131751From James Madison to George Graham, 30 October 1823 (Madison Papers)
Having been much disappointed in the rect. of debts, & my crops of every sort having for several years, essentially suffered from insects & bad Seasons, it became a material object with me to obtain a postponement of the instalment which I owe to your Bank on the 4th. of next month; and I understood from Mr. Cutts that this indulgence wd. be afforded. I have accordingly made provision for the...
131752From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 October 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. Jefferson your letter to him, with the correspondence between Mr. Canning & Mr. Rush, sent for his and my perusal, and our opinions on the subject of it. From the disclosures of Mr. Canning it appears, as was otherwise to be inferred, that the success of France agst. Spain would be followed by attempts of the Holy Alliance to reduce the revolutionized colonies of the...
131753From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 31 October 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment recd. your 2 letters the last inclosing the note now returned with my signature. I had previously written to Mr. G. Graham and inclosed him $345. the interest due on the whole debt on the 4th. next month. Be so good as to attend to this circumstance, as the interest is in the new note made payable on the postponed instalment from Novr. 22. to Novr. 23. I send this by a...
131754From James Madison to James Monroe, 31 October 1823 (Madison Papers)
I this moment only receive your letter of the 17th. Mine by this mail renders nothing more necessary in answer to it. I understand Mr. Crawford is so far recovered that he hopes to be on the road for Washington in a few days. His weakness I presume will make his journey very slow. Sending this with some other letters by an extra messenger who will hardly reach the P. Office in time I add only...
131755From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter of the President. The correspondence from abroad has gone back to him as you desired. I have expressed to him my concurrence in the policy of meeting the advances of the B. Govt. having an eye to the forms of our Constitution in every step in the road to war. With the British power & navy combined with our own we have nothing to fear from the rest of the world: and in the...
131756From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 3 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours without date but postmarked Ocr. 27. I thank you for your kindness in dispensing with answers to your favors. Occupations & attentions belonging to my situation will probably oblige me to avail myself much of this privilege. I am very sensible also of your great kindness in what you say of a malignant attack on me. Why I should be made a target for poisoned arrows now, I can...
131757To James Madison from Frederick W. Hatch, 3 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I fear that yourself or Mrs Madison have sufferd a disappointment by a long cold ride to O: Ct: He: with a view to the contemplated service of yesterday. I was detain’d here on Saturday by sickness & on Sunday Morng found myself too unwell for too long a ride. My health is now better & I have no doubt I shall be able to attend at the Ct: He: next sunday for wh I have made arrangements. With...
131758From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
In the hurry of acknowledging yours of Ocr. 17. recd. at the last moment of the opportunity for the post office, I did not advert to the passage relating to enquiries to be made of Genl. Jackson. I hope you have not delayed your intended letter to him on that account. I should suppose it might be quite proper to ask from him copies of the documents appointing him Brigadier or Majr. General by...
131759To James Madison from George Graham, 5 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 30th Ult. covering three hundred & forty five dollars was duly received, and I now enclose the acknowledgment of Mr. Smith for the Money. As it was not indispensably necessary that the interest should be now paid upon more than one of your Notes, and as Mr. Cutts suggested to me that it would be convenient for you to make a different appropriation of a part of the Money, I...
131760From James Madison to G. F. H. Crockett, 6 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. your letter of Sepr. 24. some days ago. The printed address it refers to has but just come to hand. The subject which has employed your thoughts is one on which enlightened opinions are as yet much at variance. Nothing will probably reconcile them; but actual & fair experiments: and no where can such be made with less prejudice or less inconvenience than in the U.S. where the...
131761To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 6 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
The belief is so universal that the ensuing legislature will dispose in some way of the University debt, & liberate our funds, as that we ought to save what time we can by provisional preparations. We have all, I believe, agreed that an Agent to Gr. Britain will be necessary to procure Professors; & I have heretofore mentioned to you that mr. Cabell was disposed to undertake the business. But...
131762To James Madison from Thomas Ewell, 7 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing to President Madison a Copy of an oration the sentiments of which I hope will please him. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM . Thomas Ewell, An Oration, Delivered on the Fourth of July Last, at the Court House of Prince William County, Virginia (Washington, 1823).
131763From James Madison to Charles J. Ingersoll, 8 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I thank you as a friend for the printed copy of your Discourse kindly sent me; and I thank you still more as a Citizen for such an offering to the free Institutions of our Country. In testing the Tree of liberty by its fruits, you have shewn how precious it ought to be held by those who enjoy the blessing. I wish the Discourse could be translated & circulated wherever the blessing is not...
131764To James Madison from Thomas J. Johnston, 10 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
An Obscure individual & in the interiour of our widely extended empire, presumes upon your indulgence & upon your goodness, in soliciting your advice & the aid of your opinion in the direction of his legal studies & political inquiries. The request is made with deference & not without a good deal of reluctance; but as the course of legal study which has been recommended to him by some of his...
131765From James Madison to George Graham, 11 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 4th. on the subject of the balance in your hands after paying the interest of the first instalment of my debt to the bank. It will be most convenient at present to give an order for it, viz. $214.47. to Cuddin Davis who will probably be in Washington very shortly. Excuse the trouble which my overremittance has occasioned you, and accept with my thanks my respects...
131766From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 6th. My preference of F. Gilmer for the law professorship, to any other name brought into view, has not changed; & I know of no one better suited for the mission now declined by Mr. Cabell. It will be well I think to hold out, in the first instance at least, not more than $1500 for the Salary, as the reduction of the number of professors from 10 to 7. may not be...
131767From James Madison to Richard Rush, 13 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of Sepr 10. with a Copy of the printed documents on the subject of the slave trade. The mask of humane professions covering an indifference in some & a repugnance in others to its effectual abolition, is as obvious as it is disgusting. G. B. alone, whatever may be her motives, seems to have the object really at heart. It is curious at the same time to observe her...
131768To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I return your letter to the President, and that of mr. Rush to you, with thanks for the communication. The matters which mr. Rush states as under consideration with the British government are very interesting. But that about the navigation of the St. Laurence and the Missisipi, I would rather they would let alone. The navigation of the former, since the N.Y. canal, is of too little interest to...
131769To James Madison from William Taylor, 15 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
Since my communication, dated in Mexico, some important political changes have taken place in that country, with the nature of which I presume you are already well acquainted. I will, however, briefly run over a few of them. After the fall of Iturbidie, the old Congress again assembled, & among other acts decreed, that the plan of Iguala and Treaty of Cordova, by which Mexico was to have been...
131770To James Madison from Robert Pollard & Son, 17 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
We sometime since receivd your favour of requesting us to forward your Cheese to Fredg., but no opportunity having offered except by the stage, which we considerd unsafe, & expensive, we Kept a look out for a Waggon going to your section of the County, but have not, until to day, met with one. Mr James Miller who resides some distance above Gordonsville has taken it in his waggon & promises...
131771From James Madison to Richard Rush, [post–17] November 1823 (Madison Papers)
The Cheese you were so kind as to order for us having been sent by Mr. Maury to Richmond with which there is little communication from this quarter at this season, it has but just come to hand. The delay has not impaired its excellent quality: and Mrs. M. & myself offer many thanks for such a luxury, with our joint & affectionate respects & good wishes to Mrs. Rush & yourself. RC ( NAlI );...
131772To James Madison from E. D. Withers, 19 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
Having recd. the agency of the E Review and seeing you are a subscriber, I have thought it advisable to send you the last number. You will please inform me if you wish it continued—and if you wish to take the Quarterly or North American Review Yours Res. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM . Written at the foot of a broadside from Withers’s “Book & Stationery Store,” 1 Oct. 1823, which informs “his...
131773From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 21 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
Having received a letter from Mr. Rush to which I wish to give a very safe as well as early answer, you will add to your former favors by having it forwarded with the first communications to him from your Department. Praying you to excuse the trouble I am giving, I offer anew assurances of my high esteem & cordial respects RC ( MHi : Norcross Collection); draft ( DLC ). RC docketed by Adams...
131774From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 November 1823 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ To Thomas Jefferson. Letter not found. 21 November 1823. Acknowledged in Jefferson’s Epistolary Record ( DLC : Jefferson Papers) as received 24 Nov.
131775From James Madison to William Taylor, 22 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 15th inst: which affords me an oppy. of thanking you at the same time for your letter from Mexico, valuable both for the facts stated in it, & for the prophetic remarks which events confirmed. Mexico must always have been made interesting by its original history by its physical peculiarities, and by the form & weight of its colonial yoke. The Scenes thro’ which...
131776To James Madison from Charles J. Nourse, 22 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
When I had the pleasure of seeing you in the Spring I think you mentioned that you were without the Seckel pear which is esteemed as the most delicious fruit of that kind. I lately selected a few of them at a nursery near Philada. which are now on their way by water to this place. Will you do me the favor to say to whose address at Fredericks burgh I shall forward them in order to their...
131777From James Madison to Frederick Beasley, 24 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I received a few days ago a copy of “A search of truth in the science of the human mind,” for which I perceive I am indebted to your politeness. Other engagements not permitting me at present to read it with the necessary attention, and it being uncertain how long the obstacles to that pleasure may continue, I do not delay the thanks which are due. From the manner in which the work has been...
131778From James Madison to Edward Everett, 26 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. several weeks ago your favor of Ocr. 30 accompanied by the little treatise on population analysing & combating the Theory of Malthus, which till within a few days I have been deprived of the pleasure of reading. Its reasoning is well entitled to the commendation you bestow on its ingenuity, which must at least contribute to a more accurate view of the subject; and on its style which is...
131779From James Madison to Charles J. Nourse, 28 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 22d. You have been very kind in procuring the Seckel Pear for me. Mr. Wm. S Stone at Fredg. will attend to the forwarding them from that place. You say nothing of your health. We hope it has been re-established; with our respects & good wishes for yourself be so good as to present them to the ladies & Mr. Morris. RC (owned by the Sons of the Revolution, Fraunces...
131780To James Madison from Robert Simpson, 1 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
At the annual meeting of the St. Louis county Agricultural society, held in the city of St. Louis on the fourth monday of November last, you were unanimously elected an honorary member of said society. The great objects of the society are the disseminating useful information in domestic economy, and the encouragement and improvement of agriculture. Your devotion to, and great practical...
131781To James Madison from James Barbour, 2 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
Understanding, that you had not seen Cunningham’s letter; and having procured a copy I presumed it would not be unacceptable to send you it. Its perusal is calculated to gratify curiosity: but otherwise, it is, without, much interest. And I think, certainly, that these letters contain nothing of sufficient importance to, even, palliate the perfidy which has attended their publication. When you...
131782To James Madison from James Monroe, 4 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
I enclosed you yesterday, a copy of the message, & now send another, rather in larger print. I have concurr’d fully in the sentiments, expressd by you, & Mr. Jefferson, in regard to the attitude to be assumd, at the present interesting crisis, as I am persu[a]ded you will find, respecting the views of the allied powers towards So. america. On this subject I will write again, and communicate...
131783From James Madison to James Barbour, 5 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. was duly recd. the evening before the last. I thank you for it, and return, as desired, the pamphlet of Cunningham. Your remark on it appears very just. You ask my views of a Resolution to be proposed to the Senate advising a Treaty of co-operation with G. Britain agst. an interference of the Allied Powers for resubjugating S. America. You will take them for what they are...
131784From James Madison to James Monroe, 6 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by yesterdays Mail your favour of the 4th. covering a copy of the Message, and another copy under a blank cover. It presents a most interesting view of the topics selected for it. The observations on the foreign ones are well moulded for the occasion, which is rendered the more delicate and serious by the equivocal indications from the British Cabinet. The reserve of Canning, after his...
131785To James Madison from James Barbour, 7 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
After you left us on Court day, the parties, present, agreed to dissolve our ill fated Copartnery: and that each member should make arrangements for his particular Share, of the debt, which stands in the Bank, in the name of James Madison & Co. In passing thro’ Fredericksburg, I obtained the necessary data, by which to ascertain our respective proportions. Since my arrival here I have made the...
131786To James Madison from William Taylor, 13 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
Being on the eve of my departure, I acknowledge with much pleasure the rect. of your letter of the 22d Ulto. I shall always find time, I hope, to write to my friends. Spain, single handed, can do nothing against Mexico. With the aid of France, She would instantaneously regain that valuable and lovely country. The Presidents Message carries with it on that Subject, a threatening attitude. I...
131787To James Madison from Thomas J. Rogers, 14 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
I forward you, by this day’s mail, a small volume which I have compiled, intended for the use of schools, and which I am anxious should be placed in the hands of the youth of our country. It is calculated to give them a correct idea of the causes and principles of the Revolution, and a knowledge of those who acted conspicuous parts, either in the Cabinet or the field, during that glorious...
131788From James Madison to William Lee, 16 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a considerable time ago your proposals for a work on the Vine. I have been sorry to find that subscribers to it, are not attainable in this quarter of the country which contains but few who are sufficiently impressed with the importance of the object, and which feels the full pressure of the pecuniary difficulties of the times. Be so good as to put my name down for two Copies, and to...
131789From James Madison to Richard Peters, 17 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
I return my thanks for the agricultural Almanack for the coming year, the value of which is not a little enhanced by your instructive contributions. You take a refuting notice of the opinion that the grains of wheat are the ridus [ sic ] of the Hessian fly. This error commenced the appearance of the insect among us, and threatened to injure the foreign market for that great staple. The danger...
131790From James Madison to David Hoffman, 18 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Hoffman with thanks for the Copy of his learned & persuasive lecture addressed to the Students of law. Draft ( DLC ). David Hoffman, A Lecture, Introductory to a Course of Lectures Now Delivering in the University of Maryland (Baltimore, 1823; Shoemaker Richard H. Shoemaker, comp., A Checklist of American Imprints for 1820–1829 (11 vols.; New York,...
131791From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter from Mr. Gilmer. It would have been more agreeable if he had not suspended his decision as to the ulterior object offered him: but he can not be blamed for yielding to the reasons he gives for it. There is weight in what he suggests as to an extension of his research into Germany: and there may be some advantage in the attraction wch. a professor from that quarter might...
131792To James Madison from James Monroe, 20 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have long intended to write you to communicate further views respecting the proposition by Mr. C. to Mr R., but have been so much pressd by the duties of the moment, & by calls, that I have not been able to do it. Just before the meeting of Congress the Russian minister addressd a note to Mr Adams, informing him, that the Emperor, having heard that Genl. D’Everaux had been appointed minister...
131793To James Madison from Thomas Law, 22 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
Permit me ⟨to⟩ introduce to you Mr. Chapman, the son of an old East India friend, who has relations in this Country. He is a British officer much esteemed & is travelling with very favorable impressions for his amusement. Mr: Ralston his fellow traveller a Philadelphian bearing a high character, I also take the liberty to introduce—any politeness shewn to them will be a favor conferred upon...
131794From James Madison to James Monroe, 23 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
A most distressing picture has been presented to me of the condition of Mr. Cathcart and his numerous family, in the hope that as his official services which have had such a termination, were rendered whilst the Executive administration was in my hands, I might be induced to say something in his behalf. It is impossible to learn his actual distress and alarming prospects without sympathy; but...
131795From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 20th. was duly received. The external affairs of our Country are I perceive, assuming a character more & more delicate & important. The ground on which the Russian communications were met, was certainly well chosen. It is evident that an alienation is going on between G. Britain & the ruling powers on the Continent, & that the former is turning her views to such a connection with...
131796From James Madison to Thomas J. Rogers, 26 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 14th. was duly recd. by mail. The little volume committed to Col: Barbour was handed to me a few days ago. Be pleased to accept my thanks for it. The object & plan of the Work cannot fail of general approbation: And as far as I have looked into it, I can not speak otherwise than well of its execution. I wish therefore you may be successful in obtaining proper materials for...
131797From James Madison to Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, 26 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Docr. Van Rensellaer with thanks for his Essay on Salt. Without undertaking to decide on some of its ingenious speculations, he thinks it well recommended to public attention by the variety & value of the information which it comprizes. RC ( NHi ). Addressed and franked by JM ; postmarked Orange Court House, 30 Dec.; docketed by Van Rensselaer. Jeremiah Van...
131798To James Madison from Richard Rush, 28 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
Your very acceptable favor of the 13th of November reached me yesterday. I am not able at this time to do more than barely acknowledge its safe arrival, but this I do with my grateful thanks. It will be, under many views, extremely valuable to me. I remain dear sir with devoted attachment and respect Your obliged and affectionate friend P. S. Your kind acknowledgement of the cheese I also...
131799To James Madison from William Thompson, 28 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
Mr. William Stone has this day called at this office, to know whether your letter enclosing the Deed had come to hand? He has enquired at Falmouth, & Fredericksburg as well as this office and can hear nothing of it. When Mr. Stones Son was up at Montpellier to make the payment; You named to him (as he informd. his Father) that if the letter failed to come to hand, You could remedy the...
131800To James Madison from Samuel T. Anderson, 29 December 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. from Gov. Wright the letter which you did me the honor to write to me. Since my arrival at this place, the affair to which I referred has taken such course, as to force from me a second communication. Some time during last Session of Congress, Mr. Lloyd of the Senate met Mr. Hay upon this business, by direction of the President who told Mr. Lloyd that he would order in the case...