore laid before the President of the U States relative to the complaints from a Certain meeting of militia officers relative to the non payment of the Militia of Pensa. The paymaster of the Army has the honor to enclose a Copy of a letter from the Secy of the Government of that State, In which the Governor, who was Intimately acquainted with the whole...
129532To James Madison from Lewis Condict, 18 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
Having learned that the office of the Ac⟨comp⟩tant in the Navy Department is vacant permit me to ask your attention on behalf of my esteemed friend Bernard Smith of N. Jersey, as a person worthy the appointment. His employment formerly under your own eye, in the State Departmt., renders it unnecessary for me to say any thing, concerning his qualifications or his morals. In N. Jersey, he has...
129533From James Madison to Richard Rush, 19 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The President, Requests the honor of Mr. Rush’s Company at dinner Tuesday the 19h. inst. at 5 oclock. The favor of an Answer is desired. RC ( PHi : Richard Rush Papers). Printed form with date, name, and time filled in by JM and addressed by him on cover to “Mr. Rush at Genl. Masons.” Year not indicated; conjectural year assigned based on the fact that 19 Mar. fell on a Tuesday in 1816.
129534To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 19 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
Memorandum in Jacob Barker’s Case Mr. Barker seems to think that there is a personal severity shown to him in the treatment of his applications to the treasury. There is no foundation for the opinion. His bills have returned protested for non-payment, and suits are instituted to recover the principal, damages, etc. He offers to pay the principal, interest, and costs if the claim to the damages...
129535From James Madison to the Senate, 20 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate William Wirt of Virginia to be Attorney of the United States for the District of Virginia in the place of George Hay resigned. Constant Freeman, late of the Army of the United States, to be Accountant of the Navy, in the place of Thomas Turner deceased. Miles King, of Virginia to be the Navy Agent at Norfolk, in place of John H. Fawn resigned. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive...
129536To James Madison from João of Portugal, 20 March 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From João of Portugal. 20 March 1816, Palace of Rio de Janeiro. Dom João by grace of God, king of the United Kingdom of Portugal, and of Brazil, and Algarves within and beyond the sea, in Africa lord of Guinea, and of the conquest, navigation, and commerce of Ethiopia, Arabia, Persia, and of India, etc. sends greetings to the United States of America, which he highly loves and esteems. God...
129537From James Madison to the Senate, 21 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I nominate, Emanuel Wambersie of Georgia, to be consul at Ostend, in the Low Countries. Henry Wilson, of Maryland, to be consul at L’Orient in France. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A1). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . The Senate approved the nominations on 1 Apr. 1816 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings, Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the...
129538To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 21 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom the President of the United States, referred the resolution of the 29th of February 1816, requesting, that there be laid before the House of Representatives, “a statement of the cases, in which he has employed, or caused to be employed, Counsel to assist the Attorney General prosecuting causes in the Supreme Court of the United States; stating as nearly...
129539To James Madison from Henry J. Jones, [ca. 21 March 1816] (Madison Papers)
The humble petition of Henry J. Jones of Charleston in the state of South Carolina sheweth that in the month of July or August 1797. one John McMichan shipped certain merchandize on board the schooner Eliza—Solomon Boston Master, bound to a small outport in the Island of Cuba. and consigned the same to your petitioner on board, which said merchandize was duly landed at the said port. But there...
129540To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 22 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit for your Excellency’s perusal the most correct information obtainable of the actual state of Spain & its government when I left Cadiz in February last, & have only to add that a few days prior to my departure General OReilly took passage in a merchant vessel bound to Lima in order to take the command in chief of all King Ferdinands forces in Peru & its...
129541To James Madison from Henry H. Forde, 23 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The petition of Henry H Forde respectfully sheweth that your petitioner was summined to appear before a General Court-Martial, of which Richard Smith was president, to answer certain accusations preferred against him, by Captn: Anty: Gale a Brevet Major in the U.S. Marine Corps, which court convened at Philadelphia on the 27th: day of Decr: 1815, consisting of but five officers, a majority of...
129542To James Madison from John Mason, 23 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
A large Family now growing up about me, and every day impressing more and more strongly on my mind the necessity of giving my whole attention to my own concerns, has determined me to divest myself, for that purpose, with as little delay as possible of the public trusts with which I have been honoured. I therefore beg leave to offer my Resignation of the office of Superintendant of Indian...
129543To James Madison from William Wirt, 23 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
As I intimated, in my last letter, a wish to make farther enquiries before I should answer decisively as to the proposition you were so obliging as to make to me, I think it probable you may expect to hear from me again on this subject. It is for this reason I trouble you now, with stating my willingness to accept the office, which I understand Mr. Hay has laid down. At the same time, I beg...
129544Remonstrance of the Mayor and Council of the Town of Alexandria to Congress, 23 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
To the honorable the Senate and House of representatives of the United States of America in Congress Assembled The Remonstrance of the Mayor & Common Council of the Town of Alexandria on behalf of the Citizens of the said town & others, most respectfully sheweth that they have seen with surprize and regret that a bill is depending before the honorable the Senate, the object of which is to...
129545To James Madison from John P. Van Ness and Richard Bland Lee, 25 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
We lately forwarded to you executed in duplicate a Contract with the Bank of Washington for an additional loan of thirty seven thousand five hundred dollars, and now inclose a similar contract executed in the same manner for another sum of thirty seven thousand five hundred dollars with the Union Bank of Georgetown —which contracts when they shall receive the approbation of the President of...
129546From 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...
129547To James Madison from Asbury Dickins, 26 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
Presuming on the kindness and confidence with which you have honoured me, I beg leave to suggest, whether, under the Bill now before Congress for constituting a Board to settle claims on the United States for private property lost or destroyed in the public service, an opportunity may not be found for carrying into effect the disposition which you have been pleased to manifest to give to me...
129548To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 27 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
When I addressed you some time ago to communicate the wish of Majr. Henry Lee of Westmoreland to be appointed Secretary of Legation to some foreign embassy I informed him that I did suppose that the President would always leave such appointments to the ministers themselves, and that only he was on terms of intimacy with a gentleman, who might be selected for such a mission that he had little...
129549Benjamin Parke to William Harris Crawford, 27 March 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Benjamin Parke to William Harris Crawford. 27 March 1816, Vincennes. Conveys information about discontent among the Indians over the surveying of lands ceded to the United States. Assembled some of the chiefs of the Wea and Vermillion Kickapoo nations at Fort Harrison to inform them that the surveys would be completed and that the surveyors must be protected. Requested that the Indians...
129550To James Madison from Tench Ringgold, 28 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
Having ascertained from friends on whose superior judgement I have the greatest reliance, that in consequence of the pecuniary misfortunes to which I have lately been exposed, there are well grounded apprehensions, that my appointment to the office of superintendant of indian affairs, for which I have applied might be objected to by the public, I beg leave to withdraw my application. The great...