159001From John Jay to Richard Bland Lee, 7 September 1812 (Jay Papers)
In your obliging answ r . to my Letter of the Feb y . last, mention is made of a work of your Brother, then in the press— viz t . memoirs of the War in the southern Departm t . The Subject and the author, naturally excited my attention and my Desire to procure a Copy— I have not learned that it has yet been published, nor seen any thing relative to it, in our public papers. I presume therefore...
159002To John Jay from William Jay, 7 September 1812 (Jay Papers)
I left New York on Friday morning with Augusta, and proceeded in M rs : M c :Vickar’s Carriage to this place which, we reached early yesterday morning. M rs : M c :V. not finding it convenient to leave Town as soon as we did, waited till Saturday when she embarked on board the Steam Boat with Maria & with M r : & M rs : John M c :Vickar. Maria had intended to land here, & remain with us till...
159003To James Madison from William Crawford, 7 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I hope you will pardon this intrusion in the midst of those momentuous affairs which must now press upon your attention. At the request of Mr. Lloyd I now address you in his behalf. I have witnessed some experiments on his late discovery. I presume not on being competent to decide its merit. But it appears to me worthy of a full & fair trial. As, either in the army or navy, it might be...
159004To James Madison from William Eustis, 7 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
By the mail of this day I have only time to submit for consideration a suggestion which has been made of the expediency of detaining the Indian chiefs as hostages. If their tribes should become hostile it is in my mind doubtful whether they may not be useful with their influence among them; if they are not hostile detaining them will give great cause of offence. On the 24 Aug. Gov Meigs writes...
159005To James Madison from Thomas Magrath, 7 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
About the 25th ult I recd. a draught on me from the Bank of Columbia which I refused accep[t]ing not knowing what it was for & having no orders so to do, in conseq[u]ence of which I recd. the within letter which I thought to send you &c I remain Your Hble. Servt. RC and enclosures ( DLC ). For enclosures, see n. 1. Magrath enclosed a 4 Sept. 1812 letter (1 p.) from the firm of Heth and...
159006To James Madison from James Monroe, 7 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Nothing new has occurrd since mine of yesterday. I have yours of the 5th. Mr Eustis has been with me, & we have communicated on the subject of yours to him. He expresses a strong desire for me to take the command, & thinks that a volunteer comn., would serve the purpose. We will confer fully on this subject to day, and come to a decision, and by to morrow’s mail you shall have the result. The...
159007To James Madison from James Lloyd, 7 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 September 1812, Gettysburg, Adams County. “Having wrote you Sometime ago [not found] … and Reciving no answer thinking that it never Reached you being Desirous to know the result of an Experiment which has Cost me a great deal of t[i]me trouble & expence not only for my own good but that mankind Should be benefited by it. “When I was down at the City of washington trying my Combustable...
159008To James Madison from Christopher Raymond Perry, 7 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 September 1812, Newport. Explains that in 1808 he “procured letters from some of the first Republican characters in this state” recommending him for the office of superintendent of a navy yard but was too late in applying to receive an appointment. JM later appointed him superintendent of the navy yard at Charlestown, Massachusetts, but he was superseded when the previous superintendent...
159009From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 8 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
My thanks are due to you My Dear Friend for a letter of the 1st. & it would afford me much enjoyment to visit Quincy this week, agreeable to your kind invitation; But my Sister Johnston is now passing a little time with us, a favor that we seldom enjoy so that I cannot leave home at present. By the last of Octr. it is my intention to be with you once more my Dear Madam, in whose society it is...
159010From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 8 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
It is two years this month, through the Blessing of Heaven, since I have been prevented by Sickness, from sitting at our Table & giving a portion to each of my family in due Season, which is a Favour, which I cannot feel too grateful for—But for this fortnight past I have with Others in the Neighbourhood, been afflicted with what is called the Disorder of the Season—There has been but few...
159011From James Madison to William Eustis, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 5th. & return the letters accompanying it. Your last instruction to Wilkinson will I suppose have given him the idea which is for the present to regulate his policy towards the Spaniards. If it be true that a proclamation of neutrality issued at the Havanna, it is a proof that they will not court hostilities with us. In the mean time, the hostile use made of the...
159012From James Madison to James Monroe, 8 [September] 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 6th. I am sorry to find that Pike confides so little in our prospects. From a letter of Genl. Dearborn to the Secy. of War, it appears that the force at his disposal is more scanty than was hoped. I am not sure whether his immediate plan is to take advantage of the detachments of the B. force from Montreal, by directing his principal operations towards that place, or...
159013To James Madison from William Eustis, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
By Letters from General Dearborn Genl. Harrison and others from the western country it appears that events of great importance are almost daily occurring: and I cannot refrain from expressing my own with the hopes of all our friends that your return may be found not inconvenient. With great respect RC ( DLC ). Eustis probably referred to a 3 Sept. 1812 letter from Dearborn ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS...
159014To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 6th. I am willing & ready to act in either character alluded to. The effect on public opinion would be greater, if indeed any useful effect might be expected from it, by appointing me to command, than merely making a visit to the country. In the latter case, I would do every thing in my power to promote an organization of the forces, to digest their plan of operations, &...
159015To James Madison from the Democratic Citizens of Talbot County, Maryland, ca. 8 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 8 September 1812. Report that “a very numerous meeting … was held on the court-House green in Easton on Tuesday the 8th. Septr.” “The Democratic Citizens of Talbot County feel firmly attached to the constitution of the United States; and ardently adore the liberties we enjoy—actuated themselves by the principles of their revolutionary fathers, and warmly approbating the measures pursued by...
159016To James Madison from the Republican Citizens of Worcester County, Maryland, 8 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 September 1812. “Whereas certain Resolutions have recently been entered into by a part of our Fellow Citizens on Tuesday the 25th. Ultimo. at this place, calculated to impress a belief, that the public sentiment in this section of the United States, is Inimical to the present administration of our Government. Holding as we do a deep stake in the interest of this Community and viewing the...
159017From James Madison to Samuel Carswell, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 September 1812. Described as an “Autograph Letter, signed” in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 698 (1893), item 521.
159018From James Madison to William Eustis, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 7th. The detention of the Indians as hostages is liable to the most serious objections. The most extreme case only would justify it. And the policy of the measure is liable to those you suggest, under that view of the subject. The opinion of Clarke at least might to [ illegible ] favor of it. Is that known? The capture of Fort Wayne is I hope a mistake for the loss of...
159019To James Madison from James Monroe, 9 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have nothing from you to day. Col Cass has arrivd & gives the same acct. heretofore recd. from others of the surrender of Detroit. Genl Cushing thinks that a power to grant a volunteer comn., to give effect to the law, is a necessary construction of it. I shall, unless some other view be taken in the course of the day, accept such a comn. & set out in discharge of it, in a few days. A short...
159020To James Madison from Richard Forrest, 9 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 September 1812, Washington. “Agreeably to your request, I wrote to an excellent judge of Wine in Baltimore, to purchase (if he should approve of the quality) a pipe of the prize Wine then about to be sold there.” Encloses the letter he received in reply [not found] explaining that the purchase was not made. “The Victory of Capn. Hull, has given great animation to every class of persons...
159021To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 10 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
You would long since have received my acknowledgement of your very obliging favor of 8th. Ult. had it not been my intention to pay my respects to you in person. Various unexpected calls of business have successively disappointed this hope. It is strong proof that I was not in error in resisting the late proceedings at town meeting that my conduct meets your approbation. For the very Kind...
159022From James Madison to William Eustis, 10 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have but a moment to inclose you the letters from Govr: Scott & others. You will communicate to Mr. Monroe what has been done in that quarter. His presence will be useful in getting every thing into system & subordination. A failure in the mail does not allow me time to examine the Volunteer Act, with reference to a Majr. Genl’s Comission to Mr. Monroe. But I see no evil from risking the...
159023From James Madison to James Monroe, 10 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment recd. yours of the 8th. & 9th. A failure in the mail, occasioned the recet. of them at the same time. I have not had time to examine the Volunteer Act, which has been forwarded to me, the present mail which brought it, remaining but a short period, & that being occupied in reading papers &c. now sent to the Secy. of War, & others requiring attention. He will shew you those...
159024To James Madison from Thomas Henderson, 10 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
It becomes my duty to inform you that pursuant to a publick notice, a large and respectable number of the Citizens of this County convened in the Court house on the 4th. Instant to take into Consideration the State of the Union, After the Assembly was Organised a committee was Appointed to prepare resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. The following preamble and resolutions were...
159025To James Madison from James Monroe, 10 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 8th. Having been engaged the whole day in communication with Col. Huntington & Cass, I have only a moment to drop you a line. Cass says that he came here as the representative of all the officers, and indeed as the organ of the army to explain the conduct of Genl. Hull in the sacrifice of the army. He is engaged in making a statment which he wishes to go before the public...
159026To James Madison from James Taylor, 10 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance Genl. James Findlay a particular friend of mine. The Genl. Commanded one of the Regiments from this state who were unfortunately Compeled to surrender prisoners of War at Detroit on the 16t. August. The Genl. has been induced to take Niagara and Genl. Dearborns head Quarter in his way to the City of Washington. I refer you to Genl. F for any...
159027From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 10 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 September 1812, Montpelier. “The bearer John Neilson has been employed between three and four years by me as a House Carpenter. He has appeared to be unusually skilfull in his profession and very faithfull in the work done by him, I have never heard any thing injurious in the slightest Degree to his integrity, and believe his character in every other respect to be worthy of Confidence.” RC...
159028To James Madison from the Republican Citizens of York County, District of Maine, 10 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 September 1812. A convention of “more than six hundred republican citizens,” members of the “solid yeomanry,” met on 10 Sept. “to consider and resolve on the momentous subjects of public affairs.” After attending church services and processing to the courthouse, the convention appointed a committee to prepare a report for consideration. The convention then unanimously approved the following...
159029Thomas Jefferson to James Steptoe, 10 September 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I brought with me Commissions for taking depositions in Scott’s suit against me for the Ivy creek lands. one of the grounds of his claim is that it does not appear that Stith ever had such an entry as that of 99. acres which he sold to mr Wayles . how it happens that this entry is not now to be found, I was at a loss to conjecture until I heard from you in conversation the state in which you...
159030From John Adams to Judith Sargent Stevens Murray, 11 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
I duly received your polite letter of the 7th of this month inclosing valuable communications from his Excellency Governor Sargent, relative to the important subject of the late Earthquakes in and about the Mississipi and the rivers and Countries adjacent to it, or connected with it. The Governors Statements as far as I can judge from as attentive a perusal as I could give them in a short time...
159031To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 11 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
I will say of the Wine which you have done me the favor to accept, What you said to me when I called to thank you for the Appointment you gave me in the Mint. “You have not more pleasure in receiving it, than I had in giving it to a faithful Old revolutionary Whig.” I hope the wine is of a good quality, and that it will assist the influence of the present times invigorating your body and Mind...
159032From Abigail Smith Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 11 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
My daily care and visits for a fortnight past have been to the sick and dyeing Bed of our good old Domestic Pheby—and my anxiety for her when I am absent, least she should not be sufficiently attended to, makes me frequently wish I had her under my own Roof. Mrs Greenleaf is my Second in all my cares. She amply Supplies the place of our dear sister as far as means will permit. Mrs Adamss...
159033To John Jay from Gouverneur Morris, 11 September 1812 (Jay Papers)
You will have learnt that, on my Nomination, you was chosen one of the Delegates from WestChester County. If you should attend the first Day you would I doubt not be chosen President, but I think this would not suit you: Neither would it coincide with my Project which is that you should be one of the Delegates to the general Convention. Tell me frankly your View of the Subject, and who is in...
159034To John Jay from Peter Augustus Jay, 11 September 1812 (Jay Papers)
At the late meeting at White Plains before proceeding to Business M r Morris proposed that you should be one of the County Delegates. I was therefore asked by members whether if appointed you would attend the Convention— I stated to them explicitly that tho I had no authority to say any thing on the Subject that I was certain you could not. They however still persisted in appointing you,...
159035From James Madison to William Eustis, 11 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 8th. has but just come to hand. I return the letters from Genl. D. I shall set out tomorrow morning for Washington & proceed by way of Fredg. expecting to reach Washington on Monday. Meantime will you resolve the arrangement recommended with respect to Connecticut Volunteers? Friendly respects RC ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers).
159036To James Madison from Matthew Walton, 11 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 September 1812 , “ Prince Edwd .” Expresses his opinion that William Hull’s name should be “wiped off the records Except so far as to shew his Cawardese.” Believes that Hull would have surrendered even if given more troops, but “less than 15000 Men aught not to invade upper Cannedy & not less than 25 or 30 aught to invade Lower Kannedy & those men aught be well supplied with every thing...
159037To John Adams from Josiah Quincy Guild, 12 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
Some few months since, you were kind enough, at the intercession of my mother, to give me a letter of introduction to his honor William Gray from which, I fondly anticipated receiving some employment but I presume owing to the unsettle state of the country, Mr. Gray engaged in no mercantile speculations, by which circumstance, I lost the benefit which would otherwise have arizen from your...
159038To James Madison from William Keteltas, 12 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I solicited some time past when the State of the Country assumed the aspect of War, a Colo.s Commission of Cavalry; not for Myself, but for My Country. The applicatn was Made from a sense of duty, not from pride and ostentation to Strut about in Regimentals. That a Man of principle should desire an Office, Civil , or Military When so Much dishoner and injustice Mark the footsteps of two...
159039To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Finding by your letter recd yesterday that you would set out on that or this day, & probably be here to morrow, I resolved to await your arrival, & make a visit in the mean time to Loudoun, rather than take Loudoun in my route to Albemarle. I shall be back to morrow. 6. 24 pounders, 10. 18s. 10. 12s. 6. 6s. & 4. 8 Inch Howitzrs. are orderd to fort Pitt. They are necessary to batter & take...
159040Thomas Jefferson to Reuben Perry, 12 September 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not been able to send for the plank during my stay here, but the waggon will go for it the next week, so as to have it ready. I shall return here with Chisolm the middle of October, and shall certainly have more than a month’s work for you here—and I shall be ready for you in Albemarle the moment I go back. you can at once begin on the Milton warehouse, all the stuff for which is on the...
159041From Abigail Smith Adams to Ann Frances Harrod Adams, 13 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
It was not untill Saturday morning when I went to See my poor old domestic Pheby, that I learnt a word respecting my dear little Elizabeths Sickness—I carried up Abigail with to See you Supposing you had returnd, too much fatigued to call in the Evening. Inda then informd me that She heard by mr Saxon that She was very Sick. you may easily imagine how anxious I was untill mr Adams returnd in...
159042To James Madison from Francis Corbin, 13 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I did myself the Honor to write to you some time ago, and inclosed my letter to Mr. Monroe, for reasons, which, at that conjuncture, will be obvious to you. As I have never been favored with any Answer, I am inclined to suppose, either that the letter was never received, or, if received, that the weight of business then upon your Shoulders prevented you from replying to it. I embrace this...
159043From John Adams to John Giles, 14 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
Be pleased to accept my thanks for two ingenious discourses on the national Fast. They are in a Strain, So different from Some that I have heard and many that I have read, that they have given me pleasure as well as profit. I can find no legitimate Authority in Christianity, either by precept or Example for the Priests to tell their People from the Pulpit, that their Rulers are Atheists,...
159044To James Madison from Samuel Harrison, 14 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
The News of the Declaration of War occasioned me to throw by the Letters I had Written to your Excellency on the 11th. to the 24th. of June last, that I did not send them. The recent Capture of Genl Hull, his Army, Cannon and Military Stores &c. &c. have redetermined me to send them to your Excellency. I am confident If they had, then , been sent, and your Excellency had paid attention to...
159045Subscription to Equip an Albemarle County Volunteer Company, [ca. 14 September 1812] (Jefferson Papers)
We promise to pay the sums respectively affixed to our names, for the purpose of equipping a volunteer company when raised from the County of Albemarle to offer their services to the president of the United States for twelve months, to perform such service as shall be assigned them by the Constituted Authorities Thomas Jefferson 50 . Peter Carr 25 –
159046From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 15 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
I take my pen to acknowledge your favour of the 10th. almost in the moment when I received it Of your Eloquence in the Boston town meeting I know nothing about but by inference and hearsay: but the reasoning which has been published to the world, tho’ but a Sketch, Sir had a great Effect upon the public mind. The Stubble was So dry, that you might easily have set the Feild in a blaze. but what...
159047From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 15 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
You ask my Opinion, (if I understand you) whether Duane or General Hull, be the fittest Man for Secretary of War. I answer. In my opinion, Wilkinson was fitter than either. But his Vanity and the Collisions of Faction have rendered his Appointment improper and impossible. Again, if you wish my Opinion, you Shall have it. I know that Colonel William Stevens Smith of Lebanon, in Smiths Valley on...
159048From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, [ca. 15 September] 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have reecived [ sic ] your favor of the 2 Ulto. and very sincerely congratulate you on the high proof given you of the Confidence & affection of your fellow Citizens of Louisiana. The event is important in several political views, as well as gratifying to your personal friends. To myself it is a source of unfeigned pleasure. I say nothing on public affairs: because I could say nothing which...
159049To James Madison from Pierce Butler, 15 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
It is with reluctance I again intrude on You. By a letter I this day recd from the Island of Great St Simons in the State of Georgia, I learn that Your kind intention of affording protection to that Island has not been carried into execution —allow me to give you an extract from the letter, by which You may form an opinion—“I will first inform You respecting the Gun-boats and Barges—The kind...
159050To James Madison from Eli Simpson Davis, 15 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to a resolution to that effect, I have herewith forwarded the proceedings of the people of this district, and village. Their transmission has been procrastinated in consequence of your departure from Washington having been announced. Your Excellency will excuse the crude, but sincere effusions of our minds developed in those proceedings; they are the legitimate expression of our...