131751From James Madison to Daniel Webster, 25 February 1825 (Madison Papers)
I must not let the Session of Congress close without returning my thanks for the printed Documents for which I was indebted as appeared to your friendly politeness. Tho’ they find their way to me through the daily vehicles, there is an advantage in possessing them in a more compact, as well as less perishable form. Among the characteristic Attributes of our Government is its frankness in...
131752To James Madison from John C. Calhoun, 25 February 1825 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Owen, the bearer is desirous of forming the acquaintance of one, so distinguished by the affections and esteem of his fellow citizens as yourself. I comply with his request to become the medium of an introduction with pleasure, and do not doubt but that the acquaintance of one of so benevolent a character, and so distinguished for the successful application of his system at New Lenark...
131753From James Madison to Edward Everett, 26 February 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the copy of the late anniversary Oration delivered at Plymouth kindly sent me: and I thank you for the pleasure its perusal has afforded. You have been very successful in the difficult task of avoiding, in so trodden a path, the footsteps which preceded you. And the value of the publication is not a little enhanced by the notes annexed to it. Be pleased to accept with my thanks...
131754From James Madison to Dennis A. Smith, 26 February 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 21st. in which you request me to express an opinion of your conduct at a critical period of the last war, particularly as a Loan Contractor with the public. The lapse of time & absence of occasions for the recurrence of my memory to the transactions to which you were a party, not to mention my less intimate knowledge of them than that of the then Secretary of...
131755To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 27 February 1825 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance Mr Owen of Lanark, whose plans for the improvement of the condition of man, have certainly not escaped your notice & by the excellency of the ends to which they aspire carry with them a recommendation of the means by which he thinks they may be accomplished. I am, with the highest respect, Dear Sir, your very obedt. Servt. Letterbook copy...
131756To James Madison from Henry Wheaton, 27 February 1825 (Madison Papers)
I return you Mr Pinkney’s letters, from which I have made such Extracts as were to my purpose. I am extremely obliged by the use of them. I do not find among Mr Pinkney’s papers communicated to me by his family any of your private Letters to him. As you have doubtless kept copies of them, it would give me great satisfaction to see such of them as you have no objections should meet the public...
131757Dolley Madison to Frances Wright, 28 February 1825 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ Dolley Madison to Frances Wright. Letter not found. 28 February 1825. Described as a one-page autograph letter, signed, in American Book Prices Current (1973), 1085, informing Wright that a carriage was being sent for her. On 23 Feb. 1825, Wright had written Dolley Madison from Washington: “Ten days since my dear Madam we were about to set out for Montpelier, when I was seized with a severe...
131758Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, [4 March 1825] (Madison Papers)
At a special meeting of the Board of Visitors of the University, called by George Loyall, Chapman Johnson and Joseph C. Cabell while attending the late session of the legislature, and held at the University Mar. 4. 1825. Present Thomas Jefferson Rector, James Madison, George Loyall John H. Cocke, and Joseph C. Cabell. Resolved that in consideration of the delay which attended the opening of...
131759Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 5 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
The board met according to adjournment, present the same members as yesterday. Resolved that on payment of the sd. sum of 50.M.D. by the General government a sum not exceeding 6000.D. thereof be advanced on loan to the building fund of the University for the purpose of finishing the interior of the library room. For the use and care of the library the board now establishes the following...
131760To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 8 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
The booksellers tell me that Tourists & Travellers want a convenient Pocket Companion, not merely an Itinerary, but a descriptive account of places of public resort in the United States. I have undertaken such a Work, intended for publication in June next. Your Sweet Springs, & Warm Springs, & Hot Springs, et cetera, in Virginia, claim more notice than I have the means of giving them in this...
131761To James Madison from Elkanah Watson, 8 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
Knowing as I do your devotion to the great cause of agricultural improvements must plead my appology for the liberty I take in addressing myself to you on that beloved theme which engrosses all my thoughts altho’ secluded from rural walks—buried in the smoak of a City. I have long contemplated the institution of a National bord of agriculture as of vital importance to our common Country. It...
131762To James Madison from James Monroe, 9 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to present to your acquaintance Mr Owen, who proposes to make a visit to you & Mr Jefferson. Of his character for benevolence & useful improv’ments I need say nothing to you. With sincere regard dear Sir yours RC ( DLC ).
131763To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
Considering Chr. Tucker’s acceptance as absolutely desperate, the reasons he assigned being of an immovable character, and the hopeless state in which we should be if Barber also declined I took advge. of his being at our court to ask him to call on me. He did so. I entered with him on the subject of his undertaking our chair of Law. He stiffly maintained at first the preference of his present...
131764To James Madison from Thomas H. Palmer, 10 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
Knowing that you feel an interest in whatever relates to the improvement of the rising generation, I have taken the liberty of sending you a few copies of a plan of education for a small class of young ladies, which I flatter myself will be found an improvement on the prevailing systems. Should you coincide with me in opinion, after a perusal of the “Outlines,” it wd. confer an obligation on...
131765To James Madison from Edward Livingston, 13 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
The kind and flattering attention you paid to my communication of the plan for the penal code of Louisiana induces me to offer for your acceptance a part of its execution. The four codes composing the system were destroyed by fire when ready for the press. This only is yet restored. The others shall be successively transmitted to you as they are printed. The further I proceed in the...
131766To James Madison from Mary Randolph, 17 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
I did not offer you a copy of the first edition of my Cookery book because it was exceedingly defective, the second is more correct and I have the pleasure of asking you to accept one. I shall be much flattered to know that you think it not intirely without merit. My dear Mrs Madison will receive my cordial love. To your Mother I present my venerating esteem, and for yourself you have the warm...
131767From James Madison to Thomas H. Palmer, 18 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 10th. inclosing several copies of the “Outlines of a Course of instruction, &c.” I perceive nothing on the plan wch ought not to be approved. The proposed object of superadding to the tasks of the Memory, a more than usual exercise of the Understanding & Judgment, is a particular recommendation of it. The copies sent me will be disposed of as you desire: but I...
131768From James Madison to Elkanah Watson, 18 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 8th instant accompanied by your communications to Mr. Skinner on the subject of a National Board of Agriculture. I have never taken into particular consideration, the expediency or the best plan of such an Institution; being among those who do not view it as within the powers vested in the General Government. If the power existed, Mr. Skinner is probably right...
131769To James Madison from James Monroe, 20 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
Mr Wheaton sent to me a packet for you which will accompany this, in the expectation that I might have a private conveyance, which he preferrd, but none offering, & the mail being perfectly secure, I forward it, by it rather than detain it for an indefinite term. I have been detaind here longer than I expected or wishd to have been, by the ill health of Mrs Monroe, & unsettled state of the...
131770To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 22 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
George Tucker accepts, as you know, and will be in place early in April. Emmet accepts and will be here about the same time. Henry St. George Tucker declines, expressly on the grounds of the local attachments of his family, with abundance of thanks Etc. to the Visitors; Barbour throws a greedy grapple at both places. I inclose you his letter and my answer. I have still some hope that when he...
131771From James Madison to Horatio Gates Spafford, 23 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 8th. instant. It can not be doubted that such a pocket Companion as you have projected would be acceptable to Travellers & Tourists: and I wish the result of the publication may be in every respect satisfactory to you. I am sorry I cannot aid you wth. the information you desire with respect to the Mineral Springs in this State; being without the requisite...
131772From James Madison to James Brown Jr., 24 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd with your letter of the 19th. inst, a copy of the 9th. annual report of the proceedings of the Board of pub: Works, forwarded by Direction of the Board: for which you will be pleased to offer my respectful acknowledgments & thanks. With friendly respects. Draft ( PHi ). Incorrectly dated; conjectural year assigned based on the date of the report (see n. 2 below) and a similar...
131773To James Madison from Alexander Scott, 24 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
I am still unfortunately an applicant for office, and very reluctantly troublesome to my friends. In my appointment to Pensacola I was disappointed; the place not only being destitute of commerce, but there being no chance of improvement. The sterility of the neighbourhood and want of a back country are insuperable obstacles to its prosperity. Previous to Mr Monroe’s leaving Washington he sent...
131774To James Madison from Augustus B. Woodward, 25 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
Allow me to present my acknowledgments for your obliging letter of September 11. 1824; which I had the happiness of receiving at St. Marks, in Florida. The principle, on which is founded the proposition of a standard of measure, in the memorial to the Senate, is at once so novel, and so simple, as to require time to admit its recognition. When the abstract verity of the principle is...
131775From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
I recd. some days ago yours of Mar. 10. The last Mail brought me that of Mar. 22. inclosing the letter of Col. Barbour & your answer, both of which I return. If you have not satisfied him of the value of your proposition, he must at least be convinced of the unreasonableness of his own. I have not yet seen him since I recd. your letter requesting me to do so, having been confined by a very bad...
131776From James Madison to Mary Randolph, 26 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
The copy of your little Volume accompanying your letter of the 17th. instant, came duly to hand; & I am very sensible of the politeness to which I owe the favor. Of the value of its precepts on paper I cannot undertake to judge: when reduced to practice on the table, the question will be less beyond my pretentions. But altho’ I cannot decide on the merit of the Author by the book, it is a case...
131777From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
I saw Col. Barbour yesterday, as I intended. He remains decided agst. relinquishing his Judgship without a previous experiment of the Chair in the University. He feels evidently a strong attraction towards it; and I think a growing one. It is quite possible that the experiment he is making of his Judicial duties, carrying him as they will beyond the Mountains, will diminish his preference of...
131778From James Madison to Alexander Scott, 28 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have reccd. your letter of the 24th. inclosing copies of letters from President Monroe Judge Washington, & Mr. Wirt. Having for a considerable time past, found it necessary to adopt the general rule of declining all interposition in cases of appointment to office, more especially where I could offer no evidence of claims or qualifications not attainable from others more capable of speaking...
131779To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 29 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
Not knowing whether you may have obtained mr. Barber’s acceptance in the visit you proposed, I have thought of a proposition which it has been suggested to me would reconcile him to our offer. If therefore he has not accepted that of joining us at the end of his first circuit, and you would approve of giving him a year on his assurance that he will then accept, be so good as to forward him the...
131780To James Madison from George Ticknor, 29 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
Ever since Mrs. Ticknor & myself reached home about a month ago, we have been desirous to send yourself and Mrs. Madison some expression of our gratitude for the kindness you showed us, while we were in Virginia. Different circumstances have prevented us from doing this earlier; but, chiefly because I have not earlier obtained a copy of a remarkably happy engraving of General Lafayette, which...
131781From James Madison to Henry Wheaton, 1 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I recd lately thro’ President Monroe a return of the letters of Mr. Pinkney, accompanied by yours of Feby. 27. I find that copies of a part only of my letters to Mr. P. were retained, and parts of these scarcely, if at all, legible. Such as they are I commit them to your discretion; for which you may find some exercise in separating what may throw light on Mr. P.s side of the correspondence,...
131782From James Madison to Hubbard Taylor, 4 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have delayed thanking you for your obliging letter of Decr. 19. 1823, partly from a hope that information might be recd. from Bell & Tabscott that wd. enable me at the same time to put an end to the trouble their defaults have occasioned you; but principally of late from a despair of your being able to render any service in the actual State of things in Kentucky. From Bell I have heard...
131783To James Madison from John W. Williams, 5 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I herewith Inclose you the paper which will announce to you, the painful Intelligence of the Death of your constant friend; and this part of our countrys benefactor. You would have been apprised earlier but for the Indisposition of Dr. Jackson who no doubt would have written to you but for that cause. Very Respectfully your Ob Svt. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM . The newspaper clipping from the...
131784From James Madison to George Ticknor, 6 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of Mar. 29th. with a copy of the engraving of General Lafayette have just come safe to hand. The Memoir of him you were so good as to add was purloined on the way, the empty cover alone appearing. Mrs. Madison is greatly obliged by the excellent portrait of the Hero of Liberty & Humanity so dear to us all. It cannot be permitted however to enter into the Account where you have...
131785To James Madison from Joseph C. Cabell, 6 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
In my way from Charlottesville to this place on yesterday, I called at Monticello and passed an hour in conversation with Mr. Jefferson on the subject of the University. I was sorry to learn from him that Mr. Barbour had finally declined to accept the Law Chair. General Tucker had already apprized me of his inability to accede to our proposals. We are therefore once more left without any...
131786To James Madison from Thomas L. McKenney, 7 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose for your acceptance the documents connected with the communication made to both Houses of Congress, at its late session, by the late President of the U. States, on the subject of locating the Indians, now within our States & Territories, West of the boundaries of Missouri & Arkansas. I accompany them with the assurance of my highest respect & esteem. RC ( DLC )....
131787To James Madison from Byrd C. Willis, 7 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I intended to have done myself the honour of dining at MontPelier to day but from my nephews acct. of the Roads above the Ct Hse was compelld to decline it, having no other means of Locomotion but by my chair. Independent of the pleasure I promised myself from the visit, I had a favour to ask to wit, that you will have the goodness to aid me in procuring a Cadets appointment for my son George...
131788From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
The letter for Judge Barbour inclosed in your last to me, did not reach him, till his return on saturday evening from his visit to Culpeper. Yesterday he called on me, on his way to his Court in this County. I found that he adhered to his purpose last communicated, and that such would be his answer to you. There can be no chance therefore of obtaining him for the University, unless the vacancy...
131789From James Madison to Thomas L. McKenney, 12 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 7th. accompanied by the printed papers concerning the translation of the Indian tribes. The case of the red people, like that of the Black within the sphere of the U.S. equally interests their feelings, and puzzles their Councils. As nothing better has been suggested than the experiment provided for in the documents before me, I wish it most sincerely all the...
131790From James Madison to James Barbour, 13 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. a letter from Mr. Byrd Willis manifesting great anxiety to obtain a Cadet appt. for his son George, who he says has long been on the list of Candidates. The father derives encouragement from the descent of consanguinity of the son, connecting him with the Military merit of the revolution. Notwithstanding my general forbearance to intermeddle in such cases, I cannot well...
131791From James Madison to Joseph C. Cabell, 13 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 6th. from Bremo. Judge Carr had long before occurred for the Chair we find so much difficulty in filling; and I had accordingly suggested him to Mr. Jefferson. From the silent reception given to my letter, and the value of the place now held by the Judge, I inferred that my idea was a vain one. With the encouragement of your letter I write immediately to Mr....
131792From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
When I suggested, some time ago, Judge Carr for the Law Chair in the University, I did not know that he had been taken into view by any other member of our Board; and inferring from the silent reception given to my letter, and the attractions of the place he now holds, that I ought not to persist in the idea of his appointment, my thoughts were turned altogether to other chances. By a letter...
131793From James Madison to John W. Williams, 13 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by the last mail your favor of the 5th. A newspaper had apprized me a few days before of the afflicting event which it confirms. I had always abundant reason to be assured that I enjoyed the cordial regard of my departed friend, as a [ sic ] I was conscious of an entire reciprocity in that respect; as well as sensible of what was due in every respect, both to his public & private work....
131794From James Madison to Byrd C. Willis, 13 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I did not receive your letter of the 6th till yesterday. Altho’ I have been for a considerable time retiring from such interpositions as it requests, I have so far departed from the general rule, as to drop a few lines to the Secretary of War, which you will forward from Fredericksbg. I wish there may be a proper opening for success of your son; but it is very questionable whether, an...
131795To James Madison from George Ticknor, 14 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Ticknor presents his respectful compliments to Mr. Madison & sends him a second copy of the Outlines of the Life of Lafayette having recently learnt by his very kind letter of April 6. that the first copy had not reached its address. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM . Year not indicated; conjectural year assigned based on JM to Ticknor, 6 Apr. 1825 .
131796To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 15 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have received a proposition from Mr. Perry the owner of the lands which separate the two tracts of the University which I think of so much importance to that institution as to communicate to the visiters by letter in their separate situations. The University tract of 100 acres is ¾ of a mile distant from that of the Observatory of 153 acres. The water which supplies the cisterns of the...
131797To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 15 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
The rapidly declining health of that excellent man Elias B. Caldwell rendering it almost certain that he cannot survive many weeks—and thereby render vacant the office of Clerk to the Supreme Court of the United States. In my old age and present poverty brought on me by my responsibilities for two imprudent and unfortunate Brothers for whom I have had to pay fifty thousand dollars my...
131798From James Madison to Nicholas Biddle, 16 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
Such has been of late years the unfavourableness of the Seasons for the staple productions in this quarter, and of the markets also for the main one; and such the disappointment in collecting debts on which I counted, that I find it necessary to resort either to a moderate loan, or to a sale of property, which at the present juncture would be made to great disadvantage. The first alternative...
131799From James Madison to Richard Bland Lee, 20 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 15th. Having ever entertained for you the respect & friendly wishes to which it recurs, I shall not fail to drop a few lines to Judges Duvall & Todd on the subject of it; tho’ in so doing, I make an exception to the rule I am anxious to maintain, of retiring altogether from such interpositions, and can probably add little to their knowledge of the grounds on...
131800From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 April 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of the 15th. relating to a purchase of the parcels of land offered for sale by Mr. Perry, and very cheerfully concur in your proposition for making it. The advantage of thus connecting the separate parcels of the University, and securing the sources and ducts which are to supply it with water, seems well to justify the measure on the terms & in the mode explained by you. Even...